The History of WGN
It was in the early 1970s that Melvyn Winburn and Colin Glass spotted a gap in the marketplace, namely for the provision of “hands-on” assistance to businesses, whether starting up, early stage or developing. Together with David Norfolk, now retired, and bringing between them experience from professional practice, from industry and from investment banking, they created Winburn Glass Norfolk (WGN).
As the Practice expanded, Rodney Stubley, Jane Tindall and Claire Turner became Partners.
At the time the Practice was established advertising was not permitted and almost the only way an accountancy practice could grow was by recommendation from satisfied clients – and fortunately this is exactly what happened!
Furthermore, the Partners recognised that to provide a service which truly added value – an attribute demanded by expanding, entrepreneurial businesses – there would be times when clients running early stage businesses might find it difficult to pay for fees as they arose. To address this problem, and having the courage of their convictions, the Partners developed a novel, if high-risk, business model such that in appropriate circumstances they offered to “roll-up” fees on the understanding that they would be paid at some point in the future when the client’s business was successful.
Under such arrangements WGN was unable to act as auditor (if, indeed an audit were required) but this enabled WGN to forge relationships with other firms of accountants to perform the audit functions. In other respects WGN provided a comprehensive accounting, tax and financial advisory service including accepting appointment on the Board of client companies in a non-executive capacity where appropriate.
Apart from this entrepreneurial approach, the Practice has grown substantially over the years and provides the usual range of accounting and related services, but always retaining the “hands-on” approach and, in particular, leveraging for the benefit of clients, valuable contacts of all kinds made over the last 35 years.
Entrepreneurial skills, a passion for helping businesses develop, a positive work ethic and an ability to motivate are the qualities shown by the Partners, Melvyn Winburn, Colin Glass, Rodney Stubley and Jane Tindall. Together with an enthusiastic and talented team they have assisted many businesses to start, develop and succeed.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALEADY A CLIENT OF THE PRACTICE WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU AS ONE IN THE NEAR FUTURE