Bob Cotton lends his industry expertise to Wellers Accountants

Having spent a decade at the helm of the BHA, Bob was a member of the Tourism Implementation Reform Group and chairman of the Department of Trade and Industry sponsored Best Practice Forum looking at productivity improvements across the hospitality sector. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and was awarded an OBE in 2003 for service to tourism and hospitality. Bob will be working alongside the dedicated hospitality team at Wellers Accountants, helping the firm to expand its successful practice among independent bar and restaurant businesses. The hospitality sector already represents an important area of expertise for Wellers, whose clients include the Feng Sushi group of restaurants, The Draft House Pub group, and Le Café Anglais. Commenting on his appointment, Bob said: "With independent businesses it is often the case that the food is superior but the management of finances isn't as effective as it could be. Some of the most common issues are cash monitoring, tax planning and relationships with banks. If these are in order, the profitability of a restaurant or bar will increase significantly." Neil Beck, managing partner at Wellers Accountants, said: "As finance specialists to the hospitality sector, we view Bob's input into the services and advice we deliver as invaluable and we are delighted to have him on board in an advisory capacity." Bob will be chairing a round table event focusing on financial issues affecting the hospitality industry in early 2012." Restaurant and bar owners interested in attending should contact Chris Thompson at chris.thompson@wellersaccountants.co.uk