Scan Magazine

By Signe Hansen

Senior Manager John Lindegaard and Partner Michael Rohde

For Scandinavian companies the differences between Scandinavian and British legislation can be the first barrier between them and success in the UK. Krogh and Partners Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors have specialised in advising on those differences and in doing it the Scandinavian way, that is with efficiency and high service levels.

With just two employees Per Krogh Petersen sat up Krogh and Partners in 1989. Today 15 employees work at the firm’s offices in Finsbury Circus, London, servicing more than 300 companies and a large number of individuals based all over the UK.

Advice in high demand

“The reason behind setting up was that Per had quite a few clients back in Denmark who wanted to start up in the UK and always asked him for advice,” explains Partner Michael Rohde.

The business has had continuous growth since and while its main business is audits, it also assists with tax planning in connection with moving to the UK, preparation of UK tax returns, accounting and preparation of VAT returns.

“It is easier to understand UK legislation when you can compare it with Scandinavian legislation and, as one of few, we obviously have knowledge of both,” says Rohde.

Equal service for all clients

All staff have theoretical and practical qualifications from Scandinavia and practical experience from working in the UK. One of them is Senior Manager John Lindegaard, who is set to become the firm’s third partner. “The main part of our clients is subsidiaries of Scandinavian companies. But we also have some Scandinavian-linked clients who have started up in the UK independently and in that way we service both very large and very small businesses,” he says, adding, “apart from our niche expertise, our competitive edge is that we aim to treat everyone the same. Many companies may have a very large business in their home country but only ten employees in their UK subsidiary and they may not get the service they are accustomed to if they go to a larger firm of UK auditors with international knowledge.” The language is, of course, also a factor and although most clients, John says, speaks English very well, they like the comfort of having someone explaining matters in their own language. “When it comes to tax legislation details can be essential.”

For more details visit: www.kroghandpartners.com