Chester-based accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has advised a delegation of local, national and international SMEs on how to turn ‘light bulb moments’ into commercial success at a special Innovators’ Day.
More than 100 delegates turned out to the conference, which was held in Liverpool Central Library as part of the International Festival for Business 2014. The day-long series of presentations was organised by Mitchell Charlesworth in a bid to provide specialist advice on how to innovate, protect and prosper in business.
The firm has offices in Nicholas Street Mews, Chester.
A feature of the event saw delegates making use of free one-to-one surgeries with a crack-team of 15 innovation experts and industry leaders to ask specific questions relating to their own businesses. The sweeping programme of presentations covered themes including innovation, intellectual property, patents and strategies for growing business.
Liverpool-based Mitchell Charlesworth partner Brian McCann leads the firm’s corporate finance arm MC Vanguard. He delivered a presentation on profit improvement strategies and the link to growing the value of a business.
Mr McCann said: “The purpose of the event was to inspire businesses to continue innovating in the knowledge that it is the new products and services they develop which accelerate growth in profits and value. We pinpointed speakers and topics which would add significant value to SMEs, owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs, and in particular high-tech companies, manufacturing firms and innovative start-ups.
“These sectors are highly relevant to Mitchell Charlesworth, which is passionate about delivering a full business support solution. The firm benefits from a real depth of experience. Our services cover audits, corporate and personal tax planning, VAT, pensions, investments and payroll, right through to acquisitions and mergers, corporate recovery, insolvency and management buyouts.”
Mr McCann said there were many highlights throughout the day and key issues which struck a chord with delegates included presentations on intellectual property and the myriad issues involving patents and product ownership. Further topics rousing strong interest included copyright and trade mark laws as well as raising equity investment.
“One of our tax specialists at Mitchell Charlesworth, Graeme Davies, delivered a very thought-provoking presentation on tax efficient strategies to increase profit,” said Mr McCann. “Graeme provided insight on research and development tax credits and the patent box scheme which enables companies to apply a lower rate of corporation tax to profits.”
Mr McCann said: “We were extremely pleased to take the lead in bringing together some of the region’s experts and industry leaders. We wanted to deliver an event for IFB (International Festival for Business) that would pack a punch and support the Liverpool City Region’s thriving SME and start-up sectors. It was of course terrific to also welcome visiting guests from across the country and overseas. We would like to thank all of our partners who supported and contributed generously to the day.”
Innovators’ Day was chaired by DWF LLP partner Paul Attwood and formed part of the IFB’s broader professional and financial services programme.
It was held in partnership with the ICAEW’s (Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales) Business Advice Service and a series of other firms and organisations including Unilever, Bartle Read, Bermans, Brabners, Brian Farrington Ltd, DWF, Liverpool John Moores University, Business & IP Centre Liverpool, Forresters, Intellectual Property Office and WP Thompson.
