Accountants' Success Secrets

The Accountants’ Success Secrets podcast showcases and celebrates successful accountants who are doing good things, have years of experience and whose stories can inspire and encourage other accountants around the UK.

Accountants' Success Secrets is a business podcast hosted by Mark Lee Philippa Haynes, with 117 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Mark Lee Philippa Haynes hosts Accountants' Success Secrets, a business show with 117 episodes published.

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  Episode #121

  Accountant's Success Secrets with Kevin Drew

  Sep 30, 202634 minS1

  This week’s episode features Kevin Drew, founder of Ascentant Accountancy—whose remarkable journey started in a Derby caravan after 15 years in London’s legal finance sector. Kevin’s career is anything but typical, blending deep legal cashiering expertise, a championing of inclusivity with a strong LGBTQ+ and community focus, and plenty of hard-won lessons from building a thriving practice from the ground up. AAT and ILFM qualified, Kevin now leads a 13-strong team across two offices, serving both small businesses and law firms nationwide. His story is about more than technical skills: it’s a masterclass in resilience, niche positioning, and using lived experience to connect with clients who value understanding and authenticity. In this energising episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee invite Kevin to open up about the setbacks that shaped his growth, the power of community, and practical tips for accountants ready to make their mark. For this week’s practice-changing inspiration, tune in for: From Caravan to Niche : The honest truth about starting without a plan and finding your specialism—by accident! Community as a Competitive Advantage : Why supporting local charities, apprentices, and LGBTQ+ businesses isn’t just good for the soul but good for business. Learning From Mistakes : Kevin’s confessions on costly marketing blunders, tricky recruitment lessons, and how letting go finally set him (and his practice) free. If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome early struggles, build a loyal client base, or simply stay human in the age of AI, you’ll find this episode packed with practical wisdom and approachable humour. Subscribe, share, and bring a mate—this is one accountants’ story you won’t want to miss! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

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  Accountants' Success Secrets

  Accountants' Success Secrets Reflections

  Sep 28, 202643 min

  Join us for a review of the last 5 interviews including: Melanie Grant-Coey Beth Jackson Rubina Anjum Nishi Patel Sarah Sallis We revisit the journey of Melanie Grant-Cowie, founder of a thriving practice in Lisburn, near Belfast. Melanie combines spiritual values, strong boundaries, and what she calls “confident networking” to build a loyal client base—proving there’s more to practice growth than sales patter or cut-throat pricing. Don’t miss these headliners, all packed into our latest episode: Confident Networking Without the Desperation : How Melanie’s approach attracts the right clients (and keeps them sticking around). Putting Yourself First (and Not Feeling Guilty About It) : Why working on yourself and getting the right mentors is non-negotiable for practice success. Take It or Leave It – The Power of Setting Boundaries : Why standing firm on your fees and terms means more time for clients you actually want. From practical mindset shifts to honest revelations, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee pull out wisdom every accountant in practice should hear—whether you’re three months in or thirty years along. Listen now for ideas to help you network with confidence, set your boundaries, and (finally) stop comparing yourself to the competition. If you want to up your game, this is the guidance you didn’t know you needed. Subscribe, share, and leave us a five-star review! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

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  Episode #120

  Accountants' Success Secrets with Sarah Sallis

  Sep 11, 202641 minS1

  This week’s episode welcomes Sarah Sallis, founder of The Accountancy Office in Evesham, Worcestershire. Sarah’s journey is anything but “by the numbers”. Having started out in commercial roles and civil service—without even a maths GCSE—she’s now a Chartered Management Accountant who’s built a thriving accountancy firm from scratch, specialising in supporting service-based businesses, online coaches, and the construction sector. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA dive into Sarah’s refreshingly honest—and highly relatable—story, from juggling motherhood with bookkeeping side hustles to scaling a specialist practice that offers truly personal support. Tune in for uplifting, hard-won advice on: • The reality behind growing from “suck it and see” startup to established firm How Sarah moved beyond imposter syndrome, built confidence without prior practice experience, and found her niche—while never missing a single school sports day. • The big leap: When and how to bring your first team member on board Why timing is everything, how to get off the hamster wheel, and what really happens when you let go of “doing it all”. • Getting brave with pricing and picking the right clients Sarah explains how she went from saying “yes” to everyone, to confidently reviewing fees—even when some clients headed for the hills. If you’re an accountant thinking about your next step—or simply in need of a bit of reassurance and inspiration—Sarah’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Listen now, subscribe, and let us know what you think! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

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  Episode #119

  Accountants' Success Secrets with Nishi Patel of N-Accounting

  Sep 2, 202636 minS1

  This week’s episode spotlights Nishi Patel, the founder of N-Accounting in Northampton. Nishi made the leap from a successful career in corporate finance to launching his own practice—motivated by a desire to truly help small business owners, not just nudge profits from 96% to 97%. As a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) since 2007 and now leading a talented in-house team, Nishi believes in business plans with real purpose and advice that makes a difference where it matters most. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee encourage Nishi to reveal: The ‘back to basics’ marketing strategies that actually landed clients – and what he’d never do now How focusing on one channel trumps scattergun marketing (even if everyone else says otherwise) Why early networking is more 'dessert' than 'greens', and the unexpected value of getting involved with clients, not just chasing new leads Nishi’s honest, self-aware take on building a modern accounting practice will make you rethink your own growth strategy—and maybe your reading list too! Whether you’re just starting out, itching to grow, or questioning the next step, this episode delivers practical insights with both humility and humour. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow accountants! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

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  Episode #118

  Accountants' Success Secrets with Rubina Anjum

  Aug 27, 202638 minS1

  This week’s episode features Rubina Anjum, founder of Pyramid Point Accountants in London and CIMA-qualified accounting dynamo. Rubina’s story offers a refreshing take on the realities of launching a practice—blending corporate experience with a brave leap into entrepreneurship. Originally intent on building a large, generalist firm, she soon found her calling supporting healthcare professionals and those with foreign income, carving out a unique specialism and helping clients navigate the ever-changing world of tax with tailored advice and boundless enthusiasm. Not only has she powered her firm’s growth, but she’s also created a library of over 130 tax tip videos on YouTube, turning digital content into a magnet for new clients. In this practical and uplifting conversation, co-hosts Mark Lee and Philippa Haynes draw out Rubina’s most valuable lessons for accountants at any stage of practice, including: - Why business plans are only the start...and why your first client might just be hiding at a networking event - The real secrets to pricing and growing your firm without losing your sanity (or weekends!) - How “trial and error” marketing on the right channel can transform new business, with tips and mistakes honestly shared If you’re ready to specialise, want your practice to stand out, or simply need a nudge to get started on camera, Robina’s story is exactly what you need to hear. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fellow accountants! 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 _________________________________________________________________ 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

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