Interview with Deleece Plumpton, Founder & Director at Fuse IT
When did you first start using Business Studio?
About a year ago but I have known Justine for many years in a professional capacity.
So, with that timeline in mind, take me back to life before Business Studio Innovators, who were you using instead?
I felt the partners at my previous accounting firm didn’t take me seriously as a woman business owner. I had been with the same accounting firm for over 20 years and left because there was no compelling reason to stay. The service was no longer personal. My business and I were no longer “known”.
Tell me about the moment the old way wasn’t cutting it. What caused that moment? What compelled you to look for something different?
The large firm I was with wasn’t offering me significant value anymore. As a company embarking on an active growth stage the service we were receiving was not relevant to our changing needs and nobody at partner level in the firm even knew. I was becoming increasingly frustrated. They really left me long before I left them.
Where did you look for something different? Did you try anything different?
I knew Justine, and had always liked her personal approach and I recognised she understood the value of modern back office technologies. I had watched her set up Business Studio Innovators with interest and when I eventually became frustrated with my previous firm – moving to Justine was the obvious choice.
Why did you decide to choose Business Studio Innovators over other options? Did anything stand out?
I didn’t need to look elsewhere. I had worked with Justine in the past – I knew her style, her depth of knowledge, and how she truly understands the strategic vision for her client’s businesses. It’s rare for an accountant to see the future and understand that context. As we are in a growth phase, this was crucial.
When you started working with Business Studio Innovators what made you feel you had made the right decision?
I knew instantly. There was no apprehension in moving as I already trusted Justine.
For me and our firm, it’s people first. We really try and embody the Maori proverb -
'He aha te mea nui tea o? He tangata he tangata, he tangata!'
Which means -
‘What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people!'
Justine embodies that too. One of her key values is connecting people and she was instrumental in an introduction for us which led to us onboarding a key member of staff who has been a fundamental part of our growth. Business advances when we value and connect people and that’s part of what Justine does for her clients – helping them grow through growing their people and networks which is massive added value for any business.
Justine also cares about her clients, asking about wellbeing and capacity. Mental health is a serious issue these days and I really value that she goes above and beyond and checks in on this.
What is Business Studio Innovators doing for you now?
As we’re a growing business, our needs are changing, and Business Studio Innovators are coming along with us on that journey. In addition to the accounting essentials they undertake, they are part of our growth journey. Justine isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions.
Now that you have been working with Business Studio Innovators, what is the number 1 thing you can do now that you couldn’t do before?
I think the biggest thing is ‘trust’. Trust is currency. Before, I couldn’t trust my previous firm to deliver essential services in a timely manner. Now we get that and much more. We’re in a partnership in our business growth and that’s much more than just accounting.
What do you wish Business Studio Innovators did that it doesn’t do today?
I can’t think of anything else they could offer us. It is a one-stop-shop for the services we need.
How would you explain to a friend the job that Business Studio Innovators do for you?
I would recommend Business Studio Innovators to any business that needs to transform. Embracing technology and supporting digital transformation is a key service from Justine and her team which really sets them apart from other firms offering purely accounting. They really carry you on that journey and help future-proof your business and growth. This is a significant point of difference. There are many businesses out there doing well but needing to go to the next step and you can’t do that without processes and systems, which can be scary. Business Studio Innovators are really respectful of wherever you are in your business journey and will take the time to understand your business and collaborate with you in your digital transformation.
Do you feel like you are getting value? Does this value outweigh the cost?
Absolutely. You can’t put a value on the personal connection and personal service you get from Business Studio Innovators.
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