Advice on progression

Advice on progression

Didn't find your answer?

Started my accountancy 3 years ago as a one man band. Have built a nice fee bank and I am very near to taking on an employee as I would like a holiday sometime.

Having a few thoughts starting to run through my head. Is an employee the best idea. I don't particulary like the idea of sub-contractor but wont discard it totally.

Should I think about merging with someone of similar size so I can trust them to do a good job and likewise with myself and take on someone between us. I quite like this idea as two heads are better than one???

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you
Christopher Slack

Replies (7)

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By Slackster
31st Oct 2007 09:42

Continued
Thanks Mark some more food for thought.

I am based in Nottinghamshire in answer the second comment.

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By bigdave1971
31st Oct 2007 10:13

Subcontractor
I may have an ulterior motive for saying this but are you sure you are ready for an employee just yet?

If you take on someone when you alone are just too busy will you end up being too lack after the employee has settled in, in other words you really have enough work for 1 1/2 people at the moment.

Just like when you made the jump from employment to self employment, timing is everything and effects your financial and work life positions.

My thought is that if you took on a subcontractor to churn out the accounts for you this would release some of your time to getting more clients to fill the work time for you and an employee and make the step that much easier.

As I say I may have an ulterior motive as I am looking for subcontact work to fill the gaps in my flegling practice and if you need help please let me know at [email protected].

Whatever you do make sure you think it through carefully first.

End of lecture!!

Dave

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By User deleted
31st Oct 2007 06:48

Where are you Christopher?
I have considered this too. Don't suppose you are anywhere in the South?

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By AnonymousUser
31st Oct 2007 14:04

to anon
Anon, I am in a similar position and based in North London. Where are you based ?

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By User deleted
31st Oct 2007 16:25

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Hi Christopher,

Firstly, using a subcontractor may in fact be a good first move to initially take the pressure off, the main benefits being only use them when you need to therefore you pay for what you use, but be very wary, standards will vary and some may even try and take your clients!

Merging, you will need to find someone who either compliments your skills or has the same vision as you, very hard to find.

Staff, as Mark Lee has said the ‘traditional route’ to growth, and in itself there is nothing wrong in this approach, except getting the right staff member may prove very difficult, and then you run the risk of employing the wrong person who uses all the European imposed employment legislation against you.

Then outsourcing, does tick a lot of boxes, and may be worth giving serious thought to.

But personally, as Mark has said to give him a no obligation call, I would do if I was you, if only to confirm in your own mind you know where you are going.

Jason
Holden Associates
The Small Business Blog

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By User deleted
31st Oct 2007 17:01

James
I am in North Hampshire.

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By User deleted
31st Oct 2007 17:25

Outsourcing
I agree it depends on what you want to achieve from the practice.

I have a small office with staff - the problem with outsourcing is that it doesnt give you the oppurtunity to get out of the office and have a holiday. It ensures someone other than you is doing accounts but it doesnt give office cover. To be able to take a week off you need to have your office manned - clients need to be able to speak to someone when you are away if you want to keep them.

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