Sector: Precision & specialist service engineering (health sector)
Location: Yorkshire
Services: Proactive advisory · Tax planning · Systems & digital transformation
The problem: an engineer who became a business owner overnight
In 2005, Lee Succoia bought the business from his father-in-law and became MD. Overnight, he went from engineer to business owner with no external support, and no clear picture of what good advice looked like.
The firm’s existing accountant was keeping score, not adding value. They had little understanding of how the business actually ran. And without knowing it could be different, Lee and his team didn’t push for more.
“Only another business owner knows how lonely it can be running a business.”
The business continued to stagnate when it should have been growing. The turning point came when Lee recognised they needed energy and ideas and to decide to either move forward or stay stuck.
Why they chose Ascentis
When Lee first met the Ascentis team, he was struck by their attitude — positive, enthusiastic, and genuinely interested in the business. That energy has driven things forward in the three years since.
What changed
With Ascentis in place, Chanter Bio-Med has kicked off several initiatives and is moving from a traditional operation towards being an advanced digital business. The specialist tax advice has helped Lee personally and the business commercially.
“More has happened in the last year than happened in the last 10 years.”
Improved efficiency is starting to filter through to the bottom line. Lee now has more time, enough to get out and see key customers and develop new products for the first time in years.
What Chanter Bio-Med got from working with Ascentis
- Active, ongoing support — not reactive, year-end advice
- Specialist tax advice benefiting both the business and Lee personally
- A clear direction: moving towards an advanced digital business
- Time freed up for the MD to focus on customers and growth
“We feel now we have the tools for success and are on our way to be an advanced digital business.”