"So successful I bought a bank!" (well... a former bank premises!)
TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Phil Marriott was so impressed with the growth of his business from his first shop front in Loughborough, that he has recently taken on a second, a large visible former bank in Shepshed, Leicestershire.
Phil Marriott joined TaxAssist Accountants in December 2002. Over the last 6 years Phil has helped small businesses with tax returns, accounting, bookkeeping, cash flow projections, PAYE and VAT. “I was attracted to TaxAssist Accountants because I think their services are in demand. Tax and accountancy are complex areas and as legislation is always changing, small businesses often need technical support. The brand support is excellent and allows me to portray a big practice feel but with a small practice price structure – a real winner with the clients! Ongoing training is excellent through BPP Professional Education and I have to say that TaxAssist Accountants seem to have their support structure with franchisees just right – there when you need them but leaving you to run and develop your business when you don’t!
Phil has operated from a shop front style premises in Loughborough since March 2005. “Despite my reservations over the cost and disruption, the overriding outcome has been excellent. My net fee income, client growth, profitability and cash flow have all benefited dramatically over the last three years, improving month on month. New business enquiries are plentiful with word of mouth being the best source and referrals from local professional sources (banks and solicitors) second. There is little other marketing I need to undertake, and the brand building activity of the Support Centre is sending welcome leads my way“.
Phil made the decision to buy his second shop because it was too good an opportunity to miss. “It is at least three times the size of the current shop front, which I will retain, and will provide substantial scope for further growth. The fact I have been confident enough to buy and not rent, and that my bank has been so keen to support me, is continuing testament to the strength of the business model”.
Phil used the services of the recommended TaxAssist Accountants shop fitters Hemera Workplace Solutions. He comments “Hemera completed the new shop front in just over three weeks from start to finish, which is a brilliant achievement given the size of the building and the nature of the work undertaken. The building had been empty for over a year and was bringing down the street scene. The fact that it was completed so quickly has added to the “wow factor” with locals, who cannot resist peering into the large windows when they pass (and calling in too). Everybody comments that the transformation lifts the street!”
“I have no doubts I made the right decision and can confidently recommend TaxAssist Accountants.”
If you are interested in becoming a TaxAssist Accountant please call 0800 0188297 or visit www.taxassist.net
TaxAssist Accountants was founded in 1995, specifically to serve the tax and accountancy needs of small business in the UK. Its Support Centre is in Norwich, and currently TaxAssist Accountants has a network of offices with over 160 accountants and tax specialists around the country.
Business Development Director – Sarah Robertson MSc, Dip M, Chartered Marketer, MCIM FIDM
Sarah founded a successful Brand Agency ‘The Point’ in 1994 with three other Directors. ‘The Point’ became one of the foremost marketing communications agencies in the Eastern region with billings in excess of £4.5m. Sarah has a total of 20 years experience in the marketing and advertising industry, working with a broad range of national and regional brands such as the British Red Cross, Norwich Union, Oracle, Del Monte, the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and Swinton Insurance. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and a Fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing. Sarah joined the TaxAssist Accountants Board on 1st September 2004. Sarah is responsible for marketing strategy, brand development, shop fronts, practice management and business development strategies for franchisees.
Chief Executive - Karl Sandall FCIB
Karl spent 26 years at a senior level with a major clearing bank before joining TaxAssist Accountants on 1st January 2000 as Operations Director – taking on the role of Chief Executive in 2002. A 'fellow' of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, a School Governor and a member of the Financial Industry Group and of the Committee of the IFS School of Finance for the East of England, Karl oversees the running of the company and the whole network on a day to day basis and ensures the company continues to expand rapidly.
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Please contact Hannah Westgarth Recruitment Officer on 01603 447402.
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