Weathering the Storm: Celebrating 6 years with Aspen Waite

On one hand, it seems only yesterday I was sitting in a meeting room of the grand Macdonald Hotel in the shadow of Windsor Castle for afternoon tea, listening to Aspen Waite CEO, Paul Waite’s keynote speech.

This was a networking event for all exhibitors ahead of the Great British Expo’s Thames Valley Event held at Windsor racecourse later that month; May 2017. On the flip side, this seems a short lifetime away. So much has happened in these last 6 years.

Paul was the keynote speaker, making his inaugural ‘free-reins’ speech where he was sharing insights into both his varied business and personal life. I was intrigued to hear more from this wise & interesting man who clearly was not scared to divulge some of his innermost business & life secrets.

I was sharing a table for tea (think afternoon tea at the Ritz) with several Aspen Waiteys; little did I know they would go on to become colleagues & friends. I was later approached by another one of the senior Aspen Waiteys who suggested we meet for a coffee & catch up to see how we might be able to support one another in business. We met for coffee and an initial chat.

When I learnt that the Head Office was in Bridgwater, Somerset and very close to where I grew up, I took the initiative to contact Paul directly to arrange an introductory meeting when I was home visiting family during July 2017.

We met in Paul’s office in Rubis House – a room full of an eclectic mix of sporting memorabilia, art, artefacts, bookshelves packed with interesting reads; all which gave an insight into Paul’s incredibly varied interests, hobbies & life experiences. We seemed to share a similar outlook & philosophy to life, chatted for a couple of hours and before the meeting was out, I was honoured to be asked to join the team on a consultancy basis.

Initially I was involved in project work regarding defining processes, though this soon developed into becoming an Introducing Partner for Aspen Waite and consequently Business Development Manager, with a particular focus on the Research & Development Tax Credit side of the business, which is something I enjoy & find rewarding to this day. What’s not to love about helping businesses reduce their tax liability?

I have worked for the company on a part-time basis for 6 years now. Whilst for the most part I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Aspen Waite, it has not all been plain sailing (though an absolute highlight was a sailing away-day on the Solent)! In fact, these last 6 years could be likened to the sea and changing of the tides as it ebbs & flows. Firstly there was the tsunami of rapid and skyrocketing growth (2015-2020) to the ebbing tide aftermath of the pandemic in the years to follow. Of course, Aspen Waite are not alone in this sometimes queasy trend and safe to say every business has had to dig deep to get through the challenges of the last couple of years’ Covid & beyond.

However, sadly not all businesses have been as resilient as Aspen Waite, and its longevity –celebrating 30 years in business - is testament to Paul’s sheer determination, grit and resolve to succeed and be the best CEO he possibly can.

Without a doubt he is an extremely hard-working man, with a seemingly endless energy & propensity to generate business and indeed foster businesses. Not only is he a great accountant to his clients, though also a great mentor & friend. I have witnessed him selflessly take floundering businesses under his broad wings and help them weather the storm.

Aspen Waite could be likened to a sea-faring vessel. As is the reality of life at sea, there are times when the Captain of the ship is not happy, and he doesn’t hold back from letting his crew know. However, as with every storm, these times pass, and the calmer waters return.

Paul has a big heart, and he is not afraid to wear it on his sleeve.

During the height of the pandemic & the heyday of the dreaded furlough scheme, I recall Paul saying he would rather work night & day than make a member of staff redundant.

He stood by that, and to my knowledge has barely had much more than a handful of days holiday since the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Paul on his 30-year business anniversary. What an incredible achievement that is.

I am truly sorry to be missing the birthday party celebrations as Paul also knows how to throw a GREAT party! I will be there in spirit, as I take part in the Thames (Open Water Swimming) Marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support (had to get a swim plug in somewhere!).

Here’s to the next 30 years of Aspen Waite, her Captain and all those who set sail with her.

Rachael Wood Business Development Manager