Claire’s Column – Book Review The Recession Is Over: Time To Grow

Published on: 19 Nov, 2013
Updated on: 19 Nov, 2013

Claire Dee

In this regular column – a must read for all those interested in Guildford business – Claire Dee reviews local author Keith Churchouse’s latest book The recession is over: time to grow.

Earlier this year, a business contact of mine – and stalwart of the Guildford business community – Keith Churchouse published his fourth in a series of financial reference books The recession is over: time to grow.

Keith is a financial planner and director of his own company, Chapters Financial, which he set up in 2004 with fellow director Esther Dadswell.

In my 20-plus years in the communications profession working closely with those in the accountancy and financial sector, Keith is a breath of fresh air. Despite his extensive experience and knowledge, his style remains relaxed, informal, even fun! And this style runs through his latest publication, which is fundamentally a handbook for small business owners looking to further grow and develop their company.

As Sir Christopher Snowden, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Surrey, notes in his foreword: “This book is aimed at those who are already running businesses and for aspiring directors, partners and managers of small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This is a book for those who want to evaluate the success of their enterprise and reinvigorate the business and themselves, capturing the author’s enthusiasm and experience.”

Keith Churchouse with his book The recession is over: time to grow

The recession is over: time to grow is, thankfully, not a literary tome but an easily digestible read broken up into 10 bite-sized chapters. From ‘Eureka!’ which identifies the whys and hows of setting up on your own, including Keith’s own eureka moment travelling on a train from London to Guildford, to Wonky wheel which discusses how to ensure the wheels stay on, and the all-important Accounting, money and cash flow – the lifeblood of any successful business.

While the tone throughout is light and engaging, the content is clear, concise and factually full of useful tips and tools which, as Keith says himself, “just tell it like it is” – my kind of language.

For further information on The recession is over: time to grow by Keith Churchouse visit www.the-recession-is-over.co.uk

Claire Dee runs her own communications consultancy near Guildford and is an active member of the local business community including sitting on the Surrey Chambers of Commerce Council. To learn more visit www.clairedeecommunications.com