Introducing Connor Healy, Director of Healy Fencing and Landscaping
Here we talk about how he’s growing his business and the role that Zoo’s financial and business services have played in supporting him along the way.
Healy Fencing and Landscaping, based in Shirley, specialises in the design and installation of commercial and domestic gardens in the West Midlands and surrounding areas.
Director Connor took over the reins from his Dad in 2018 and has been working hard to grow his customer base, and create a consistent workflow to take him through the seasons.
Through regular face-to-face networking and building a trusted referral network, and with the help of his team, Connor has seen the business bloom over the past three years. Recent projects have included transforming a box-shaped concrete space into a child-friendly haven and installing rat-proof fencing for a large-scale commercial premises.
Connor tells us more:
How did you come to work with Zoo?
“I needed an accountant that would be a bit more active – and push me. Accounting isn’t my strongest skill so I wanted to hand it over to someone who would support me. My original accountant wasn’t really helping – I didn’t even know they should be advising me! After all, I’m a tradesperson – what do I know?! But the thing was, I wanted to become more professional. Eventually, a business coach in my BNI network introduced me to Zoo Accountings’ business services.
I sat down with Zoo for a chat, and I just liked the way they structured things. We spoke about what was needed, they got everything up on the screen in front of me so I could see exactly what I’d be getting for my money.
For me, what stood out was the smoothness of the meeting. Everything was just really clear. They broke it all down for me in a way that I could easily understand. My focus is always on my customers, so it was helpful to know I could hand over the finance to the professionals.”
What were your first impressions of the Zoo team?
“They were so welcoming. It was a relaxed environment. I like to have a laugh, and I just thought they had good personalities. That’s what it’s all about, as well as doing business, to feel that I could go out for a drink with them, and talk honestly and openly.”
What specific challenges have Zoo helped you to work through?
“In November last year, I was approached by a potential investor for my business. I was concerned that they wanted a bigger part of the business than I was willing to give, which meant I really wouldn’t have any control at all.
The Zoo team laid everything out on the table and voiced their concerns. They didn’t try to steer me away from it, just helped me to make the best decision for me. One of my fears was that I wouldn’t be working with Zoo anymore, I didn’t want to break up that working relationship. In the end, I decided not to proceed with the investor. Zoo helped me make the right decision.”
What other aspects of Zoo Accountings business services are you finding helpful?
“They’re helping me to look more closely at the running of the business and see where I can make improvements to make life easier.
I sat down with Zoo for a good half a day, and we put together a sales process for me. This has already made it a lot easier to monitor and manage enquiries. We’ve set up a form so that every time someone contacts me through text or social media, I can just send them a link which takes them straight to the enquiry form. The management is so much easier and more efficient, plus I’m building up a database of customers and prospects to help me with marketing.
One thing I love about working with Zoo Accounting is that they get such a buzz from helping their clients. They’re passionate about what they do. They’ve just been a world of help.
They’ll be proactive, and research things for you. For instance, they’ve helped me arrange an apprentice. They helped me find a college and deal with the apprenticeships service – this is a long-term investment for me, training someone up and building my team for the future.
They’ve referred me to clients in their own network and helped me to explore different finance options too. This has helped me plan and manage cash-flow.
And it’s the little things, like introducing me to the Soldo expenses card and app to save me time – I can give the card to my team which means they can pop out to buy materials, and fuel.
They often send little personal notes to check-in, and ask me where I’ve been. They’re all lovely, a very thoughtful and really friendly bunch.”
Who would you say Zoo’s business services are perfect for?
“Any start-up business – like I was – and anyone looking to grow their business, Zoo is perfect for. They’ve done a wonderful job for me. Little nuggets of wisdom that you don’t know about, they open your eyes to. Even larger and more established businesses will benefit from speaking to Zoo, they’re always available for you to ask questions.”
Where would you like to take your business next?
“I’d love to expand my team with another van on the road (I’ve got two vans at the moment) which would allow me to step away from some of the ‘hands on’ labour so I can concentrate on the bigger picture for the business. With Zoo’s support, I’m sure this is possible. “
Our sincere thanks to Connor for sharing his story.
Zoo Accounting