t: 01539 722289 I e: info@dixongibbsltd.co.uk
WHY US?
Dixon Gibbs Ltd - About Us
Welcome to Dixon Gibbs Ltd, a distinguished accountancy practice nestled in the heart of Kendal, the gateway to The Lake District. Founded in 2006 as a partnership between Catherine Gibbs and her daughter Marianne Dixon, our firm has grown from a family collaboration into a beacon of professional excellence and personalised service upon our incorporation in 2009. With the valuable addition of Rachael Little in 2017, our team has only further solidified our commitment to excellence, reliability, and approachability.
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At Dixon Gibbs Ltd, we are more than just accountants; we are your outsourced accounts team, dedicated to propelling your business forward. With years of combined experience and expertise, Catherine, Marianne, and Rachael bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, ensuring that every client receives a service tailored to their unique needs. Our commitment to maintaining excellent customer relations is at the core of our operations. We pride ourselves on our prompt and efficient responses, ensuring that your queries and needs are addressed with the utmost care and professionalism.
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Personalised Service
Our approach is tailored to meet your specific needs. We understand that each business is unique, and we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, bespoke solutions that align with your goals.
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Prompt and Efficient Communication
We believe in maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. Our commitment to responding promptly and efficiently to any correspondence ensures that you're never left in the dark.
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Professionalism and Reliability
With years of experience under our belt, we bring an unmatched level of professionalism and reliability to the table. Our team is not only highly qualified but also deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of service.
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Approachability
We are here to demystify the complexities of accounting for you. Our team is approachable and friendly, always ready to provide clear, understandable advice to help you navigate the financial aspects of your business
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A Wealth of Experience
Led by Catherine and Marianne, our team's extensive experience in tax planning, bookkeeping, VAT, making tax digital, accounts preparation, and company formations makes us a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise, ready to serve your business.
At Dixon Gibbs Ltd, we are dedicated to being more than just your accountants; we aim to be an integral part of your business's success story.
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Let us help you navigate the complexities of financial management, so you can focus on what you do best - growing your business.
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Join us, and together, let's achieve your business aspirations.
Our Team
Catherine Gibbs, Director
BA(Hons), MAAT, Cert Ed, Dip.RSA
Catherine's career commenced with an influential tenure at Thomas Cook, a period that provided her with invaluable insights into the banking and finance sector within a successful national entity, then part of the Midland Bank Group, now known as HSBC. This foundational experience was instrumental in shaping her understanding of financial operations within large-scale enterprises.
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Progressing to roles as a Management Accountant for several family-owned businesses, Catherine gained extensive 'hands-on' experience. She played a pivotal role in monitoring and managing financial performance, ensuring business viability, and leading strategic decision-making processes to drive success and profitability.
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Further enhancing her professional capabilities, Catherine received invaluable training and experience across three local practices in Cumbria and Lancashire. Her academic journey, marked by earning a BA Honours degree in Business Studies, broadened her business acumen to encompass critical elements of marketing, human resource management, business law, and strategic planning.
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Catherine's dedication to supporting emerging businesses and entrepreneurs was evident in her advisory roles funded by Business Link and the Market Towns Initiative. Focusing on rural areas and women in business, she navigated the challenges faced by micro and small businesses, providing them with strategic guidance and support.
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An advocate for education, Catherine spent nine years imparting knowledge in Accounting, Tax, and Business Finance across Further and Higher Education institutions, as well as private training providers. This experience honed her ability to demystify accounting and tax complexities for business owners, empowering them with clearer understanding and insight.
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Culminating her diverse and rich career, Catherine founded an accountancy practice that evolved into Dixon Gibbs Ltd. Leveraging her vast experience, she leads a highly professional and effective team, committed to offering bespoke support in financial planning, business structuring, tax, accounting, and financial compliance. Under her guidance, Dixon Gibbs Ltd empowers business owners to navigate the financial aspects of their operations with confidence, allowing them to focus on their core business activities.
Marianne Dixon, Senior Accountant
ACCA FMAAT
Marianne began her accountancy career immediately after completing her secondary education in 2004. With a commitment to excellence, she began her professional journey as a full-time student, swiftly advancing through her qualifications with a fast-track AAT NVQ Level 2 and 3 at Kendal College. Her academic pursuit included specialisations in Sage Payroll and IAB Bookkeeping. Marianne's early dedication to her field laid the groundwork for her future achievements.
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In partnership with Catherine Gibbs, Marianne co-founded Catherine Gibbs Associates, which has since evolved into Dixon Gibbs Ltd. This venture marked the beginning of a progressive career in accountancy and taxation, during which Marianne continued her studies. She achieved her AAT NVQ Level 4, further cementing her expertise in the field. Her pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; Marianne advanced to complete her Chartered Accountancy qualification with the ACCA at BPP University of Manchester, attaining full qualification in 2018. She excelled in her chosen specialisations of Advanced Taxation and Advanced Performance Management.
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Marianne is renowned for her ability to communicate complex financial concepts in plain English, effectively demystifying the world of accountancy for her clients. Her exceptional problem-solving skills, coupled with a knack for minimising costs in accounts and tax return preparation, make her an invaluable asset. Marianne's true expertise lies in devising optimal tax planning strategies for owner-managed businesses and offering unwavering support to clients, aiding in their business growth.
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Away from the professional sphere, Marianne dedicates her time to family and friends and the renovation of her Victorian-era home. An advocate for personal well-being, she enjoys weightlifting, staying fit, and seizing every opportunity to enjoy the sunshine.
Rachael Little, Accounts Technician
FMAAT AATQB
Rachael embarked on her journey into the world of bookkeeping in 1996, following the completion of her City & Guilds in Agricultural and Horticultural Accounts at Newton Rigg College. This initial step was taken with the aim of managing the financial 'paperwork' for her family's farm, marking the beginning of a career that would span over two decades and witness the transition from traditional handwritten ledgers to the adoption of Sage in 2000.
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Rachael's commitment to professional development led her to pursue further education at Kendal College, where she completed her AAT training to achieve a Professional Diploma Level and subsequently gained MAAT status. Additionally, she has earned an Advanced Level qualification in Excel spreadsheets, further enhancing her technical skills.
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Joining our team in January 2017, Rachael has become an indispensable member of Dixon Gibbs Ltd. She is adept at preparing VAT Returns, completing Payroll, and finalising Accounts and Tax Returns. Her precision, dedication, and expertise contribute significantly to the seamless operation of our accounting services.
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Outside of her professional life, Rachael is deeply rooted in the agricultural community, living on a beef and sheep farm with her husband and two daughters. Her interests extend beyond her work and farm life; she is passionate about keeping fit and exploring the world, with a particular fondness for travelling to long-haul destinations.