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Flex Accounting Services Ltd
Practice Number: 8623
Mrs Beverley Flanagan MICB CB.Dip PM.Dip joined the ICB for support setting up her own business after she was made redundant from her job as Financial Controller for four companies within the Daily Mail Group.
Beverley's work experience, and previous CIMA and ACCA qualifications, qualified her to join by exemption. On the basis of references from two Chartered Accountants, and a 100% mark in the ICB's Membership Entrance Paper for exemption applicants, Beverley was awarded exemptions from the full suite of ICB bookkeeping examinations and the payroll diploma. Following these initial exemptions Beverley has also achieved 100% in the ICB's Self Assessment Tax Returns qualification.
'Being made redundant was one of the best things that ever happened to me! I'd set up my own business back in 2007, but I just hadn't had the time to get it up and running whilst working full time. Now, since April, I've gained thirty-one clients. Some of them are just once a year and I'm hoping to grow even further but I've even opened up my own office in a local business centre. It just helps to have a place to meet new clients and I think having a professional attitude and presentation is really important.
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| Member's Top Tip |
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Get yourself signed up for the HMRC online services so you can do your clients' VAT Returns and Self Assessments online. It's easier for your customers and easier for you.
Beverley Flanagan MICB CB.Dip PM.Dip
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There is an article about online services
in this month's issue of InVOICE
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Beverley's website makes great use of a simple colour scheme and a clever logo designed through Vista Print.
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'Gaining the ICB's Self Assessment Tax Returns qualification has given me a real push and I've got the certificate on my wall for clients to see. I can offer a lot of services now with my qualifications and the ICB 'brand' behind me; Self Assessment Tax Returns, Payroll, VAT Returns....
'I found all of my clients through word of mouth, networking and via the vacancies section within the members area of the ICB website. In fact I give out my business card to everyone I meet because I think you never know who might need somebody like me. I'd advise other ICB members not to get disheartened- you've come a long way and you're offering services you're qualified in. You just have to get yourself out there and get known to people.'
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