David Hallam, founder of Wise Software, developer of the OrderWise suite of business software and Wise Robotics, has worked with Duncan & Toplis for many years.
Recently, we worked with David to secure the sale of both businesses and we continue to work with him today.
Founded in 1991, Wise Software has nearly 30 years of experience providing solutions to businesses, developing and implementing software.
The company now employs more than 200 people at its head offices in Saxilby near Lincoln. The company’s flagship solution, OrderWise is a suite of software developed by Wise Software that includes specialised, highly-integrated financial software, order management, point of sale (POS), warehouse management (WMS), transportation management (TMS), and e-commerce solutions.
David and Wise Software started working with Duncan & Toplis in 2017 after a period of rapid growth meant there was a need for accountants that could support it.
David Hallam, the founder of Wise Software and Wise Robotics, said:
“When we were looking to appoint a new accountant, we invited a couple of companies in, and Tim and Tara from Duncan & Toplis stood out due to how friendly and approachable they were. Both myself and our finance director were unanimous in the decision to appoint Duncan & Toplis.
“It became immediately apparent that we had made a good decision, with Tim uncovering several issues that should have been sorted out previously. Tim handled it really well and helped me understand what the issues were and our relationship just grew and grew.
“Tim has been a huge part of my business life now for many years and I trust him implicitly. The whole Duncan & Toplis team is wonderful and I genuinely feel that me and the businesses are genuinely cared for by Duncan & Toplis.”
Establishing such a close and trusted relationship was crucial to David and the team at Wise later on, when it came to securing the sale of the business.
Duncan & Toplis supported David and his team at Wise Software, alongside the teams at Bishopsgate Corporate Finance and Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, in preparing the businesses for sale and finding the best possible home for the companies’ customers, software, and 200+ employees.
David said: “The role that Duncan & Toplis played in the sale of the business was absolutely pivotal. They were extremely thorough throughout the due diligence process.
“Duncan & Toplis always had my back through an incredibly difficult process. They kept me going, and their people management was absolutely exceptional.
“They worked so hard on achieving the outcome that we all wanted.”
Tim Godson, director of Duncan & Toplis, said: “This deal has been an exceptional result for our client, showing just what can be achieved by having the right team of local advisers on board.
“We’ve built a strong, trusting relationship with David over many years. We began as his company’s auditors before helping him explore his long-term strategic options. We then supported David and his team at Wise Software alongside the teams at Bishopsgate and Wilkin Chapman in preparing the businesses for sale.
“Throughout this period, Bishopsgate, Wilkin Chapman, and Duncan & Toplis worked cohesively, acting in the best interest of David and his two companies. Having never been through the process of selling a business before, David put his absolute trust in us, and we’re all proud to have helped him achieve such a terrific deal.”
