Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! 

This week, your co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes are back from their (very brief!) podcasting holiday and ready to dive into inspiring stories from the world of UK accountancy. 

In this episode, they sit down with Kirsty Chaplin, founder of Flourish Accounting, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring school-age accountant, to mum at 16, to successful practice owner and team leader in Yorkshire.

Kirsty opens up about juggling family life with running a growing practice, the lessons she learned about valuing her services, bringing on the right partner, and how building local relationships (and the odd walk-in from the high street) has helped Flourish stand out. Plus, the trio chat about pricing, outsourcing, and why it’s sometimes OK to just keep things simple and organic.

If you’re seeking real-world advice, motivation, and a few laughs from someone who’s genuinely “winged it” and made it work, this conversation with Kirsty is not to be missed. Grab a brew and settle in—it’s another episode packed with practical insights, honest reflections, and a few classic accounting anecdotes.

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

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! 

In this special Reflections instalment, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee look back on some of their favourite recent interviews with inspiring UK accountants and bookkeepers. 

Drawing on conversations with Sharon Baker, Jon Norton, Noel Guilford, and Kath Docherty, Philippa and Mark share standout insights ranging from personal branding and recruitment strategies to pricing, client selection, and the power of embracing mistakes. 

Whether you’re a seasoned practice owner or just setting up shop, you’ll hear real stories, candid advice, and plenty of encouragement to help you grow your own accountancy journey. And, as ever, expect a few laughs and plenty of relatable anecdotes along the way. Let's dive in!

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

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

We welcome Kath Docherty from Hydref Accounting to the podcast chair!

In this episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes chat with Kath about her journey from running a compliance-heavy practice to creating a firm focused on building strong client relationships and delivering real value. Kath shares honest insights on finding her niche, the joys, and challenges, of bookkeeping, and why confidence in pricing is key for accountants who want to stand out. 

With stories, laughs, and practical advice, this episode is packed with down-to-earth wisdom for accountants at any stage in their practice.

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

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

"I try and only do what only I can do... If I can share some of the knowledge and experience that I've gained in my career, then that's a good way to round off my career, perhaps put it that way. Not that I'm looking to retire anytime soon." — Noel Guilford

In this episode of Accountants' Success Secrets, we sit down with Noel Guilford of Guilford Accounting, a seasoned accountant with a passion for empowering small businesses. 

Noel shares his fascinating journey from corporate finance partner to founder of a boutique practice in Chester, revealing the lessons learned from decades in the profession. He discusses the importance of working only with clients who value advisory relationships, leveraging technology to deliver forward-looking insights, and the unique value accountants bring when they blend financial expertise with practical marketing advice.

Listeners will discover how Noel's commitment to mentoring—both his business owner clients and young accountants—has shaped a thriving, client-focused firm that stands out for its honesty, value-driven pricing, and personal touch. This episode is a must-listen for any accountant or bookkeeper looking to build a successful, meaningful practice in today’s evolving landscape.

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

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

We welcome Jon Norton from Barefoot Accounting to the podcast chair!

"All you can do is worry about your next step. That’s all you can do."

This beautifully sums up the organic, adaptable way Jon has approached his career - moving from one opportunity to the next, learning and evolving as he goes, and focusing on practical progress rather than having a rigid, long-term plan. 

His story is a reminder that success often comes from being open to change and taking things one step at a time

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

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

In this episode, Sharon Baker, founder of Kinder Accountants, shares her inspiring journey from starting her own practice to building a thriving, award-winning firm with a focus on kindness, innovation, and client relationships. 

Sharon reveals the highs and lows, the importance of saying no, the impact of technology, and her approach to building a supportive team and meaningful advisory services. 

Hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes dig into what makes Kinder Accountants unique, offering plenty of practical wisdom for accountants and bookkeepers at any stage of their career.

Interested in receiving the Ebook of the podcast?  Having a new edition every month with our fabulous guests?  If you like to read and take notes and not just listen, this is for you.  To sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/insight101/accountants-success-secrets-podcast-ebook

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

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

🎉 Podiversary Reflections! 🎉

In our latest episode of Accountants’ Success Secrets, we’re celebrating TWO years of inspiring interviews with accountants and bookkeepers who are changing the game. Join Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee as they reflect on four standout guests—from trauma-informed CFOs to niche ecommerce experts—and share what’s really making accountants shine in today’s world.

Ready for fresh insights, real stories, and practical ideas to help YOU stand out? Tune in now and get inspired! 🚀

1. Harriet Formby – Founder of Below the Line Finance, Bath (Episode 58)
2. Chris Gascoigne – Head of Acumist, based in Windlesham, Surrey (over 30 years’ experience, Episode 59)
3. Ellie Flower – Owner of Fox Clever Bookkeeping, specialist in eCommerce (started in 2018, Episode 60)
4. Paula Tomlinson – Founder of On the Spot Accountants (started in 2008, works with franchisees, Episode 61)

#accountantsuccess #podcast #reflection #inspiration #podiversary

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

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

Paula Tomlinson started her journey with a simple, honest question: what do small businesses really want from their accountants? 

Sitting down with a blank sheet of paper, she listened closely and found clear answers. Small business owners needed a chartered accountant who genuinely understood them, their ambitions, and the quirks of their business—someone consistent they could trust. They valued straightforward, fixed fees and didn’t mind where their accountant was based, even before remote work became the norm. More than anything, they wanted a trusted adviser, not just a number cruncher.

Paula set out to become exactly that: an accountant who’s as invested in her clients’ businesses as they are, offering personalised advice, transparency, and support without the extras small businesses never asked for. For Paula, it was a simple promise: “How hard can that be? I must be able to do that.” And so she built her practice around the needs and dreams of small business owners, forging lasting partnerships along the way.

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

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

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets! 

In this episode, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Ellie Flower, founder of Fox Clever Bookkeeping. Ellie shares her unique journey from running a digital SME in Cornwall to launching her own bookkeeping practice, now specializing in e-commerce and supporting online retailers across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy.

Ellie opens up about the challenges of moving into the finance world without a traditional accountancy background, how she found her niche in the fast-growing e-commerce sector, and the importance of community and knowledge sharing in the bookkeeping industry. She discusses the evolving skills required by bookkeepers, from leveraging automation and AI to integrating with digital platforms, and highlights why bookkeepers should never undervalue themselves.

If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper looking for inspiration, practical advice, and a candid conversation about the realities of running your own practice—plus some invaluable tips on pricing, specializing, and building supportive connections—this episode is not to be missed. Tune in and get ready for Ellie’s down-to-earth wisdom and stories that will encourage you along your own path to success!

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

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

Welcome to episode 59 of Accountants' Success Secrets! 

This week, hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes sit down with Chris Gascoyne, founder of Acumist, an accountancy practice based in Windlesham, Surrey. With over thirty years of experience, Chris has carved out a niche working with creative businesses as well as clients in property, construction, and wholesale.

In this insightful conversation, Chris shares the story behind launching his own practice after a redundancy, the twists and turns of building a lifestyle business, and the lessons learned from decades of serving loyal clients—some of whom have been with him since day one. Chris discusses his journey from corporate recovery and insolvency in top firms to qualifying by experience, his creative approach to client relationships, and the power of communication that’s kept his business thriving.

You'll hear how Chris’s passion for coaching, NLP, and technology (including early adoption of cloud accounting and AI) have shaped both his practice and the value he offers clients. Plus, Chris opens up about the challenges of running a small team, the risks and rewards of considering a merger, and why he believes kindness and collaboration are keys to long-term success.

If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper searching for inspiration, practical insights, or simply a relatable story from someone who’s walked the walk, this episode is for you. Tune in now for real-life wisdom, a few laughs, and tips you can apply to your own practice.

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

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