Member News

TaxAssist Accountants, the national network helping small business owners and self-employed individuals with their tax and accountancy needs, is proud and excited to announce that it will shortly be launching in Australia.

Accountants and business partners Terry Murphy CPA and Celeste Godwin BBUS, (pictured with Karl Sandall, Sarah Robertson and Phil Sullivan) will initially be taking on the Regional Master Franchise Licence for Queensland with a commitment to take New South Wales by September 2016.

Terry & Celeste currently have 6 practices across both Queensland and New South Wales which, starting with the Queensland practices, they will rebrand as TaxAssist Accountants, so they will have an instant footprint when they are ready to start recruiting franchisees.

Terry comments “We have been tracking TaxAssist in the UK for a few years now and have been impressed with their achievements and progress. It was therefore an opportunity we couldn’t say no to, when I saw an advert advertising the master franchise rights here in Australia.

As experienced and innovative accountants, both Celeste and myself are looking forward to using our skills, along with the proven TaxAssist business model to build a successful network of franchisees. They will not only benefit from our business and technical awareness, but also the comprehensive training, marketing and business development support from a long-established and multi award-winning franchisor. This should create a very strong platform for future growth.

Like the UK, the small business market is huge in Australia at over 96% of the total business market and I know that the potential for business, combined with the innovative shop front concept, which has proven to be so successful in the UK, will go down well in Australia. We both can’t wait to get started!”

Karl Sandall, the CEO of the TaxAssist Group comments “We’re delighted to be launching in Australia, which has a burgeoning franchise sector, with business format franchises worth some AUS$65 billion, but does not yet offer our unique packaged accounts and tax service for small businesses. We see a significant growth opportunity and couldn’t make a better start than with the experienced team of Terry and Celeste.”

TaxAssist Accountants is happy to report that it now has 25 franchisees operating from 2 or more shop front premises.

One of the key features that marks out TaxAssist Accountants from other accountancy practices is our contemporary, open and welcoming shops. Specifically designed to be accessible and visible to our target market of small businesses and the self-employed, the shops have proven to be extremely successful since the launch of the first shop in 2002. There are currently 175 shops around the UK and 27 in the Republic of Ireland.

The franchisee that hit the 25th spot is Alex Smith (left) who operates his shops from Peverell and City Centre, Plymouth (pictured below), Devon. Alex, who runs his franchise with his wife Sarah and 5 members of staff, joined the franchise in 2006 when he was 30, deciding to move from Guildford in Surrey to Devon to start a new life and a new business. 9 years and two children later he hasn’t looked back!

Alex comments “It was a big decision to leave a good job, with a steady income to join a franchise and start from scratch in a totally new area, but I can honestly say TaxAssist have provided me with everything I needed. I am happy to report I have taken on over 300 clients operating from my first shop, and I am looking to repeat this success in my second shop.”

Prior to joining TaxAssist, Alex who is an ACA qualified accountant, operated as an accountant in industry and also an auditor in a Big 4 practice, but decided to make use of his accountancy skills and the TaxAssist brand name and support to establish his own business.

If you would like to find out more about running a franchise why not give us a call to see if your ideal territory is available and learn how TaxAssist could help you establish your own accountancy practice. Call 0800 0188297 for a confidential chat.

The 5 star Celtic Manor resort in Wales was the stunning venue for the TaxAssist Accountants Annual Conference and Gala Dinner held on the 18th April 2015. This is a special year for the Norwich based franchise, which this year celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

Franchisees, their partners, staff and specialist services providers gathered for an exhibition in the morning, followed by a productive and informative afternoon conference where the CEO provided a network update and announced that the franchise which has already expanded to the Republic of Ireland and Canada, will also be expanding to Australia.

Representatives from the British Franchise Association were speakers during the conference, and provided an overview of the history of the relationship between TaxAssist and the BFA. They announced at the conference that TaxAssist are finalists for the prestigious BFA franchisor of the year award again this year, having previously won the award back in 2010. Two franchisees have previously been finalists for the franchisee of the year award. The BFA were happy to endorse the TaxAssist model and later in the year the Franchisee Assisted Management Buyout, which is believed to be the first in the UK, will be held up as an example to other franchisors at their own Annual Conference.

The conference was rounded off by a black tie dinner, with top notch entertainment provided by Paul Daniels and Debbie McGhee who performed a magic show, followed by the amazing ABBA tribute group Bjorn Again. Over 480 guests were in attendance – the largest attendance yet – and rather than reward individual franchisees, the event was this year, focussed on celebrating the success of the network of almost 200 franchisees as a whole.

Karl Sandall CEO of TaxAssist comments “Absolutely delighted to witness such a fantastic turnout for our Annual Conference and celebration dinner. Our franchise network and all our partners are on top form and looking forward to our continued expansion and building of our brand worldwide. Our 60,000 small business clients are in good hands and I look forward to many more enjoying the TaxAssist service.”

Platinum sponsor Richard Simms comments “”From all at F A Simms & Partners we would like to congratulate TaxAssist on their 20th anniversary and another successful annual conference. We have worked closely with TaxAssist for many years now and it is such a pleasure to see them reach this milestone anniversary. We look forward to continue working with and supporting them for many more years to come.”

Greg Murphy a Certified Accountant and Roddy Comyn a Chartered Accountant were awarded the Master Franchise Licence for TaxAssist Accountants in the Republic of Ireland and haven’t looked back as they have seen the franchise go from strength to strength. They celebrated the event at their Annual Conference which was held at the Morrison Hotel in Dublin, which as well as being a motivational and informative event also rewarded the top performing franchisees across their network of 26 franchisees.

Overall 2014 has seen fantastic growth in numbers in the Republic. In 5 years of operation TAD Ireland have now passed the 5,000 clients mark, and more importantly they have also gone past the €5,000,000 fee bank mark.

Greg Murphy comments, “Prior to joining TaxAssist Accountants myself and Roddy were partners in a local practice in the Fairview region of Dublin. Whilst the practice was successful in its own right, we were both ambitious and wanted to develop a national brand across Ireland.

TaxAssist offered a distinctive brand and clear approach to marketing and it was one we were sure would work well in Ireland, even in a recession – as has been proven right. Where the franchise model adds value, is the strength of the brand and the high visibility of the shop-front premises.

As a Master Franchisor I have been given the tools, support and experience I need from TaxAssist UK to make the business successful in Ireland and I think that TaxAssist Ireland is a great blueprint of how the franchise model can work in other countries. We’ve all very much enjoyed building the brand over the last 5 years. Here’s to the next 5 years of success and more!”.

Accountancy Age has recently published its Financial Power List 2015 with CEO of The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd. Karl Sandall making it to number 50 in the movers and shakers of the finance world.

Karl finds himself in illustrious company with George Osborne taking the number 1 slot with other notable entrants following on, including heavyweights in the business, finance and entertainment world such as Margaret Hodge Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Hollywood actor Ben Affleck and Lin Homer, Chief Executive, HM Revenue & Customs.

Accountancy Age is one of the leading resources for finance, business and accountancy news, features, advice and resources for accountants and other UK finance professionals.

Karl is listed alongside his Executive Management colleagues Sarah Robertson and Phil Sullivan and TaxAssist franchisees, who make up the UK’s largest network of small business specialist accountants. In 2014 a ground breaking Franchisee Assisted Management Buyout (FAMBO) took place with a tranche of franchisees breaking new ground in their ownership of the company. Franchisees currently own a 32% stake in the business, with the Directors of the company including Karl owning 53% and 15% by long-standing external business partners.

Karl comments “2014 was an exciting and trailblazing year for TaxAssist and proved how happy and satisfied our franchisees are in being part the success of our business. 2015 will be the year to cement our growing prominence in the accounting world. We will strive to continue to deliver excellent levels of support, training and leads to our network of franchisees and continue to build our brand name through our high street shop presence and highly successful and innovative social media campaigns. Whilst not taking our focus off the UK, we also have plans to expand the franchise in a controlled manner into selected markets in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and shortly the USA.”

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Our new Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work course dates have just been set.

Aim; Provide the skills to deliver basic first aid to a suitable level for most businesses.

Objectives;

*Understand Roles and responsibilities of a first aider

*To be able to assess and manage a first aid incident

*To be able to manage an unconscious casualty

*To be able to manage a casualty who is not breathing normally

*To be able to manage a casualty who is choking

*To be able to manage a casualty who has a bleeding injury

*To be able to manage a casualty who is in shock

Organisation

Duration; 1 day course

Date; Tuesday 20th October

Exam/Assessment; Practical assessment plus an examination consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. In the practical assessment, candidates will be tested on the following five elements:

* Recovery position * Cardiopulmonary resuscitation * Choking * Bleeding * Shock This is an Ofqual accredited qualification.

Cost; £85.00 +VAT Includes exam fees, course handbook & materials, lunch and refreshments

Awarding Body; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) OR Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC)

Tutors; Justin Cowles

Differentiation; None – Just enthusiasm

Audience; This is the right first aid qualification for 80% of all businesses; the course is open to anyone who wants to become a first aider.

For more information on this course click here

Our Level 4 Award in Health and Safety course is taking place in August at No8 Thorpe Road, Norwich.

Aim; This qualification provides those in managerial and supervisory positions with appropriate knowledge and understanding of health and safety hazards, controls, and their management. It is also suitable for those wishing to deliver CIEH health and safety qualifications as part of their training provision.

Objectives;

*Understand the meaning of ‘management of health and safety’

*Understand the structure of UK and European law, and to interpret these requirements

*Understand most workplace hazards, their control, and to design safe practices and procedures

*Develop monitoring and auditing programmes

*Liaise with enforcement officers

*Have sufficient technical knowledge to teach level 1 + 2 health and safety training (with appropriate training skills)

Organisation

Duration; 6 days course consisting of 5 days in the classroom and the 6th day for assessment

Date; 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th & 28th August

Exam Date; 25th September

Exam/Assessment; Controlled assignment and examination. The course is accredited by Ofqual.

Cost; £595 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments, lunch, the assessment & certification fees

Awarding Body; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

Tutor; Richard Mills or Sarah Daniels

Differentiation; Prior knowledge of health and safety is required: CIEH Level 3 Award in Health & Safety would be desirable. This is a challenging course; candidates require a moderate level of academic skills and ICT ability. Access to a computer, for assignment research, email, etc is strongly recommended.

Audience; This qualification is for business owners, managers and supervisors, who devise, implement and monitor a company’s health and safety, and for those who want to become trainers

For more information on this course click here

Last Minute Space Available on our Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety course which is taking place in July at No8 Thorpe Road in Norwich.

Aim; To equip delegates to put food safety management systems in to place, through detailed understanding of the hazards, legal requirements (including HACCP) and the issues surrounding the implementation of control measures.

Objectives;

*Understand the meaning of ‘management of food safety’, and the elements of a management system, including HACCP.

*Detailed understanding of the four main hazards; biological, allergens, chemical and physical.

*Understand the format of UK and European food safety legislation.

*Understanding operational procedures for cleaning and disinfection, pest control, design and construction of facilities etc.

*Managing people; information, training, supervision etc.

*Maintaining food safety management procedures; monitoring and verification.

*Liaise with enforcement officers

*Have sufficient technical knowledge to deliver level 1 and 2 food hygiene training (with appropriate training skills)

Organisation

Duration; 5 day teaching programme + 1 day for assessment.

Exam/Assessment; Two hour controlled assignment and a 2.5 hour written examination (both normally completed on the same day). This is an Ofqual accredited qualification.

Cost; £597 plus VAT includes notes, refreshments, lunch, the assessment & certification fees. The course cost also includes a course book and a course folder with a resource CD & DVD

Awarding Body; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

Tutor; Richard Mills or Sarah Daniels

Differentiation; Prior knowledge of food safety is required: CIEH Level 3 Award in Food Safety would be desirable. Candidates should be familiar with, or aspire to, the role of management. This is a challenging course, technically and academically. Candidates require reasonable spoken and written English, and a moderate level of ICT ability. Access to a computer, for assignment research, email, etc is strongly recommended.

Audience; This qualification is for managers, supervisors and QA/QC/ senior hygiene personnel, who devise, implement and monitor/audit food safety systems, and for those who want to become trainers.

Feedback; “Richard Mills – without doubt the most knowledgeable, patient and diligent tutor and course leader I have met. You have made an arduous and technical subject live and breathe and have a relevance to my work every day since completing the course.” Ben Cullis, Stoke High School, Ipswich

For more information on this course click here or contact us

The team at Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) are delighted to have been named as finalists in the Corporate Social Responsibility category of the East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards 2015.

This particular award recognises the companies which have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and consideration for their role as a corporate citizen. Entrants were expected to demonstrate commitment to a number of good practices within the normal everyday commercial running of the business. In particular the judges were looking for evidence of:

Culture – demonstrating how the business engages with all aspects of working life Ethics – integrity when dealing with customers and business partners Diversity and inclusion – showing a consultative and enriching environment for employees People development – evidence of opportunities for staff to progress themselves Health and safety – ensuring the working environment is a safe, healthy and happy place for employees who are able to balance work and family commitments.

Pure was selected as finalists because of its obvious commitment to staff development and welfare, flexible working practices, continued fundraisingfor local charities, and its ongoing support for local businesses and the career development of people in the region through initiatives such as the Best Employers Eastern Region and Women’s Leadership Programme.

In praise of Pure, the judges said: “There is a vibrant and energetic atmosphere at Pure which clearly helps staff within their roles and flows over into a working environment that is inclusive and supportive.”

Consultants from the Ipswich office enjoyed a fantastic evening at the awards ceremony which was held at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Thursday 9 July.

Jodie Woodrow, Manager of Pure’s Ipswich office said: “We were up against strong competition from other local businesses, so we were delighted to have been crowned as one of the top three companies. Right from the start we set out to be different and we genuinely believe in ‘putting people first’. This doesn’t just relate to our employees, but also to our clients and to those within our wider communities. We bring this to life through our values, which all our staff were involved in implementing. Our congratulations go to Spring as the overall winners and also to MLM as our fellow finalists.”

Kier Construction Eastern has won five Norfolk Association of Architects Craftsmanship Awards. The five projects in and around Norwich were presented with the awards on the 9th July 2015.Kier’s Kevin James, Chris Lowe, John Claydon, Dennis Cotton, Andrew Richman and Mark Wright, along with guests from the UEA, LSI and Ingleton Wood Architects attended the event at the Barnham Broom Hotel.

Earlham Hall – Class C – Restorations, Alterations and Additions – Full Award

Earlham Hall is an important Norfolk house. It dates from c1580 and is now owned by the University of East Anglia, used as their School of Law. The building was not so much restored as painstakingly rebuilt – brick by brick and timber by timber.

Crome Court – Class B – New Non-Residential – Full Award

The £10.1m 232-bedroom, 5 to 7 storey Crome Court, is hailed as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the UEA’s east campus, and met all their aspirations for their new student residence block. It is constructed from Cross Laminated Timber with modular bathroom pods.

Norfolk UTC – Class C – Restoration, Alterations and Additions – Full Award

Kier remodelled the 5400m2 former factory to create a 600 pupil University Technical College. One half of the building holds computer suites, classrooms and laboratories, independent study spaces, a dining area and an employer’s lounge. The other half is devoted to technical learning – electrical and electronic, materials and engineering sciences.

City College Norwich – Class C – Restoration, Alterations and Additions – Full Award

The project involved constructing a Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) unit, which also houses a classroom and printroom. This is to provide a facility for disabled students to enable them to learn and thrive in a mainstream educational environment.

Julian Study Centre – Class B – New Non-Residential – Full Award

This sustainable four storey building with a glazed frontage and vibrant pink render is thought to be the first time a cross-laminated timber structure has been used with termodeck.

TaxAssist Accountants, the award-winning national network of accountants for small businesses, have relocated their headquarters to Broadland Business Park in Norwich.

Moving from former premises on Thorpe Road, Norwich, TaxAssist has moved into a suite taking 5,033ft2 (468m2) on the second floor of the Bankside 300 building.

The new address is:

Second Floor Bankside 300 Peachman Way Broadland Business Park Norwich Norfolk NR7 0WF

Established in 1995, TaxAssist has a network of over 195 franchised practices across the UK servicing more than 50,000 small business clients. In August 2014, the company achieved what is thought to be the first franchisee-assisted management buyout, leaving TaxAssist 32 percent owned by franchisees, 53 percent by the senior management team and 15 percent by longstanding external business partners.

Karl Sandall, Chief Executive of TaxAssist, said: “With more than 35 staff in our head office, we needed more space to continue our rapid growth and Broadland Business Park provides us with quality premises and surroundings our business needs.”

“In 2009, we set up our Dublin franchise and in February this year, we announced TaxAssist’s entry into Canada. We’re well on the road for continuing our global expansion into other new markets such as Australia, New Zealand and the US. This new office will stand us in good stead for our ambitious future plans.”

A large number of the region’s major businesses have been attracted to Broadland Business Park, including Aviva, Bertram Books, RBS, NHS Norfolk, Start-rite Shoes, Lovewell Blake, KTIB, Evander, D & F McCarthy and Menzies Distribution. It is located adjacent to the Postwick Junction of the A47, affording excellent access to London, the Midlands and east coast ports.

Simon Radford, Chief Executive of Lothbury Investment Management, advisors to the Park’s owners, said: “We are very pleased to welcome TaxAssist to Broadland Business Park. The company has achieved exceptional growth and we are delighted to be able to support its ongoing expansion plans. With first class facilities and premium quality office accommodation, not to mention excellent links to the main road networks, Broadland Business Park is an ideal choice for leading businesses in the area.”