Lan Eadie joined the TaxAssist Accountants network in November 2025 after purchasing a franchise resale in Truro. Bringing extensive experience from senior finance leadership and consultancy roles, Lan was drawn to TaxAssist’s proven business model, strong brand presence, and structured support, seeing it as the ideal platform to build and grow a successful, client‑focused accountancy practice.
What did you do before taking up the franchise?
Before taking up the franchise, I built a successful career as a Group Finance Controller and Senior Finance Consultant, working across UK- and US-based companies, ranging from SMEs to large global corporations. I held senior leadership roles within finance departments, where I was responsible for managing complex financial operations, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and supporting strategic decision-making at board and senior management level.
My professional background spans management and financial accounting, EU VAT and tax compliance, statutory reporting, mergers and acquisitions, budgeting and forecasting, and cash flow management. I have extensive hands-on experience dealing with VAT authorities across Europe and HMRC, leading VAT audits, reclaiming significant VAT refunds, and advising businesses on tax efficiency and compliance.
Throughout my career, I led and developed high-performing finance teams and delivered major process improvements, including streamlining reporting and month-end close processes, strengthening internal controls, and reducing operating costs. My work consistently focused on improving efficiency, managing risk, and supporting organisations to navigate complex financial landscapes while achieving their commercial objectives.
Why did you go down the franchise route? And why TaxAssist Accountants?
I had been working towards senior executive roles such as Finance Director and CFO, building on more than 14 years of experience across all areas of finance and taxation. However, the weak economic climate had a significant impact across most sectors. Many organisations were no longer able to afford senior leaders on high five- or six-figure packages and instead leaned towards part-qualified or early-career candidates who were enthusiastic, ambitious, and willing to take on end-to-end responsibility for a fraction of the cost.
While my expertise continued to be highly valued, the reality was that many companies could only afford me on a part-time or contract basis. Financially I remained comfortable, but comfort was not enough. I have always pushed myself to grow, achieve more, and maximise my potential. I wanted to fully utilise my breadth of experience in finance and taxation alongside my entrepreneurial mindset and help more organisations, business owners, and individuals, on my own terms.
Forming an accountancy and tax practice felt like the natural next step. I successfully set up a firm from scratch, but I quickly discovered that while I could confidently secure senior roles and large contracts, I struggled to market myself for smaller clients. I also found building an accounting practice entirely alone unexpectedly isolating. After a year of trial, experimentation, and reflection, I knew I needed a supportive network and decided to explore the franchise route.
I shortlisted three franchise networks. One was based overseas with very high fees and unrealistic promises, which I withdrew from early. The second appeared reasonable initially, but during my visit it became clear that their support function was merged with their own accounting practice, and I knew they would not have the capacity to provide the level of support I required.
My experience with TaxAssist Accountants was entirely different. From the very first phone conversation through to attending Discovery Day in Norwich, I was immediately impressed by how organised, professional, and transparent the entire team was. Every aspect of the franchise model was clearly explained, thoughtfully structured, and delivered with genuine care and preparation.
I left Discovery Day knowing that if I was to pursue a franchise at all, TaxAssist Accountants was the right choice. It still took me a year to proceed, primarily due to concerns around the physical office requirement and the level of initial investment. Ultimately, I concluded that the strength of the brand, the proven model and the ongoing support outweighed the risks and aligned perfectly with my ambitions for long-term growth.
What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?
No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the aspects I enjoy most about being a franchisee. My role is fully hands-on and spans every part of the business, ensuring the firm operates efficiently while delivering high-quality, compliant, and client-focused services.
My day often starts with reviewing priorities across the practice, including client deadlines, workflow progress, staff capacity, and any urgent matters. I stay closely involved in client work, from initial enquiries and meetings through to onboarding, ongoing advisory, and complex tax or accounting matters. Building strong, trusted relationships with clients is a key part of my role.
Alongside client-facing work, I focus heavily on running the business. This includes monitoring costs and profitability, ensuring systems and software are operating effectively, and reviewing workflows to ensure work is completed to a high standard, on time, and in line with professional and regulatory requirements.
People management is also a core part of my day. I work closely with the team to understand their workload, support their development, and ensure they feel listened to and valued. I encourage a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and integrity.
I also monitor and implement plans to grow the business in other territories, including promoting the firm through social media, increasing our online presence, gaining more Google reviews, and running marketing campaigns to attract new clients and enhance visibility.
In summary, I am a hands-on owner who wants to be fully involved and in control of every aspect of the business. My approach ensures that clients, staff, and the business itself are cared for with the highest standards of quality, integrity, and reliability.
What has the training and support from TaxAssist Accountants been like?
The training and support from TaxAssist Accountants have been outstanding. Every department has a dedicated team of experts who are highly competent, deeply knowledgeable and committed to their area of expertise.
This focused, specialised approach ensures that every issue is handled by the right expert, delivering highly effective outcomes. Even during peak times, the teams consistently provide sufficient, relevant support, giving me confidence and reassurance. This structured, reliable, and expert support is exactly why I chose TaxAssist over many other franchises.
What have been the highlights of being a TaxAssist franchisee?
One of the biggest highlights has been working with a successfully proven business model that gives me confidence in every aspect of running an accounting and tax practice. The constant, structured support from TaxAssist across all elements of owning and operating a firm has been invaluable.
I’ve also come to deeply appreciate the value of a traditional shop front. I was initially cynical about the need for a physical office, but being present day-to-day has completely changed my perspective. I see first-hand how many leads are generated simply because people pass by, walk in, or enquire after seeing the office, reinforcing credibility within the local community.
Another key highlight is knowing that TaxAssist is always on the side of its franchisees. Whether it’s promoting your business, protecting your interests, or equipping you to handle challenges, the network provides reassurance, guidance, and support. This combination of practical and emotional backing gives me confidence and security as I run my firm.
How has being part of the franchise helped you to grow your practice?
Being part of the TaxAssist franchise has been instrumental in helping me grow my practice quickly and sustainably. The proven business model and structured support allow me to focus on delivering high-quality services, knowing expert guidance is always available.
The franchise provides tools, training, and systems that streamline every aspect of running the business, from client onboarding and workflow management to compliance and reporting. A major growth driver has been having a visible shop front and the backing of an established brand, which has significantly increased client acquisition.
The ongoing support from TaxAssist has allowed me to confidently tackle challenges, explore growth opportunities in other territories, and implement marketing campaigns, all while maintaining the highest standards of service, compliance, and care.
What are your plans for the future?
In the near term, my focus is on gaining a thorough understanding of my existing clients’ businesses, identifying opportunities to offer additional services, and ensuring our client records are accurate and up to date. Re-establishing regular, proactive communication with clients is also a priority, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and valued.
A key focus is improving speed, efficiency, and responsiveness within the team. By handling enquiries immediately and speaking directly with clients from the outset, we have already converted a significant number of enquiries into new clients and generated substantial fees in a short period of time.
Looking ahead, I plan to grow the practice through targeted promotion, networking and community involvement. In the longer term, I aim to explore acquiring additional franchises within the network, leveraging the systems, experience and support that TaxAssist provides to deliver consistently high standards of service and sustainable growth.
