Case Studies

Robert Watts Estate Agents

Robert Watts Estate Agents, a family-run business with over 45 years of history, operates four offices across Bradford, employing more than 30 staff.

Founded by Robert Watts, the company is now managed by his children James, his brother, and his sister, providing a full suite of property services, including sales, lettings, and property valuations.

As the next generation took the reins, the business needed an accountancy partner who could provide professional, forward-thinking advice.

Watson Buckle stepped in over a decade ago when Robert Watts’ previous accountant retired.

The transition from their original accountant, a sole practitioner closely aligned with Robert Watts, required adapting to a more structured and proactive approach. The business needed:

A professional partner to navigate complex structures, including limited companies and family trusts.
Expertise in managing payroll for 30+ staff, tax planning, and real-time financial information.
Support for long-term strategic planning as the business prepared for future generational transitions.

Supporting Mrs Mactivity Enterprises Ltd

Mrs Mactivity Enterprises Ltd, founded by Heather McAvan, is an innovative EdTech business based in Bradford.

With a mission to save teachers time and enhance children’s learning, the company offers a membership platform providing tailored resources for schools and teachers.

Over the past seven years, it has grown to include over 20,000 individual teacher subscribers and is now transitioning to a school-focused model, offering schemes of work for primary education.

In addition, Mrs Mactivity has expanded its reach by providing consulting services to EdTech companies and previously launched a DfE-validated phonics scheme, later sold to an international education company in 2024.

As Mrs Mactivity grew, Heather found that her existing accountants lacked the expertise needed to support her e-commerce and subscription-based business model.

“Our previous accountants didn’t understand deferred income or the complexities of running a subscription platform. It led to a lot of inefficiencies and stress,” Heather recalls.

After seeking recommendations in local Facebook groups, Heather discovered Watson Buckle, whose reputation and positive reviews caught her attention.

VLT Logistics

VLT Logistics are a local company based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, offering distribution and warehousing (including warehouse to rent and third-party logistics) services UK-wide.

Vernon Land founded VLT Logistics in 1996, with his son Andrew Land jumping on board in 2009.

VLT Logistics remains a family-owned, service-driven, busy business with a strong, long-standing client base and more than 70 employees.

Several years ago, problems with the business’s existing accountant led Vernon to Watson Buckle following a recommendation from his Commercial Banking Manager.

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