Our partners are local to the area, and many come from farming families and often run into each other at the auction every week!
We understand farming, and the issues related to it and we know what matters to you.
Farming
Farming is in our blood – literally
Looking to make your farm into a more profitable business?
Here’s how to begin:
Use your accounts to make the right business decisions
Accounts are more than a box-ticking exercise. Discover how your accounts become a daily driver to help manage your farming business.
Maximise your outputs
Whether it’s dairy or livestock, poultry or arable farms, know how price fluctuations will affect your profits – and how to manage this effectively.
Understand how changes in legislation affect you
We know how to help you operate the most tax-efficient farming business possible, through proactive tax planning and making use of the available government incentives and farming schemes.
Plan for variations in your farming revenues
Seasonal dips in production and sales will create variations in your farming revenues. Plan ahead to manage fluctuating income, peaks and troughs in your tax costs and the resulting impact on your cash flow.
“Helen Little from Saint & Co, is a pleasure to work with. She takes the trouble to understand the details of my farm and offers
excellent advice on how I can make things more tax efficient. They know their stuff and are always on the ball.”
Messrs G & EA Harrison
We understand your struggles and your dreams
We understand the diverse nature of the agricultural sector – we work with a wide range of businesses in this sector including livestock, dairy, poultry and arable.
We know the tax regulations inside out – from the moment we sit down with you, we know where to help you operate the most tax efficient farming business possible.
We speak your language – we’ll communicate with you in plain English. No jargon, no nonsense.
We understand the emotional attachment to land – we ensure your business is dealt with carefully and with as few financial penalties as possible when it’s sold or passed on to the next generation. Our partners are well versed on inheritance tax and capital gains tax matters.
We know how to help farm businesses grow – we’re used to helping farming and agricultural businesses with diversification projects and expansion plans.
Meet your Farming team
Farming Team
- Ian Scott FCA DChAPartner, Whitehaven & Millom Offices
“People in the local area know and trust us to take care of their business finances.”
Ian has been with the firm since 1999. Though Ian works with all kinds of businesses, he’s an engagement partner for a number of local charities, and supports many of our clients in the agricultural and engineering sectors.
As well as general accounting and taxation advice, Ian spends time assisting clients in their business planning. He works with startups through to million-pound expansion projects including advice on fundraising, management accounting and forecasting. Ian says: “The best part of my job is getting to know our clients and having the opportunity to get under the skin of their businesses”
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Would love to have been a professional jazz fusion drummer.
Mostly likely to find me: Fishing for salmon on The River Derwent or sea angling on the Solway Coast.
One thing I wish people knew about me: Despite appearances I’m a keen cyclist.
Clients most often say: That I’m approachable, and I have a good sense of humour.
- Ian Thompson FCAPartner, Ambleside & Penrith Offices
“We combine the professionalism of a regional practice with the flexibility and friendliness of a local firm…”
Ian has been with the firm since 1991 and is based in the Ambleside and Penrith offices. He works with a wide range of clients from small startups through to well-established businesses, focusing particularly on Hospitality, Tourism and Academies.
Ian is the conduit between the clients who need help and the staff who provide the work, offering up support and answering questions. Ian describes himself as a people person. He welcomes the latest innovations that help make accountancy services more efficient, but firmly believes that technology will never replace the value of strong client relationships.
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Something to do with rugby
Mostly likely to find me: Watching rugby and spending time with family
One thing I wish people knew about me: Because of my background, I have empathy with anyone trying to make a living in the area, no matter the industry.
Clients most often say: I'm approachable and they can talk to me.
- Jennifer McDairmant FCAPartner, Annan & Dumfries OfficesJennifer McDairmant FCAPartner, Annan & Dumfries Offices
“Don’t be afraid to get in touch, we’re always delighted to help…”
Jennifer has been with Saint & Co since 2007. Based in the Annan and Dumfries Offices offices she helps clients with all aspects of their business and personal tax affairs.
Working in the heart of a rural economy Jennifer spends her time supporting a variety of owner-managed and family run businesses across a wide range of industries. Most of all, she enjoys speaking with clients and figuring out the best way to help them. Jennifer says: “A quick phone call to us before making any big decisions could save business owners a lot of time and tax. We’re easy to talk to, and always have our client’s best interests at heart.”
What I’d most like to be doing if I wasn’t in Accounting: Travelling, there are so many places I’d like to visit
Mostly likely to find me: In the office – sometimes I feel like I practically live there!
One thing I wish people knew about me: When I was younger I played the piano accordion and won the UK Championship!
Clients most often say: I’m proactive and hard-working, always get back to them and never let them down.
- William Moore FCAPartner - Cockermouth Office
“Business owners shouldn’t be afraid of change. If something’s not working or selling, change it.”
William has been with the firm since 1999 and is based in the Cockermouth office. He grew up on his family’s hill farm and knows the farming and agricultural community extremely well.
He believes that a key part of his role is to encourage clients to take an interest in their overall financial position so they can ensure they’re on the right path to meet their business goals.
William says: “I enjoy working with ‘hands-on’ owner-managed businesses. I get to work with real people with real aspirations, and I love being a part of their achievements.”
Like many people who grew up on a farm, William has been driving vehicles of all shapes and sizes since he was 13 years old.
- Will RobinsonAccount Manager - Xero Champion, Wigton Office
“Efficiency is key. Know your costs, know your margins and the rest will fall into place.”
Will is the firm’s agricultural adviser and has been working for Saint & Co since 1997. He works with agricultural and rural businesses of all sizes and offers advice on growth, efficiency and profitability.
Will says: “The agricultural sector has a special way of working. It’s important that our clients feel they can get access to partners who really speak their language and understand the problems and issues they face.”
In his spare time, Will is a keen and proficient darts player, participating in local leagues and playing against darts professionals.
We can’t wait to get to know you
so we can offer you the best possible advice for your farm.
