Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, your hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Joanne Bell, Managing Director of Bells Accountants in Kent. From accidentally falling into the world of accountancy to leading a thriving, multi-office practice with around 30 staff and winning top industry accolades, Jo shares her inspiring journey.

You'll hear how Jo started out just trying to make ends meet during the 2008 housing crash, and how an early mentor helped steer her towards building the successful firm she runs today. This episode is packed with honest stories of growing pains, learning from mistakes, and the realities of acquisitions—warts and all! Plus, she dives into financial education, the importance of team culture, and balancing effective delegation with staying involved.

If you want practical insights, uplifting stories, and a few laughs, this is one for your playlist. And, as always, if you have your own accountant's story to tell, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes would love to hear from you. 

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, where we dive into the real stories and reflections behind successful accountancy practices in the UK. In this special February Reflections edition, hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee look back at the lessons learned and lightbulb moments shared by recent guests.

From Jonathan Vowles' honest admission that he once focused on being the "cheapest accountant in the world" (and how that shaped his brand and business approach), to Paul Reid's refreshing take on starting a practice the second time around—this episode pulls out the threads connecting authenticity, business savvy, and making the kind of decisions only hindsight can teach.

You'll also hear about Dave Sellick's maniacal focus on building a practice that genuinely makes him happy, and how building a niche using both creativity and technology can flip the traditional accounting model on its head. Finally, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee unpack the challenges and surprising strengths behind running a franchise practice with Tej Gowara, and why marketing and people skills are just as crucial as sharp technical knowledge.

Whether you're a seasoned accountant, a sole practitioner, or just someone who wants to stand out from the crowd, this episode serves up practical insights, hard-won wisdom, and a good dose of humour to help you level up your accountancy career. So, grab a cuppa—and maybe even a luxury chocolate biscuit—and join us as we reflect on the secrets to real success in practice.

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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Fifteen years ago, Tej Gewara made the leap from a career in industry to open his own accountancy practice. Now, as owner of TaxAssist Accountants in Leicester East and Nottingham, with a team of 12, Tej shares what it's really like to build a thriving business from scratch.

In this 30-minute episode, Tej talks candidly about:
🔹 Why he chose the franchise route—and the realities of leveraging a well-known brand
🔹 The lessons learned from managing a growing team, making local acquisitions, and developing genuine people skills
🔹 Overcoming mistakes like underpricing (and the liberation of finally putting fees up!)
🔹 The day-to-day differences between working in and on your practice—and how to break free from never-ending client work
🔹 Practical tips for building client loyalty through service, not just number-crunching

Whether you’re setting up your own practice, considering an accountancy franchise, or aiming to run a more profitable business, Tej’s story is packed with real-world advice and inspiration.

Hosted by Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes. For exclusive bonus content, subscribe on Patreon!

#AccountantsSuccessSecrets #TejGewara #AccountancyPodcast #PracticeGrowth #SMEAdvisory #FranchiseAccountants #TeamManagement #FeeRaising #AccountingInsights

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountant Success Secrets! This week, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Dave Sellick, the visionary behind Sidgrove, a purpose-led accounting practice and finance consultancy. Dave shares his journey from a tough start at PwC—right as Lehman Brothers crashed, no less—through years of soul-searching in founder-led businesses, all the way to creating his own innovative, one-man firm.

Tune in as we explore how Dave’s passion for creativity, technology, and wellbeing (he’s a yoga teacher and a DJ, after all) shapes his unique approach to accountancy. You’ll hear why he challenges traditional models, how he harnesses tools like Stream Deck and automation to redefine his workflow, and his mission to humanise accounting—both for himself and for his clients.

Plus, we chat about the value of small, values-driven practices, how personal happiness fuels professional success, and why Dave is opening up his methods to inspire other accountants. Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner or just starting out, you’ll find fresh ideas, honest reflections, and a few surprises in today’s conversation. 

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

Welcome to Episode 92 of the Accountants' Success Secrets podcast! This week, your hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Paul Reid, founder of Empower Accountancy in Cambridge, for a conversation full of wisdom, wit, and inspiration. Paul shares his unusual journey—after selling his first practice almost ten years ago, he ventured into running a family insurance business before recently returning to accountancy.

In this episode, you'll discover how Paul's experience across industries shaped his approach, what drove him to set up a second practice, and the lessons that he's applied the second time round. He talks candidly about the importance of having a clear strategy, hiring the right team, giving back through charity, and the confidence to choose clients wisely. You'll hear practical tips, honest reflections, and plenty of encouragement for anyone looking to build a practice with purpose and passion.

So, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, join us for a lively chat packed with actionable insights from Paul's remarkable career. And, as always, find out how you can connect with our hosts or get involved in future episodes. Let’s get inspired and learn the real secrets to success in 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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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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, where we delve into the personal journeys of accountants who have truly made their mark. This week, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes introduce us to Jonathan Vowles, founder of JVCA in Cranfield, near Cambridge—a man who started his accountancy practice last century from a cupboard under the stairs (yes, just like Harry Potter).

Jonathan brings honesty, humour, and decades of experience, sharing both the triumphs and his “idiotic” mistakes (his words, not ours). From his beginnings in hotel management to launching his own firm, Jonathan opens up about his path, the unexpected hurdles—including a £145,000 bad debt—and the lessons he’s learned on building a successful, friendly accounting business.

This episode is packed with practical takeaways, including tips on client relationships, managing teams, and why every accountant needs a comfort blanket (six months of mortgage payments, anyone?). Plus, we discuss how being approachable makes all the difference for clients wary of finance conversations.

Get ready for candid reflections, laughter, and real stories that will inspire and reassure accountants at every stage of their journey.

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee are celebrating a milestone—it's the 90th edition of the podcast, and they're serving up one of their signature reflections episodes.

If you're an accountant or bookkeeper looking for real, practical insights you can use, you're in the right place. Philippa and Mark take a look back at the last four guest interviews, distilling the best lessons, biggest surprises, and honest advice from peers who've walked the walk. Expect discussions about rapid practice growth, building rapport with clients, handling technology (without getting carried away), and finding that elusive work-life balance—even if that means working just 27 hours a week!

You'll hear stories from accountants who've chosen their own paths—whether that's refusing to follow so-called 'gurus', focusing on business success rather than just technical work, or daring to raise their fees. Plus, there are plenty of practical nuggets for anyone thinking about risk management, hiring the right people, or making sure your marketing feels true to you.

So, whether you're just starting out, or you've been in practice for decades, grab a cuppa and join Philippa and Mark for straightforward conversations, relatable advice, and a laugh or two along the way. Let’s get started!

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

Welcome to episode 89 of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes are joined by Sam Draper, founder of The Small Business Accountant in Tufnell Park, London. Sam started his practice right at the height of lockdown in 2020, juggling a tiny baby at home and a big leap from industry into practice. In this episode, Sam shares how his background as a financial controller shaped his approach to working with small creative businesses, and why self-awareness and finding the right clients are key ingredients to happiness and growth.

We’ll hear about gritty learning curves (hello practice management software!) and why running a firm is a bit like dating. From picking clients he’d happily join for a coffee or a pint, to balancing work with quality family time, Sam’s journey offers plenty of honest reflection and practical wisdom. Plus, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee dive into the realities of niching, handling growth, and the lessons accountants wish they’d learned sooner.

If you’re considering setting up your own practice, wondering how to grow without losing your sanity, or just fancy hearing Sam’s five-good, five-bad monthly review technique, you’re in for an inspiring, relatable listen!

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, where we dive into the journeys of accountants who are making a real impact in the profession. This week, hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee are joined by the award-winning Debbie Warburton, who leads GW Accountants and Business Advisors in Penryn, Cornwall.

After starting her career at just 17, Debbie Warburton has worked her way up from practice manager to firm owner—guiding her team and clients through everything from partnership transitions to the pandemic and beyond. In this episode, you'll hear about her approach to technology, how she created a client-focused practice, and the people lessons learned along the way. There's plenty of banter, some hard-won wisdom, and a touch of Cornish charm.

Whether you're launching your own practice or have been in the game for years, this episode is packed with practical insights, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs. So grab a brew and get comfortable—let's uncover the secrets behind Debbie Warburton's success and what you can take away for your own accountancy journey!

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! This week, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Chris Maslin, founder of Maslins Ltd, for an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

Chris shares the journey of starting his own practice in his mid-20s, after working in larger firms and always asking, “Why do we do it this way?” From knocking on doors to land his first clients, to embracing online accounting platforms like FreeAgent early on, Chris explains how he found his niche supporting UK freelancers and contractors—and why following the tide led to his firm’s success.

But that’s not all: Chris dives into his bold decision to hand over control of Maslins to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). He’s open about the challenges and unexpected twists along the way, sharing what it’s really like to step back and empower the team he’s built from the ground up.

Whether you’re just starting out or contemplating the next stage for your practice, this episode is packed with practical lessons, honest mistakes, and a refreshing look at building a values-driven accounting business.

Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and maybe even rethink what the future of accountancy could look like!

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