Business Support Case Study: Tomsetts Distribution
About the business
- Business name: Tomsetts Distribution Ltd (Lewes)
- Support programme: Big Ambitions
- Participant name: Andrew Tucknott
Tomsetts Distribution Ltd is a family-run haulage company based in Newhaven, East Sussex, established in 1975. They offer comprehensive road, sea and air freight services, specialising in the secure transport of pallets across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Why they signed up to the business support programme
After completing a management buyout, Tomsetts Distribution had a clear vision for growth but needed expert support in financial management to realise it fully. Despite decades of experience in operations and sales, making sense of monthly accounts and planning future investments proved challenging without accurate forecasts.
What support they received
By joining the Big Ambitions programme, the business accessed one-to-one support from an accountant, gaining clarity and confidence in their financial position. A bespoke forecasting tool was also developed, combining cashflow, profit and loss, balance sheets, sales and costs - providing the real-time insights needed to make informed, strategic decisions and drive sustainable growth.
How this has helped the business
The support Tomsetts Distribution received through the Big Ambitions programme has had a transformative impact on the business.
With a clearer understanding of their financials and access to a powerful forecasting tool, they can now plan with confidence and make informed decisions about investment, staffing and growth.
This has strengthened their financial stability and allowed the team to focus on strategic opportunities with greater certainty. As a result, Tomsetts is not only growing but doing so in a smarter, more sustainable way - laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Wider benefits from supporting this business
Tomsetts Distribution supports wider economic growth by reinforcing its role as a key player in the logistics sector, an identified priority for regional development. The business is helping to safeguard existing jobs and create new opportunities through confident, strategic investment in people, equipment and facilities.
Signing up for the Big Ambitions programme was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I knew how to grow the business but when it came to the numbers, I needed help. Accounting was a real weak spot for me - I couldn’t even make sense of the monthly management accounts, let alone plan for the future!
Thanks to the one-to-one support we’ve had, I now have a solid grasp of our financials and the confidence to make big decisions. The custom forecasting tool built for us has been a total game-changer, giving me all the info I need to back up my gut instincts. With this support, we’re not just moving forward, we’re making smarter, more strategic moves for the future.
Andrew Tucknott
Contact
For more information on the business support programmes provided by East Sussex County Council, contact the Economic Development Team.
Economic.Development@eastsussex.gov.uk
Big Ambitions is a specialist support programme for businesses that are growing and are likely to employ additional staff within the next six to twelve months. It is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and a collaboration between Eastbourne, Lewes, Rother and Wealden District/Borough Councils. It is supported by East Sussex County Council and delivered by Digital Islands.
