Celebrating 10 years in business!
We are celebrating 10 years in business – Nickie looks back over the past decade…
In many ways it seems only 5 minutes ago since I decided to venture out of my position in an accountancy practice and set up in business on my own. In the 10 years I have had many great experiences, new challenges and sometimes difficult moments along the way, and I have learnt so much while taking the business from a small start up to an established practice with a team of employees by my side.
My career began 23 years ago as a trainee working in Kings Lynn where I studied and sat my Chartered Certified Accountancy exams and completed the training required to become qualified and then to gain my practicing certificate. After 13 years of working in King’s Lynn I decided to take the step and set up my own business.
I started with a small handful of clients who have been with me since the business began and I would like to thank them for their continued support and business. The client base has grown over the years covering a wide variety of business sizes and industries. This mixture of clients is always a great challenge.
I have many memorable moments over the 10 years. I clearly remember the first six months on my own and enjoyed the initial steps in working for myself, taking on new clients and learning to be in business for myself after years of working in practice and advising businesses every day. I feel that the experience I have had in setting up my own business is invaluable, and I pass on and share my experiences with all clients I have now going through similar steps.
Some of my highlights
Employing my first team member……. to my 6th
Very soon after starting up I soon realised I had to employ someone to help me support our clients. Such a daunting step and one not taken lightly. I was now going to be responsible for someone else’s earnings. Having said that from the first to our most recent appointment I have always embraced the steady growth.
Moving into a bigger office, and again, and again
Similarly, as the team grows the space required grows. Another challenge in the moving and the extra running costs. We have moved four times over the 10 years, always within the same building but into bigger offices or bringing two offices together to create the large open plan space we now use. The Boathouse has worked well for us and our clients.
Taking part and winning local business awards
Two years after starting I was approached to enter the Fenland Business Awards and I was surprised but very pleased to win Small Business of the year 2011 and Woman in Business the following year. Sometimes when you are the boss there isn’t anyone to tell you well done so this is a good feeling that you are doing something right.
Barwell Babies
Over the 10 years we have welcomed several babies in the team. Some more eventful than others with team members going into labour in the office….
Staff meals and days out
We always try to get out for a lunch a couple of times a year and have had day trips to London as well. This is always a favourite for us and a good way to spend time as a team without it being all work related.
Cakes
Many people know I have a hobby outside work of baking, frequently trying to pull of whatever has appeared on this weeks’ Bake Off and sharing cake in the office is always on the agenda. Who doesn’t like tea and cake!!
Meeting with customers
Every day I get the most out of meeting or talking with current and new customers, its why I wanted to do this, I wanted to have that relationship with my customers and really feel part of their businesses and work with them to support their current needs. I am passionate about building good relationships with them to ensure I can provide the best service possible.
None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and team of staff. I am truly grateful for everyone’s input in this journey and look forward to sharing the next 10 years with you all.
The team and I would like to thank all our customers past and present and look forward to the next 10 years.