Oxford Facilities Ltd.

Roy Tuttle is the type of owner-manager who likes to keep on top of everything in his business, from accounts to sales and customer relationships.

As a general manager within Robert Maxwell's Maxwell Communications Corporation, Roy Tuttle was a high-flying businessman used to jetting all over Europe. So it was a huge shock when Maxwell's media empire collapsed and Roy found himself out of work.

Undaunted, Roy used his wealth of contacts and skills to set up his own company, a project management and refurbishment consultancy, with his wife Linda.

A decade later, Oxford Facilities Ltd - based in Beckley, Oxfordshire - is thriving, with an annual profit of £250,000 per year. Oxford Facilities Limited provides consultancy and contracting services for all aspects of refurbishment and relocating a business. Roy's main clients include CB Hiller Parker Ltd and estate agents FPD Savills Ltd. Many of his customers are long-standing, as he explains:

The most important thing to me is developing good, honest relationships with all my business associates.

Roy rates strong business relationships built on trust very highly, especially in his financial dealings. After 30 years with the same bank, Roy decided to move his accounts when the relationship broke down. He says:

I had always had a close relationship with my bank manager, but when he moved on to another position, the level of service went downhill.

Roy approached a number of different banks when he decided to switch accounts, but it was the quick response from Abbey business's regional relationship manager, Laurie Lee, that made a good impression.

I wanted to deal with a real person. Laurie put my mind at ease by showing a genuine interest in my business. He has a great product knowledge and gives me quick and effective advice.

Roy likes to be able to check on his accounts and business transactions on a daily basis. Abbey business's on-line banking facility allows him to keep up-to-date with his banking, whatever the time of day. Not only is it convenient, it is a time saver for owner managers such as Roy, as he explains:

When you're running your own business, time is precious. Abbey's on-line banking service is excellent. I can keep up to date with my finances without having to interrupt my working day. Running a small business is hard - you have to recognise your own limitations otherwise you can become stressed. It's all very well achieving results, but you have to enjoy them at the same time.