How we’ve been supporting our clients, Sandy Smith Golf

The leisure industry has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, with many having to close their doors during some of their most lucrative months. At EQ, we have worked closely with our clients to provide relevant support and advice to ensure they are able to welcome back their own customers as soon as it is safe to do so.

One of those clients is Sandy Smith Golf, PGA Professionals at Ladybank Golf Course in Fife, led by Sandy Smith. They offer golf coaching sessions to all ability levels and run a fully stocked golf shop which provides equipment to golfers. The initial lockdown restrictions meant the company were forced to cease operations during what is usually one of its busiest periods, resulting in a sudden halt to their income.

Sandy has been an EQ client since 2015, and has a strong working relationship with EQ Partner, Steven Todd, who remained in constant contact throughout lockdown and since restrictions were lifted to offer his advice and expertise.

Steven commented,

“Having an existing relationship with Sandy meant I was in a position to preempt the needs of the business, which meant I could offer advice and support right away. I was making regular phone calls to ensure he was aware of all COVID support available to him, whilst we promptly completed his Annual Accounts. This allowed time to budget for Corporation Tax and meant we could also provide cashflow projections that would support any grant applications and give general awareness of the businesses cashflow in the months ahead. This also supported the business in deciding as to whether a Bounce Back Loan was required.”

Steven also assisted Sandy with their Scottish Enterprise grant application, which further supported their cashflow needs and helped them to develop and improve processes particularly around health and safety.

With so many health benefits and the fact golf is a socially distant sport that allows you to exercise outdoor in the fresh air where the risk of contracting COVID-19 is low, the number of people golfing in Scotland has increased compared to recent years, and is set to continue rising. To prepare for the increase, Sandy used the time during lockdown to make sure the golf shop was in line with national health and safety guidance and created an indoor coaching/fitting area to better utilise existing space and help his customers improve their game no matter the weather.

Sandy added,

“The start of lockdown was difficult for us but Steven and the team at EQ were very reassuring, offering us support and guidance throughout. With the financial information they had provided, we were able to understand our position and use our time wisely so we could reopen with new options in place. Since opening in June we have been working safely with our customers, both new and existing, who have really embraced the benefits of golf and we’re now in a better position to offer them a bespoke service all year round.”

If you would like to improve your golf game, or reserve a custom fitting session, contact Sandy and his team via www.sandysmithgolf.com.

For more information on how we are supporting our clients, or how we can help you or your clients, please get in touch with your usual EQ contact or call one of our offices.