Somerset Chamber is proud to support a diverse range of organisations in the Somerset business community who are as passionate about our region as we are.
In a new series of interviews, we will be shining a spotlight on some of our Business Partners, recognising their commitment to Somerset, its business community and beyond.
Somerset Voices is also a chance to find out more about the people behind the brands!
Our first Somerset Voices spotlight is Iain McVicar, Managing Partner, at Albert Goodman:
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role. What does a typical day look like for you?
I am Iain McVicar and I am the Managing Partner of Albert Goodman Chartered Accountants and Financial Advisers. We are a partnership with 23 partners and 340 people.
We are growing quickly which is impressive for a long-established firm. My role is to manage this growth and the partnership to ensure that we are progressing in line with our strategy and plans.
A typical day involves either preparation or attending Board meetings to keep us going in the right direction. I will also spend time with partners, directors and other team members dealing with day-to-day issues.
Can you tell us about your business/organisation, what you do, where you’re based and how your work has a positive impact on those you work with?
We are Chartered Accountants and Financial Advisers and our aim is to provide a holistic financial service to businesses and individuals.
Our clients value our ability to keep them compliant with regard to audit, accounts, tax and their financial affairs. Giving advice is really important to us and we aim to help our clients with all aspects of their financial wellbeing.
At any time we have almost 100 accountants and financial advisers in some sort of training programme so positively impact them and their careers.
We also benefit our community through giving back time and fundraising.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Somerset?
Somerset is Albert Goodman’s home and has been since 1866. We love the ability for our people to be highly skilled advisers to businesses and individuals and to live in one of the finest counties in the country.
Our typical clients live in the West Country and share our love of the area. There is also a lot of development happening in the county which helps to bring prosperity and skilled jobs to the region.
The county has the best mix of rural areas with great businesses there, combined with industry, and also professional service businesses too. It is a fantastic place to mix work and play.
Outside of work, what’s your ‘Somerset favourite’, as in a place to visit or activity you like to do in our county?
I live in a rural area and I really enjoy getting out in the fresh air on my road bike. One of my favourite places is Exmoor. In 40 minutes from home I can cycle up to Raleghs Cross and I love the freedom and peacefulness of cycling across Exmoor on the weekend. It keeps me fit and I can also think business issues through in the quiet of the countryside.
My wife and I have an energetic young cocker spaniel and we all really enjoy walking around the hills and along the rivers at Dulverton followed by a visit to a café.
How long have you been members of Somerset Chamber of Commerce and what prompted you to join?
Albert Goodman have been members of the Somerset Chamber for decades. The Chamber provides a meeting place for business and allows the sharing of information amongst like minded people.
It also provides a wider platform for business to voice issues with Government which is increasingly important.
What has been the most valuable aspect for you/your organisation, of being part of Somerset Chamber?
The Chamber has helped us to get to know businesses of all sizes across the region and deliver value to our clients by connecting them with other businesses in Somerset to collaborate with and explore new opportunities or overcome current challenges.
It gives our people valuable networking opportunities, which enable us to meet like minded people and businesses along with learning opportunities.
Our sponsorship of the Somerset Business Awards has helped us to raise our own profile and grow our business, but has also been an incredibly rewarding experience to learn more about some of the extraordinary business that we have in Somerset.
What advice would you give to a business thinking of joining Somerset Chamber?
My advice to businesses thinking of joining the Somerset Chamber is to give it a try. Sign up and make sure that you put the effort into attending the events and engaging with the Chamber Team.
Like many things in life you get more out of it if you are prepared jump in and take part.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
