Having access to specialist accounting and business advisors can make all the difference to the growth and success of a young business. RfM Partner Paul Newsham has a nose for business – as does wine expert Miles Corish, to whom Paul has been an advisor for many years. Paul recently supported Miles with the launch of a new venture, Milestone Wines. We toast the company’s achievements in its first 18 months…
Miles is one of only a relatively small number of specialists who have qualified as a Master of Wine
According to a recent advert by a leading, high-end grocery retailer, more people have travelled into space than have qualified as a Master of Wine. Which means it’s a pretty big deal – especially if you’re in the wine trade. However, the exclusive credentials of Milestone Wines owner Miles Corish are not the only factor behind the impressive growth and success of the company.
Attention to detail
Milestone Wines supplies to the on-trade (restaurants, bars, bistros etc.) across the North West and the off-trade (independent wine retailers) nationwide. The business has quickly established a reputation for quality and attention to the customers’ needs.
“We work with our customers in a collaborative way which is a little different to what you might usually expect from a wine supplier,” explains Miles.
“We prefer to think of ourselves as ‘wine partners’ with our customers – and we try to provide a range of products that are right for them. Rather than just simply leaving a pricelist, we employ a more consultative approach taking into account; a customer’s goals, their food, the size of the wine offering, their margin and volume expectations and back this up with extensive staff training.
Business owner Miles Corish
“Nowadays, I believe it is vital that on-trade establishments offer value for money, and by using our expertise, Milestone can help achieve this for our clients”.
Business acquisition
The company launched in March 2017 following a management buyout of Bowland Forest Vintners. RfM Partner Paul Newsham has been a key advisor to Miles throughout the acquisition, lending an expert ear and keeping an eye on the numbers throughout the crucial first 18 months. Paul and the team at RfM Preston continue to support Miles as he plans for the next phase of the business.
“In just 18 months, we have grown to a team of six and also recently acquired a specialist Australian wine importer,” says Miles.
“As a new and ambitious business, to have access to a specialist accounting and business advisor such as Paul is essential. We meet regularly to look at the numbers and review our financial position. His input when there are big financial or strategic decisions to be made has been invaluable.”
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