Accountants' Success Secrets

Hosted by Mark Lee Philippa Haynes

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 22, 2026Episode 11737 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Beth Jackson of 2 Sisters Accounting

This week’s episode welcomes Beth Jackson, co-founder of Two Sisters Accounting in Dorking, Surrey. Beth’s journey is a story of entrepreneurial energy, honest learning curves, and a refreshing approach to building a practice as part of a family team. Starting out in payroll and tax straight from school, Beth gained a stack of qualifications (CIPP, AAT, CIPD), and hands-on experience in everything from payroll bureaus to global business, before finding her sweet spot in personal tax and supporting small business owners. Together with her sister Jessie, Beth set up Two Sisters Accounting after one too many “whinge sessions” about uninspiring jobs. Their different personalities, complementary skills, and a “we’ll give anything a go” mindset have seen them build a thriving firm fuelled by authenticity, flexibility, and a healthy dash of sibling banter. What’s in store this week? Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee get Beth to open up about: How Facebook groups and gut instinct landed their first clients—and why she wouldn’t recommend it now The biggest mistakes accountants make with staffing and why hard conversations are sometimes the kindest Why showing your personality on LinkedIn and Instagram leads to better-fit clients and fewer nightmare emails Beth’s story is a must-listen for any accountant wondering how to make a practice both successful and genuinely enjoyable—especially if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re “conventional” enough for this profession. Tune in to pick up real-world tips on recruitment, marketing, surviving change, and making “being yourself” a winning business strategy. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with any accountants who need a dose of honesty and laughter! 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

August 12, 2026Episode 11637 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Melanie Grant-Coey

This week’s episode features Melanie Grant-Coey, the unstoppable founder of M Squared Accountancy in Lisburn. Melanie’s journey is packed with resilience, resourcefulness, and a genuinely refreshing approach to building a values-led practice. Facing redundancy, divorce, and the challenge of juggling tiny children, Melanie swapped corporate life for entrepreneurship – and never looked back. Now, after growing her practice, mentoring entrepreneurs, and authoring an Amazon bestseller (“Unlock the Entrepreneur Within”), she’s known for her warm blend of business insight and Northern Irish determination. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee dig into: • Turning crisis into opportunity – how Melanie landed her very first client in the same week she was made redundant • Building a client base through networking that feels more coffee morning than cold-calling hell • Growing a practice on your own terms: why boundaries, values, and saying “no” lead to better clients and calmer days If you’ve ever wanted practical inspiration on navigating fee conversations, keeping your sanity through growth and change, or backing yourself when doors close, Melanie’s story is a must-listen. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with a fellow accountant who could use a dose of encouragement! 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

August 9, 202640 min

Accountants' Success Secrets Reflection

This week’s episode of Accountants’ Success Secrets is a reflections special! Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA are looking back over five recent interviews with forward-thinking accountants—each with their own unique story and approach to building a thriving practice. From Yorkshire to North London, Manchester to the meetings of the Sole Practice Club, Philippa and Mark distil the best ideas, thought-provoking mistakes, and light-bulb moments shared by their recent guests, including AAT-licensed accountants, digital trailblazers, niche practitioners, franchise pioneers, and multi-business owners. Headliners to listen out for: Fee Increases Without the Fear: How to stop having awkward conversations after five years of frozen prices Finding (and Attracting) Your Ideal Client: Why one guest quit chasing every sector and still built a booming business The Outsourcing Toolkit: From virtual assistants to offshoring payroll and specialist tax advice, who’s delegating what (and why you should too) If you missed any recent interviews, want to sidestep common pitfalls, or just need practical, honest, and sometimes hilarious advice to keep your practice growing, this is your essential catch-up. Settle in for real-world insights and relatable stories that every UK accountant can use. Subscribe, rate us, and share the wisdom with your fellow practitioners! 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

July 30, 202635 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Christos Liondaris

This week’s episode welcomes Christos Liondaris, Managing Director of Liondaris and Co., a thriving firm of certified accountants and tax advisers in Cockfosters, North London. Having started his career from the ground up—first working in family circles, then gaining experience in several practices—Christos made the bold leap to launch his own firm in 2016. Since then, he’s built a specialist client base of property owners, landlords, developers, and creatives, all while growing a team dedicated to proactive, empowering partnerships. Alongside his accountancy success, Christos juggles multiple ventures—including a specialty coffee shop and letting agency—bringing genuine entrepreneurial flair to practice life. His story is proof that accountants really can wear (and balance) several hats. In this episode, co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee quiz Christos on his unique journey, business milestones, and the realities of running not just one, but multiple ventures. Expect honest lessons and practical advice including: • How to scale a practice from your friend’s tax returns to 600 clients (without losing your sanity or your sense of humour!) • The power—and pitfalls—of keeping your fees too cosy for too long • Why building your circle of mentors (inside and outside accountancy) is the best insurance policy you’ll ever buy Whether you’re plotting your own leap, wrestling with pricing, or curious about building something bigger than just a practice, Christos’s story will spark ideas (and maybe the urge for a proper cup of coffee). Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your network! 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

July 24, 202630 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Amrat Thorpe

This week’s episode features Amrat Thorpe, founder of AKT Accountancy, an independent practice based in Watford. Amrat’s career spans from qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1998 to holding senior group finance roles in industry, before starting her own practice in 2018. Driven by a passion for working closely with small businesses, Amrat’s journey is packed with lessons on designing a practice around life—not the other way round. With co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee FCA at the helm, you’ll hear how Amrat put people and flexibility first, and what she’s learned in juggling technical, commercial, and human skills to keep her work and personal life in balance. Here are three headliners you won’t want to miss: Ditching the “Busy Fool” Trap : Amrat reveals why scaling isn’t always about staff or long hours, and how she set her own measure of success. The Price is Right : Practical tips on pricing, menu-based services, and how to handle scope creep—all with honesty and clarity for stress-free client relationships. Nailing the Solo Game : The importance of peer connection, knowing your value, and drawing on professional networks to stay sane and supported as a one-person practice. If you sometimes wonder how others make practice ownership work for them—or whether you’re allowed to do things differently—this episode is your permission slip. Tune in, subscribe, and share the Accountant Success Secrets podcast with your accountant friends. 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

July 16, 2026Episode 11037 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Adam Nurbhai

Adam’s journey is anything but ordinary – after finding inspiration (and the firm’s name) on a trip to Japan, he swapped corporate grind at BDO for launching his own practice just as he became a new dad. Today, he runs a thriving, digital-first accountancy firm serving ambitious start-ups, freelancers, and creatives. With a strong focus on automation and streamlined systems, Adam shows how embracing technology can transform not only your clients’ experience but your own approach to practice life. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee ask the questions every accountant wants answered, including: Headliners: How Adam went from zero to replacing his salary in just six months – and the real secrets to winning early clients, even with sleepless nights! Why “niching” isn’t what you think – and how Enso carved out its own space by focusing on mindset and tech-savviness, rather than industry sector. The honest truth about common mistakes, including hiring woes, brand “stretch” regrets, and what Adam learned from stretching for more too soon. If you want insights into streamlining your practice, building a meaningful brand, or simply fancy the comfort of a fellow accountant who isn’t afraid to admit what hasn’t worked, this episode is for you. Tune in, subscribe, and share with your accountant circle! 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

July 9, 2026Episode 10936 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Caroline Hocking

eatures Caroline Hocking, founder of Mona Accountancy Services in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Caroline’s story is a refreshing twist on the classic accountancy journey—her passion for tax (yes, really!), military family life, and accidental niche-building all come together in a practice purpose-built for flexibility and real life. Recently bagging her third personal tax qualification and working towards ATT and CTA status, she’s as committed to professional growth as she is to her clients. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA invite Caroline to open up about the realities and rewards of running a modern, cloud-based solo practice, tailored for maximum mobility around the UK’s ever-moving military landscape. Here are just a few headliners you’ll want to listen out for: Pricing Woes & Wins: How Caroline shook off her “£15 an hour” beginnings, learned the hard way about valuing her expertise, and now confidently charges her worth. Boundaries, Outsourcing, and Letting Go: Why a virtual assistant (and the odd outsourced payroll) turned out to be the not-so-secret ingredients to keeping clients happy—and Caroline sane. The Scope Creep Trap: How to spot when “just a quick question” is spiralling into unpaid work, and having the confidence to rein it back in or even disengage a client (without the drama). If you’ve ever wondered how to build a people-first practice, create boundaries, or simply survive the joys and chaos of self-employment—especially as a solo practitioner—Caroline’s honest, no-nonsense perspective will have you nodding along. Tune in for stories, laughs, and lessons you’ll actually use. And as always, subscribe, leave us a review, and spread the word to your accounting peers 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

July 2, 2026Episode 10830 min

Accountant's Success Secrets Reflection July

Welcome to another episode of Accountants' Success Secrets. This week, Philippa Haynes and Mark Lee are back with a special reflections edition. Instead of a guest interview, they dive into lessons and highlights from their two most recent conversations with inspiring accountants. Listen in as they share what really stood out to them—unexpected approaches to technology, building a standout brand, and the all-important art of finding (and keeping) your ideal clients. You'll hear anecdotes that every accountant, whether just starting or a seasoned partner, can relate to. Expect some laughs, honest advice, and plenty of practical tips you can put to use straight away. So, kettle on, feet up—let’s reflect on the secrets of success from accountants who are doing things differently. 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

June 26, 2026Episode 10734 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Chris Hopwood of Tidal Accounting

This week’s episode welcomes Chris Hopwood, ACA, the founder of Tidal Accounting in Leeds. Chris made the leap from leading outsourcing teams in established accountancy firms to launching his own practice during the chaos of COVID. With a growing team, he’s built a reputation for supporting children’s activity providers—yes, those martial arts camps and holiday clubs you’ve always wondered about—as well as construction, property, and startup clients. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA draw out Chris’s practical wisdom and honest reflections, including: How to pick a niche (even when it finds you by accident), and why it can transform your business. When to be picky with clients, the subtle art of the “vibe check,” and why not every shoe fits. Systems and scaling: why adopting the right tech early (instead of when you’re drowning in spreadsheets) is a sanity-saver. Expect plenty of relatable laughs and down-to-earth advice, whether you’re fresh out of university, a seasoned sole practitioner, or somewhere inbetween—especially if you’ve ever wondered about VAT woes or wrestled with imposter syndrome. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your network! 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

June 18, 2026Episode 10634 min

Accountants' Success Secrets with Anum Hassan

This week’s episode features Anum Hassan, FCCA, founder of Accounting Assist in central London. Anum’s journey is anything but ordinary: she launched her boutique practice from scratch while on maternity leave, starting with zero clients and a sleeping baby by her side. Fast forward, and she’s built Accounting Assist into a thriving six-figure business serving ambitious UK SMEs, all while carving out a special brand—Aesthetic Accounts—for clinics in the aesthetics sector. Co-hosts Philippa Haynes and MARK LEE FCA ask Anum to spill her hard-won secrets on starting up from zero with no prior practice experience, juggling (and then ditching) a demanding industry role, and learning everything not from textbooks, but from real client work and the power of an online accounting community. This episode’s headliners: Side Hustle to Six Figures: How Anum built her firm while working full-time—with no prior practice background Don’t Undersell Yourself: Why confidence and continual learning are crucial for survival and growth in practice Tech on Your Terms: Anum’s approach to getting the right systems (like Asana and Odoo) in place early, and why they make all the difference Whether you’re weighing up your next move, struggling with pricing, or feeling the juggle of family, career, and ambition—Anum’s story will leave you both reassured and energised. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help more accountants find their way to Accountants' Success Secrets! 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