Director

Sheila Bell

Training & Bookkeeping
Sheila established Swann Systems in 2002. With over 15 years of experience of running a small business in the area, Sheila understands first hand the needs of business owners. As well as being an experienced Bookkeeper, Sheila also deliverers 1 to 1 training on Accountancy and Payroll systems, including bespoke packages such as SAGE.

What Does Your Company Do?
We are specialists in supporting small/micro businesses for their bookkeeping requirements, from training/consultancy to being saviours of “piddly” pieces of paper (small receipts to the wider world).

How did it all start with Swann?
I was given SAGE DOS in 1993 to work with for the company accounts, having entered 6mths accounts twice and having to delete it all ( due to lack of experience) I vowed that I would make sure no other small business owner would have the same trauma. This ethos has continued ever since. Having split up with a partner running a successful IT company in 2002 Swann Systems was founded to continue with the accounting software training. With young boys to look after a regular income was required, hence bookkeeping was added services offered.

What’s Your Greatest Achievement?
I still “pinch” myself occasionally to believe that, I have grown the business with no assistance to have 5 staff/sub contractors, having brought up my boys and funded it all myself. The recognition from fellow business owners & contacts is humbling at times.

Which One Phrase Sums Up Your Attitude To Business Life?
Your client/customer comes first, aim to exceed their expectations, pre-empt what they are thinking, do everything with a smile.

Bookkeeper and Cygnets Coach

Cym Baseley

How did it all start with Swann?

Sheila and I met at a Braunston business breakfast (the one and only), she happened to mention that she was looking for a bookkeeper for one day a week. I had just been made redundant and starting out full-time on our farm, so as I had bookkeeping qualifications it seemed an ideal opportunity to help ease the gaps in cash flow that come with farming.

What’s your greatest achievement?

Having worked in managerial roles within the business and academic world, I now have had the opportunity to make a lifestyle change, living a more self sufficient lifestyle running our 25 acre smallholding.

Which one phrase sums up your attitude to business life?

Give life 100% and care about the people (and animals) around you, you will be rewarded.

Bookkeeper

Caroline Rowlings

How did it all start with Swann?

I first met with Sheila at a Networking event in late 2007, just after completing my ICB SAGE Accreditation. She was looking to link with new bookkeepers, so saw this as an opportunity.

What is your greatest achievement?

I am an Associate Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, doing several companies accounts. I am proud to have been able to continue this while bringing up my three children.

Which one phrase sums up your attitude to business life?

Bookkeeper and Payroll

Fiona Alderman-Davies

How did it all start with Swann?

Introduced to the team to undertake Xero, Quickbooks and Sage for specific clients as a personal recommendation from BNI member.

What is your greatest achievement?

Running a Barristers Chambers with over 100 barristers.

Which one phrase sums up your attitude to business life?

Making sense of Chaos in Business!