In a recent episode of Optimum Live we looked at what makes business and client relationships vital to long-term success, by exploring how accountancy isn’t just about numbers, but is about supporting vision, growth and real people.
Graeme Leighfield from GEL Studios in Swindon shared his journey as a business owner navigating change, growth, and challenges, with the backing of the Optimum team.
One of the central takeaways is the transformational role proper accountancy support can have for a growing business.
Graeme explains how working with Optimum allows him to feel guided, understood, and most importantly, not alone, especially during challenging times. Gone are the traditional, once-a-year transactional relationships that leave business owners feeling isolated and, at times, unintelligent for asking questions. Optimum’s approach, as Graeme discovered, is far more collaborative. We pride ourselves on understanding the actual needs of business owners, translating financial jargon into clear, understandable language, and working side by side throughout the year.
By having frequent review meetings (at least twice a year), we are able to look both backwards and forwards, helping our clients map out plans, adapt to changing situations, and explore new opportunities in real time, not months too late. Whether it’s saving £12,000 through a proactive conversation, or helping provide the confidence to make a six-figure hire, that kind of support can make all the difference.
GEL Studios, now in its 14th year of operation, is no stranger to steady growth. But as Graeme explains, his business faced a point where redefining their purpose and refining their financial structure became critical. In 2024, they made the conscious decision to reshape the business to work with the right clients on the right projects, moving from being task-doers to strategic thinkers. This shift meant letting go of clients, increasing their hourly rates, and aligning the business with its deeper purpose of doing good.
That purpose-led mission is not just fluff. GEL Studios is now a proud B Corp business, with a focus on community support, bursaries, and projects like working alongside Swindon Carers. Their shift to becoming a truly values-driven organisation meant deeply understanding their margins, costs, and growth strategy – a transformation that only worked with expert financial backing and committed partners like Optimum.
Graeme openly shares how tough the past year has been, especially when having to make difficult personnel decisions and putting personal finances into the business. What helped him stay resilient was having the right support pillars in place, Optimum being one of them.
He points out that one of the standout features of the relationship is that it’s not just about crunching numbers. It’s about empathy, compassion, and building trust. Whether discussing tax planning or the possibility of investing in a company car, it’s all done with a level of personal understanding and genuine interest.
And it’s not just Graeme who benefits; he notes that his ability to operate more sustainably means offering his own support to charity clients and the local community, something that’s only possible with the right systems and advisers in place.
Graeme’s story with GEL Studios proves that growth is not always linear, but with the right advice and people around you, even the toughest periods can be navigated successfully. From understanding your margins, to making strategic hires, to realigning purpose with profit – it’s clear that real accountancy support goes far beyond tax returns.
To hear the full conversation and dive deeper into Graeme’s business journey, tips from the team at Optimum, and how purpose and numbers can genuinely work hand-in-hand, tune into Episode 16 of Optimum Live.
