Ten years ago Robert Cooper of Willis Cooper Chartered Accountants developed a plan to create a 'forward thinking' accountancy practice that would provide a high quality service to local businesses.  This service took into account the real business needs and requirements that would help businesses grow and flourish. Ten very successful years in business has proved that he has developed the right approach.

A major reason for their impressive growth has been Willis Cooper's ability to offer their clients that little bit extra; showing that they really care about their clients, and vitally, their business.  Willis Cooper's success can be judged simply by the fact that the team has almost doubled in size within the last twelve months, with growth being largely achieved through word of mouth recommendations and referrals.

Willis Cooper began life when Robert Cooper, the Managing Director of Willis Cooper, was a partner in a Belper based accountancy firm.  Despite success in this role he knew he required a further challenge, so in 2000 he decided to establish his own practice - Willis Cooper Chartered Accountants Ltd.

When Robert initially met his bank manager the idea for his practice was embryonic - he didn't even have a name for the new company. Robert arrived at the name with a mix of the traditional and eccentric with the name "Cooper" being derived from his family name - as is the case with most traditional accountancy firms  - and the 'Willis' was after 'Bob Willis' the cricketer; a sporting hero of Roberts.

The newly named Willis Cooper initially began operation in Roberts lounge at home, with Julie Ferdinando his only member of staff. Julie managed the organisation of the business, and this successful set up allowed the firm to soon move into the Mill in Belper, where they were able to recruit additional members of staff. As the team grew, Willis Cooper subsequently moved into larger offices in the Old Mill House. There Willis Cooper stayed until their impressive growth led to the need for larger premises. Although growth has been dramatic, Robert has been keen to manage this growth carefully, with clients being added but only in numbers where their needs can be satisfactorily dealt with.

In 2005 Robert recruited Sara Gration to run Willis Cooper Financial Services, which operates alongside the accountancy practice.  This provides Willis Cooper's clients with a full range of financial services range 'in house'.  Easy Accounts Ltd was then established as a separate entity to provide an efficient no frills accountancy service. This has been left in the capable hands of Liz Alsop to run on a day to day basis leaving Robert to further develop Willis Cooper.

Willis Cooper grew from its humble origins to boast a multi-functional team of eleven by 2008.  This meant that the Old Mill House premises were becoming rather cramped.  The decision was made in March 2009 for Willis Cooper to relocate to the Heritage Business Centre with the team now comprising of eighteen members of staff. 

In order to further develop growth Willis Cooper now possesses a dedicated business development manager, Simon Thacker. Simon's role is to focus on driving Willis Cooper forward to the next level, whilst conveying the message to local businesses that Willis Cooper is the 'forward thinking' accountancy practice in Derbyshire.

It thus felt natural to Willis Cooper that in order to mark the tenth anniversary of the foundation of the company that they would hold an open day at their new offices.  The celebration was a big thank-you to their customers, suppliers and business partners: for without these people and organisations there would be no Willis Cooper success story.

The 10th anniversary event and open day was held on the 10th of September 2010 at the Willis Cooper Belper offices.  They operated an "open-house" from 12pam until 5pm, with refreshments, guided tours of the building, and other activities. The aim was to not only invite people to join in with their celebrations, but also to allow business partners to see the offices, and meet the staff, in a more informal and relaxed environment.

Willis Cooper used this opportunity to raise money for a local cause, the Lewis Mighty Fund, with over £400 being subsequently raised. The staff washed cars for £5, and also took part in a table football competition against all comers - won unsurprisingly by Robert Cooper himself! 

A key note of the anniversary was to recognize that a major secret of the success Willis Cooper has enjoyed has been due to the development of a 'forward thinking' ethos within the company.  They pride themselves on being knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated, possessing an industry leading team to provide all aspects of accountancy and business advice.  Their full range of accountancy and business advice services includes:

• Financial accounts and compliance works. 

• Business plans, strategic planning, Business Valuations 

• Audits (including Solicitors account rules) 

• Bookkeeping, VAT and Management Accounts 

• Self assessment tax returns, Corporate tax returns 

• Company formation agents, company secretarial work 

• Payroll, Employment status disputes, and IR35 casework

• Trust, Estate and Inheritance tax work 

• Tax investigation and dispute work 

• Wealth management - Investments, Pensions and Protection 

Clients currently range from start up businesses looking to turn those dreams into reality; businesses that require professional experience to help guide them; and those business owners who require business fine tuning in their financial affairs such as tax efficiency and business strategies. Notable businesses who attended the 10th anniversary included:

• John Skidmore

• Franklin + Co

• Direct Beers

• Free Reed Records + Music

• Terry and Alan Beaver - NFU Insurance

• Penwood Construction

• Fabritech

• Marc Wongsam

• GB Liftrucks

• Nigel Hall

• Empower Electrical

• Amber Lodge Nursing Home

• William Barron

• Time 2 Refresh

• John Hill Associates

• Belper Care + Mobility

• J. Holmes Bookkeeping

• Guy Fountain

• Wendy Holden

• Barry and Janet Swarbrook

• Alan Withington

• Oakes Surveyors

• Impress Promotions

• Fastsigns

• Nrgize fitness

• Talkstaff

• Business on Toast

• Chaplin & Co IFA

• Sarah Cogdon Films

• Utility Warehouse  - Nathan Vowles

• Pride Park Accountancy Services

• M8MC

• RBS - Belper

• RBS - Derby

• Suzanne Fells Photography 

• Security Aware

On a side note in May 2010 Willis Cooper enjoyed their first major celebration of 2010 as Robert and Julie Ferdinando married. This shows that a strong relationship can be the driving force behind a successful business, and also lead to personal happiness.