Interview with Sarah Wynne - Owner, Wynne & Co Accountants

1. Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Sarah Wynne, a Chartered Accountant and owner of Wynne & Co Accountants, based in Carmarthen.

I set up Wynne & Co 3 years ago after my son was born, and since then it’s grown rapidly. I have 4 members of staff, and have just moved to brand new premises which are big enough for my growing team!

Setting up my own firm was by no means an easy decision. Moving on from a secure, corporate position where I had clear plans for advancement, was a little like walking into the dark without a torch. But after giving birth to my son, it was clearer to me that a new, more innovative approach to working was the right direction for me to focus on.

In January 2013, when my son was just 12 months old I moved into my own office, and begun to set the direction for an accountancy firm that would respond to the real-life needs of my clients. 3 years on, our positive reputation for being an approachable, supportive and personable service has grown and grown – and I’m extremely proud of the work we do.

Myself and my team are always available to answer questions, and give advice and support as real people - rather than the stereotypical corporate ‘suits’ which many will associate with accountancy. We even have a children’s room in our new office! So clients can come in and deal with their business, even if they have the children that day.

Wynne and co is about support, flexibility and guidance. We grow with our clients, not because of them. We support our clients to make great decisions that ensure their business’ flourish. I’m passionate about the relationships I continue to build with my clients, and this approachability means we are continuously developing our knowledge of their business. We are highly attuned with their specific, and developing needs, and they know they can rely on us anytime.

2. Why is this important to you?

People’s business needs have changed drastically over the last 5 years. Many business owners are juggling family pressures, adapting to changes to the economy, responding to technological advances and generally being pushed to ensure their companies work more efficiently and competitively in markets that are changing over night.

Traditional approaches to accountancy seem archaic to me now, especially when you consider how much more value a modern accountancy firm, like Wynne & Co, can deliver.

Our clients know they can pick up the phone or come in for a coffee if they need any advice or guidance with how their businesses are running – so they can respond immediately to any issues or developments. We have a comprehensive list of business support services, which means we can tailor our services to meet the specific needs of any company.

Whether clients need specific advice on new taxation laws, business development advice or training in new cloud based accountancy software, we are able to respond.

This flexibility and approachability means people come to us as soon as they need advice or support. A stark contrast to the traditional accountant who you may only see once a year.

3. What else can we expect from Wynne and Co this year?

I am very pleased to have moved into our new, bigger premises. It’s only a building, but to me it reflects the direction Wynne & Co is so quickly moving into.

I think the new Wynne & Co building is going to get smaller very soon! We have a team which is very quickly developing. We will be recruiting our full time next member of staff in the coming weeks.

Business wise, I’d like to support more start up companies to develop their business dreams. Great business and financial plans can really make the difference.

I’m also motivated to show larger companies how our firm can change the way they do business. It was only a week or so ago that we saved one client £16,000 with a little straight forward planning. I love the feeling of ensuring my client’s get their financials in check, so they can get on with running their business in the knowledge that we have everything else taken care for them.

We are currently working on developing a video library which will be available from our website. The videos will feature clear, non-jargon ‘how to’ explanations on various subjects like tax, or clear explanations of new legislations.

Once again approachability and support being the foundation.

4. What’s the best piece of business advice you have received so far?

That’s a tricky one. I guess I’d have to say the best advice I’ve ever had was to go with my gut instinct as it’s almost always right.

When I was an employed accountant, working all the hours of the day and and not being able to see my son very often, I was passionately explaining to a friend how I believed a great accountancy firm should be run. A rant of sorts I guess!

‘Well what are you waiting for?...the wind to change?!!’

My friends ‘supportive’ retort basically made me think ‘why not me!?’. Someone has to do it.

Even though I felt nervous at the time, listening to my business instincts made me realise how important they are. Now, when I feel that my firm needs to become more approachable or responsive in any way, I don’t wait for the wind to change! I just go ahead and make it happen! – and this has been incredibly valuable to my current clients, but is also attracting many more people.

5. Where can we find out more about Wynne and Co?

You can visit our website at www.wynneandco.co.uk, where you’ll find out more about all the various services we offer.

Feel free to subscribe to our newsletters which are focused on keeping people up to date and tips of how other simple changes to approaches can literally save thousands of pounds, as well as advice and guidance about the effects of any new legislation that emerges.

You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

Or pop in for a coffee at our premises.

You can also contact us for quick advice by email at answermethis@wynneandco.co.uk

or personally at sarah@wynneandco.co.uk

Read more amazing business growth stories in our Testimonials page!