About Us
Merlin Business Services was formed in 1994 by Brian McConnell to provide business support services to small and medium sized companies. The company enjoyed steady growth in the early years and was incorporated in 2001.
The business originally focused on bookkeeping services but has steadily expanded to provide other business support services such as vat compliance, payroll compliance and business financial management.
In 2009, Brian Smith and Bryan Swan bought the business from Brian McConnell, although Brian McConnell remains a director in an advisory capacity. Brian Smith and Bryan Swan are both qualified Chartered Accountants, jointly owning Rogerson & Goldie a general practice accountancy firm. The acquisition of Merlin was seen as an ideal compliment to the core accountancy services already provided by Rogerson & Goldie and allowed Brian McConnell to pursue other business interests.
The Merlin name originates from the powerful aircraft engine that powered the famous spitfire. The name evokes power, strength and just a little magic.
Brian McConnell
Brian graduated from University of Glasgow in 1990 with a MA in Economics and Management. After working in a management consultancy firm Brian formed Merlin Business Services in 1994.
In 2003 Brian was invited to join the Board of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and was appointed Chief Executive in 2005 standing down due to work commitments in 2009 after a particularly successive period.
In July 2008 Brian was appointed Chief Executive of Kelvin Top-Set, a specialist incident investigation and training company. In early 2009 it became apparent to Brian that he could not commit the required time and effort to sustain the growth of Merlin resulting in the sale of the business to Brian Smith and Bryan Swan with whom Brian McConnell already had extensive business dealings.
Brian’s interest outside of business include golf and family (when family and weather allow).
Bryan Swan
Bryan Swan qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1999 having completed his training with a small accountancy firm in Ayr. Training with a small firm gave Bryan valuable hands on experience in working with small and medium size businesses.
In 2001 Bryan was appointed as financial controller of a construction company, which was of one his clients. Again this gave Bryan valuable experience at the sharp end an experience which has proved invaluable in advising and assisting his clients. In 2003 Bryan joined Rogerson & Goldie, a general practice accountancy firm in Kilmarnock and became a partner in the firm in 2005.
Bryan’s interests outside of business include football, cycling and snowboarding. (all badly!)
Brian R Smith
Brian graduated from Strathclyde University in 1979 with a BA in Accountancy. He joined Rogerson & Goldie Chartered Accountants in September that year to commence his professional training and qualified as a CA in 1983. Brian became a partner in the firm in June 1988 and has remained with the practice throughout his professional career.
Brian's interests outside business include sport, mainly football and rugby, socialising with friends and family and travelling.