The motivation and challenging journey behind growing an independent professional services firm.

James Edwards decided to quit his job and set up on his own during the pandemic in 2020. Starting from scratch, he had to create the company and find business but he took confidence from the fact that his competitors were also giving tax advice from their house!

Now a Tax Director and co-founder, James talks through the journey of launching his own professional services firm and all the ups and downs that go with it as well as being honest about the challenges with family life and health when working 7 days a week at times to grow the business.

Other topics include insights around his approach to sales and marketing as well as personal branding.

OUTLINE OF TIMINGS
00:00-02:45: Introduction and background
02:46-04:26: What led to working in personal tax?
04:27-06:38: The story of setting up his own Tax advisory business. The motivation, opportunity and experience.
06:39-08:39: Skills that helped James win business when starting from scratch
08:40-11:44: What did he learn in the first year of business and having to unplug the phone!
11:45-13:40: Convincing someone (and their partner) to set up a company with you
13:41-15:35: Risk appetite of James and Dean at Anderson & Edwards and hiring strategy
15:36-19:01: Working 7 days a week, health suffering and missing children’s bedtime
19:02-21:38: Being intentional about balancing work and life across work, family and health
21:39-32:36: Approach to sales and marketing and personal branding
32:37-34:29: “I’d rather be good than rich!”. Being motivated by finding the right answer is why I’m a tax advisor
34:30-36:13: The enjoyment of working in professional services
36:14-39:22: Professional and personal goals for the next 12 months