Accounts Assist, a firm specialising in accountancy and taxation services for small businesses, freelances, contractors and consultants, has introduced a franchise with a difference.
It allows clients to fix fees upfront and prides itself on offering a personalised service, unlimited phone calls, emails and letters, and a guaranteed response within 24 hours.
Anita Brook started the company last year after 10 years in accountancy. “I was working in the City when I decided to start my own practice,” she said. “I wanted to create something different to a traditional, run of the mill practice, and instead has been built on a philosophy of clarity, transparency and personalised service.
“With start-up funding more difficult to secure since the beginning of the economic downturn, many businesses are self-funded, or started with a very small loan. As such, the owners are aware that they need to be cash conscious from day one, so a service like ours, which offers unlimited guidance and support, is just what they are looking for.”
As word of the Accounts Assist ethos spread, she saw an opportunity to create a series of small, personable practices under the brand that would maintain the exceptional service and transparent costs.
Franchise model
Her franchise model is strongly focused on providing support for those who may be new to the world of business.
“I set up Accounts Assist to achieve a better work/life balance and develop a firm that puts the client first,” she said. “Becoming one of our franchisees is a great opportunity to step out of the rat race and do something different.
“The high level of support we offer means that a new franchisee needn't be an experienced entrepreneur - we provide all the help and guidance needed to start running a rewarding and successful business.”
Getting started
“Setting up a new business can seem daunting, with a host of legal and practical issues to contend with before you start trading. Our franchise model bypasses the administrative burden so that franchisees start winning clients straight away. For example, we complete all the paperwork to provide franchisees with a limited company.
“They are then enrolled on a one-week intensive training course covering everything they will need to run their business, including bookkeeping, management and Sage accountancy training.
“On completion of training, they receive a quick start guide taking them day-by-day through their first two months in business, and a straight forward user manual that covers practices and processes they will need to refer to in the longer term, such as managing staff and maintaining standards,” said Brook.
For those with aspirations to become their own boss, the considerable and often unpredictable expense associated with setting-up in business can be off putting.
To make getting started as simple and low cost as possible, Accounts Assist provides franchisees with a pre-loaded laptop, printer, and business stationery.
Ongoing support
Being competitive in business doesn't just mean being among the best out there, it also means making sure potential clients know about the services so franchisees receive continuing marketing support.
It takes planning, hard work and enthusiasm to get a business off the ground, but it is commitment that keeps a business thriving. For this reason, the support for franchises doesn't stop when they begin trading.
Each is assigned a named contact, who can be called direct for advice. They also receive regular company news and legislative bulletins to keep them informed about changes affecting their business, along with advice on any action they should take.
In short, for as long as a person remains a franchisee, they can expect ongoing support in every area of the business.
The firm is working with franchise consultant Chris Gillam to accelerate its development. With his extensive franchising experience and contacts within the industry, he will raise the firm’s profile, recruit franchisees, and develop existing ones.
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