This week’s episode welcomes Stuart Harris, the man behind Stuart Harris Associates and known to many as “the Friendly Accountant”.

With 30 years in the profession, Stuart’s story moves from a South London family firm, through specialist partnerships, all the way to building his own practice in North London. Now, with a small but tight-knit team, Stuart supports clients on everything from emigration tax and trusts to charity and solicitor accounts—always leaning on his own experience as a small business owner.

Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA invite Stuart to reveal:

Why networking—rather than advertising—was the game-changer for building his client base.
How his “magpie” approach to new ideas and technology turned his Apple Mac obsession from a quirk into a business edge.
What it really means to be “the friendly accountant”—and how trust, communication, and a dash of humour keep clients loyal and happy.
Whether you’re starting out, seeking better work-life balance, or curious about cloud tech and remote teams, Stuart’s honest, practical insights will help you look at your practice in a fresh way.

Tune in for stories, lessons, and laughs—plus tips on boosting your approach to client care and resilience in today’s changing world.

Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and pass the episode on to your fellow accountants!

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Richard Wilson-Artus started MWA Accounting in Manchester city centre back in 2014, and has grown a thriving practice with a focus on e-commerce, food & drink, content creators, and property businesses. In this 30-minute episode, Richard shares how he went from redundancy to building a successful ACCA-regulated firm with a small but dedicated team.

As you listen to this episode, you’ll...

🔹 Discover Richard’s journey from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, including the challenges of finding clients and learning on the go.

🔹 Uncover the unique ways MWA Accounting supports e-commerce and hospitality businesses, including how a lucky break built their first niche.

🔹 Hear how Richard and his team survived the impact of COVID-19, pivoted their practice, and found new opportunities.

🔹 Learn about the importance of reviewing client fees, developing processes, and finding the confidence to say “no” to the wrong clients.

Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about specialising, or wanting to future-proof your firm, Richard’s honest reflections and practical tips will help you shape a more successful accounting practice.

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The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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🚀 Reflections from the Latest Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast! 🚀

In this special Reflections episode, co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes take a lively look back at insights from four recent interviews with standout accountants and bookkeepers. Together, they unpack memorable lessons from Steph Beeston Clark, Simon Mason, Andrew Coombs, and Arun Mehra, drawing out stories of grit, growth, and the odd marketing mishap.

Philippa and Mark discuss everything from embracing failure and mental health, to why wanting something isn’t always enough without practical steps. The conversation covers Steph’s journey from burnout to building confidence, Simon’s honest take on the uphill struggle of launching a practice, and Andrew’s people-first approach to team building (with a clever freelancer twist for working mums). There’s also a spirited debate on the real value – and pitfalls – of Google Ads and magazine adverts for accountancy firms.

Arun Mehra’s entrepreneurial outlook especially grabs their attention, as he describes building a niche dental accountancy firm, investing in AI, and why he sees team as more important than clients—a mindset that may raise a few eyebrows.

Throughout, listeners will enjoy Philippa and Mark’s trademark humour, practical tips, and encouragement—reminding everyone that accountancy careers are as unique as the people in them. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your journey, this episode is packed with honest advice, a few cautionary tales, and inspiration to help you find your own path to success.

For exclusive extras and deeper dives into the conversations, don’t forget to check out their Patreon channel!

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?

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The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Arun Mehra left a successful career in investment banking to build his own specialist accountancy firm from scratch. Over the past 23 years, he’s grown Samera into a thriving business advising dental practices across the UK and beyond, with a unique team split between the UK and India.

In this 30-minute episode, Arun shares: 

🔹 Why he left the City and what inspired him to niche down in the dental sector
🔹 How personal insight and teamwork with his dentist wife shaped the business
🔹 Honest reflections on recruitment mistakes—and why building the right team trumps everything
🔹 Practical advice on outsourcing, remote teams, and building a supportive culture
🔹 Marketing lessons from the school of hard knocks—what works and what definitely doesn’t
🔹 The realities of scaling a firm, supporting family, and staying motivated through the ups and downs

Whether you’re setting out on your own, thinking about niching, managing a hybrid team, or simply after down-to-earth advice from someone who’s done it all, Arun’s story is packed with practical tips and timeless inspiration for any UK accountant or bookkeeper in practice.

#accountants #accountingpractice #dentalaccountant #remoteteams #outsourcing #ukbusiness #careerdevelopment #teamculture #AIinPractice #practicegrowth

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, the podcast that shines a light on the stories of real accountants and bookkeepers making a difference in the profession. In this milestone 75th episode, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Andrew Coombs, who shares his unique journey from financial services to taking the reins at Kings Oak Accountancy—his family’s practice in Somerset.

You'll hear Andrew’s honest reflections on stepping into succession, expanding the business, and building a results-only, flexible team culture (with no timesheets in sight!). He reveals how his focus on client relationships and technology helped double the business after his father retired, the lessons learned from tricky clients, and why he now only takes on the right kind of work.

From building team loyalty to the pitfalls of overcomplicated software, Andrew’s story is packed with practical insights, humour, and real-world advice any accountant or bookkeeper could use. Plus, there’s a nod to the future—business advisory, automation, and what’s next for small practices.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, tune in for inspiration, lessons from the field, and a few birthday jokes for Philippa along the way!

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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This week’s episode welcomes Simon Mason, the founder of Simas Accounting and Tax in Bedford.

Simon’s journey is a powerful blend of experience-driven practice, tenacity, and genuine care—for clients, colleagues, and the future of accountancy. Having started his career at a top 30 firm, he rose to senior manager and partner-designate before bravely launching his own firm in 2017. Now leading a close-knit team, Simon brings lessons from the frontline—learning as much from mistakes as from the wins.

Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA draw out Simon’s most valuable insights, touching on stories every UK accountant will recognise:

• What happens when you turn frustration with “factory-style” practices into a deeply personal client experience—one where you actually know your clients' children’s ages!
• The hidden cost of chasing growth via Google Ads and why treating every new client as a long-term investment really pays off (eventually).
• Why recruiting character beats technical prowess—and the one proud moment that defines Simon’s idea of true success.

Whether you’re at a crossroads in your own career, looking to fine-tune your practice model, or want permission to learn from—rather than fear—failure, Simon’s open reflections are both honest and inspiring.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who needs to hear real talk from the frontlines of accountancy!

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Today on Accountants’ Success Secrets, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sat down with Steph Beeston-Clarke, who’s built an inspiring practice serving charities and non-profits across the UK - all from Winsford and sometimes sunny Lanzarote!

 Steph shared her journey from kitchen-table bookkeeping to leading a remote team of eight. We talk honestly about overcoming setbacks, the importance of mindset, and why looking after people - both clients and your team - makes business truly rewarding. If you want to serve with purpose and still thrive, Steph’s story will motivate you to say yes to new opportunities and always stay true to your values.

Notes: Register for Steph's FREE monthly zoom call 'Charity Chatter on Money Matters' where you can ask questions and get support on everything Charity numbers related. https://charitychatter.beestonclarke.co.uk/
First Wednesday of every month 4pm-5pm

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?

Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret

🚀 Reflections from the Latest Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast! 🚀

We've just dropped the 72nd episode of the Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast, and we’ve loved reflecting on some truly inspiring stories from accountants and bookkeepers across the UK. From home offices taking over the house to big decisions about growth and team building, this episode is packed with insights for anyone in the profession looking to stand out and grow smarter.

Here are three key takeaways you can put into action:

🔹 Clarify Your Strategy
Having a clear plan doesn’t just guide your business— it makes hiring and growth decisions less stressful and helps you define what makes your practice unique.

🔹 Don’t Be Afraid of Commercial Tools
Save time (and your sanity) by choosing software that already exists, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel with your own spreadsheets or systems.

🔹 Culture & Soft Skills Matter
Whether your office is at home or on the high street, building genuine relationships and developing your team’s communication skills are absolutely essential for long-term success.

If you want more gems like this (and a few stories about software contracts, kitchen-table interviews, or magician accountants!), have a listen to the full episode and join the conversation.

Let us know your thoughts—what’s resonated with you from your accountancy journey?👇

#accountants #success #growth #accountancypractice #podcast #careerdevelopment

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! 

This week, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Sudipta "Sid" Moore of Moore Accountancy for an inspiring and refreshingly honest conversation. 

Sid shares her journey from training in London to setting up her own thriving practice in Altrincham, Cheshire right from her home. She opens up about the realities of juggling motherhood, building a business from scratch, and the unique culture that’s developed when your living room doubles as the office.

Expect candid stories about finding those all-important first clients, learning hard lessons on pricing and communication, and fostering a tight-knit team in an unconventional (but very homely) workspace. Whether you’re just starting out or are seeking new ways to grow your practice while staying true to your values, Sid’s story is full of practical insights, gentle humour, and down-to-earth advice, all delivered in her trademark approachable style.

So grab a cuppa, settle in, and get ready to discover what really makes an accountancy practice feel like “home” and why that might just be the secret to lasting success.

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The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, hosts Mark Lee of Bookmark Lee and Philippa Haynes of Insight101 sit down with Mark Melville, the founder of Concept Accountancy in Newcastle upon Tyne. Mark shares his journey from working in a local firm to launching his own practice back in 2014. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Concept Accountancy has grown to a six-figure business, with a dedicated team serving hundreds of clients.

Listen in as Mark talks about the realities of starting from scratch, the importance of hiring the right people, and finding his ideal clients—not just by sector, but by mindset. Philippa and Mark Lee quiz him on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how he's shaped a team culture that values openness, delegation, and client-focused service. From the lessons of pricing and process building to facing the fears of marketing spend, this episode is packed with practical advice, honest reflections, and a dash of humour familiar to any UK accountant.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your practice to the next level, Mark’s insights are sure to inspire. Let’s dive in!

The Accountants' Success Secrets is sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group, a trusted outsourcing partner with over 100 clients in the UK and Ireland.

To find out more please visit: www.pinnacleoss.co.uk a part of www.pinnacleglobalgroup.com

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Interested in becoming a Patreon for exclusive content for just the price of a coffee?

Follow the link here for more details and sign up: www.patreon.com/accountantssuccesssecret