I've just come from a business meeting with Paul McGrath, Manager of our Accounting Services operation (CHAS), at which he reported on the great progress his Team has made this year.
From its inception seven years ago, CHAS has built a strong book of personal and business clients, and has worked on projects ranging from individuals' tax returns to multi-million pound turnover enterprises.
We've seen particularly strong growth in the number and quality of businesses we work with, the numbers of which have grown from zero at outset to 68 as of today, with several more already in the pipeline. These range from sole traders to Property Investment companies, and from sizeable construction firms to high tech specialists.
We've also developed special expertise in working with GP Practices, and have a good understanding of the nuances of NHS funding and practice management issues that have made a real difference to our clients benefiting from our services.
The changes to the way in which HMRC is requiring businesses to interact with it, and especially the Making Tax Digital initiative, are generating lots of interest and we've been handling a number of enquiries from people who want to make sure they are dealing with their responsibilities properly. We're also seeing new enquiries as a result of referrals from satisfied clients, which is encouraging and shows that the work we're doing is really valued by them.
We've recently invested in a more capable Accountancy Software package that will enable us to improve our services further, and we're investing in growing our Team to be able to ensure that we can keep on delivering the great service that is our hallmark whilst continuing to grow rapidly.
I asked Paul what he thought was the reason for our success, and he suggested that it is because we set out with every client to really understand their business, so that the Team can help them to become more efficient and more profitable, working with business owners to achieve their own personal goals and objectives faster.
This approach is as a direct result of working with our Financial Planning Teams, who place great emphasis on understanding clients' goals before starting to map out a practical strategy for them.
As an Accounting firm we are highly unusual in our desire to really help our clients to achieve their goals, unlike the vast majority of accountants who see their role as primarily one of calculating the taxes due and submitting the necessary HMRC returns without giving much thought at all to how those taxes might be reduced or how the business might be structured to make it significantly more effective.
We know from the feedback we receive that our clients really appreciate the interactive relationship they have with us, and the results we've achieved working with them.
If you are looking for help and advice from your Accountant that can help you to make life simpler, improve your results and plan for your own growth, I recommend having a chat with Paul and his Team.
Their results speak for themselves, and they would love to receive your enquiry.
Andy Jervis,
Chairman of Chesterton House