Meet A Tenant

About Balance Books, Bookkeepers in North Finchley

It has been a few years since we last featured Balance Books on The Brentano Suite blog, so we recently caught up with Costas to hear how the business has developed since their original 2022 interview. Based at our North Finchley location, Balance Books is a growing bookkeeping company supporting businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to larger organisations with clear, practical financial guidance in an increasingly digital environment.

Since our last conversation, the team has expanded, internal systems have been strengthened and their flexible working model has continued to evolve. From embracing cloud-based bookkeeping software and real-time financial reporting to helping clients prepare for Making Tax Digital, Balance Books remains focused on simplifying complex financial information and giving business owners greater clarity and control.

We caught up with Costas as he shares his perspective on business growth, the value of working from The Brentano Suite, and the bookkeeping trends businesses should be aware of as they look ahead to 2026.

Business Growth and Hybrid Working

It’s been a few years since our last feature with you! How has Balance Books evolved since 2022, and are there any milestones or results you’re particularly proud of?

We’ve grown to a team of eight, added an Operations Manager and Administrator, and improved our systems. Onboarding and software support are smoother than ever.

Hybrid working was a major theme in your previous interview. How has your approach to hybrid or flexible working changed, and how does your office set-up at The Brentano Suite support that?

Flexible working is still core to our business. The Brentano Suite gives us a reliable base for teamwork, client meetings, and a good home–office balance.

Why Balance Books Chose The Brentano Suite

What made you choose The Brentano Suite originally, and why have you stayed?

We chose it for its professional, well-managed environment. We’ve stayed because the service, support, and atmosphere remain excellent.

Your team has been with us at The Brentano Suite for some time now! How does having a base here support your daily workflow, client relationships, or overall business growth, and are there any facilities or aspects of our team that particularly enhance the way you work?

The space suits our paperless workflow and gives us professional meeting rooms for clients and team sessions. The Brentano team’s support enhances our client experience.

Which features of the building or community do your team use most?

We use our 2nd-floor office daily, book the meeting rooms for clients, and enjoy the Vivaldi room during the monthly coffee mornings.

Bookkeeping Trends Small Businesses Should Prepare For in 2026

Many of our readers are business owners. What shifts or trends in bookkeeping have you seen recently that clients should be aware of, and what should businesses be preparing for in 2026?

Real-time financial data is now the norm thanks to cloud tools. By 2026, sole traders and landlords earning over £50k will need to comply with Making Tax Digital quarterly reporting, something our clients are already used to.

What are some of the biggest challenges your clients face today, and how do you support them through those pain points?

Clients struggle with time, complexity, and interpreting their numbers. We provide proactive bookkeeping, clearer insights, and personal, ongoing support.

Technology and Cloud Bookkeeping at Balance Books

With technology evolving so rapidly, have any tools or systems transformed the way Balance Books works behind the scenes?

Yes! Cloud systems and better AI have sped up processing and cut paperwork. Xero remains our main platform, allowing us to focus more on analysis and forecasting.

Future Plans for Balance Books

Finally, what’s next for Balance Books? Are there any goals, services, or upcoming projects you’re excited to share with our audience?

In 2026 we’ll enhance real-time reporting, adopt new tech including an AI forecasting tool, grow our team, and strengthen our social media presence.

If another business were considering a serviced office, what advice would you give them?

Choose a space that reduces stress, is professional, well-maintained, and well-supported. The Brentano Suite has been exactly that for us.

Supporting Business Growth with Balance Books at The Brentano Suite

At The Brentano Suite, we work alongside a wide range of established and growing businesses, including Balance Books, who continue to use our serviced offices as a reliable base for their team and clients. With flexible workspaces across North London and Hertfordshire, including Elstree, Whetstone, North Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb, we offer professional environments designed to support focus, collaboration and long term growth.

• Elstree: Flexible offices available on our newly launched second floor
• North Finchley: A range of modern serviced offices ready for immediate move in
• Whetstone: Two bright, spacious third floor offices available now
• Hampstead Garden Suburb: Just one office remaining in this sought after location

Become part of a supportive business community and see how The Brentano Suite provides more than just workspace. It is a professional setting built to help businesses move forward.

Have Any Questions?

Where is Balance Books based?

Balance Books is based at The Brentano Suite in North Finchley, providing professional bookkeeping services to businesses of all sizes across North London and beyond.

What type of businesses use The Brentano Suite?

The Brentano Suite supports bookkeepers, professional service firms, consultants, healthcare providers and growing SMEs seeking flexible, serviced office space in North London.

Are serviced offices suitable for bookkeeping practices?

Yes. Serviced offices provide bookkeepers with professional meeting rooms, flexible terms and on-site support, making them ideal for hybrid working and cloud-based bookkeeping services.

Stay connected with Balance Books

To learn more about how Balance Books supports businesses with bookkeeping, VAT planning, financial forecasting and more, visit their website. You can also contact the team directly via email (hello@balancebooks.co.uk) or by phone (020 8264 5129).

Book a tour of The Brentano Suite

Discover flexible office space across Elstree, Whetstone, North Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb.

At The Brentano Suite, we’re proud to support businesses that spark creativity and connection, like The Happy Puzzle Company, one of our long-standing tenants at Elstree. As the UK’s market leader in family puzzles and games, with a dedicated 3-person office, they’ve built a reputation for bringing families together through screen-free fun that challenges the mind and sparks joy.

From puzzles crafted by their in-house experts to exclusive designs sourced from around the globe, every Happy Puzzle product is designed to entertain, educate, and create meaningful moments. With the festive season approaching, their busiest and most exciting period, the team is working hard to ensure families across the UK can unwrap happiness, one puzzle at a time.

They’ve found their ideal base in our Elstree serviced offices, a professional yet creative environment that mirrors their brand. We caught up with Josh, revisiting our conversations from 2021 to hear about the latest developments, their growth, and why their philosophy of happiness through puzzles remains at the core of their business.

Who are the Happy Puzzle company?

Happy Puzzle are the UK’s market leaders in providing family puzzles and games. A high proportion of our range is available exclusively in the UK through The Happy Puzzle Company. Many are created by our in-house team of puzzle experts and top designers, whilst others are sourced exclusively from around the globe.

What makes your puzzles and games unique?

Everything we do has a screen free focus. We put huge amounts of work in to ensuring that all of our games develop skills and encourage social connections. You won’t find a computer game anywhere on our site. If you want family time with some serious fun, then Happy Puzzle is the place to look.

The Christmas season is fast approaching! What does this time of year mean for you?

This is always a great time of year. Yes, our work load goes through the roof, but the season is critical to the growth of Happy Puzzle. We work hard to make sure that we are communicating with our customers on their orders, and with our warehouse to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Our product ranges, catalogues and lots of marketing were all signed off in July/August, so now we have to make sure that all of our hard work comes together perfectly. With the festive season in full swing, we’ve also launched our new Christmas range, packed with fun, screen-free puzzles perfect for family time. I’m really excited to share these seasonal favourites with families across the UK.

Which products are your top picks right now and why do you love them?

I also wanted to share my top three favourites from our range: Waxidoodle Dinosaurs, Word Snap XL, and The Genius Connection. Each one reflects our focus on creativity, learning, and bringing families together, making them perfect for gift-giving or simply enjoying some quality family fun!

If you’re curious about how they work, check out our Word Snap XL tutorial video below!

Your company’s tagline is “Creating happiness one puzzle at a time.” Why does that message matter more than ever?

This is a really great tag line. Take Creating Happiness. Who is creating happiness here? Is it us as the company who supplies the product? Is it the person who buys the game, is it the person who is playing the game? Ultimately we are claiming to change the world, but somewhere, somehow, someone will create happiness through use of our games.

How has The Happy Puzzle Company evolved in recent years?

We have become more streamlined and more digital. A bigger focus in recent years on social media and data driven analytics.

Your Experience at The Brentano Suite Elstree

How long have you been based at The Brentano Suite, and what first attracted you to it?

We’ve been based at The Brentano Suite since 2019. The offices were a step above anything we’d seen before, with ample free parking, great people, and the perfect setup for our needs.

How has your space evolved since moving in?

We have moved offices a number of times within The Brentano Suite and the team has always been very accommodating.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

The sweets in the meeting room. I know that’s not a great answer, but it’s the one thing I look forward to when I come in.

How do you use the shared facilities such as the meeting rooms and communal spaces?

We use them on a regular basis for team meetings.

What would you say to another business thinking about moving to The Brentano Suite?

Not hesitate, come and take a look. Like us, one look and you will be wanting to sign up right away.

Fuel Your Business Growth Like Happy Puzzle at The Brentano Suite

At The Brentano Suite, we love seeing businesses thrive just like The Happy Puzzle Company, whose Elstree office has been a home for their creativity and growth. With serviced offices in North London across Elstree, Whetstone, North Finchley and Hampstead Garden Suburb, we offer fully equipped spaces where teams can grow, collaborate and succeed.

✨ Elstree Expansion: Our brand new second floor has launched, with 40% already occupied!
✨ Whetstone: Two large, light-filled third-floor offices available now
✨ North Finchley: Modern serviced offices ready for immediate move-in

Join our community of thriving businesses today and discover why The Brentano Suite is more than an office — it’s a space where success takes shape.

Have Any Questions?

Stay connected with Happy Puzzle

Follow them on Instagram (@happypuzzlecompany) or visit their website for the latest puzzles, family fun, and behind-the-scenes updates.

How can I book a tour at one of The Brentano Suite locations?

You can book a tour to visit any of our locations anytime.

Brika Contractors, a small business with two offices, shares how having a serviced office and meeting room access at The Brentano Suite Whetstone has supported their growth and operations, offering a flexible and well-connected base for their London projects.

Beyond construction, they’ve recently extended their community focus through a new venture, Whetstone Coffee, creating a welcoming local space for residents to meet, relax, and enjoy quality food and drink. In this feature, Brika Contractors also reflects on some of their standout projects, including a full apartment block renovation in Kensington, highlighting the careful planning and attention to detail that goes into each job.

Looking ahead to 2026, the company has ambitious plans for expansion, both in construction and haulage, while maintaining the high standards and client-focused approach that have become their hallmark.

Read on to discover how Brika Contractors balances business growth with community engagement, and what makes their approach to projects and people stand out.

What inspired you to start Brika Contractors, and what sets your business apart in the construction industry?

Brika Contractors was born from a deep passion for building and creating. But we wanted to do more than just construct buildings; we wanted to build relationships.

Our approach is simple:

• Trust and Honesty: These aren’t just words for us; they’re the foundation of how we operate
• Client Care: We ensure every client feels valued and well-cared for throughout the entire process

We believe in:

• Personal Connection: Taking the time to truly listen and understand your vision
• Quality Work: Delivering results that both you and we can be proud of

What makes a project truly satisfying for you and your team?

We’re passionate about projects that allow us to truly transform spaces.

It’s incredibly satisfying to:

• Turn a tired old house into a dream family home
• Create a brand-new garden for people to enjoy

There’s nothing quite like seeing the before and after!

The best jobs are those where we:

• Know we’ve made a significant difference in how people live
• Walk away with a sense of pride and accomplishment

Could you share a recent success story or standout project that reflects your team’s expertise?

One of our standout projects was the recent apartment block renovation at Allen House, right in the heart of Kensington.

The Challenge:

• The property needed a major transformation

Our Approach:

• We stripped the entire building
• Completed structural alterations to bring it into the 21^st century
• Created a communal garden

The Result:

• A beautiful shared space for all residents
• A project we are truly proud of
• A reflection of the quality and care we put into all our jobs

Key Takeaway:

• The project wasn’t without its challenges, but the result speaks for itself

What do you value most about being based at The Brentano Suite Whetstone?

The space itself is modern and welcoming, and it’s a great spot to meet our clients and suppliers.

Plus, in relation to our yard and our projects which are mainly within London, it’s the perfect location for us!

Beyond construction, we hear you’ve opened a new café on the High Road — could you tell us more about it?

We’re really excited about Whetstone Coffee! Just like with our building projects, we wanted to create a place that feels warm and inviting. It’s a cosy spot where people can grab a good coffee, enjoy some food, and just relax.

Key aspects:

• Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: Designed to be a welcoming space for everyone
• Relaxing Environment: A place to enjoy coffee, food, and unwind
• Community Engagement: A fun and challenging way for us to connect with our neighbours

Creating and running Whetstone Coffee has been a fun new challenge and a lovely way to connect with the local community.

Looking ahead to 2026, what’s on the horizon for Brika Contractors in terms of new projects, company goals, and expansions?

Looking ahead to 2026, Brika Contractors is poised for an exciting period of growth and expansion. We’ve got some exciting projects in the pipeline, both residential and commercial along with our plans to grow the haulage side of our company.

As we expand and take on larger and more projects, our goal remains the same: to deliver exceptional work while ensuring every client’s needs are taken care of with care resulting in complete satisfaction.

Grow Your Business at The Brentano Suite

Brika Contractors has gone from strength to strength at our Whetstone location, showcasing the incredible opportunities that come from being part of The Brentano Suite community. With equally thriving business hubs in Finchley, Hampstead Garden Suburb, and Elstree, there’s plenty of room for more success stories to unfold. Who knows — the next one could be yours!.

✨ Elstree Expansion: A brand-new 2nd floor launches this month — with 30% already reserved. High-spec serviced office suites designed for growth.
✨ Whetstone Opportunity: Only one large, light-filled 3rd-floor office remains, available immediately for your business to move in and thrive.

Have Any Questions?

How do I get in touch with Brika Contractors?
You can get in touch with Brika Contractors on Instagram (@brikacontractors) or their website to discuss your project timeline and scope.

How can I book a tour at one of The Brentano Suite locations?
You can book a tour to visit any of our locations anytime.

Meet Nicki Cohen Counselling, a dedicated practice supporting clients from ages of 11+ with person-centred therapy and mental health guidance.

Based at The Brentano Suite Elstree, Nicki shares how she helps individuals and supervisees build resilience, find clarity, and create positive change.

What inspired you to pursue a career in counselling and mental health?  

I thought about training to be a counsellor for many years. Among my friends and family, I always played the role of listener, empathy giver, and rational thinker — so maybe it was destined!

Even while working as a youth worker and later in politics, I knew this was the path I wanted to follow.

The hardest part was finding the time to train. At 35, I told a friend that if I started the five-year course, I’d be 40 by the time I qualified. She replied, “You’ll be 40 in five years anyway, so you might as well get on with it!”

What areas do you specialise in, and how do you approach your work with clients and supervisees?

I chose not to specialise in one particular area. Instead, I work with a wide range of clients from ages of 11 to 100, covering issues such as anxiety, depression, family challenges, relationships, self-esteem, and bereavement, to name just a few.

I trained integratively, meaning in multiple modalities, but I tend to work in a very person centered way, believing that everyone has the power to find their own solutions, make changes and through working collaboratively with the client and being alongside them, I can help to facilitate that.

I approach supervision with the same principle. I enjoy supporting fellow counsellors as they think through dilemmas and strengthen their practice.

Who do you find most rewarding to work with, and why? 

I spent many years as the Mental Health Lead in a large secondary school, so I consider teenagers my main area of expertise — though I enjoy working with adults just as much.

I find every client rewarding because they actively reach out for support and work hard to make positive changes. What could be better than that?

Could you share a success story or moment that reflects the impact of your work? 

When I worked at the school, the Headteacher asked me to see a young boy who was very disillusioned with school life and at risk of permanent exclusion.

At first, he tore up the appointment letter and refused to attend. Eventually, I persuaded him to have a quick 10-minute chat, which grew into two years of therapy. During that time, he made many positive changes and came to see how valuable it can be to get the right support.

Why did you choose The Brentano Suite Elstree as the base for your practice? 

The Brentano Suite provides everything I need — a secure, quiet, and friendly environment perfectly located for my clients, with a welcoming centre team, security, lovely meeting rooms, and even an excellent supply of chocolate!

What’s ahead for your practice — any new services, projects, or goals on the horizon? 

I’m fortunate that my practice continues to grow, and I plan to build on this progress.

I recently began running workshops for parents and plan to offer many more. I also aim to expand my work with businesses and charities, directly training their staff on a range of mental health issues. If anyone at Brentano is interested, please let me know!

To find out more about Nicki Cohen and her work, head on over to her website here.

Grow Your Business at The Brentano Suite Elstree

Excitingly, our Elstree location is expanding with a brand new 2nd floor launching on 1st October — and 30% of the space is already reserved!

This new floor will offer a variety of high-spec suites, ideal for growing businesses and professional practices like Nicki Cohen Counselling.

Secure your space today and take a video tour to see how The Brentano Suite can support your business growth.

Meet Ramsay Brown, a specialist accountancy firm dedicated to supporting the UK’s healthcare professionals with expert financial guidance and year-round support.

Based at the Brentano Suite Finchley at Solar House, 915 High Road, London N12 8QJ, Laurence and Katie share how they combine precision, strategy, and innovation to help medical clients stay confidently in control.

What inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy, and what led to the formation of Ramsay Brown? 

Ramsay Brown’s roots go back to the mid-1980s, when Laurence Slavin joined what was then his father’s practice after training as a Chartered Accountant with Stoy Hayward (now BDO).

Specialising in tax and quickly recognising the unique financial challenges facing medical professionals, Laurence became Partner in 1987 and took over the firm following his father’s passing.

His vision was to create a practice that set the standard for specialist advice to the medical profession.

Nearly four decades on, that vision has shaped Ramsay Brown LLP into one of the UK’s most respected medical accountancy firms, trusted by GPs, consultants, and healthcare organisations nationwide.

What services does Ramsay Brown specialise in, and what makes your approach distinct — particularly in working with doctors and medical professionals? 

Ramsay Brown LLP is a chartered accountancy firm dedicated to supporting the UK’s healthcare professionals – from GPs and consultants to federations and Primary Care Networks. Our ethos is simple: Your practice, our precision.

Led by Partners Laurence Slavin and Katie Collin, we specialise in accountancy, tax, and NHS pension consultancy tailored specifically to the medical sector.

What makes us distinct is our combination of deep sector knowledge, decades of experience in NHS finance, and an approach that goes beyond compliance. We cut through complexity, provide proactive strategies, and offer year-round support so our clients feel in control of their finances.

Who do you most enjoy working with and why?

“We’re here to help healthcare professionals feel in control of their finances,” says Katie.

“That means cutting through complexity, being proactive, and always staying one step ahead – whether we’re handling a GP’s annual accounts or guiding them through the McCloud Remedy.”

Laurence adds, “Our clients are incredibly dedicated. They don’t have time to second-guess their financial position – so we make sure they don’t have to.”

Could you share a success story or milestone that illustrates your impact?

One milestone we’re particularly proud of is our work during the introduction of the McCloud Remedy, which affected thousands of NHS pension scheme members.

Many GPs and consultants faced uncertainty, with conflicting information and unclear guidance. We developed a dedicated pension consultancy service to interpret the changes, calculate impacts, and guide clients through complex remedial actions such as Scheme Pays Elections.

This proactive approach has helped prevent costly mistakes and given our clients clarity at a time when misinformation was widespread. It’s a clear example of how we combine technical expertise with a genuine commitment to our clients’ peace of mind.

Why did you choose the Brentano Suite Finchley as your base?

Brentano Suite Finchley provides the professional environment and community feel we value, while being ideally located for both our London-based and national client base.

The space allows us to host client meetings and events in a setting that reflects the quality of our work, and the location offers excellent transport links for partners, staff, and visitors alike.

What’s ahead for Ramsay Brown — any new services, innovations, or goals on the horizon?

We’re expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. This includes the launch of podcast Katie Collin: Beyond the Balance Sheet, dedicated to financial and operational topics for healthcare professionals, investing in AI-powered automation to streamline processes, and continuing to develop specialist NHS pension services.

Our focus remains on staying ahead of sector changes so our clients don’t have to, ensuring they receive the best advice, insight, and support year-round. 

To find out more about Ramsay Brown, head to their website here.

Discover How The Brentano Suite Can Support Your Business

At The Brentano Suite, we offer high-quality serviced office spaces across North London and Hertfordshire, designed to support businesses of all sizes.

Our services include meeting room hire, mail handling, and more — all within a seamless and professional working environment.

Take a video tour of our locations and discover how The Brentano Suite can support your business growth.

Delving into the dynamic world of London’s digital marketing landscape, we recently sat down with Daniel Tannenbaum, Founder of Dan Tan Digital. In this exclusive interview, Daniel shares how his agency is not only redefining SEO and digital strategy for competitive markets but also empowering businesses to achieve remarkable online growth.

Can you tell us the story behind the launch of Dan Tan Digital? What inspired you to start the company?

Dan Tan Digital is an SEO agency specialising in getting websites and clients to the top of Google searches (and, in some cases, down Google). As a result, I have had the privilege of working with more than 1,000 companies over 10 years, ranging from startups and one-person operations to managing high-level campaigns for Groupon, Betway and McDonald’s – as well as a host of prominent politicians.

Before that, I worked in a startup for 3 years and always enjoyed visiting the agencies they worked with. In particular, I loved how they presented their work, the challenges they were given and the whole atmosphere – which made me realise this was the right environment for me.

At the age of 25, I started as an SEO freelancer. I slowly built up jobs, and after a year, I found myself inundated with enquiries.

What makes your services stand out in such a competitive digital marketing landscape?

Fundamentally, I am against the agency model that dominates digital marketing today. 

Firstly, the idea that you have to build up a large office and a team adds significant pressure to delivering a quality service, therefore you have to charge clients more, justify the work and use account managers with less experience. As a result, it becomes some crazy treadmill and rat race trying to serve clients, bill them and find new ones to meet your unnecessary overheads.

In contrast, Dan Tan Digital comprises a small team and I act as the account manager for every client – meaning you are not working with a 21 year old that has just finished school; instead, you are getting the highest level of expertise possible within the organisation.

Moreover, we are committed to fair pricing. While agencies in our space charge upfront fees for 3 to 6 months and require a 12 month commitment, we want to empower the client, with flexible contracts that start with a trial and are rolling each month. 

Finally, we do not charge any upfront fees, there are no early exit fees or notice period – because our values stand out; we operate with fairness and transparency. In fact, I am yet to meet another agency that comes anywhere near this level of value and proposition.

What types of businesses or industries do you love working with the most — and why?

I really love working in finance, particularly when it comes to both B2C and B2B. To begin with, I started my career in investment banking and developed a strong interest in the business side of finance.

But above all, we have developed a tremendous track record for getting websites to the top of Google for products such as bridging finance and anything related to loans. Categorically, I would say that I have the best track record in the whole of the UK and have the most competitive rates.

Could you share one success story or milestone that you’re particularly proud of?

Certainly, despite my expectations of running an SEO business would be very isolated, being such a specialist in this area has led to me to consult and work alongside Lord Sugar for 7 years, David Cameron and Rishi Sunak. 

Today, I am working with the Ministry of Defence and working with war heroes and veterans – it’s something I would never have imagined.

But some milestones I am particularly proud of include building HolocaustMatters.org which millions of people visit each year, making it the UK’s leading Holocaust education resource and building my own personal website Pheabs.com into one of the biggest online brokers for personal finance.

Why did you choose the Brentano Suite Elstree as your base? What drew you to that location?

The Brentano Suite Elstree has a great energy, Its recent refurbishment really impressed me, and it seems to attract a number of very professional and like-minded individuals within the Hertfordshire area.

There is a very good energy in the place, which helps people feel excited about work and be creative in their surroundings. You only have to think about people like Jill Lynch who are so passionate about the office and set a superb tone of a welcoming and comfortable environment.

What’s next for Dan Tan Digital? Any exciting plans for the future?

I am a big fan of building my own sites and propositions and finding out how we can pair these with our clients. I am currently working on Rosca Technologies, a cyber security lead generator which passes on leads to our cybersecurity clients and also TechNational which passes on enquiries to clients through targeted content.

To find out more about Dan Tan Digital, head to their website here.

At The Brentano Suite, we provide high-quality serviced office spaces across North London and Hertfordshire, tailored to businesses of all sizes. Our comprehensive services include meeting room hire, mail handling, and more — all designed to create a seamless and professional working environment.

Take a look at our video tours to explore our locations and discover how The Brentano Suite can support your business.

Exploring the vibrant landscape of London’s franchise industry, we sat down with Neda Nayyeri, the Managing Director of Perfect Link. Neda unveils how Perfect Link is carving out a niche in the food franchising world with innovative strategies and unique concepts.

Could You Give Us An Overview Of Perfect Link And Your Journey So Far?

I joined Perfect Link about a year ago, a few months after it started, as Managing Director. Our focus has been on developing two unique brands that we plan to expand across London and Europe. We’ve also got the territory rights for a renowned Dubai-based brand, making us a key player in the London market. Our goal is to connect promising high turnover franchise opportunities with the right individuals.

What Kind Of Franchise Opportunities Is Perfect Link Known For?

Our spotlight is on the food industry, where we’re creating unique concepts. We’ve developed an exclusive ice cream brand that’s a first in London. It’s still early days, but the response has been incredible so far. We already have people expressing interest in owning one of our franchises. I’ve been involved in the food industry myself for about eight years, and my business partner brings in about 40 years of business experience, including owning food kiosks in Dubai. 

What Sets Perfect Link Apart In The Franchise Field?

We believe in making each franchise an immersive and entertaining experience. Our concepts go beyond being just food outlets; they’re unique attractions. The equipment we use, the way we present our products – everything is tailored to create a unique, entertaining experience for our customers. We’re constantly innovating and brainstorming new ideas and we regularly have people coming to our office, eager to discuss potential ventures and investment opportunities.

Has The Brentano Suite Played A Part In Your Recent Growth?

Absolutely! The impact has been immense. We moved into the Brentano Suite just a few months ago and it quickly felt like home to us. Finding a stable location to work in the past was a constant challenge, but since moving here we’ve experienced a dramatic shift. 

The flexibility at the Brentano Suite is something that a lot of serviced offices don’t give you. A week ago, we signed with management to take over another office room next door. Sandra at reception has been incredibly helpful in finding solutions if we ever need anything. The kind of support and adaptability is invaluable for us, especially when we are hosting important meetings with multiple guests. 

Does Your Team Live Locally To The Office?

Yes we do. Most of our team, including the directors, live close by, so being in Finchley is really convenient. At lunchtime, I might often pop home to check on my dog and come back. After moving around a lot in the past to different office spaces, we’ve finally found the perfect spot. 

What’s On The Horizon For Perfect Link?

We’re excited about expanding our team and showcasing our brands at major business expos in Guangzhou, China, and London’s Excel Center. Establishing our food store locations in London is our primary goal, and we’re also keen on attracting more investors to work on growing our innovative ideas. 

To find out more about Perfect Link, head to their website here.

At The Brentano Suite, we offer serviced office suites for companies across Northwest London and Hertfordshire, including meeting room hire, mail handling, and more. Have a look at our video tour to see inside our offices.

​​As a family business with a journey spanning over four decades, Gailarde’s story is one of growth and adaptation. Jonny Levy shares insights into the company’s journey, working with family and their exciting plans for the future.

Can You Start By Introducing Yourself And Your Company?

Sure, I’m the Managing Director of Gailarde. We are a family business that was founded 45 years ago by my father-in-law. The business has experienced significant growth over the years. I joined the business almost three years ago, shifting from a legal background to a leadership role.

Your Core Business is in Wholesale Textile Supply, Correct?

Our core business is the supply of textiles, homeware, soft furnishings and furniture to the hospitality, education and healthcare sectors. We’re proud to be an approved supplier to the NHS. In recent years, we’ve also expanded into the direct to consumer market with three e-commerce retail brands.

It Seems Like You Have A Substantial Team. How Many Employees Do You Have?

We currently employ about 70 people across the business; that’s a mix of office staff, salespeople and warehouse personnel. In November 2022 our Head Office team moved into The Brentano Suite, whilst our warehouse team moved into our state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution centre in Cambridgeshire.    

How Has It Been Working Within A Family Business? I’m Sure It Has Its Challenges!

My background was in law for over 20 years, so transitioning into a more commercial role within the family business was a change. I now work alongside my two brothers-in-law, Ben and Dan, who serve as joint CEOs, as well as my father-in-law, Richard. We all get along really well, and having different perspectives within the family is very beneficial. We often have multiple opinions on issues, which leads to productive discussions and better decision-making. Overall, it’s been a great experience.

What Is It That Sets Gailarde Apart From Others In Your Industry?

We are a true family business, and the close-knit atmosphere extends to our employees, some of whom have been with us for decades. Sustainability is another area where we excel; we recently achieved a gold rating from EcoVadis, placing us in the top 5% of businesses in Europe in terms of sustainability.

Amazing! What Made You Decide To Move To The Brentano Suite?

We were previously based in Borehamwood and found ourselves outgrowing the space. Rent was rocketing and we needed to do something different, so we made the difficult decision to split up our warehouse from the office.

We wanted an office that reflected a more professional approach as the business grew. After looking at three or four different options in the area, The Brentano Suite was almost a no-brainer.

What Has Been The Biggest Difference Between The Brentano Suite And Your Previous Office?

The most significant difference is the increased level of professionalism. Our previous office space was fine but required a lot of regular maintenance. Here, everything is smart, neat, and tidy, creating a pleasant work environment. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with fellow tenants and use shared spaces like the kitchens adds to the overall experience.

That’s Great! What’s Next For Gailarde Limited?

In addition to growing our wholesale business, we’re excited to grow in the e-commerce space. We now have three online brands:  UniKitOut.com which supplies bedroom, bathroom and kitchen starter packs to students; cozelinen.com, which sells luxury home textiles to consumers; and our latest addition, noahsbox.com selling crafting kits.

To find out more about Gailarde, head to their website here. 

Here at The Brentano Suite, we offer serviced office suites for companies across Northwest London and Hertfordshire, including meeting room hire, mail handling, and more. Have a look at our video tour to see inside our offices.

Nicola Lander is the founder of Jigsaw Performing Arts School, a franchise-based performing arts school that offers classes for children aged 3-18 years old. In this interview, she shares how she got started with the business and what sets Jigsaw apart from its competitors.

Can You Start By Introducing Yourself And Your Company, Jigsaw?

Sure, I’m originally from Bristol and trained as an actress in London. I worked as an actor and teacher before setting up Jigsaw with a friend from drama school. We started with one school on a Sunday morning and now have 36 franchises mainly in London and the Southeast.

That’s Amazing! How Has The Business Grown Over The Years?

We started by running schools ourselves, but as the business grew, we employed managers and teachers to run the schools. By 2011, we had 22 schools with managers and teams in each school. It was all very organic. We also developed the classes to provide sessions for different age groups, focusing on dance, drama and singing. So the offering is quite diverse and our aim is to always help children build self-esteem and confidence through our classes. 

Sounds Great! When Did You Decide To Franchise The Business?

I decided to franchise in 2012 when I found out more about it and realised it could work if I found like-minded people who wanted to run their own theatre school. One of my current managers, Michael, in Wimbledon was my pilot franchisee, and we slowly opened more venues.

What Sets Jigsaw Apart From Its Competitors?

Jigsaw is less focused on big shows and venues and more focused on the children. We provide a place to belong for our students and prioritise kindness, authenticity, and community. As a franchisor, I’d say we are more nurturing than other franchise businesses and focus on finding the right people who share our values.

What Made You Decide To Move To The Brentano Suite And How Has It Helped You Adapt To The New Business Model?

We moved to The Brentano Suite because our previous office was so draining to manage, and after COVID we no longer needed such a large space as we changed to a hybrid way of working. I used to spend so much time worrying about the building, the electricity bills and how messy the alleyway outside our old office was. The Brentano Suite is a smart building, it’s near where we live and I love having access to a meeting room and kitchen stocked with tea and coffee. Being here really simplifies things and allows us to focus on running the business. 

What Are Your Plans For The Future Of Jigsaw?

Our aim is to continue opening three to five franchises a year and train up new franchisees. We will also hire an operations manager to work alongside me to oversee the whole business. As well as that, I am also a business and life coach and plan to do more coaching as I free myself up from running the day-to-day of Jigsaw.

To find out more about Jigsaw, head to their website here. 

Here at The Brentano Suite, we offer serviced office suites for companies across Northwest London and Hertfordshire, including meeting room hire, mail handling, and more. Have a look at our video tour to see inside our offices.