The Fortunes

An iconic 1960s band is still thrilling old fans and winning new ones, almost 50 years after it was formed, thanks to expert advice and support from HB&O.

Coventry-based The Fortunes, who scored hits in the UK and US with You've Got Your Troubles, Here It Comes Again and Caroline, has dates lined up well into 2011.

But the story could have been very different for the band following the death in January 2008 of lead singer Rod Allen, who founded the band in the early 1960s.

He had always looked after the business affairs of The Fortunes and his death meant that guitarist Mick Smitham and keyboard player Bob Jackson had to take on that responsibility while also trying to come to terms with the loss of their colleague and friend.

They turned to Andy Farren, a director of HB&O - described by Bob as "a voice of calm" - for expert advice.

Bob says: "After the death of Rod, we didn't know where we were going. It was an emotional and troubling time both business-wise and with the loss of a close friend.

"HB&O helped us with everything on the business side and Andy's advice was key in keeping the band going.

"We have stayed on track and Andy continues to always be there when we need advice on issues like payments from our work overseas. In fact, we find the whole office very helpful."

Bob, Mick,  drummer Glen Taylor and lead vocalist Eddie Mooney make sure they keep their act up-to-date with fresh arrangements of their hits and introducing new songs and their future one-off and tour dates include gigs all over the UK, in Holland and in Germany.

Andy said: "The Fortunes' situation presented a number of unique challenges and we were delighted that we were able to give them the advice they needed. We hope that our guidance will allow them to continue entertaining their fans for many years to come."

To find out more about how our accountants and Independent Financial Advisers in Leamington Spa, Coventry and Warwickshire can help you, please contact us on 01926 422 292 (Leamington) or 024 7663 1303 (Coventry) or at info@hboltd.co.uk