Teamwork makes the dream work at growing Swindon firm Optimum

A management buy-in at Optimum Professional Services has seen founder Richard Mathews become equal shareholders in the business with his management team Jon Lacey, Michael Blaken, Iain Mason and Rob Stokes.

Mr Mathews said: “This is a real watershed for the company. We have built a strong management team who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

"This management buy-in secures the future of the company and sets it up for its planned growth and expansion.”

Optimum was created two years ago after Mr Mathews decided to combine accountancy and legal services in a bid to make it efficient and cost-effective for his clients.

Finance director Jon Lacey has been with Optimum from the beginning and oversees the internal running of the business.

He said: “It’s great to have the support of the team as we move forward with Optimum. I couldn’t think of four other people I would rather be working with to build a strong company.”

Head of accounts Michael Blaken added: “This is a really exciting time for Optimum. The model we have built, of providing accountancy and legal services to clients, has really come together.”

The company moved to a bigger Stratton office in March to accommodate its expected expansion.

Solicitor Iain Mason is head of legal services. He said: “Combining professional services within one business is a great proposition which is clearly working for our clients.

"We have an exciting opportunity here to grow the business with the new directors and the great team we have.”

Head of audit Rob Stokes wants to concentrate on growing the client base and offer services to academy schools.

He said: "We will be opening our doors to many more businesses as well as embracing technology even further, to enhance our service and free up the time we can then spend on working with clients.”

The space and facilities allow Optimum to stage regular free networking breakfasts, with the next on November 27.