“I have plans in place to grow my practice”

Despite turbulent times, TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Charlie Walker is positive about the future

In the most turbulent times the UK economy has seen for decades, independent business specialist TaxAssist Accountants has been an essential hub for local business communities, thanks to unsurpassed levels of support and communication.

With over 230 franchises based in visible shops and offices across the UK supporting over 76,000 clients, the company has seen its services in demand like never before.

Client contact

Bedford, Huntingdon and St Neotsbased franchisee Charlie Walker has maintained regular contact with his clients where he can during these difficult times and has been praised for doing so.

Charlie say: “Feedback from clients ranges from simple emails saying things like ‘that’s great, thanks for the update’ to online reviews from businesses we don’t yet act for, but who were pleased to be able to get some advice.

“I’ve also been asked to take a non-executive director role on the board of a key service provider we act for based on work we’ve done with them over the last year and on that I was able to negotiate a revised fee structure and interim grant for them.

“The same client has also agreed to hand over almost their entire financial support and bookkeeping to TaxAssist, so the owners and directors can focus on building their unique business.”

Franchisee support

The TaxAssist Accountants support centre has rolled out several measures to support its franchisees during the COVID-19 pandemic, which Charlie is quick to praise alongside the staff members themselves.

“The daily updates and regular webinars organised by the support centre have been useful, but the key thing I’ve had from TaxAssist in Norwich is continuity,” he says.

“The team has remained the same friendly, helpful and knowledgeable group that they have been since I joined the network in 2018.”

Second shop

Charlie is positive about the future and has plans in place to grow his practice: “The pandemic has caused a huge global shock, but with my services very much in demand I believe now is a great opportunity to think about expanding my practice, so in addition to my shop in Bedford I’ve recently opened a second shop in a prime location in Huntingdon.

“I know the economy will contract for a while, but a recent Office for Budget Responsibility forecast indicates that by early next year there should be a period of rapid growth once again.

“Both my shops are open for clients to walk in and we provide hand sanitiser, wear masks and have installed perspex screens for face-to-face client meetings, although we also offer telephone and online meetings for those clients who would prefer this method at this time. Our aim is to be as flexible and helpful as possible.

“I know that amongst my small business client base there is a desperate need for guidance and support right now, so when I was asked to host my own monthly, one-hour radio show on Radio Huntingdon I jumped at the chance, as it will give me the opportunity to offer the benefits of my business and accountancy experience to help businesses in my local area.”

If you share a passion to support local small businesses and have an accountancy or financial background, a TaxAssist franchise can provide the systems and support you need to be successful.

At a glance TaxAssist Accountants

Established:

1995

Number of franchised outlets:

239 franchise areas; 386 shops and offices

Location of units:

UK

Investment range:

£100,000-£150,000

Minimum required capital:

£40,000

Contact:

franchiseenquiries@taxassist.co.uk taxassistfranchise.co.uk