Image by William Carey www.williamcareyphotography.com

 

Francis Whittington Eventing, based in East Sussex, has been a client of Charter Tax since 2019. The business is headed up by the international event rider, Francis Whittington, who gained a reputation for being one of the best cross country riders in the world.

Early success in the sport saw Francis win Individual Gold and Team Silver at the Pony European Championships in Hasselt, Belgium, when he was just 16 years old. He then went on to represent Team GB as a senior rider, while also winning the prestigious Blenheim International horse trials and being crowned ‘British Open Champion’ at Gatcombe Festival of British Eventing.

Today Francis has built a successful string of horses and a strong support team around him to enable him to keep riding and competing at the highest level of the sport, while also providing show jumping and cross country clinics.

Although Francis Whittington Eventing signed up to work with the firm relatively recently, Francis has known Charter Tax Principal Janet Pierce for many years, as she herself is accomplished in the sport of eventing. Before becoming an accountant, Janet did consider becoming a vet, while Francis himself trained as an equine dentist – as, he says, a back-up plan.

“I recognised that Janet’s other passions, besides accountancy, included horses and eventing and it became obvious that these combined meant that Charter Tax was not only a knowledgeable local accountancy firm but uniquely understood the business I am in,” says Francis. “The Charter Tax team has been really helpful going through my business with a fine-tooth comb, so I feel really comfortable with their understanding of both my personal affairs and that of my business. This, combined with Janet’s expertise, has really helped the relationship develop.”

Charter Tax supports Francis with the preparation of the business’ year-end financial statements along with his personal tax return.

“I appreciate the fact that, throughout the year, I can pick up the phone to Charter Tax and they are always happy to help with any ad hoc questions or queries that may crop up,” he explains. “I appreciate having a direct point of contact whom I trust, especially in such a specialised area.”

The pandemic lockdowns were challenging for the majority of businesses, including Francis Whittington Eventing.

“A lot of our day-to-day work has really been limited with the impact of COVID-19, so I am very much looking forward to getting back to business when the restrictions are lifted,” Francis said. “Throughout this period Charter Tax has kept me up-to-date with the various guidance and advice on grants and support available from the Government which has definitely helped during these tough times.”

Adds Janet Pierce: “We are incredibly proud to call Francis Whittington Eventing one of our clients. I have known Francis for quite a few years through our shared loved of eventing and it’s wonderful to now also work with him and his business. I certainly think that my understanding of how his business works benefits the advice we are able to provide him with.”