Supporting our clients, Tayside Forestry

At EQ, our clients continue to be our priority and we work closely with them to ensure we can offer our support and advice.

One such client, Tayside Forestry, is one of the UK’s largest Christmas tree growers based at Templeton Farm. The family business is now run by Brian Hughes, son of Gordon Hughes who began the business nearly 60 years ago by planting five hundred Norway Spruce trees in Glenshee. Since its humble beginnings, the business has grown substantially, and it now produces over 80,000 trees each year across its 500 acres of land.

The company supplies its Christmas trees to a variety of clients such as large retail businesses, wholesalers, garden centres and sells directly to the public from the farm. In recent years the business has introduced a range of new technology including GPS and top of the range harvesting equipment to ensure it gets the best output and quality year on year.

Unfortunately, in 2019 the company was hit with a devastating fire, and with the ongoing pandemic following the year after, Brian sought the support and advice of our Partner, David Morrison.

David Morrison, commented, “Following the fire in 2019, we assisted the company with the completion of its large insurance claim and offered support throughout. With the pandemic hitting shortly after, we wanted to make sure we were able to provide meaningful advice and support, so EQ completed a root and branches review of the company’s financial processes. This included an assessment of its overall borrowing, a valuation of trees in the ground and in-depth look at their management accounting and budgeting procedures along with some proactive tax planning that will help the business now and into the future.”

Brian added, “I appreciate the way the team at EQ have invested time and effort in getting to know the business, despite the challenges of the pandemic. That thoroughness makes us confident in their advice and has created a positive working relationship with David and the team. It’s been a tough period for the business with the fire, followed by the pandemic, but it’s so reassuring to have the constant support and guidance from EQ. Their experience, knowledge and calmness under pressure has been invaluable to our business and gives us the confidence to move forward to meet the challenges ahead.”

Along with their range of trees, Tayside Forestry also supply kiln dried firewood from sustainable local woodland that can be delivered across the UK. With the impact of the pandemic, it has started contactless delivery and bundle deals to ensure people can get what they need, especially as we enter the colder months of the year.

On its site at Templeton Farm, Brian and the team operate Pine Cone Café and a gift shop which opens daily, offering a range of gifts and home baked goods to enjoy. The team have adapted their procedures to suit government guidelines and have put plans in place to welcome people to pick their Christmas tree from 28 November, right through until 23 December.

If you’d like to purchase your authentic Christmas tree from Tayside Forestry, sample the baking from Pine Cone Café or buy your firewood, you can plan your visit and find out more via https://taysideforestry.uk/.

If you would like to know more about how we can support your business, please get in touch to discuss your circumstances by calling one of our offices or emailing leisure@eqaccountants.co.uk.