The client
Secure Fire Protection Ltd is an independent, family-run fire protection company based in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, run by Martin and Rebecca Williams.
The business installs, inspects and maintains fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire hydrants and dry risers. It also provides fire risk assessments, PAT testing and fire safety training.
They are supported through our Get You Sorted service.
Needing earlier answers and proper explanations
Secure Fire Protection came to Benson Wood in summer 2025 after receiving a basic compliance service from their previous accountant, where accounts were prepared close to the deadline and tax liabilities were confirmed in the same month they had to be paid.
There was also little explanation of the results or how the business had performed, which made planning harder than it needed to be.
They wanted the accounts explained properly, with earlier notice of what tax would be due and time to deal with anything that could still be planned before the year-end.
What we put in place
Because Secure Fire Protection’s year-end is July, Benson Wood planned the work so the accounts could be completed by September, giving Martin and Rebecca a much earlier view of what tax would need to be paid.
In the review meeting, we went through the accounts properly, so they could see how the business had performed and what the figures meant for the months ahead.
That gave them around 7 months’ notice of company tax and 5 months’ notice of personal tax. Instead of finding out what was due close to the payment date, they had time to plan around it.
We also put in place a monthly check-in call to cover queries, keep up with changes in the business and pick up anything that needed attention.
This was supported by a pre year-end review, looking at performance to date, what was in the pipeline and what could still be dealt with before the year-end.
What changed
Martin and Rebecca were no longer finding out about tax liabilities when payment was almost due.
They had time to plan for company and personal tax bills, with a clearer understanding of the results behind them.
The extra planning also helped them extract an additional £40k from the business to support personal plans, including home improvements.
The pre year-end review meant there was still time to look at what tax might be due before the year closed, reduce it where possible, and make full use of allowances and tax bands.
Chris also introduced Martin and Rebecca to an independent financial adviser to look at possible pension contributions before the end of July and going forward.
The outcome
Secure Fire Protection now has a clearer view of the financial side of the business throughout the year.
Martin and Rebecca know much earlier what tax will need to be paid, and the accounts make more sense because the results are talked through properly.
With better planning in place, they’ve been able to take more from the business to support their personal plans, while also looking ahead at pension contributions and future tax planning.
“Benson Wood & Co take the time to explain things properly, which has made a real difference to how we feel about the business. We know much earlier what tax needs to be paid, and the accounts make more sense to us now. The service feels personal, and it’s clear they care about us and the business.”
Martin and Rebecca Williams, Secure Fire Protection Ltd
