Thank to everyone who participated, nominated and voted in the awards this year, and we are very pleased to confirm that the BKN Bookkeeping Awards will return again next year for 2017!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
Wahey Joanne, who's bound to say, in her best Britney Spears voice "Oops I did it again" Richly deserved and both runners up deservedly there as well. Take a bow Shaun and Vince, it's a shame only one person can win.
I must confess to being absolutely gobsmacked about being a finalist for most innovative accounting firm, as I've done absolutely nothing this year in the way of being innovative, as all my plans are geared for 2017 (two new websites February and a new name - watch this space)
Mark has and another well deserved winner but Debbie also another viable contender (I promise Debbie not to step on your toes if the planned moved to Chesterfield happens, as I will be concentrating the other way (South Yorkshire)
Congratulations to all other winners and runners up
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John
Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.
Congratulations to Joanne - always lovely to see such a nice person doing so well.
And thank you who ever it is that voted for me - a huge shock as I would have had no idea if Joanne had not let me know.
Brilliant news, much gratitude, thank you for all the lovely training centres (including First Intuition) I have been able to work with and have given me the opportunity to work with some absolutely lovely people who have supported me through my career.
Happy Christmas everyone and may 2017 be as successful, hopefully working with IAB in 2017 too.
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Donna Curling - Complete Book-Keeping Ltd (CBKLtd) - 07939 101900
Wow, wow, wow, wow. I'm bouncing around like Tigger. Literally and even more so in my head. I was with out with a client (who told me he had nominated me) when I found out so the celebrations started early. Thank goodness it's Friday! Plus what an amazing early Christmas present.
Thank you so much to those who nominated and then voted for me, I'm very appreciative and so very very honoured.
John that song is now in my head, shame I don't know more of the words-might end up driving folk mad with repeating that over and over when I'm tiddly, lol.
Thank you Donna for the lovely kind words. A very well deserved win for you-congratulations, you must be over the moon. Plus congrats to Mark for your win too.
Agree with John totally, although in my view the runners up are all fabulous at what they do and being shortlisted makes them winners in my eyes. I'm certainly extremely chuffed to see my name listed alongside theirs. So well done all of you and thanks again.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Congratulations on a fantastic result and a 2nd term of office.
Absolutely well deserved and a fantastic reward for all of the great advice that you always give people on here even when you really dont have the time.
I'm made up for you hun.
p.s. Vince, I nominated VT but seemingly didnt make the cut this year... As you say, all cloudy rubbish
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Congratulations on a fantastic result and a 2nd term of office.
Absolutely well deserved and a fantastic reward for all of the great advice that you always give people on here even when you really dont have the time.
I'm made up for you hun.
p.s. Vince, I nominated VT but seemingly didnt make the cut this year... As you say, all cloudy rubbish
Thank you hon! So lovely of you to say such things.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
Oooh... Nick said Jo not Joanne.... You are in suuuuch trouble now, lol.
Merry Christmas Nick, hope that you've had a great year and have an even better next one.
All the best,
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Hi guys,
Well done to everyone and a big thank you for voting for me. That was a lovely surprise. Sorry I've not been around lately. It really was a manic December and looks like January is going to be just as bad, but so glad it's like that with plenty of work.
I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and wish everyone the very best for the New Year.
All the best
Debbie
Sorry not been on to give my thanks but had a hectic December (lots of March Ltd Co year ends) and busier January (over 240 tax returns).
Congratulations to all the fellow nominees and winners.
Finally the bride after a few years being the bridesmaid!!!!!!! Thanks for all those who voted for me. Didnt even vote for myself.
Though dont feel have done much innovation over the last year (a lot of processes have been in place for a few years) but will be introducing a lot more innovation/added value services this year
1. Price consulting service - helping clients get better prices
2. Growth through numbers programme - 9 step process to help clients grow your business
3. Lifetime financial responsibility - 14 stage process to plan for clients own and family's future
4. Cloud accounting - assisting clients moving to the cloud. Already moved a few clients last year with full set up and training and have a number already in the pipeline to convert over the next few months. Charging up to £1500 + VAT for this service.
5. Will also be moving into the world of webinar training hopefully this year. Will be doing webinars/videos on price consulting and Xero training and addons.
Target was to get to about 300 clients by the end of the year. Currently have about 230 clients and budget to get 3 - 5 new clients a month so might fall short of 300 by December. Though last month had over 40 enquiries and signed up a load of new clients. Already got 8 prospective clients meeting set up for this month. So far signed up 2 new clients this month.
January was our busiest ever month with £34k + VAT in fees. Previous best was December with £30k + VAT in fees. This compares to same time last year of £22k and £25k respectively so for the 2 months up over 1/3 on last year so all moving in right direction. On target for year to turnover about £200k - £225k which dont think is bad with just me, 2 full time accounts staff and part time admin who works one day a week.
Target is to get to 300 clients with GRF £300k - £400k which hopefully get too sometime mid to end next year.
Anyway thanks for the award much appreciated. Do you actual get a physical award sent? Always good publicity to call yourself the most innovative accountant firm as voted by members of bookkeepers website with award in hand. Would also look good on our new website which we should have up and running in the next couple of months.
Hi Mark
I did wonder if you had seen the announcement!!
Last year unfortunately seemed to be the first year no physical awards were sent out, although Steve did say he was organising them but was bombed with work himself and I seem to recall Shaun saying that the original glass wear company had gone out of business.
In truth I was disappointed, especially having seen others get them in the past and following quite a few people ask to see mine / what did you get as a winner. Winning and the accolade was and is my response as in truth that is perfect on its own.
Although.......I admit it would be super fabulous to get two glass awards, one for each year, for my new office. Would finish the decor off nicely. That or a nice framed certificate (we might have to print our own!!)
Steve........if you're listening........
Glad to hear you are still on that upward trajectory Mark. Next it will be a practice sale and retirement to a nice beach somewhere.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
I might just see about getting one made up myself. As always good to have an award in office, gets clients who come in asking "whats that?" "when did you get that?" "what is that for?"
Also good for local media publicity, social media and website picture. Makes you seen as the credible expert, the "go to adviser" if you position yourself and market yourself correctly.
Assume there isnt any issue with the bigwigs if i just see about getting something done myself?
Nah, not be retiring soon, not with 4 kids to pay for and £380k new mortgage. At that rate you will need to carry me out the office in a box.
Steve doesn't really come on the forum much so probably won't see the post. How about you email him? At least then it's someone else asking other than just lil old me? Let me know if you do!
I did think the same though about getting my own done, as you say it's much better for press coverage etc.
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Joanne
Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017
Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.
You should check out answers with reference to the legal position
