Over the years, the SME team made a huge difference to our business. We started as a small company with 8-10 staff and we didn’t know anything about accounting. SME pulled the accounting side together and made our problems go away.
Since then, Geoff has been a good sounding board for discussion on business strategies and pushed us along with ideas. He encouraged us to create a business based on continuous income streams, and since then we’ve developed a whole new company. It's gone from 3-4 staff to a permanent staff of 70.
When we purchased the company 18 years ago there were two partners. Geoff recently negotiated on my behalf for the sale of my shares in the company. We’ve put together a three-year plan which has been successfully completed.
My final comment would have to concern personal contact. I have always appreciated Geoff's personal contact – it really means something and he’s genuinely looking after small businesses.
Partner - Egg Maternity
People in their own businesses often feel isolated when they are the person at the helm. When I set up my first business, I didn’t have anyone at a senior level in the company to discuss things with – important things like the growth of the company.
With SME Financial it is almost like having a business partner. I have worked with Geoff for 16 years and have found him incredibly supportive in a business development role, not just as an accountant.
You can ring SME any time to ask advice and they are really positive and supportive. It’s like having someone else working alongside me.
Coolbox Direct - Logistics
With SME it’s a service thing. They are prepared to drop tools for us at anytime to assist with business negotiations or supplying financial reports that might be required. SME is small enough to care – we are not just another customer.
SME have been innovative in the way that they present information to our financiers. The reports produced and supplied are done so with considerable detail and style, and always with 100% accuracy.
They always conduct business in a corporate manner. This gives our financiers the confidence to believe in our work ethics and our ability to conduct business relationships with the right people.
Geoff could write a book on my business. He has taken care of my affairs for over 15 years now. I believe the most important thing you can do in business is select the right person to assist you with making the right financial decisions. Geoff is that person for me.
