Author Archives: Julian Flitter - Partner

About Julian Flitter - Partner

T +44 (0)20 7874 8834

I help charity trustees and chief executives to develop strategies, make sense of their finances and ensure that they can concentrate on delivering the objectives of the charity rather than getting stuck in day to day operational issues.

Working with commercial organisations as well as charities has proved invaluable in assisting Social Entrepreneurs within a range of Social Enterprises from Companies Limited by Guarantee to Community Interest Companies.

What’s changing

October marked the start of a new and exciting chapter for Goodman Jones: saying goodbye to our home in Fitzroy Square and moving to Arthur Stanley House.

This strategic move, which comes in the year we celebrate our 90th anniversary, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to creating a modern environment that fosters collaboration and creativity, and we see it as the ideal platform for the next phase of Goodman Jones’ future.

Inclusivity

Our new space at Arthur Stanley House has been carefully designed to foster an inclusive work environment that reflects the diverse ways our team engages and collaborates. We understand that the traditional one-size-fits-all office layout no longer meets the needs of a modern workforce and, with this in mind, have introduced various zones to accommodate different styles of work, ensuring all team members are able to perform to their best.

The building is equipped with multiple collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork, alongside private zones for focused, individual work. Additionally, the space includes accessible facilities, ensuring that everyone can comfortably navigate the office. This flexibility is not only intended to enhance productivity but also to ensure that the workspace is inclusive and adaptable to various needs and working preferences.

Sustainability

Another key principle behind our move was sustainability. Arthur Stanley House, designed by AHMM, is built to best-in-class environmental standards and has earned a BREEAM Excellent rating, signifying its commitment to energy efficiency and minimising environmental impact.

Originally constructed in the 1960s as part of the Middlesex Hospital estate, the building has undergone a complete transformation. It now boasts a range of high-tech features and innovative materials, such as triple glazing, solar panels and natural ventilation systems. These upgrades ensure that the building is both forward-thinking and environmentally responsible, reflected in its EPC A rating.

What’s staying the same

Client Service

This remains an absolutely core principle and one that we are always seeking to evolve and improve. We have planned the new office to facilitate communication and collaboration across the whole team, all with the goal of improving efficiency as well as the quality of the service we provide.

People & Talent

At the heart of any people-focused business should be a commitment to helping talent reach its full potential. This is another of our core values, and again, our new office will help us do better still. The open-plan space will give trainees a better learning environment, exposing them to how the business operates as a whole, while giving them easy access to senior members of the team for guidance and advice.

Independence

As you may be aware, the accountancy world is changing fast, in large part due to the rise of private equity models. But despite these shifts, we’re committed to maintaining our independence, believing this approach best serves the long-term interests of both our people and our clients. In Managing Partner Julian Flitter’s words: “being independent lets us prioritise what’s always been most important to us: building strong relationships, providing a tailored service of the highest quality, and creating a supportive environment for our team.” 

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Our move marks an important step in our ongoing efforts to create a modern and sustainable workspace. Moving just around the corner and so still calling Fitzrovia our home, the new space at Arthur Stanley House has been carefully designed to enhance collaboration and teamwork, ensuring a cohesive, productive team and the high levels of service our clients have come to expect.

The first official day at our new address will be 14 October:

Goodman Jones LLP
1st Floor, Arthur Stanley House,
40-50 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4RN

 

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Goodman Jones is delighted to announce the promotion of Charlotte Tong and Giuseppe Scozzaro to partnership.

Julian Flitter, Managing Partner, said, “Both Charlotte and Giuseppe have been with us for many years, Charlotte began at Goodman Jones in 2007 when she joined as a trainee and Giuseppe joined as an audit senior in 2014. They have both embraced and instigated new initiatives and I look forward to welcoming their ideas around the partnership table.

“In addition to her client work, Charlotte is a part of our Family Business group, and she has been heavily involved in our apprenticeship programme. Giuseppe is a member of our Property & Construction group, working alongside companies of varying sizes, specialisms and industries to help achieve their strategic objectives, plan for future growth and success and to meet their statutory obligations. He is also responsible for overseeing the recruitment in the audit department and has taken pride in helping to build a great team at the firm.”

Charlotte said, “This very much feels like a natural next step on what has been a rewarding journey so far. Having joined as a graduate trainee way back in 2007 and working right through the recession, recovery and then covid 19 pandemic, the future ahead looks both exciting and expansive. I look forward to helping shape the future of our firm and its people, as well as following in the steps of our former and current partners ensuring that our clients continue to have that exceptional partner-led service. Most of all, I look forward to working with our family businesses supporting them as they navigate and plan for future changes and opportunities.

Giuseppe added, “I am immensely proud to become a partner at Goodman Jones, a firm that shares many of my own values and a place where I have worked with so many great team members and clients throughout the years. I’m looking forward to contributing even further to the continued success and growth of the firm and helping to shape how we move forward in the future.”

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Goodman Jones will be one of The Fitzrovia Partnership’s businesses supporting London’s net zero ambitions by participating in the Mayor’s Business Climate Challenge.

Managing Partner, Julian Flitter said, “We are thrilled to be part of a cohort of businesses in Fitzrovia who are leading the way in tackling the climate emergency. We are a firm who puts sustainability at the heart of what we do – always looking to the long term in order to build a positive, living legacy. Limiting our impact on the environment is an important part of that legacy.”

The Business Climate Challenge is a program that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. It was launched by the city government to address the challenges of climate change and promote economic growth at the same time. The program provides resources and support for businesses to implement sustainable initiatives such as reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and using renewable energy sources. By participating in this challenge, businesses can not only help protect the environment but also improve their bottom line through cost savings and increased efficiency.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “The Business Climate Challenge is an excellent way for businesses across London to gain the confidence, knowledge and tools they need to help cut their energy costs, save energy, reduce their emissions and future-proof their organisations.

“We saw some great results from the pilot scheme in 2021 and I’m glad we’ve been able to extend this scheme to support an additional 200 businesses. However, there is still much more to be done in order to build a better London for everyone – a safer, greener and more prosperous city for all.”

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New Managing Partner Julian Flitter

Julian Flitter was unanimously elected Managing Partner succeeding Çetin Suleyman who has been in the leadership role since 2016.

Çetin said, “It’s been a very full 6 years and I’ve loved the role. I am incredibly proud of how the whole team has responded and adapted to all the challenges that the last few years have presented and I’m delighted at the position we are in.  It’s now time for someone with fresh eyes to lead the Goodman Jones peloton and  I hand over to Julian knowing we are in great shape to take on the new challenges that lie ahead.”

Julian joined Goodman Jones in 1985 and has been a partner since 2000.  He has had several senior leadership responsibilities, most recently in finance.  He also conceived and drove the firm’s charity practice to the position it is today.

On announcing the new role to the Goodman Jones team Julian said, “My thanks to Çetin for all he brought to the leadership of the firm in the last few years.  His time is characterised by a focus on the importance of relationships, not just with our clients, but internally and that has created the culture we all enjoy today.  People and relationships will remain core to my vision for the next phase of our development.”

“Within the Goodman Jones DNA is the drive to do what’s right for the long term.  That has always informed how we’ve advised our clients and worked with all our stakeholders.  That will propel us forward as we address and adapt to the new challenges that we all face and it will ensure that Goodman Jones remains a truly sustainable and inclusive business, poised to thrive in new conditions.”

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The information in this article was correct at the date it was first published.

However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.

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In the week that’s seen the merger announced of two major youth charities, we are constantly being advised that charities should work more closely together, to collaborate more often and even to merge. Bigger is better so the argument runs, it makes it easier for the commissioning bodies and grant givers to manage. As the “contact culture” spreads throughout the sector joining forces with others can make commercial sense. The four organisations that joined to form One Dance UK, the organisation of which I am treasurer have certainly seen the advantages but is this decision right for everyone?

There are several reasons why you may wish to join up with a fellow non-profit. But deciding to get together also brings risks that, if neglected, could cause you to split.

Here are three of the main motivators for merging charities and our advice on what to be wary of with each.

1. To better deliver on your mission

Why have two organisations helping the same people? Surely one joined-up charity could serve its beneficiaries better than two? There are many success stories: NSPCC and Childline; Help the Aged and Age UK; Mind and Mental Health Media.

It makes perfect sense, but just remember: though some may appear similar, every charity is different.

Consider, for instance:
• What is your charity’s funding structure? What part is played by grants, or contracts, or donors?
• How do you sum up your mission and your main aims and objectives?
• Does your charity have a wide or narrow focus?
• What is the organisation’s culture like?

If any core factors don’t match, someone is going to have to compromise. And how will your staff, trustees, volunteers and donors react to the merger? Not to mention your beneficiaries, who have come to trust you in your existing state.

2. To save money

Merging brings many practical advantages that could save you thousands of pounds. Sharing an office space means sharing resources: IT systems and their support; facilities, such as printers, stationary and so on; the rent on the premises and the cost of its amenities, such as phone and internet; members of staff. And if a charity is struggling financially, merging could be the key to its very survival.

But beware that there will be an upfront drain on resources and expenses, so there may be some tough years to weather before the savings start to show. And while it will be convenient to have one centralised location and joined-up branding, you’ll have to decide exactly where you’ll be based and what will be your identity.

Plus don’t forget that ‘sharing’ staff means that you may not need so many of them. More than likely you’ll need to go through a redundancy process, so be prepared for all the related practical, financial and emotional consequences.

3. To streamline in an over-stuffed sector

One criticism that the voluntary sector often faces is that there are too many charities. Opinions vary on this, of course, but bringing yours together with a peer may increase your reach, enhance your capabilities and give you a bigger piece of the pie. There are only so many trustees and donors to go around and only so much funding.

On the other hand, smaller charities merging together or getting absorbed into larger charities means there are fewer small charities. Being small brings its own advantages, such as being able to focus intensely on a smaller group, having lower operating costs and functioning within a more straightforward, less political structure. And does it benefit the sector more to be compressed or to have a range of voices, big and small?

Plus there is something to be said for the galvanising effect of a little healthy competition.

We can guide you

For every successful charity merger there have been many that fell by the wayside. Failure could come not only from the points raised here but from factors such as strategic mismanagement of the merger process, struggles to find the balance of power, and personal conflicts.

So give careful consideration to and seek expert advice about your merger, or you may end up regretting it, as may the people who support you – and the people you help.

 

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Felix Barrett, Artistic Director at Punchdrunk has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He was described by The Observer as, “The visionary who reinvented theatre.”

Many congratulations Felix.

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CS-Finance-Summit-Logo

We are delighted to be sponsoring the networking reception again at the Charity Finance Summit.

The date for this year’s summit is 18 October and we look forward to seeing you there.

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However it is of a generic nature and cannot constitute advice. Specific advice should be sought before any action taken.

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Has George Osborne been giving to charities in his final pre-election budget? The answer I think is a qualified yes. Certainly no big giveaway but there is a planned increase in the amount that can be donated under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS).

The government has not seen the widespread take up of the scheme that it had hoped and therefore plans to introduce legislation to extend the maximum annual donation amount which can be claimed through the scheme from £5,000 to £8,000 from April 2016.

Many would argue that this still does not go far enough in encouraging take up of the scheme since a charity still has to have a two year Gift Aid history before becoming eligible. Similarly it only applies to cash payments and this too has come in for criticism.

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Thursday 7th March saw a packed Central Hall Westminster host the inaugural Charity Staff Foundation Awards.

Rory Fenton, Dialogue Officer of the British Humanism Association with Martin Bailey, Goodman Jones.

Rory Fenton, Dialogue Officer of the British Humanism Association with Martin Bailey, Goodman Jones.

The Charity Staff Foundation is a charity which aims to encourage and provide access for young people to make long-term careers in the charity sector. It also provides a support structure for those who work and volunteer for charities. This involves the CSF providing training, advocacy and practical support such as a helpline and mentoring programme www.charitystaff.org.uk.

The awards are part of this work and Goodman Jones are proud to be founding sponsors of the awards which recognise and celebrate the immense contribution and outstanding achievements made by volunteers and charity staff across 20 different categories, ranging from Community Volunteer of the Year to Social Entrepreneur of the Year, and Small Charity of the Year to International Aid Courage Award.

As Paul Hackwood, of The Church Urban Fund, said when he presented an award to Volunteer Co-ordinator of the Year “whilst the CSF Awards might not have the glamour of the Hollywood Oscars, it does have the commitment, people and passion” to improve society.

Goodman Jones were particularly proud to sponsor the award for ‘Charity Innovator of the Year’, as we know ourselves, now more than ever, organisations are seeking smarter approaches to working to combat reduced resources and tighter financial constraints.

This award celebrates those who achieved significant changes within and for their organisation through the use of innovation.

The standard of entries was extremely high and the nominees included Michelle Saliba da Costa of Ataxia UK and Geoff Wheeler of SIFA Fireside but the award, presented by Charities Manager, Martin Bailey, went to Rory Fenton, Dialogue Officer of the British Humanism Association.

Rory’s enthusiastic and committed work with faith and community groups focuses on inclusion and equality by encouraging the representation of the humanist and non-religious in local forums and networks. Rory’s work has increased the wider understanding of Humanism and ensures that its voice is heard along with those of differing faiths www.humanism.org.uk.

Rory has fully embraced innovation across a diverse range of subjects from international development to physics, and from economics to humanism; he is a regular blogger on these and many other topics.

CSF Awards 2013

Rory Fenton being presented the award by Martin Bailey.

So if your Charity has a true innovator or unsung hero within its ranks, or if you work with someone who goes beyond the call of duty, do get in touch with the Charity Staff Foundation later in the year as nominations open for the 2014 awards in November.

The annual awards are a great opportunity for people within the charity sector to get together and celebrate the wonderful work that is carried out by both staff and volunteers, highlighting special achievements, encouraging good practice and recognising dedication.

Photos courtesy of Charity Staff Foundation

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