Shropshire accountant celebrates first anniversary

An accountant based in Telford who has clients from all over the world has notched up her 250th client as she marks her first full year in business.

Karen Whitehead, who took the decision to set up her own firm, KEW Accountants, says the “very scary” experience of going it alone has made her see the world of business in a different light.

Karen has been an accountant for almost 30 years but only struck out on her own 12 months ago.

And following a successful first year, she said she had learned a lot about being her own boss.

She said: “It actually feels like a huge achievement and I have been overwhelmed by the support from clients and other local businesses who helped me set up.

“I think for anyone contemplating going it alone it is hugely daunting. I did go through some very scary times and I sometimes wondered whether I was doing the right thing.

“But what it has done is given me a complete understanding of what any new client is going through, the things they have to juggle and consider when they make this decision.

“Anyone setting up in business needs to surround themselves with supportive people that know about the things they don’t.

“Don’t try to learn new skills at the beginning because you have enough to deal with – find someone who already has those skills and let them do it for you.

“Your time is more valuable doing the things that you are skilled in and know about.”

Although the majority of Karen’s clients are based in Shropshire, she works with people in some more unusual locations – such as New Zealand and Norway – and she has some useful advice for anyone considering moving to a new country.

“It’s important to remember that if you move abroad and any of your finances are still based in the UK, you need to ensure you have a UK-based accountant to administer them,” Karen said.

“That’s why a number of my clients are based overseas. We manage their tax affairs and make sure that any UK tax liabilities are met correctly.

“If you move to another country you still have to pay tax on any investments remaining at home, such as buy-to-let property, pensions or savings funds, and it can be an unpleasant surprise if you’re not careful.”