Fuel Accountancy

Fuel Accountancy has seen steady growth since being founded by Richard and Simon in 2018. The pair’s refreshing and modern approach to accountancy has seen the business expand its client base in the region each year. “We’re very personable, hands-on and proactive for an accountancy practice,” Simon explained.

It meant that in 2023 the business was outgrowing its premises. “We were desperate for more meeting space,” Simon said. “And we were aware that on top of needing more space for our existing staff, we have plans to hire another two by the end of this year, as well.”

It took some time for Simon and Richard to find the right premises for them, but eventually they came across a modern, two-story unit near Plymouth city centre, right on the waterfront. It was perfect for a forward-thinking and growing accountancy firm.

Simon and Richard had some trouble finding a bank that would help them, though. “We were almost three months into an application with one high-street bank and still weren’t made a formal offer,” Simon said. “It was taking them so long it almost got to the point of us losing the property.”

Thankfully, Allica Bank stepped in. “Allica were able to make us a commercial mortgage offer within seven days of making the application,” Simon said. “Allica were really competitive compared to the high-street but, importantly, very quick to help us.”

After refitting the building to be bright and spacious, Fuel successfully moved into their new premises in late-2023. “It was a very interesting building to begin with,” Fuel’s Relationship Manager at Allica Bank, Matt West, noted. “I think it used to be an old security office. It’s been incredible to see them turn that into somewhere that’s a really attractive place for Fuel’s team to work.”

A key driver in being able to support Fuel so quickly was the dedicated support of a relationship manager. “Having a relationship manager at Allica has really changed the way we deal with banks,” Simon explained. “In the past, certainly for small businesses, having access to anybody that can help you over the phone has been tough. It makes a massive difference on a day-to-day basis having that contact with Matt.”