In this section of the website, we introduce you to one of our firms. Up next is Hertfordshire-based firm Lee & Co, run by Managing Director John Lee. Read his answers to our questions to get to know him and the firm better.
What do you like about working for your firm?
“I built the firm with my wife over the last 17 years from a few clients serviced from home to a practice with two offices and over 800 clients. We can take fast decisions and we have great motivated people working for us. I can concentrate on what I am good at and work in the knowledge that the other bits are done well.”
What are in your words the strengths of your firm?
“The directors have audit expertise from big four training and management positions. We have passed that knowledge down to our next generation of staff. It is a strength as most small firms no longer have audit registration. Owning premises on the High Street along from a business centre is a great advantage for visibility. We are easily able to compete on price with London auditors. We are one of the few firms to offer on-site probate & IHT planning. We have exceptional next-generation staff to take the firm forward.”
What is the best or most rewarding experience you have had at your firm so far?
“I’ve had several best experiences: seeing staff come through and qualify. Assisting clients to grow having taken our advice on investment matters. Being able to walk to the office if I want after 16 years of commuting 30,000 miles pa. Becoming financially independent.”
“This eventually led to the sale of the company to a plc making the owners multi-millionaires.”
John Lee, Managing Director of Lee & Co.
What result you achieved for a client, are you most proud of?
“A client was unsure of whether they should buy the unit adjacent to their factory. They took my advice. Between exchange and completion, their existing factory burnt down with an audit team on site. They were immediately able to resume their business and eventually quadruple sales. This eventually led to the sale of the company to a plc making the owners multi-millionaires.”
What is your favourite statement that you regularly use when advising your clients?
“Concentrate on your business and leave the accounting and tax to us.”
Which conditions do you think a ‘firm of the future’ should meet?
“Internet access round the clock. Global and local reach.”
How do you see the future of your firm from your perspective?
“I would like to see it become the hub for a north London grouping. We have the space and a great position for a High Street office with high visibility. Along from us are serviced offices and the head office of a top 250 quoted plc group.”
