Due the total lack of opportunities in the South Yorkshire area for Accountants I have for some time been planning to set up on my own doing bookkeeping and accountancy work. This post is just to get an idea, but is there anyone else who has similar ideas to myself who would be looking for a business partner who would be interested in setting up together.

I look forward to any responses.

Many Thanks

Hello there.

I was made redundant last year working as Commercial Manager for the worlds largest Brewer InBev (Stella Artois etc) from 2000 to 2009. I have done a few freelance projects since computerising some local company's accounts (On Sage).

Prior to that I was Group Financial Controller for an IT Solutions Provider from 1990 to 2000.

Drop me a mail and let me know your plans. Only downside might be am now based near Bedford.


Regards

Rob

Hi, did you ever get set up? I am in a similar position, thinking of setting up. I live in Sheffield and I am qualified FCCA. If you are still looking for a partner I would be interested in chatting about the possibilities.

I am seriously interested in going into partnership with likeminded people to set up an accountancy business. I have created some business cards for a business called Millhouses Accountancy. However I'm finding it extremely tough to get any clients. I feel however that in the current climate the best way is to go it alone or get into a partnership with someone. I would be interested in having a chat if this interests you.

Scholeyj

Due the total lack of opportunities in the South Yorkshire area for Accountants I have for some time been planning to set up on my own doing bookkeeping and accountancy work. This post is just to get an idea, but is there anyone else who has similar ideas to myself who would be looking for a business partner who would be interested in setting up together.

I look forward to any responses.

Many Thanks

Hi

I'm not after a business partner, but I have my own practice which I started from nothing so I have a few questions for you which may help you explore your options:

What experience /qualifications do you have?

What sort of clients are you after? Just bookkeeping clients or those where you can offer a complete service?

What about fees?

Can you deal with limited companies or are you just doing self assessment?

Do you have any specialities (e.g. property tax, estate planning, charities accounts)?

I have found that almost every single one of my new clients has come through a referral from an existing client or someone that knows me. For me traditional advertising methods (so far) have not worked.

Networking and making contacts is essential in my opinion. Join Linkedin.

Also I would agree that the toughest job when you're starting out is to get those first few clients. It then becomes a lot easier.

Also treat those those first few clients (and every client after that!) like the gods that they are. Do an outstanding job then ask for a referral. Keep doing this with every new job that you get and it will grow.

It goes without saying that you must produce 'the goods' every time to start generating quality referrals.

Hope there's something in there you can use.

PM me if I can help further

Best of luck

Also I would agree that the toughest job when you're starting out is to get those first few clients. It then becomes a lot easier.

Also treat those those first few clients (and every client after that!) like the gods that they are. Do an outstanding job then ask for a referral. Keep doing this with every new job that you get and it will grow.

It goes without saying that you must produce 'the goods' every time to start generating quality referrals.


That is a bit of advice one cant ignore, when starting your own business finding those first clients and building up from there is a tricky time staking job. it can be very stressful at times and your bound to find some clients which are more of a pain then others.

One thing i have found in setting up my own business is you never know what is just around the corner, something could happen you had not planned for and then changes must be made to compensate for them (not the case all the time though) This will constantly happen as a company grows, there are those out there that ignore them and fail and those who improve on what they already offer to their clients and make it because of that fact!

I wish you all the best with your business adventure and hope it goes well for you as accountancy and bookkeeping is a very competitive market to get into too.