The roots of A4G

Since 1991, A4G has always been an owner managed firm which means we understand your frustrations, motivations and needs. Our mission has always been to provide our clients more than numbers, but proactive advice to help them grow and succeed, because we share this ambition too.

In the 60s & 70s

Kings Lodge (the office we are in today) was actually a famous (most would say infamous) hangout for rockers (mods weren’t welcome) called Johnson’s Cafe. Bikers memorabilia and photos dating back to the 60s, hang in our office today.

In the 80s

Kings Lodge is used as a nightclub firstly trading as Oscar’s and then the notorious Kings Lodge Disco where many now well-respected local businessmen enjoyed their first (and probably under-age) alcoholic drink and is where DJ Pete Tong started his career. At the end of the 80s, the disco closes and the building falls into disrepair.

1995

Malcolm Palmer is approached to take over a practice in Longfield called Taylor Roalfe which had traded for 26 years. The new business with Malcolm at the helm trades as part of a Medway based practice called Stephen Hill Partnership. The real journey begins when the firm employs its first trainee, a fresh-faced Peter Baldwin who today is one of our Board members as Head of IT. For the next few years, the practice will take on one new trainee a year.

1996

Having outgrown our original premises over the top of a hairdressers, the firm moves 50 yards away from the smell of perming lotion, into larger offices.

1999

Further growth and difficulty in finding office space in Longfield leads the practice takes over the derelict Kings Lodge in West Kingsdown. Whilst the renovation work is going on, the practice employs two new trainees for the first time including the now deputy managing partner, Emma White (nee Finlay). The offices are opened with an event on the theme of Johnson’s café and many of the old regulars are invited to the opening.

1999 to 2001

The practice goes through a spectacular period of growth doubling in size in less than three years.

2003

The practice launches the A4G Improve and Grow range of services to meet the eight needs and wants of owner-managers.

2004 & 2005

Board member Holly Smith (nee Startup) join as our new trainee

2006

The practice purchases the compliance arm of QED Accountancy and partner Caroline Ward joins. One of the new trainees that year is Josh Curties. The practice is re-branded as A4G LLP

2008 to 2009

The economic recession hits the world and A4G establish a reputation for excellent advice to businesses owners.

2012

A4G grows and invites A4G Bookkeeping and A4G Payroll to join the team as sister companies.

2014

A4G continues to grow and sets up A4G Growth with Will Richardson, financial services arm A4G Wealth alongside A4G Bookkeeping and A4G Payroll in order to meet its mission of being the best all round advisers to owner-managed businesses.

2015

A4G celebrates 20 years of uninterrupted consecutive growth.

2018

A4G sets up wills and probate arm, A4G Legacy.

2020-2021

The outbreak of Covid-19 affected and took thousands of lives around the world and we went in and out of lockdown. We created our A4G Coronavirus Business Advice Hub on 16th March 2020 as we saw the growing impact the pandemic was having on clients and the economy.

We produced advice and free tools every single day to help business owners navigate all the changes and provide them with the best tools to give them the greatest chance of business survival. (Some even said we were ahead of the news!)