Case Study

A shared passion for architecture and a head for numbers
78 Derngate, Northampton

When 10 Chartered Accountants MD David Foster heard about the ambitious plans to restore 78 Derngate, the last major commission of renowned Glasgow designer & architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, he was keen to be involved.

This initial interest in the project led to a business relationship that now extends beyond 10 years.

David, an enthusiast of the Art Nouveau movement introduced himself with an offer to 78 Company Secretary Les Patterson, to come and take a look at the 10 Chartered Accountants offices at that time, which had been re-modelled, taking some influence from the style of Mackintosh.

Les was impressed not only with David’s subject knowledge, but his enthusiasm for the project overall, and it was this that was to be the deciding factor in asking 10 Chartered Accountants to act in a professional capacity for 78 Derngate.

A huge amount of strategic business planning was required to secure the funding, itself essential to getting the project off the ground. David and the 10 Chartered Accountants team provided expert technical advice and played a key part in putting the business plan together for the funding application.

One of the fundamental areas 10 Chartered Accountants advised on was how to best manage the VAT aspect of the business. They were able to provide specialist guidance to Les and his team, which in turn had a big influence on the funds available to take the project forward.

“We appreciate & value the advice. They help us feel secure. Ian is a highly professional & credible person. You want him on your side”.

After successfully securing funding of £999,000, the museum opened in 2003, and quickly achieved fantastic accolades, including Winner of Best Small Visitor Attraction in the 2009 Enjoy England Excellence Awards.

Over the last 10 years, the museum has extended the facilities and now boasts a restaurant, gallery hosting exhibitions of contemporary craft, along with a private hospitality offer for the corporate market.

Throughout these developments, the 10 Chartered Accountants team with Company Director Ian Wake heading up the account, have provided a source of sound advice and reassurance to the 78 Derngate team.

The close proximity of the 2 businesses (they are but a stone’s throw from one another) provides an extra-personal touch, even in today’s world of super-fast electronic communications, sometimes nothing beats being able to ‘pop in’.

78 Derngate look to 10 Chartered Accountants for all business advice, financial planning and up to date information on any changes to regulations in this sometimes complex, charity sector. They value and appreciate having them as the ‘go-to’ source, as well as using them for more day-to-day services including auditing the accounts.

So what’s next? The museum continues to look to grow it’s visitor numbers, expand the offer and look for ways to add value and raise awareness of this most wonderful house of unique charm and international importance.

We appreciate and value 10 Chartered Accountants's advice. They help us feel secure. Ian is a highly professional and credible person. You want him on your side. We look to 10 Chartered Accountants for all business advice, financial planning and up to date information on any changes to regulation. Les, 78 Derngate, Northampton