Case Studies

Griffith Clarke and Millwood Motor Company

From a 1960s built Shell forecourt, and forecourt shop we have jointly overseen the re-development of the entire 2 acre site into a state of the art Shell forecourt, Spar convenience store and showroom for Caterham cars. The Caterham cars showroom being the only factory approved outlet external to the manufacturers.

The balance of the site is leased to Mitsubishi Motor Company Retail Group who operate a new and used dealership and service department on site.

All of this was carried out through the winter of 2008 during the height of the economic downturn.

Key to the project was:-

• Locating the very best forecourt designer in ACT Design of Cheltenham.
• Putting together a highly competitive funding package with RBS.
• Submitting and agreeing VAT repayment claims in respect of the Italian and Elida cases concerning previously operated Rover and Vauxhall franchises. These alone raised in excess of £160,000.
• Achieving the most competitive supply agreements.
• Choosing the best software systems.

Ongoing areas of expertise require:-

• In depth knowledge of VAT issues relating to property. Not understanding the need and timing of an ‘Option to Tax’, might just be the most expensive mistake you ever make.
• Full appreciation of current legislation concerning Capital Allowance claims. Failing to plan the timing of capital acquisitions is a hugely costly oversight.
• The mundane, but critical payroll and data processing. Trading margins are thin and up to date management figures and critical analysis are critical.

Our involvement with Millwood Motor Company is just one reason why so many businesses affiliated to the motor trade see Griffith Clarke as the accountants of choice. We are not just processors of payroll and accounting paperwork – if you want proactive advice you will not do better than to contact us today.