Small business specialist shows strength in turbulent times

Raza Syed is full of praise for the support he’s received from TaxAssist Accountants

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 shops and offices across the UK supporting over 77,000 clients, TaxAssist Accountants has seen its services in demand like never before.

Fantastic guidance

Southall-based franchisee Raza Syed had only been operating his practice for three months when lockdown began but is full of praise for the support that has been provided to him and his clients by TaxAssist Accountants.

Raza says: “I can safely say that the support and guidance received from TaxAssist in this rollercoaster environment has been incomparable, both as an accountant and a franchisee. It has been fantastic.

“One of the reasons for joining TaxAssist Accountants was because I was aware of how to obtain the best results from a franchise structure, having worked in a practice that specialised in the industry.

“The daily updates and assistance have proved the strength of the franchise and being a part of the successful, established network has been invaluable to both myself and my clients in terms of the depth and quality of resources available.”

Easy decision

Working for himself had always been a goal for Raza, who joined TaxAssist Accountants in October 2019.

He says: “I started my journey in February 2019 by attending a discovery day, which highlighted three invaluable areas that made the decision to join TaxAssist an easy one: the strength of the technical team and the support that was on offer; the brand and marketing support; and access to enhanced services, which can really benefit me and my clients.

“I found extreme transparency with TaxAssist’s approach to their franchisees, with Karl Sandall and his fellow directors creating a culture of inspiring professionalism, honesty and a nurturing environment that’s essential when building a business.”

Access to experts

Raza says he’s been able to tap into TaxAssist’s expertise to help with his business plan, organising a great finance deal, finding the right location, shop visits, sorting out a lease, shop refurbishment, marketing, internal support systems, technical support and new business leads.

“After just one year of trading with TaxAssist, I’m now servicing an ever-growing portfolio of clients and I couldn’t be more pleased,” he says. “The technical support has been invaluable and enabled me to sign some key clients with good value.

“I’ve been in regular contact with clients, working closely with them on cash flow projections, furlough and grant applications, and I’m hopeful the guidance and support I’ve offered will play a big part in their survival.

“In around 16 months, I’ve invested in starting a new business, opened my first shop and have a growing client portfolio. Without TaxAssist, this would never have been possible.

“My friends and relatives who share the same profession and who have seen me grow as an individual are already enquiring about TaxAssist and I’ve been extremely excited to tell them my story.”

At a glance TaxAssist accountants

Established:

1995

Number of franchised outlets:

Location of units:

UK

Investment range:

£100,000-£150,000

Minimum required capital:

£40,000

Contact:

franchiseenquiries@taxassist.co.uk