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Profile: Della Hudson

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2nd Nov 2009
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Name of firm: Hudson & Co.
Location: Bolton
Established: January 2009 (one day per week). "This increased to three days per week when my youngest started school in September 2009".
Staff employed: None
Working from: Home (separate office and phone)
 

Services provided: General accountancy and tax services, specialising in small and new businesses.

What made you decide to start your own firm?
"Returning from four years living in France, I was looking for a good work/life balance with my two small children. I was unable to find part time work locally at a suitable level so I decided to go it alone".

What have been the major challenges in establishing your firm so far?

  • "Making business contacts (suppliers and referrers as well as clients) as I am new to the area.
  • The fixed costs for such a small business (e.g. ICAEW membership and practising certificate, CPD, PII, networking associations etc.), which all had to be paid out before the first client.
  • Marketing was new to me but I have joined the 2020 group who provide a lot of ideas in this area and I have found a superb printer through a networking group.
  • Discovering which marketing is most effective and provides the best return for my money".

What are your goals for the firm in the next 12 months?
"I got my first ten clients (one day per week) this year, and I'm on track for 30 clients (three days per week) by next year. All but two clients use standing orders, so there are no payment problems. I'd also like to get all my practice systems in place".

Where do you see yourself and firm in five years' time?
"For me personally, I'd like to be enjoying my professional work fitted around family life. For the business, I'd like two home based staff to take care of bookeeping, admin and marketing. By year five I will make the decision whether to expand to offices and take on more staff or whether to stay small and cut back on marketing".

Replies (1)

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By SE_Confused
16th Jul 2010 13:51

getting new clients

Hi Della

What did you find works best for getting new clients. The ones I got so far in one year of activity are through personal contacts but I am ready to take on new business.

I am good at what I am doing but very poor at pitching my business...

Any advice is appreciated.

Anna

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