Start-up to exit: how Consilium helped Andrew Chandler and RDM become a global success story

Andrew Chandler is one of Consilium’s most successful entrepreneurial clients. Having founded Resource Data Management (RDM) in 2000, he built it into an international business, subsequently acquired by Swedish tech firm Sdiptech AB in 2022. Now enjoying his “retirement” – as much as an energetic entrepreneur can – we spoke to Andrew about his business journey with Consilium Chartered Accountants and our role as his trusted advisors for over two decades.

Starting a business starts with trusted advisors

“Starting a business can be daunting, depending on your skill set”, Andrew Chandler explains. “In my case, I had product ideas and customers who needed them, but very little experience in operating, running and managing a business.” His ideas were to design and manufacture building control, remote monitoring and energy management solutions for clients ranging from supermarkets and theatres to hospitals and research facilities in the barren wastes of Antarctica. Those ideas were the building blocks of RDM, a now 150-employee, £20m plus business operating globally.

The gaps in Andrew’s skill set related to the accounting, tax, financial, and legal aspects of creating and running a business. With the aim of finding trusted advisors, Andrew appointed legal and accounting firms to support RDM. In the case of accountancy, it was Raymond Clarke – one of the founding partners of Consilium Chartered Accountants – who became Andrew’s key advisor.

“Having a good accountant is imperative, but having one that helps you understand accounting, explains P&L and balance sheets in a way that you understand is so very important”, he says.

A blend of knowledge, professionalism and plain-speaking support

Raymond Clarke – now retired – worked with RDM throughout Andrew’s 22-year ownership of the business. Eyeing his own entrepreneurial journey, Raymond set up Consilium with his fellow partners in 2013. Andrew, however, was in little doubt over the value of maintaining the partnership: “Relationships are so important to me, so it was a no-brainer to move with them.” 

Initially, Consilium provided accounting support to complete RDM’s monthly management accounts. For an early-stage business, removing the need to employ an in-house accountant was a big advantage. It also meant the year-end audit, accounting submissions, and associated reporting were streamlined. Leaving Andrew free to focus on building his business and achieving his goals.

“Using all the in-house specialists at Consilium – from general accounts to audit, tax and corporate finance – there was nothing the firm could not help me with”, he explains.

“Looking back, I feel so privileged to have met Raymond at the start of my business”, says Andrew with conviction. “I knew [Consilium] would be successful because they had the perfect blend of knowledge, professionalism and plain-speaking support.”

Finding an accountant that offers the benefits of both big and small

Beyond the breadth and depth of knowledge at Consilium, Andrew believes the firm’s business model has been intrinsic to his and RDM’s success.

Specifically, he pinpoints the Scottish firm’s ‘best of both worlds’ approach: “You get the professionalism and knowledge of a large accounting firm, but with the feel and support of a family business”, he concludes.

With RDM blazing a trail in the UK and growing fast, the next natural step was international expansion. Andrew turned to Consilium, and the firm helped him and his executive team begin the search for overseas partners. Once more, he takes the time to highlight the benefits of working with a single team of advisors: “Consilium helped find and appoint accountancy firms in the USA and Asia. They worked closely with them to make sure that the information they compiled and supplied met our needs as a group of companies based in the UK.”

RDM’s success and Andrew’s entrepreneurial interests elsewhere also created a pressing need for personal tax assistance. With in-house expertise in this area, Consilium, through Joyce Fleming, was appointed to provide personal tax advice and compliance to Andrew and his family. The ability to combine both corporate and personal tax affairs was a big advantage.

The Andrew Chandler story continues…

Following two decades of growth and success, Andrew found himself ready to exit RDM. As was the case with every other step of his entrepreneurial journey, Consilium were there to advise: “When I decided that the time was right to sell, Consilium were there.”

“Knowing the business and myself so well enabled Linzi Wilson and John Blair (Corporate Finance partners) to go to market and negotiate a very positive outcome.”

Despite the end of his time as RDM’s Managing Director, the connection with Consilium Chartered Accountants remains. As he reflects on the relationship, nearly a quarter of a century later, Andrew is full of praise: “Consilium continues to provide a fantastic service for me and my family in other businesses and investments.”

“Consilium are always there to use as a sounding board for other business investments, and Linzi Wilson has been involved with Agricald Limited and our recent investment into Stirling’s historic Golden Lion Hotel.”

“I was privileged to lead, and get to know, Andrew and the wider family as part of the RDM sale”, says Linzi. “It’s great to be able to call such an inspiring and successful entrepreneur not only a business contact but, more importantly, a friend. When Andrew called about the investment in the Golden Lion, I was honoured to assist Agricald and the family in this next chapter.”

“I would recommend Consilium in a heartbeat”

Before we finish up, the serial entrepreneur has his own words of advice for those starting on their business journey: “If anyone reading this is contemplating starting a business, or has a business but is looking for accounting, tax, business disposals, acquisitions or just general support, I would recommend Consilium Chartered Accountants in a heartbeat.”

“But the most important thing to say about everyone at Consilium is that they are all such fantastic, pleasant individuals”, he continues. “They love what they do and do it so well.”

Consilium Chartered Accountants is a firm of independent accountants and business advisors. We specialise in helping business owners achieve their goals with a comprehensive suite of Accounting, Audit, Corporate Finance, Tax, Payroll and Cloud Accounting solutions.

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Learn more about RDM, the company founded by Andrew Chandler.

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