Managing a practice involves far more than overseeing processes - it requires strong leadership, effective team management, and the ability to build meaningful client relationships. The two-year LEAD Programme has been specifically designed to equip senior practice staff and franchisees with the skills needed to lead high-performing teams.
Feedback from the 2023 – 2025 cohort has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the course for its transformative impact on their leadership skills and confidence:
- Emily Bontoft – TaxAssist Accountants Beverley - “Taking part in the leadership and management course was truly transformative. Every session challenged me to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow not just professionally, but personally.”
- Kristen Bradshaw – TaxAssist Accountants Lincoln - “I can confidently say the TaxAssist Accountants' Leadership and Management course exceeded my expectations. The training was not only insightful and well-structured, but also genuinely valuable in helping me develop both personally and professionally. It provided practical tools and guidance that I apply daily in my role. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take part and would highly recommend it to anyone who is in a management position or working towards one."
- James Cavendish – TaxAssist Accountants Banbury - “The leadership management course helped to build my confidence and skillset to be able to deal with managing staff and clients. The delivery of the course and the people involved were excellent. They created a no pressure environment that allowed me to develop my professional and personal skills.”
This is the third group of staff and franchisees to complete the LEAD programme, following its successful launch in 2017.
Samantha Skyring, Head of Group Learning and Development at TaxAssist Accountants, commented: “We pride ourselves on the quality of training and support we offer our network. While we focus on getting franchisees off to a strong start, we also recognise that as businesses mature, franchisees must shift their focus to managing staff, planning for succession, and building long-term strategies - which is exactly why we created the LEAD course.
“Delivered in partnership with First Intuition, this programme has benefited immensely from the world-class dedication of trainers Ben Bullman and Crystal Haygreen. Their commitment to excellence has been instrumental in its success.
“Each delegate’s final presentation was nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating not only their newly acquired skills but also their confidence, creativity, and commitment to leading with impact. Due to the popularity and success of the course, we are already planning our next programme, which is attracting strong interest.”
TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s leading network of tax and accountancy specialists, supporting small and medium sized businesses and self-employed professionals. Through its Training Academy, TaxAssist provides comprehensive, ongoing support to its franchise network, helping staff and franchisees develop leadership, technical, and business skills.
To learn more about The TaxAssist Training Academy, our business model, the support that we provide and of course to meet with us, we run regular franchise Discovery Days at our Support Centre in Norwich. Contact Robbie Dougal on 0800 0188297 for an initial chat or make an enquiry here.
July 2025
