Our Principal
John Ram qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the City of London in 1970, later qualified also as a chartered certified accountant, chartered tax adviser and independent financial adviser.
As senior partner, he developed and managed an accountancy firm in Central London for 20 years, employing 30 people. In order to generate more interesting work he set up Director Helpline to provide the specialist services explained in this web site.
In December 2002 one of Europe’s leading graphologists described John as follows (these are extracts - the full report is available if required):
Critical, analytical, constructive mind and clear judgment; enjoys intellectually challenging matters; logical and excels in rational problem solving, continuity of ideas and follow through; single minded in approach; does not waiver in pursuit of goals; maintains high standards; sincere and consistent in personality; makes easy contact with people; well developed inter-personal skills; own brand of charisma which others respect; capable of being a good team member; proud, independent and self motivated; can be trusted with privileged information; is discreet; enjoys brainstorming a problem, then transferring attention to implementing solutions; a lot of energy; able to accomplish much; his disciplined mind, independence and openness to new experiences are useful for developing new business ventures; motivated by his sense of duty and his self imposed discipline.
John is a Rotarian in active service. He is Past President of his Club in North London twice over. In 2003 he was made Paul Harris Fellow (highest award in the movement, given "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world").
John’s abiding hobby is horticulture (particularly flowers and vegetables) and he was a regular exhibitor in major British Flower Shows for many years. He has been Chairman of The Finchley Horticultural Society in North London for the last 15 years.
His other interests include keeping fit, cooking, entertaining and socialising, travelling, visiting places of interest, boating, fishing.
John is proud father of a son (Solicitor working for a major London law firm) and daughter (Wildlife Conservationist working for The Zoological Society, London).
DO ANY OF THESE APPLY TO YOU?
- You feel your business is a noose
- A problem arises that you have not seen before
- You are too busy running your business to deal with extra-ordinary issues
- You are struggling to develop the potential of your business
- You need help to exploit an opportunity
- You need to structure your operations for financial efficiency
- You need to take action to protect your assets
- You need to devise a financially efficient structure for offshore trading
- Your offshore costs are mounting and you do not know who to trust
- You need to make arrangements for business continuity/succession
- You cannot pursue a claim for lack of money and/or expertise
- You would like to retire but do not know how to get out
- H M Revenue & Customs are investigating your business
- You have a dispute and do not know which way to turn
- The DTI are investigating your business activities
- You feel you must liquidate or do an arrangement with creditors
- The arrangement with creditors is not working
- You have received notice of disqualification proceedings
- You fear business and professional failure
- You are called upon to settle a personal guarantee
- You fear personal bankruptcy and need to consider the implications
- You fear losing your home
- Or ……… you simply cannot see the way forward
If any of these apply, you need enlightened and impartial advice. Talk to John Ram.