Why should I choose you?
It is very rare to find an advisor who has experience as a professional AND as a business owner AND as a business investor themselves. I combine all three. I have decades of experience as a Chartered Accountant, and as a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), I have detailed knowledge of corporate governance, corporate finances, accounting practice, and financial controls. More importantly, I have the experience of making them work in my own companies, in other people’s companies, and for lenders. Each year I have to prove that and keep my training up to date.
More importantly, you should decide only after talking through your situation with me and deciding if I have the skills and empathy to help you.
What don’t you do?
I find that preparing accounts and giving advice on personal and corporate taxes are best left to the experts. Although I know my way around them and can tell you what needs to be done, you will be better served by others whom I can recommend. Think of me more as a CFO than your bookkeeper.
There are certain things that Chartered Accountants are not allowed to do without specific registrations and memberships. These include giving specific types of advice on pensions, insurances, investments, and personal wealth, or performing specific tasks such as liquidation. Again, I know the important guidelines, and I have a network of regulated and qualified experts who have helped previous clients and who I can recommend to you.
For more information on ICAEW restrictions, see my page on Regulatory Information
How does this work?
Call or email me and introduce yourself. Be as specific as you can about what stage your company is in, and what you’re looking to achieve. We will then set up a meeting of about 2 hours, in person or online, and figure out whether I’m the right person to help you.
How do you sign up clients?
As a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants In England and Wales (ICAEW), I am required to undertake substantial Customer Due Diligence CDD on all new clients. I need to know who you are, where the money you are using comes from, and that you are not on any prohibited or sanctioned lists. This is done by interview and questionnaire. In some cases I will need references from banks or solicitors.
For more information on CDD requirements, see my page on Regulatory Information
Can you help me with my IPO?
Well, yes and no. If you’re looking to IPO, I can give you advice on what needs to be done, help you find the right people, and make sure everything is done properly. I have, in my career, advised on two IPOs and took one of my own companies to the day before an IPO (before we pulled it – you can ask me why if you like.) But when it comes to actually making it happen, you should really go to a specialist. They’ll do a much better job than me.
How much is it going to cost?
Every engagement is different. I have a basic hourly rate of £350/hr, as do all accountants, but I also give discounts in specific circumstances and require premium rates for work that is particularly high risk or intense.
I do a small amount of pro-bono work as a mentor and for charities. I do not do pro-bono work for companies, start-ups, or investors.
In very rare cases where you and I both agree that payment has to be linked to an investment by others, or to the outcome of a specific piece of work, then I require an additional fee which normally approximates to 5% of the value of the work to you, plus my normal hourly rates.
When do I pay?
Again, every engagement is different, but In general I will ask for about 25% of the agreed fee (or one month) in advance then monthly payments with 7 days to pay.
Do you handle companies outside the UK?
Not always, and it depends on the issue, the people, and the problem. I have helped clients from many countries, including Portugal, Sweden, USA, India, Russia, Spain, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Monaco, UAE, & France. When working with overseas clients, I require additional client undertakings, specific “know my customer” and “beneficial owner” information, and payment via a UK bank. It usually helps if you have a UK solicitor as well.
Do you work with small businesses?
About 50% of my time is spent with smaller businesses and their owners, solving specific problems for them, or providing advice. A few of these will be longer term engagements as advisor to the CEO or Founders. Don’t tell the large enterprises, but I prefer working with small to medium companies, mainly because we can get more changed together and make faster progress.
Do you work with large enterprises?
About 50% of my time is spent with larger enterprises and their boards and investors, usually working on substantial projects over several months. solving specific problems for them, or providing advice as part of a larger team.
Don’t tell the founders of small companies, but I also like larger companies because they can deploy more resources to crack the problems once they have made a decision.
From time to time, I provide services as a Professional Director to investors or holders of security who are engaged in a business rescue, salvage, or turnaround.
What industries do you specialize in?
Most of what I do – accountancy, business law, best practices, compliance, and so on – is exactly the same, no matter what business you’re in. That said, having experience across multiple industry sectors allows me to spot the common patterns that differentiate between success and failure. I have more than 2 years experience either auditing, or owning, or being on the Board of companies in industries including:
Video games, animation, and motion pictures
Business Services (payroll, staffing, enterprise systems)
Wealth management and Private Equity (including family offices)
Professional services (law firms, accountancy firms)
Banks and building societies (including back office in merchant banks)
Property (including development, planning, construction)
Public sector (national audit, benefits, privatisations, enterprise boards, colleges)
Third sector (charities and trusts)
