Dubby Klyne – The Klyne Group
When Dubby Klyne’s parents started the business, someone suggested they move from their previous accountants to FFT. This decision marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.
“When my parents started working with FFT,” Dubby recalls. “We were a small wholesale company. Thirty-five years later, we have a group of companies spanning different industries, including nursery products, pet products, third-party logistics, and property. None of this – and this is no exaggeration – would have been possible without FFT.”
FFT has provided substantial value and support to The Klyne Group over the 30 years the businesses have been in partnership. Dubby says: “There is no service we have ever worked with that has been more valuable or created more value than FFT. They’ve allowed us to grow in an incredible way and opened up the path to become market leaders in all the fields we’re in.”
FFT’s role extends beyond standard accounting services when it comes to The Klyne Group. They have become an integral part of the business’s day-to-day operations and strategic planning.
Dubby says: “We work with them on a day-to-day basis for standard things like payroll or filing accounts. Any accountant can do that! But for the last 20 years, someone from FFT has been in our office every single Monday at 10 am, meeting with our senior management team. We go through the week’s trading, flag up anything that needs to be done going forward, discuss projects, and get insights into different options. Whether we’re buying a business or property or changing direction in one of our businesses, FFT have been there every step of the way.”
This consistent presence and strategic input are invaluable to the Dubby and his team. “I can honestly say there is no major decision that we take without FFT in the room,” he says.
The accessibility and dedication of FFT’s team stand out as their key strengths and everyone at The Klyne Group recognises this. “They are always available, always a moment away, and always accessible. It’s obvious from anyone that works with FFT that their clients are their lifeblood, and they treat their clients as the most important aspect of their business. For a business like ours, which is very entrepreneurial and fast-moving, they are always the voice of calm and reason in the room.”
FFT’s proactive and reasoned approach has also been a significant advantage to The Klyne Group. “Their forward thinking is a big strength of theirs when it comes to planning, resources, and even estate planning within our family as well as the business! They’re always considering the ramifications of every decision and how it might affect our finances – which is exactly what we need.”
According to Dubby, responsiveness is another hallmark of the service that FFT provides. “You know you can pick up the phone, and you’re going to get through to a partner in no time,” he says. “My dad always said that a good accountant is one who’s willing to give you the opposing view – to point out the traps before you fall into them – and that’s exactly what FFT do for us and always will do.
“I highly recommend FFT to anyone. If someone is just starting out and they ask me what tools they need, I instantly tell them to speak to FFT. Without a shadow of a doubt, the best decision you can make is to go with FFT.”
