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Penshurst Place

Creaseys praised for efficiency, professionalism and friendliness

“Creaseys have always given us the advice and support to enable us to manage the Penshurst Place estate accounts effectively”

The 2,500 acre Penshurst Place Estate has been home to the Sidney family since 1552. The current owner, Philip Sidney Viscount De L’Isle, his wife Isobel Viscountess De L’Isle and two children The Honorable Sophia and Philip Sidney continue to live in the house, as generations have done before them.

The Estate has to be run as a business in order to support Penshurst Place and Gardens, which has long been a popular Kent tourist destination and succeeds in offering summer attractions for all, from history lovers to gardening enthusiasts and for children too. All year round shoppers return regularly to its gift shop. Brides choose Penshurst as a back drop for their dream wedding, whilst businesses select the house and/or Grounds for meetings exhibitions and gala dinners. 

The Tunbridge Wells Accountants Creaseys have advised the family since the 1930s. On the death of his father in 1991 Lord De L’Isle continued to employ Creaseys as Accountants. “On inheriting Penshurst we made the decision to continue in the same way as my father, however it was also plain we would need to merge the two halves of our businesses and modernise it.”
In 1993 the Estate went out of direct farming and let the home farms on Farm Business Tenancies. This released working capital to improve many of the facilities which are offered to visitors and upgrade the Estate property portfolio.

Lord De L’Isle believes “Each generation faces different challenges; life is certainly a marathon not a sprint. In making important decisions it is vital that good and timely professional advice is taken. Creaseys have helped us evolve the business from being mainly based in agriculture, to a much diversified business with 11 different departments.”

Head of Accounts at Penshurst Place, Sarah Chatten, started work at Penshurst when the Estate was going through the late Lord De L’Isle’s probate, and the two halves of the business were being merged. Coincidentally Emma Roberts, now chief executive at Creaseys, had just joined the accountancy firm when they began working together.

“I value the continuity of the relationship that we have built up over time. Emma and I have always worked productively together and Creaseys provide a responsive and supportive service,” said Sarah.

“We are in a position to speak directly to our nominated accountant on a day-to-day basis, if required – and whether the query is for the tax department or the payroll department we can rely on receiving the relevant advice and support in a timely manner.”

When Sarah was on maternity leave, in her absence, Creaseys took over the Penshurst Place payroll which ran efficiently, as well as supplying a part-time book-keeper to cover the other accounts work in the office. The firm’s Sage experts have also provided ongoing software support.

“Creaseys have always given us the advice and support to enable us to manage the Penshurst Place estate accounts effectively. They have proved themselves to be a very efficient, professional and friendly company,” said Sarah.

www.penshurstplace.com