Chat GPT in business

Small businesses often operate with limited resources, which can make it challenging to compete with larger, more established companies.

However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), small businesses can now leverage advanced technology to increase their efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction – to make them more competitive.

ChatGPT is one such AI technology that can help small businesses and has gained worldwide attention since a free version of it was recently released. Some of our clients are already seeing its benefits.

Put simply, ChatGPT is a conversational AI tool that can engage in natural language conversations.

It can be integrated into a website, social media account, or messaging platform, allowing customers to interact with a business in a personalised, conversational manner.

This technology can help small businesses in several ways, including:

  1. Improving customer service: One of the biggest benefits of ChatGPT is that it can provide immediate, personalized responses to customer inquiries. By using natural language processing (NLP), ChatGPT can understand and respond to customer queries in real-time, which can help businesses provide better customer service.
  2. Reducing response time: ChatGPT can handle a large volume of customer inquiries simultaneously, which means that customers don’t have to wait in long queues to get their questions answered. This can help businesses reduce their response time and improve customer satisfaction.
  3. Providing 24/7 customer support: ChatGPT is available 24/7, which means that businesses can offer support to their customers at any time, even when their physical location is closed. This can help businesses increase their availability and reach a wider audience.
  4. Saving costs: By automating customer service, small businesses can save costs on hiring and training customer support staff. ChatGPT can handle most customer inquiries, which means that businesses can use their resources more efficiently.
  5. Increasing sales: ChatGPT can also be used to generate leads and drive sales. By engaging customers in personalised conversations, businesses can build a relationship with their customers and increase their chances of making a sale.
  6. Enhancing marketing efforts: ChatGPT can be used to enhance marketing efforts by providing personalised recommendations, content and targeted messaging.

Overall, as AI technology continues to advance, it’s likely that more SMEs will turn to tools like ChatGPT to improve their operations and stay competitive in their industries. We predict that AI will play an increasingly important role as the technology develops and it becomes more mainstream.

This article, for example was written using it!

Contact me to discuss your accountancy requirements on (0161) 980 8788 or email murray@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

 

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Thank you

We’d like to say a massive “THANK YOU” to many of our clients who have retained us for more than TEN years. We’re really pleased that this loyal client base is comprised of businesses within a wide variety of industry sectors including: 

  • Civil engineering 
  • Digital marketing 
  • Manufacturing
  • Electrical engineers 
  • Corporate Finance 
  • Legal 
  • Childcare
  • Transport & Logistics 
  • Media 
  • Wholesaler 
  • Retail 
  • Technology 
  • Property 

Thank you for your ongoing support – it means the world to our team!

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Alexander Knight & Co advises client in multinational transaction

We were pleased to advise the directors and shareholders of our client Pace Rehabilitation on its successful sale of the business to a multinational company.

Global health-tech company Ottobock has acquired Pace Rehabilitation, one of the top independent providers of prosthetic and rehabilitation services in the UK which is now part of a unified organisation with nationwide coverage.

Pace Rehabilitation was established in 2003 by a small team of experienced clinicians and has provided an integrated approach to the treatment of people who have sustained limb loss or serious limb injury over the past 20 years.

Operating from clinics situated in Amersham, Bredbury and Glasgow, its teams of clinicians help patients to improve their overall quality of life and enhance their mobility.

Alexander Knight & Co was pleased to advise the management team of Pace before, during and after the transaction with our accountancy and tax services.

Speaking upon the conclusion of the deal, Phil Yates, Managing Director of Otto Bock Healthcare said:

“We are thoroughly delighted to complete the acquisition and excited to welcome Pace Rehabilitation and their successful team to the Ottobock Family. Their endeavour aligns perfectly with Ottobock’s own mission to empower people to regain or maintain their freedom of movement.”

Toby Carlsson, Managing Director of Pace Rehabilitation, said

“We look forward to joining forces with Ottobock and benefiting from the opportunities that come with being part of a strong international organisation. We now join a network of clinics within a company that has a long-standing track record of bringing new and innovative products to the market. It is great news for all our stakeholders, and we are excited for the future.

“We are pleased with the support and guidance we have received from our accountants, Alexander Knight & Co. The team was incredibly proactive throughout the process and played a key role in ensuring this transaction went smoothly.”

Murray Patt of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“This deal makes perfect sense for both parties strategically. It brings together like-minded organisations with a shared vision of empowering people who have sustained limb loss.

“It is always pleasing to see clients develop and grow their business to the point where they are in a position to join forces with other organisations. We are delighted for both parties with the outcome of this deal.”

Pace Rehabilitation’s team of 40 people consists of consultants, therapists, allied health professionals, technicians, and support staff, who are all now part of the Ottobock Family.

To read more, see here.

 

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Apply now: Undergraduate Placement 2023-24

As a modern, progressive practice, Alexander Knight & Co is always on the lookout for future talent.

Applications are now open for Accounting undergraduates to join our dynamic team – on a 9 or 12-month paid placement as part of their degree course – and discover what it’s really like to work in public practice.

Gain hands-on experience, build a network of contacts and get advice from our expert mentors. If you perform well, you could be given the opportunity to join one of our Graduate training programmes that will help you kick-start your professional career.

At Alexander Knight & Co, you’ll discover a culture that nurtures individuality and an environment where everyone is supported to reach their potential.

Our placement programme allows you to experience working in the accounting and business advisory team alongside current trainees and experienced members of the firm. You’ll get involved in client work from the start and get the chance to learn about different types of businesses from varying industry sectors.

This hands-on early experience is invaluable as you take the next steps in your career. You’ll also benefit from on-the-job training from more senior members of the team and gain access to our internal training courses that will help you develop in the role.

Candidate Requirements

  • Polite & professional manner.
  • Smart appearance.
  • Bright & articulate – able to engage with colleagues & clients appropriately, with ease & confidence.
  • Enthusiastic, self-motivated & keen to learn & progress within a professional environment.
  • Punctual, reliable, responsible, conscientious & trustworthy.
  • High level of numeracy & literacy essential.
  • Excellent organisational skills & consistent, accurate & analytical working methods.
  • Effective time management, strong communication skills & a high level of attention to detail.
  • Able to work independently & as part of a team.

3 A-levels A*-B (or equivalent)
Predicted degree 2:1 or higher

THE 3-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

  1. Review of your CV and a brief covering letter.

Please send this to Alison Spier (alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk)

(Only successful candidates will receive a reply)

 

  1. An invitation to an interview & integrated competency test

 

  1. Acceptance onto our 2023 Undergraduate Placement

 

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

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Graduate Experience Programme 2023

Graduate Experience Programme at Alexander Knight & Co

If you are a recent graduate looking for a career in accountancy you can apply to join our graduate experience programme.

As well as providing you with the opportunity to add valuable work experience at our leading accountancy practice to your CV, you’ll also gain practical and personal skills in a professional accountancy-based setting and potentially, even get the opportunity to become one of our permanent graduate professionals.

We welcome applications from graduates who meet the minimum criteria (set out below) from the full range of academic disciplines. This scheme is not just designed for people who have accountancy/business/finance qualifications.

We firmly believe that the accountancy firms of the future will have a blended approach to the skills they offer to their clients. We are a diverse employer and welcome applications from graduates from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Our two-week paid graduate internship gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the AK&Co culture and offers you the perfect springboard for success as an accountant in 2023.

If you are passionate about pursuing a career in accountancy and you are fascinated by the prospect of working with – and on behalf of – our growing client base of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders – apply now.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • A 2:1 degree at a UK university
  • 3 A-levels (A*-B)
  • 9-7 in Maths & English at GCSE level or equivalent

THE 3-STEP APPLICATION PROCESS:

  1. Review of your CV and a brief covering letter

      Please send this to Alison Spier (alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk)

      (Only successful candidates will receive a reply)

 

  1. An invitation to a meeting to discuss your career aspirations 

 

  1. Acceptance onto our Graduate Internship.

           A date will be arranged for you to join us for two weeks.

 

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

 

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Budget 2023: how it affects you. 

Budget 2023: how it affects you. 

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt (pictured) has produced a budget largely aimed at big businesses but also focused on encouraging more people to remain in work rather than retire early.

In summary there are four key points that we’re emphasising to our clients in our Budget summary which you can download here:

1) the proposed removal of the lifetime pension limit is a positive move – and so is the increase to the annual pension allowances (from £40k to £60k).

2)The new tax relief for investment in plant and machinery provides 100% tax relief on eligible expenditure, with no cap (historically it has been £1m). Whilst this changes is welcomed, few businesses regularly invest more than £1m in plant in the first place – so it’s a little underwhelming for most of our clients.

3) It’s extremely disappointing to see the corporation hike to 25% will proceed – but understandable since they are trying to balance the books following the impact of the pandemic.

4) Extra support with childcare is definitely welcome – and this will be relief to clients and their staff.

We are advising our clients to take a look at our budget summary – and ensure they leave enough time to plan and review any changes that will need to be made to their pension strategy in particular.

Speak to Murray Patt if you need specific guidance on how these issues will affect your business and your personal finance as a company director. 

You can download our Budget summary here: Budget March 2023

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Wanted: Part Qualified Accountant

Part Qualified Accountant 

  • Are you part way through your training?
  • Are you looking to re-locate?
  • Do you feel that you have the right level of support in your current role?
  • Would you like to join an accountancy practice that will offer you a full range & breadth of opportunity across all areas during your training & support you to progress your career?
  • Apply now to join our growing team based in Hale, Greater Manchester.

Alexander Knight & Co is a modern, progressive and forward-thinking accountancy practice. We are committed to ongoing training and development in order to best serve the needs of our brilliant team and incredible, loyal clients, with a reputation for delivering high quality work through a friendly proactive style of accountancy.

Our client base is large and varied across a number of sectors both locally and nationally and we are active members of a renowned global accountancy network. We promote a positive and professional culture within our company and offer a supportive and flexible approach to working which is appreciated by both our staff and clients.

Candidate Requirements

Polite & professional manner.
Smart appearance.
Bright & articulate – able to engage with colleagues & clients appropriately, with ease & confidence.
Enthusiastic, self-motivated & keen to learn & progress within a professional environment.
Punctual, reliable, responsible, conscientious & trustworthy.

High level of numeracy & literacy essential.
Excellent organisational skills & consistent, accurate & analytical working methods.
Effective time management, strong communication skills & a high level of attention to detail.
Able to work independently & as part of a team.

5 (preferably 7) good GCSEs (grades A*-C/9-6) to include Maths & English ideally at the highest levels (A/A*/8/9)
2 A-levels (or equivalent)
Degree (2:1 or above)

Successful partial completion of professional exams.

Prospects and Benefits

  • Real potential for fast- track career progression.
  • Full support for completing studies and achieving career ambitions through staff training – on the job and external course provision.
  • Competitive salary
  • Agile, flexible approach to working, with opportunities for a hybrid basis i.e. a mix of remote and on site.
  • Modern, vibrant working environment, centrally located and within walking distance of both a village and a town.
  • Parking, excellent transport links.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

You can apply directly by emailing your CV to alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

We look forward to receiving your application. You can read more about our practice here.

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Graduate trainee position available at Alexander Knight & Co

Are you a graduate looking for an opportunity to start your career in accountancy?

  • Have you recently graduated or are graduating within the next 12 months – ready for a Summer 2024 start?
  • Would you like to join an accountancy practice that will support you to progress the first steps in your career?
  • Apply now to join our growing team based in Hale, Greater Manchester.

Alexander Knight & Co is a modern, progressive and forward-thinking accountancy practice. We are committed to ongoing training and development in order to best serve the needs of our brilliant team and incredible, loyal clients, with a reputation for delivering high quality work through a friendly proactive style of accountancy.

Our client base is large and varied across a number of sectors both locally and nationally and we are active members of a renowned global accountancy network. We promote a positive and professional culture within our company and offer a supportive and flexible approach to working which is appreciated by both our staff and clients.

Candidate Requirements

Polite & professional manner.
Smart appearance.
Bright & articulate – able to engage with colleagues & clients appropriately, with ease & confidence.
Enthusiastic, self-motivated & keen to learn & progress within a professional environment.
Punctual, reliable, responsible, conscientious & trustworthy.

High level of numeracy & literacy essential.
Excellent organisational skills & consistent, accurate & analytical working methods.
Effective time management, strong communication skills & a high level of attention to detail.
Able to work independently & as part of a team.

5 (preferably 7) good GCSEs (grades A*-C/9-6) to include Maths & English ideally at the highest levels (A/A*/8/9)
2 A-levels (or equivalent)
Degree (2:1 or above)

Prospects and Benefits

  • Real potential for fast- track career progression.
  • Full support for completing studies and achieving career ambitions through staff training – on the job and external course provision.
  • Competitive salary
  • Agile, flexible approach to working, with opportunities for a hybrid basis i.e. a mix of remote and on site.
  • Modern, vibrant working environment, centrally located and within walking distance of both a village and a town.
  • Parking, excellent transport links.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment. We look forward to receiving your application via email to alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk. You can read more about our practice here.

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Tax Manager Wanted. Develop your career at Alexander Knight & Co.

We’re growing our practice in Hale, Cheshire. If you’re an experienced tax professional and you’d like to join our team, send a confidential email to Alison Spier to arrange an informal chat about the role.

We have an exceptional list of loyal clients with multi-million turnover businesses. The majority of these companies have been working us for many years and we are highly focused on building long term, meaningful relationships.

We are now looking to grow our practice.We have vacancies for a Tax Manager/Senior Tax Manager. 

Suitable candidates will be experienced working in a fast-paced accountancy practice, dealing with clients both face to face and over the phone, advising them on a variety of tax issues, including corporation tax, including R&D, & CGT. A mixed tax background would also be of interest. You must be able to demonstrate exceptional client relationship skills, and have an approachable, professional manner.

As part of MGI Worldwide, the global accounting network, you will also join the Tax Forum, enabling you to network with peers from other practices across the UK and worldwide. International tax conferences are also organised by MGI Worldwide and you will join delegations to these when they occur. 

We will consider full time or part time, (including term time contracts), and would consider a hybrid working model for the right candidate.

If you feel that your experience is a good fit and you are looking for a modern accountancy practice based in Grade A offices in the heart of Hale to develop your career and would like to know more please email Alison Spier with your updated CV and details of your current package.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

PS – no agencies, thank you.

 

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Are you a Newly Qualified Accountant? Join our team!

Newly Qualified Accountant Jobs Manchester

Newly Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA)

Since launching Alexander Knight & Co in 2012, we have developed a reputation for being the “accountants for entrepreneurs” & our client base includes some of the leading private (and publicly- listed) businesses in the UK & Europe.

We are now looking for an Newly Qualified Accountant to join our fast growing team in 2023. This is a senior position within our team, ideally suited to you if you are professional looking to fast track your career to management level & beyond with your next career move.

The multi-disciplinary structure at Alexander Knight & Co means that this role is flexible and we are happy to tailor it to meet your skills and career aspirations if you’re the successful candidate. Initially, we see the role as focusing on audit and accounts but it will certainly evolve over time.

Essentially the role involves:

– Working proactively in the best interests of our clients & delivering a high quality audit & compliance service.
– Working both independently and in collaboration with other members of the team.
– Reporting directly to senior colleagues, including the founder of Alexander Knight & Co

Specifically, you should have confidence in your ability to:

– Plan and lead on complex audits – both remotely and on-site ✅
– Coordinate across different disciplines within the Alexander Knight & Co team ✅
– Deliver complex assignments through to completion ✅
– Prepare and report on group consolidated accounts both in FRS & IFRS ✅
– Liaise with overseas parent company auditors & advisers ✅
– Share knowledge across the wider audit and tax teams ✅
– Oversee the “onboarding” of new clients ✅
– Recommend positive courses of action for our clients to support them to grow their business & meet their compliance objectives ✅
– Act as a role model for junior members of staff, helping to develop their own skill sets and supporting them to deliver audit assignments professionally, on time and on budget ✅

Prospects

  • Full support for achieving your own career ambitions ✅
  • Flexible working benefits ✅
  • Market-leading salary according to experience ✅

About Us
We are a modern, progressive and forward-thinking accountancy practice & are always looking to develop our practice to best suit the needs of our brilliant team & incredible, loyal clients. A boutique-style firm (ie focusing on advice for owner managers & experienced entrepreneurs), we have developed a reputation as a specialist in working at board level alongside our owner-managed clients.

Largely located in the North West of England (including international clients with UK subsidiaries based in the region), our client base has grown substantially during the past twelve months – thanks to our good reputation for delivering high quality work & having a friendly, proactive approach to accountancy.

We are well connected as a practice & we have excellent professional relationships with other professional advisors, including law firms, financial advisors & banks who recommend clients to us on a regular basis.

We are also active members of MGI Worldwide – one of the world’s largest accounting networks – which enables our team to be universally connected & enjoy working relationships with other members across the globe.

We are based at our own Grade A office in Hale village (Hale Road). We are proud of our modern, vibrant premises & feel that this investment in our surroundings helps to promote a positive & professional culture for our clients & staff & other professional contacts in Cheshire & Greater Manchester who we work with regularly.

We offer a supportive & flexible approach for all our colleagues. Currently we are operating on a “hybrid” basis – a sensible mix of home-working & office-based working which is an agile approach appreciated by our staff & clients. It also enables our team to manage their own work-life balance & support their families during these times. Having been impressed by the success of this, we are passionate about retaining this culture into 2022 & beyond.

Disclaimer 

Alexander Knight & Co is an equal opportunities employer and no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

All candidates will only be assessed in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the role expected. Only successful applicants will be invited to the next stage consisting of an interview and assessment.

To apply for this role please email your CV and a covering letter to Alison Spier.

In addition, if you would like a confidential chat about your current position and to see if this next step is suitable please call Alison Spier in confidence on (0161) 980 8788.

Accountants Hale

Accountants in Hale

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