Client Stories: Plas Pantderi Manor
Interview with Anna Raymond of Plas Pantderi Manor
Photo: (left to right) Lisa Jones, Efa Jones and Anna Raymond
Anna Raymond shares her story of Plas Pantderi, a beautifully restored luxury accommodation and events venue in Pembrokeshire and explains to us how cloud finances helped simplify their complex family business finances and secure them much needed funding.
When did you start Plas Pantderi?
We’re owners and business partners of Plas Pantyderi Manor, myself Anna Raymond and my two sisters Lisa and Efa Jones. Plas Pantyderi is located on the family farm, owned by our parents and brother. The manor was formally run as a guest house and events venue by our grandparents. We decided to diversify and create luxury self-catering accommodation that sleeps up to 21 people over 10 bedrooms – and an events venue.
The business as Plas Pantyderi Manor started in September 2019. It involved renovation of the Georgian manor from dated guest house accommodation to luxury self-catering accommodation and events venue. We opened just before the pandemic and understandably the first 18 months of trading was difficult, navigating our way through the restrictions. We’re really pleased with how the business is going now that the restrictions have been lifted.
Self-catering staycation holidays is our main business function but we also host weddings. We have a wedding license and licensed bar. Our guests vary from large family holiday groups to special birthday celebration weekends and friends getting together for reunions. We’re excited for the future and confident LHP can help us develop and expand the business.
How has LHP Accountants helped?
The family farm business already worked with LHP but we started working with Director Dafydd Rees at LHP in January 2019. It made sense to work with LHP as we already had a great relationship with them and knew they would understand the complexities of family businesses. Being able to discuss our business finances in Welsh was a real advantage.
We process our own invoicing and VAT returns through Xero, so that we have control of the business and up to date information on the business and how it’s performing. LHP has been so supportive with any questions on Xero – from inputting invoices to generating reports and any financial queries we may have.
When we approached LHP we needed to secure loan funding to finance the project. This was difficult because the business wasn’t trading, it was a new start up. Being a new business meant that only a few lenders were willing to work with us. We needed to produce a comprehensive set of financial projections and forecasts. Dafydd worked closely with us and we were able to secure funding and start the project.
What key benefits have you enjoyed since joining LHP?
LHP is always available at the end of a phone or email to answer any questions or queries, anything cloud accounting, TAX, VAT or loans. We were given an allocated person to oversee our accounts. Eleri Rivers has been invaluable in this role because she really gets to know our business and supports and advises as issues arise and as the business develops. During the pandemic, LHP adapted quickly and kept their level of service. I was always able to speak to Dafydd and Eleri on the phone or via Zoom.
How would you describe LHP in 3 words?
Knowledgeable, proactive and approachable.
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