1) What got you into accounting?
I’ve always been interested in numbers and economics. Even as I child I kept a detailed spreadsheet of the amounts everyone (my parents included) owed me. I was possibly a bit more relaxed about keeping track of what I owed them!
2) What is the most frequently asked question by a client?
Apart from the continual stream of technical and tax related queries which always keeps me on my toes, it would have to be “where does the ‘Chaddesley’ in Chaddesley Sanford come from?” (see here for a clue to the answer) or “why do you hate banks so much?” (see here for full a fully detailed answer to that one!)
3) What has been your greatest achievement so far?
On a personal level it’s hands down being a dad to my 4 ¾ year old daughter Imogen (there would be hell to pay if she found out I didn’t include the ¾). On a business level it’s been building a cohesive team of exceptionally talented and enthusiastic accountants and advisors who help our clients achieve their business goals.
4) Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Not many people know that I grew up on a farm in Swansea or that I went to a military college with aspirations to join the RAF (before being dazzled by the glamour of the ICAEW)
5) Do you have any hobbies?
I would like to get back into flying. I used to take flying lessons but as the business grew I had less time for this. I still plan on getting my pilot license in the future though!
Bonus: What would be the best advice you would give someone who wants to start a business?
Throw yourself into it 100% and be prepared to have to get your hands dirty (if you can’t afford a PA – you’re the PA, as well as the HR director, marketing director, facilities manager etc. etc.). Have a plan but don’t be afraid to stray from this plan and be prepared for the fact that you will make mistakes along the way.
