Network Electrical

Vicki and David Monteith started their business 15 years ago doing the books on their lounge room floor. Today, Network Electrical is a thriving and successful business specialising in electrical contracting, building and construction. Vicki sums up their story below:

“We have been with Grant Thornton for about four years, having followed a director when he joined the firm. Moving to a slightly larger firm, we were a little concerned at first that we may lose the one on one personal attention. It turned out our concerns were unfounded, plus we suddenly had access to more resources and a greater depth of knowledge and expertise.

“At the time of moving to Grant Thornton the business was going through a growth phase. We knew things needed to change and that continued growth depended on a major restructure of the company. Grant Thornton’s guidance and expertise through this process was invaluable. We had monthly meetings where myself, David and the management team had an open forum to discuss any issues or problems and new ideas, with Bill continually challenging us to look at things from a different perspective and playing the ‘Devil’s Advocate’.

“Two years ago my husband David became terminally ill and has since passed away. In the time leading up to his passing Grant Thornton suggested we have a strategic planning session with David, myself and the management team. We knew at some point that David was not going to be here, and as traumatic as it was, we still had a business to run and needed to discuss the management structure and how it would look when David was gone. I guess you could call it a Succession Plan. The agreed outcomes from this session gave David great peace of mind. He knew the business was in good hands and that I had the support of a fantastic management team going forward.

“After David’s death Grant Thornton kept an eye on things when I couldn’t. They spoke on my behalf to the bank & lawyers etc ensuring them that the business was running as per normal. Looking back, I’m not sure how I would have made it through without this support.

“The business is thriving and Grant Thornton is now looking at how we can structure things so as to protect the wealth generated. It’s a good position to be in and suffice to say, I am no longer doing the books on the lounge room floor!”

Vicki Monteith
Director, Network Electrical