Tasnuva Tina joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2019 after purchasing an existing franchise resale in Royston, Hertfordshire. With a strong background in accounting, tax and client advisory work, she was ready to take the next step and build a practice of her own. By taking on an established business with the backing of the TaxAssist network, Tina combined the independence of business ownership with the support, systems and brand recognition to help her grow. Now looking after over 500 clients across three locations in Royston, Great Shelford and Saffron Walden, she shares her experience developing her practice and supporting local businesses.
Can you tell us about your professional background and what you were doing before joining TaxAssist Accountants?
Before joining TaxAssist Accountants, I had built up a strong background in accounting, tax, and client advisory work. I worked with a range of individuals, sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies, supporting them with compliance, tax returns, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, and general business advice. Over time, I developed a real interest in working closely with small businesses and helping clients understand their numbers more clearly, rather than simply preparing accounts once a year.
My previous experience gave me a solid technical foundation, but it also showed me how important approachable, proactive advice is for small business owners. Many clients want an accountant who is accessible, practical, and genuinely interested in their business, and that was something I knew I wanted to focus on in my own practice.
What made you decide to run your own practice, and why did you choose TaxAssist Accountants rather than going it alone?
I had always wanted to run my own practice because I wanted the opportunity to build something of my own, shape the client experience, and create a business that reflected my values. I wanted to offer a personal, friendly, and professional service to local businesses and individuals, while also having the flexibility and independence that comes with being a business owner.
I chose TaxAssist Accountants because I did not want to start completely from scratch without support. The franchise model offered the best of both worlds: the independence of running my own practice, combined with the backing of an established brand, proven systems, marketing support, technical resources, and a network of other franchisees. That support gave me confidence that I could focus on growing the business and serving clients, rather than having to work everything out alone.
What were your biggest concerns before joining, and how did the experience compare with your expectations?
Before joining, my main concerns were around building a client base, managing the operational side of the practice, and making sure I could transition successfully into running my own business. Like many people starting out, I had questions about how quickly the business would grow, how to attract clients, and whether I would have the right support when challenges came up.
The experience has been very positive and, in many ways, better than I expected. The training and ongoing support helped me feel prepared, and having access to tried-and-tested systems made a big difference. I also found that being part of a wider network meant I was never completely on my own. There was always someone to speak to, whether that was the support team or other franchisees who had been through similar experiences.
What does a typical day look like for you as a TaxAssist Accountant franchisee?
A typical day is varied, which is one of the things I enjoy most. It usually involves meeting or speaking with clients, reviewing accounts and tax work, supporting clients with queries, managing deadlines, and working with the team to make sure client work is progressing smoothly. There is also time spent on business development, following up with prospective clients, improving internal processes, and planning for the growth of the practice.
No two days are exactly the same. Some days are very client-facing, while others are more focused on technical work or managing the business. As the practice has grown, my role has also evolved from doing everything myself to spending more time leading the business, supporting the team, and focusing on strategy.
How would you describe demand for your services in your local area, and what has helped you attract new clients?
Demand has been strong, particularly from small businesses, self-employed individuals, landlords, start-ups, and limited companies who want reliable and approachable accounting support. Many business owners are looking for more than just compliance; they want guidance, reassurance, and someone they can speak to when they have questions.
A combination of local visibility, the TaxAssist brand, recommendations, online presence, and strong client service has helped attract new clients. Word of mouth has also been very important. When clients feel supported and valued, they are often happy to recommend the practice to friends, family, and other business owners.
How has having a shop impacted your visibility and business growth?
Having a shop has made a significant difference to visibility. It gives the practice a physical presence in the local community and makes the business feel approachable and accessible. People can see the brand, walk in, ask questions, and feel that there is a local accountant available to support them.
The shop has helped build trust, especially with small business owners and individuals who prefer to deal with someone local. It also reinforces the fact that we are part of the community, not just an online or remote service. That local presence has supported enquiries, referrals, and overall business growth.
What have been the biggest highlights or proudest moments since becoming a TaxAssist Accountant?
One of the biggest highlights has been seeing the practice grow and knowing that clients trust us with important areas of their personal and business finances. It is very rewarding when clients say that we have made things clearer, reduced their stress, or helped them feel more confident about their business.
Another proud moment has been building strong client relationships and developing a reputation locally for being approachable, professional, and supportive. Seeing the business develop from the early stages into a growing practice has been extremely satisfying.
Which aspects of the TaxAssist support have made the biggest difference to your business?
The marketing support, technical support, training, systems, and brand recognition have all made a real difference. The marketing support has helped generate enquiries and raise awareness locally, while the technical resources give reassurance when dealing with more complex client matters.
The operational guidance has also been valuable, particularly in the early stages of setting up and growing the practice. Having access to a wider network means there is always guidance available, and that has helped me make better decisions and avoid some of the challenges that can come with starting a practice alone.
How has your business grown since joining?
Since joining, the business has grown steadily in terms of client numbers, revenue, and overall presence in the local area. The client base has expanded across a range of sectors, including small businesses, sole traders, contractors, landlords, and limited companies.
The growth has also allowed the practice to develop its internal processes and strengthen the team. As the business has become more established, I have been able to focus more on client relationships, service quality, and long-term planning. The practice has also given me a better work-life balance compared with what I expected from starting a business, because the systems and support available through TaxAssist have helped create structure from the outset.
What are your ambitions for your practice over the next five years?
Over the next five years, my ambition is to continue growing the practice sustainably while maintaining a high standard of client service. I want to expand the client base, develop the team, and continue supporting more local businesses and individuals with proactive, practical accounting and tax advice.
I would also like the practice to become even more recognised in the local area as a trusted accountancy firm for small businesses. Growth is important, but I want that growth to be managed carefully so that clients continue to receive the personal and professional service they expect.
What would you say to someone considering joining the TaxAssist Accountants network?
I would say that if you want to run your own practice but also want the reassurance of support, structure, and an established brand, TaxAssist Accountants is a very strong option. Starting a business on your own can be challenging, but being part of a network gives you access to guidance, systems, marketing, and people who understand the journey.
It is still your business, and you need to be committed, proactive, and prepared to work hard. However, the support available can make a significant difference, especially in the early stages. For someone who wants independence but does not want to feel isolated, the TaxAssist model offers a very good balance.
