Practitioner's Diary: VAT reduction isn't that easy

I think that comments such as those suggested by Stephen and Emily, should not be made. These personal remarks are unprofessional and give accountants a bad reputation; even if true. You can ask to speak to someone more senior such as the supervisor. Remember that such comments are often recorded by the staff; this may result in a complaint letter against you; some organisations allow the member of staff to immediately put the telephone down, thus ending the call. This means that you have to redial, wait in the queue again, and repeat the lengthy explanation of the problem again to someone else, thus wasting your time; the solution to your problem may be deliberately delayed or mislaid. You also give them an excuse to criticize you; this deflects the discussion away from the problem you want solved.

Or how about this one from a friend of my dad's, who would ring up the Revenue and demand:

"Can I speak to somebody intelligent, please?"

M

Here's one phrase I've used recently in a letter to HMRC: -

"May we suggest the person dealing with this case is returned to the village they are currently depriving of it's idiot."

I think we all know confidence plays a major part in the economy. It's not really about how much cash we have but how fast it moves! Accountants can choose to sit back and let the press sent the agenda or decide to play a leadership role with their local community.

Have you thought about hosting a series of Webinars with this bank manager for clients and the local business community? I heard Sahar Hashemi (who set up Coffee Repulic) talk and she engaged an accountant because she thought we was a "good news" accountant.

You could have a PR campaign running to help restore confidence and I'm sure your local paper would pick it up. And, you may find some local businesses deciding to run with you rather than their current firm who will be more worried about the 31st January deadline!.

Good luck.

Bob
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