Lucidica

IT company boss describes what it's like to be a Numerion client

If you were an accountant, would you really want a client like Troy Trewin?

Troy, who is general manager of IT support company, Lucidica, has a degree in accounting. What's more, just a few years ago he was working for the world's largest accountancy firm, Price Waterhouse Cooper.

It's fair to say Troy knows a thing or two about business accounting, not least, what to look for in a good accountant.

Trustworthy and reliable
"Your accountant is your number one adviser," he says. "They can make a big difference. You want to know that they are trustworthy and reliable. That means you've really got to vet them beforehand and ask them key questions, because there are some people out there who are quite slack and don't know what they're talking about."

Back in May 2007 when the London-based Lucidica needed a new chartered accountant, Troy was keen to find someone of the highest calibre. Following a recommendation by a client, Troy interviewed Ibrahim Aziz, one of the Numerion partners, and promptly gave him the job.

It's a decision he has never regretted.

Professional and accessible
"Ibrahim really cares about your business," he says. "He is genuinely interested and like a good, trusted adviser will send you articles or pieces of information when he sees stuff that's relevant to you. It's a very personal service. We're not just a number in his list of clients."

"He's also very professional and accessible. If I call his office I can usually speak to him straightaway. But if I can't, he always calls me back. I don't have to spend days waiting for him to respond."

Troy also appreciates the fact that Numerion are highly proactive.

"If something happens that would impact on us, perhaps a change in tax law, Ibrahim will give us a call and say he needs to come over and have a chat. Before we switched that never used to happen."

Expert tax advice, streamlined invoicing
Since signing up with Numerion, Troy has enjoyed the benefits of many of their services. Besides handling the annual accounts and giving expert guidance on tax, Ibrahim has helped to streamline Lucidica's invoicing and VAT, as well as advise on life insurance for its directors.

"The quality of service and technical capabilities of our suppliers are very important to us," he says. "In the case of Numerion we're extremely impressed with both of those."

As a talented entrepreneur Troy is following a strategy of rapid growth for Lucidica. Despite the current economic challenges, he is planning a fourfold increase in staff over the coming year, and is working towards establishing offices around the UK.

IT department for small business
With businesses depending increasingly on computer systems, Lucidica's role as 'the IT department for small business' has really started to catch on and its track record of success seems set to continue for some time to come.

Something else that seems likely to continue is Lucidica's relationship with Numerion.

Says Troy, "I'm a business mentor for three firms. One of the first pieces of advice I give them is find a great accountant...

"And never let them go."