Alan Chesterfield has reached a milestone anniversary.

Alan joined the TaxAssist Accountants network in 2009 as he was keen to achieve independence and the freedom from corporate life. Over the last 15 years he has built up a thriving business with over 700 clients from his shop at 298 High Street in Dorking, Surrey.

“It’s been a fantastic journey with TaxAssist,” said Alan. “It felt like a huge leap of faith when I found myself on my own in an office with no staff, no customers and the phone not ringing!

“However, it didn’t take long to start bringing some clients on board and now with a successful practice of many years, I look back at that leap and reflect that actually it turned about to be more of a ‘hop’. And this is down to the outstanding support along this journey from all of the team at our franchise support office which has helped to make it so enjoyable and rewarding at the same time. Running your own business can feel lonely times but I’ve always felt part of a big team.

“There’s a real demand for our services and has been since I first launched the practice, even though it was at the height of the last recession. I have seen for myself how economic uncertainty drives the need for a trusted advisor and it’s been enjoyable and rewarding to have met and helped so many people in my local community.

“I enjoy providing good quality support and advice to my clients, and through my staff and myself this has enabled me to build a substantial practice, which has scope to grow even further.”