Double celebration
TaxAssist Accountants opens its 70th storefront franchise and welcomes the company's first franchisee in Northern Ireland

TaxAssist Accountants, the UK's leading tax and accountancy service for small businesses, has opened its 70 th shopfront premises. It's also recently welcomed its first Northern Irish shopfront franchisee.

TaxAssist Accountants provides small businesses with expert advice tailored specifically for their needs - from the completion of end-of-year accounts and tax returns to payroll, VAT and bookkeeping. This is complemented by a wide range of additional services for small business clients, including debt recovery, independent financial advice and personnel (HR) services.

Shopfront concept
TaxAssist Accountants developed the shopfront concept with the aim of attracting the local small and medium-sized business owner with a fresh, modern and stylish look. Not only do the shopfronts lend visibility and accessibility, they also offer the credibility with clients and other businesses that working from home simply could not provide.

The franchisee that hit the 70 th spot is Peter Sewell, who operates from Llandudno in North Wales. Peter joined TaxAssist Accountants in September 2008 and reports: “ The support centre were very proactive and helped me select two possible locations in the territory. I have been very pleased with the outcome of the shopfront format. Since opening the shop, it has definitely given me a strong presence in the local area and people are popping in to see us at a rate of five walk-ins per week. We have signed up over 20 clients in four weeks, which is a testimony to having a high profile and credibility on the high street. I would recommend anyone to start in a shopfront immediately.”

Jim Andrew is the franchisee who has become the Northern Irish pathfinder for TaxAssist Accountants, opening his shop in Belfast this month. Jim joined TaxAssist Accountants in February 2008 and says: “Since the launch I have had a steady stream of work, despite the economic downturn. As the credit crunch bites, self-employed people and small businesses turn to accountancy firms for business advice and for ways to save money on their taxes. In my opinion, now is the ideal time to launch an accountancy franchise and capitalise on the situation.” Having attended the franchise's initial five-week training course and refresher days, Jim comments: “The training course really boosted my confidence and I left feeling I would be able to run my own business effectively. The support I have received has been first rate.”

Way forward
Says Karl Sandall, chief executive of TaxAssist Accountants: “It is very clear to us that moving into shopfront premises will continue to be the way forward for all franchisees. We have always had complete confidence in this. Professionalism and business stature within the community are immediately elevated with the increased profile of a shopfront office, which in turn improves local business relationships and increases referrals of new business. We are very pleased to be welcoming Jim to the TaxAssist Accountants network and expect our presence here to grow considerably.

"Jim is currently the only franchisee in Northern Ireland. However, he will be joined by a new franchisee in the new year and numbers of enquiries remain high. We are also actively looking to expand into southern Ireland via selling a master franchise licence, so if you're interested please do get in touch."

Franchisees do not need any formal accountancy qualifications as full training is given, but you do need to have a relevant career background, be self-motivated, disciplined, ambitious, hardworking and keen to build a substantial, successful business.

For more information call 0800 0188297. You can watch a video about the franchise at www.taxassist.net