In this section of the website, we introduce you to one of our firms. Up next is Lewis Ballard Xeinadin Group run by Director Neil Ballard and his team. Read his answers to our questions to get to know him and the firm.
What do you like about working for your firm?
“I love working in a friendly, qualified and innovative team, where we pride ourselves on helping our clients achieve the best results possible. As leading Xero experts, we’re always developing new skills and finding new solutions, sharing knowledge and helping each other every step of the way. So we keep our clients up to date and ahead of their competitors, right where they need to be.”
What are in your words the strengths of your firm?
“We’re a tight-knit team of qualified accountants and business advisors who look at the whole picture to anticipate industry changes and quickly embrace the best new solutions, so our clients can seize opportunities and dodge pitfalls, to thrive whatever the environment.”
“We’re a tight-knit team of qualified accountants and business advisors who look at the whole picture to anticipate industry changes and quickly embrace the best new solutions.”
Neil Ballard, Director of Lewis Ballard Xeinadin Group.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned at your firm?
“Be selective about the clients you work for and the team you work with. Don’t compete on price, stand out on quality and value of service, and only employ people who are passionate about this too. Get this right and it’s amazing. Happy clients get the expertise and support they desperately need and the results they only dreamed of, and you and your team get the satisfaction of really making a difference, and the endorsements of enthusiastic, grateful clients.”
What is the best or most rewarding experience you have had at your firm so far?
“It’s very rewarding to help our team develop all-round skills. As well as professional qualifications, we encourage personal effectiveness, with communication, customer service, and management skills. We’re very proud of being named the UK’s Most Inspiring Accountant for how much we change the lives of clients. We’re delighted to be national Xero award winners, a huge achievement for our small firm and testament to our team for embracing the new technologies to really help clients.”
What is your favourite statement that you regularly use when advising your clients?
“Don’t let the tax tail wag the business dog!”
Neil Ballard, Director of Lewis Ballard Xeinadin Group.
What result you achieved for a client, are you most proud of?
“A client was facing personal bankruptcy when we first met. He had few customers, a personal guarantee on a property lease and no overdraft facilities. After sorting out immediate survival, we then advised on restructure, refinance and growth and marketing strategies. 10 years later with our support, they now own an extremely profitable, state-of-the-art wellness centre in a unique listed building and are helping thousands of patients every year. Personally they have their dream family and home and enough money invested for a bright future. Everything that was impossible when we met.”
How do you see the future of your firm from your perspective?
“We are excited to be part of the firm of the future as it allows us to continue to help small businesses in our community thrive while giving us access to the extra skills and experience to help them more. It also brings greater exposure for our team, through more training, development and career opportunities.”