The Graham Care Group is a group of nursing homes primarily located in Kent and Surrey, with a new development underway in Essex.

The company, owned and operated by Ernie Graham and his wife, not only runs care homes but also focuses on developing new homes and managing diverse business interests, including a family farm, an aircraft hire company, and a motor home business.

Having been introduced to TWP through a recommendation from a fellow director at the Surrey Care Association, Ernie and his team have worked closely with TWP for over 15 years.

The firm’s deep understanding of the care home sector, combined with its strong local presence, made it an ideal partner for The Graham Care Group as they navigated their growing business.

Why TWP?

Ernie explains:  “The big thing is, when you have a firm like that, you end up dealing with the same people year after year.” This personal approach stood out to him compared to larger firms, which often provide less continuity and consistency in the audit service that they offer.

He adds, “Their profile was good for me, and as much as they knew something about care homes, first of all, they were local. That was important, to have a local office where you work directly with the partners.”

He appreciated that TWP was “just big enough to serve us really well, but still small enough to deliver a cost-effective audit service,” making it an excellent fit for The Graham Care Group’s needs.

Audit Services: Efficiency and Integration

The Graham Care Group has found TWP’s audit process to be highly effective and well-embedded into their financial operations.

TWP uses Xero for real-time accounting data, which enables them to access The Graham Care Group’s records online without needing physical documents.

This transition to paperless systems has simplified the audit process significantly, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined service.

Ernie notes, “We’ve been paperless for quite a few years now, so no more lever-arch files need to be delivered around to them – just a simple straightforward, digital process.”

The Value of Audit Reports

Although the audit reports are not directly used for third-party purposes (since The Graham Care Group does not have external investors or bank involvement), the reports are still critical for ensuring the company remains compliant with their obligations.

Ernie reflects, “The audit report is not so critical from the point of view of third parties, but as long as we have compliance for the tax returns, that’s where they’re concerned.”

TWP provides both audit services and financial advice under the same roof, with “a wall” separating the partners who handle the audit and those who manage financial advice, maintaining best practice while keeping the services distinct.

Personalised Advice and Support

TWP’s service extends beyond auditing. They have also played a key role in helping Ernie Graham with personal tax advice during the sale of part of the group.

Ernie shares, “That was very useful because, whenever push comes to shove, when you really need time-sensitive critical advice, having them already know us so well is vitally important.”

He adds that TWP offered “some really good tax advice” that gave him confidence during a critical period.

“Whenever I ever share the knowledge that TWP has given me with my other professional advisers they always comment on how well advised we have been,” he says, reflecting on the value TWP’s advice added to his business and personal life.

Personal Relationship and Responsiveness

One of the key benefits of working with TWP, according to Ernie, is the strong personal relationship built over the years.

Despite the firm’s growth, TWP has maintained a hands-on, partner-driven approach that has been crucial for the business.

Ernie adds, “I know that if I want to catch up with a partner, they will happily drop in at 8 in the morning on their way to work to offer some guidance. I think it’s handy for them, and it’s really handy for me.”

This flexibility and willingness to meet his needs are aspects of the service he truly values.

Long-Term Partnership

After more than a decade and a half of working with TWP, Ernie Graham is more than satisfied with the service and support the firm provides.

He describes TWP as a firm that is big enough to offer comprehensive audit and tax services but still small enough to maintain the personal relationships and attention to detail that are vital for their business.

“We’ve worked with them really closely over some quite large transactions and complex audits and I’m just really happy with the guys there,” says Ernie.

He concludes, “Long may it continue,” reflecting on the enduring partnership between The Graham Care Group and TWP.

Ernie would strongly recommend TWP to other businesses in need of an audit, noting that their approach is both professional and personable.