Brother and sister Ed Reeves and Rachel Clacher are aiming to corner the market with Moneypenny, their telephone answering company.

The idea came about when Reeves was let down by a telephone answering service in his previous business, which lost him a valuable client. Afterwards, both he and Clacher decided to create the ‘ultimate PA’ for small businesses. Moneypenny also offers a remote receptionist facility to support larger businesses.

The company is self-funded, although Clacher admits that both she and Reeves compromised their salaries in the first year. Since its inception in 2000, the company has doubled turnover, profit and staff each year and revenues are just over £1 million.

Creating an attractive working environment is key to motivating Moneypenny’s 34 employees. Clacher admits that initially, ‘we didn’t pay well’ but ‘benefits count. It can be something as simple as buying a birthday cake, or organising a monthly team lunch. We also offer interest-free loans and go clubbing on a Saturday night!’