In this section of the website, we introduce you to one of our firms. Up next is Xebra Accounting, run by Guy Robinson 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?
“What I enjoy most is working with a range of diverse business owners, helping to make a difference to their business performance so that they achieve their financial goals.”
What are in your words the strengths of your firm?
“We work with our clients on a month-to-month basis, supporting their financial needs throughout the year. We are always on hand to answer questions, provide financial information and explain what the numbers mean.”
“Seeing a business start-up grow to £1 million turnover in just 3 years was an awesome experience.”
Guy Robinson, Managing Director
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned at your firm?
“The most valuable lesson I have learnt is that clients want to discuss financial matters but are worried about their lack of knowledge and understanding. Regular conversations break down those barriers and enable quick improvements to be made.”
What is the best or most rewarding experience you have had at your firm so far?
“Seeing a business start-up grow to £1 million turnover in just 3 years was an awesome experience. Meeting with them every month to drive the business forward, meant that I, as their accountant and business advisor really felt part of that growth.”
What result you achieved for a client, are you most proud of?
“A transport company contacted me 10 years ago with huge cash flow problems and I helped to trade them out of a difficult situation. Just last month (January 2021), the Managing Director rang me to say how much he appreciated the work we had done, as he had just completed the purchase of the business property, having amassed £1 million in cash. The relationship we have built and the commitment to work together made me extremely proud to be a part of their success.”
How do you help clients to be innovative?
“We regularly meet with clients on a quarterly basis and typically include a brainstorming session to think about new products and services and changes they could make to improve their business. Clients are also invited to our monthly “Ask me anything” session, where I encourage clients to ask others for their views and ideas.”
What is your favourite statement you regularly use when advising clients?
“It’s all about you – your business is there to help you to fulfil your personal and financial dreams.”
Which conditions do you think a ‘firm of the future’ should meet?
“Focussing on advising clients about the future and helping them to understand what is actually happening today in their business so that future improvements can be made. Technology should be used to help business owners to better understand the financial performance of their business and automate day to day processes. Establishing highly personal and tailored relationships with clients is key to understanding their businesses and providing valuable and meaningful advice.”
How do you see the future of your firm from your perspective?
“The digital journey will continue and see automated filing of compliance returns directly from accounting software. Accountants will spend most of their time interpreting the data and helping clients to make improvements to their business. Analysing and understanding the financial data and explaining it in meaningful ways will be the core service delivered by future accountants and is the way our firm will develop.”