Top UK franchise lays down roots in Canada after launching fifth overseas territory.
Leading UK franchise network, TaxAssist Accountants, are continuing to spread their wings overseas. The East Anglia-based franchise, which already has offices in Republic of Ireland, Australia and the USA, are now expanding into Canada. QX Global Group, a prominent business outsourcing company, has been awarded the Master Franchise rights for Canada, which covers the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This latest development will be headed up by Niraj Mehta, who is the senior vice-president of QX‘s business operations. Niraj is a qualified chartered accountant with almost 20 years of experience, of which 13 were spent at KPMG.
Karl Sandall, chief executive director of The TaxAssist Group, said: “We are delighted to have awarded our Canadian Master Franchise rights to the internationally known and respected QX Global Group. The team are all highly skilled individuals who share our passion and vision. And when added to our own 25 years of building and running a successful franchise network, it bodes well for the future of the business.”
QX Global Group is expecting a surge of interest, as accountants re-think their professional lives in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. TaxAssist Canada is QX‘s first big investment of 2021 and the group are anticipating that those who already own an accounting practice may seek to expand by becoming part of a global brand.
Chris Robinson, executive chairman and founder of QX Global Group, said in a statement: “We are constantly exploring strategic opportunities where we can add value. This partnership with The TaxAssist Group hits all the right buttons. We have a long-standing relationship with TaxAssist, and this seems like a natural progression to establish a new line of services in North America.
“Canada has one of the largest franchise industries in the world, but there are currently no businesses which are offering a uniquely-packaged accounts, tax and advisory service dedicated to small businesses. Therefore, Canada represents a significant growth opportunity for the TaxAssist Accountants brand.
“Canada’s Master Franchisee team is looking to acquire an existing accounting practice with the aim of converting this into a TaxAssist Accountants operation by April 2021. We will host Discovery Days for anyone interested in finding out more about the franchise model.” The team will engage with Rina Mancini who has a long standing relationship with The TaxAssist Group.
Meanwhile, closer to home, TaxAssist Accountants have opened their newest UK outlet at Clapham Junction in London. Martin Thomas and Sarah Kay have joined forces to launch this new venture at 205 Lavender Hill. Martin has been a TaxAssist accountant for eight years, operating a hugely successful practice in Victoria, central London, where he currently has 600 clients on his books, as well as six members of staff.
Experienced accountant Sarah Kay has become a franchise partner and will operate the new office in Clapham. Sarah has spent the last four years working for Martin as a practice manager. She explains: “My background is in small business accounting and tax, and I think I’m a perfect fit for the TaxAssist business model. This set up suits my strengths and, with my proven track record of managing TaxAssist Victoria, it means I can join the franchise with full confidence.
“TaxAssist is a fantastic brand. Having seen first-hand the support and expertise available, I think it is miles ahead of most of the competition. Martin and I make a good team and, over the last four years, client numbers have grown which I’m confident will continue, particularly as we are looking to open further shops.”
With regards to operating businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, Martin said: “Clearly London is much quieter than it would usually be but, even still, we have continued to sign up a good number of clients and January is proving to be as busy as ever. Our Victoria shop is a fantastic looking office in a great location, and we have now replicated this at Clapham. We’ve already generated a lot of interest among local businesses and self-employed professions who have arranged appointments. Clients can contact us for a free initial consultation, either by telephone or by going online.”
