Norfolk based TaxAssist Accountants received the runners-up trophy at a glittering Awards luncheon held at London’s Sheraton Park Lane Hotel.

The Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank, seek out the top performing franchisors in the UK, rewarding individual excellence and highlighting the increasing influence of a market sector now worth £12.4 billion a year. 

The theme for this year’s Awards was ‘now and then, five years on’, with franchisors having to demonstrate the developments they have brought to their businesses in the past five years.

TaxAssist Accountants is the largest network of accountants, servicing over 25,000 clients across the UK within the small business market. The combined fee bank of their network puts them equivalent to those in the top 30 accountancy firms in the UK and makes them a real force to be reckoned with.
 
Over the last five years, a focus on further improving the business model that differentiates them in the marketplace has resulted in significant growth in terms of brand name, fee bank and profitability. TaxAssist Accountants has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to changes within the accountancy industry and are positioned to provide the best possible service to small businesses as well as being at the forefront of innovation with regards to technical and marketing advice and services for each of their practices.

Through implementing a series of initiatives and by introducing a shop front concept for their franchisees, franchisees have witnessed a dramatic and significant increase in business. The shop front concept was developed 5 years ago to create a modern, welcoming, branded office with the aim of departing from the look and characteristics of traditional accountancy practices. The core business of TaxAssist Accountants is tax and accountancy but the shop fronts have enabled franchisees to become the ‘one stop shop’ for small businesses with a range of relevant branded service partners. 
 
The commitment to their franchisees is evident from the introduction of a new six month nurture programme to accompany the initial five week training course. Now, new accountants are mentored continually to ensure they get off to the best start possible.

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “This year’s competition was extremely difficult to judge, with high quality contributions from many of the entrants.

“TaxAssist Accountants stood out amongst the short-listed companies and deserves recognition for their outstanding achievements. They have continually developed their business model to support their network of franchisees, ensuring they maximise growth whilst building a sustainable and profitable business.”

Express Newspapers’ Classified Advertising Director, Justin Mafham, added his praise of the company’s achievement: “TaxAssist Accountants have shown just how adaptable a good franchise operation can be and we look forward to sharing their success story with our readers.”

Head of Franchising for HSBC, Cathryn Hayes, added: “TaxAssist Accountants has consistently developed products and services to meet new customers’ needs.

“We at HSBC are committed to delivering the same level of service to our customers in franchising – a growing sector we have been supporting for more than 20 years.”