Asset Building

Lloyd Evans hasn’t looked back since he became a TaxAssist Accountants franchisee in 2012

If you’re an accountant working in industry or practice or working in finance and dreaming of breaking free and working for yourself, TaxAssist Accountants can turn that dream into a reality.

In just over 20 years, TaxAssist Accountants has grown to become the UK’s largest network of accountants specifically servicing the small business market, with over 65,000 clients with a fee bank of £42 million.

A consistent winner of awards in both the franchising and accountancy arenas, and a recipient of 5-star franchisee satisfaction for four years running, TaxAssist Accountants now has over 200 franchises operating from over 280 shops and offices across the UK.

Game changer

TaxAssist has been a game changer for both the accounting industry and small businesses in the way it ‘retails’ tax and accountancy services through open and welcoming shops.

This concept has proven to be an effective way to build a business, with many franchisees opening multiple shops in their territory, and is popular with the small business target market, who enjoy the friendly, convenient, local service.

Indeed, with tax legislation becoming more complex and heading towards becoming digital, you could argue there has never been a better time to open a TaxAssist Accountants practice, as more small businesses seek help with quarterly reporting and new software.

Chartered Accountant Lloyd Evans joined TaxAssist in 2012. He had 20 years of experience working as an accountant in industry, including working for a well known franchise, which inspired him to consider running his own franchise.

Lloyd says: “I moved on following a wish to build a business of my own and was looking for something where I could use my skills and experience gained over many years. I knew the benefits of being involved with a quality franchise, so turned to that sector for my inspiration.

“I looked at a variety of businesses within franchising, but none of them gave me that spark, until I looked at TaxAssist. I felt I could use my experience gained from working within a professional accountancy practice and I very much enjoyed the buzz associated with helping small businesses.”

Lloyd carried out a high level of initial research before committing to a discovery day, but was left in no doubt that the franchise was right for him after meeting the TaxAssist team at the company’s support centre in Norwich.

High reputation

“I knew of the high reputation of the management team, the strength of the brand and business model and this was supported by many awards, gained from both within and outside the franchise industry,” Lloyd says.

“I was convinced this was the right opportunity for me - that’s where the excitement and hard work really started.”

When joining TaxAssist Accountants, franchisees receive client lead generation, an exclusive territory, comprehensive initial and ongoing training, technical, marketing and business development support and the experience of highly skilled support centre staff.

Lloyd continues: “The initial sixweek training course was intense and helped prepare me for life back in the accountancy practice world. I also met other like-minded people, who I got to know and develop friendships with, which continue to this day.

“The initial course was as much about getting to know and build relationships with the support team in Norwich, as it was about the technical and practical aspects of owning and operating a TaxAssist franchise.

“Ongoing training courses are available across a variety of technical and business development topics, which help to ensure knowledge is enhanced, and this is supported by helpdesks.

“Marketing support has been excellent, with practical guidance being available at the end of a telephone. They were particularly helpful when we were setting up the shops. Since then we have picked their brains a number of times for marketing ideas and guidance.

“The Directors of TaxAssist have been particularly helpful - extremely supportive and are genuine people with high levels of integrity.”

When asked for the highlights of being a TaxAssist franchisee, Lloyd answers: “Working for myself, with the challenges, flexibility and excitement that brings, but also being part of a team. This includes my TaxAssist shop teams, fellow franchisees and the support team in Norwich.”

Business has progressed well for Lloyd, who has not looked back since joining TaxAssist. He opened a shop in Kingswinford in September 2013 and a further shop in Wolverhampton in October 2015.

“Financial and personal targets are being met, however Rome wasn’t built in a day,” Lloyd says. “Patient growth is far better and will provide a stronger business going forward.

“There is much hard work ahead for anyone starting in business and just because you join a franchise that doesn’t mean it’s any easier. However, you do not have to reinvent the wheel and you are part of a team.

“I would advise anyone looking to join TaxAssist that if you have a desire to work for yourself and have an interest in small business, then look no further. Ensure you carry out research about your target area and visit/speak with existing franchisees to pick their brains.

“During this process you should find out whether this is the business for you. Just because TaxAssist is a good business, doesn’t make it the right business for everyone.

“I am building an asset for the future and with my daughter showing an interest in accountancy, who knows, she may be involved at some point. Time will tell.”

Primary role

The primary role of a franchisee is business development, with accountants employed for production work.

With award winning training and support, TaxAssist Accountants can help you build a successful business and a profitable asset for your future.