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12 things we’ve learned in 12 years

12 things we've learned in 12 years

It’s been 12 years since we started running our own accountancy practice and we’ve learned some lessons along the way. We hope we can inspire other people to launch their own business and we hope, above anything to provide our ongoing support and encouragement to those who wish to be entrepreneurs themselves in 2025. 

 

1) People are everything 

When Murray launched Alexander Knight & Co in 2012, he was swiftly followed into his new practice by some loyal and respected former colleagues who were able to bring their already considerable knowledge, skills and positivity to our new venture. Since then we have assembled a first-class team and it is no exaggeration to say that they are the bedrock of our success so far. Investing in good people is always good for your business.

2) Clients are (also!) everything

One of the biggest things we are proud of is the loyalty of our clients. Many clients have been with us from day one – and we are grateful and thankful for their loyalty. By placing our clients’ needs first – and understanding their mindsets as individual entrepreneurs -we’ve been able to support them and grow with them and we’ve seen their businesses flourish. Look after your clients!

3) Entrepreneurs truly are the backbone of our economy

Despite the seemingly endless attacks on businesses from various Governments down the years and an increasingly cumbersome tax system we know more than most that entrepreneurs are the real superstars of the economy. We will continue to promote their best interests and always advocate to make it easier to do business in the UK.

4) You have to take some risks to get rewards

Taking risks is essential for entrepreneurs because success often lies in seizing new opportunities. Without taking risks you might end up missing out on the rewards that can follow. Not every risk you take will pay off but you’ll be proud of the ones that do – and you’ll learn from the ones that don’t.

5) Every business has ups and downs

Changes in the economy, changes in personnel, changes in technology, fierce competition are just a handful of the many reasons why every business has challenging times. Everybody that runs a business will agree that it’s not all plain sailing. Stick with it and be resilient!

6) Consider the wider community

Not only are small, medium and large companies creating jobs but they are also investing in their community, raising funds for charities and doing their best to help the environment. Many firms now (just like us) have a formal ESG policy in place and even though the economy is challenging, all these businesses (and our clients) put a huge amount of effort into helping others. It’s a side of business that not everyone sees.

7) Trusted relationships are key to growth

We’ve got many trusted relationships locally, nationally and globally which help us grow, develop and support our business. It’s really important to maintain trust with your clients, customers and professional network. Keep doing a good job time after time!

8) Work/life balance is essential

Life as a business owner can be stressful at times. Taking care of your mental and physical health is really important. Not only do you need to be fit and healthy to run the business effectively you also need to balance work with family life and other hobbies and pursuits. You will be a much more effective business owner if you’re not just all ‘work, work, work’!

9) Office environment is important

When we first launched, our office was perfectly suited to a small team but we always had ambitions to secure some premises that better suited our people, culture and clients. Moving to Grade A office space with room to grow in the heart of Hale in 2018 was a great move for us. Moving location can be a really positive step in your business if you get it right.

10) Branding, PR and marketing are vital

Being able to differentiate our brand from other accountants from day one has been really valuable as we’ve developed our business. We have always strived to make sure we retain a distinct and consistent identity so that we’re memorable and stand out in a crowded market. Investing in your brand is hugely important for your business success.

11)  Take advice, advice and more advice

Taking advice from those you trust and respect including your friends and family is essential to get a rounded perspective on your business. You can never assume to have all the answers and you can always learn from someone else.

12) Enjoy it!

Running a business is a thrilling thing to do and if you run one, you’ll probably never want to go back and work for anyone else again. Enjoy it!

Murray Patt

 

 

“Setting up on my own was one of the best business decisions I’ve ever made. Drawing on my own experience as a business owner is really valuable when supporting our entrepreneurial clients. I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to take the leap!” 

 

 

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Two new recruits for Alexander Knight & Co.

We’d like to say a huge welcome to Jack Wareham and Jacqui Reece who have now joined our team! We are delighted they have joined our office in Hale as we continue to recruit talented people to our growing team. 

Jack is a recent graduate with a First Class Honours Degree in Accounting & Finance from University of Liverpool and joins colleagues in our Audit and Accounts team. Jacqui is an experienced payroll professional and will be supporting our clients with their requirements. You can read more about them on our team page here.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

We are delighted to be growing our team with the addition of two fantastic professionals. Both of our new colleagues have already made a positive impact on our team and our clients and we are looking forward to supporting them both in their careers at Alexander Knight & Co.

 

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Congratulations to Alexander Knight & Co colleagues!

Alastair Tough and Jack Crowther of Alexander Knight & Co accountants in Hale

We are delighted to share the news that our colleagues Jack Crowther and Alastair Tough have both passed their final ACA exams and are now qualified Chartered Accountants.

This means they have demonstrated the skills and expertise required in exams and practical work over a sustained period and have been approved by our industry regulatory body, the ICAEW, to practice as Chartered Accountants.

Both colleagues have been with us since the very start of their professional training. Jack joined us straight from his A-levels as an apprentice and Alastair arrived following his degree from the University of Warwick.

Since then, we have been pleased to support and fund them in gaining their professional qualifications which has enabled them to flourish in their career at Alexander Knight & Co and undertake first class work for our client base of business owners and entrepreneurs.

Alison Spier, who oversees HR and training at Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We are delighted with Jack and Alastair’s achievements and proud to have supported them every step of the way. We are committed to developing the next generation of accountancy talent and we continue to invest in our team and our clients.

“We’d like to congratulate Jack and Alastair on achieving ACA status and we are confident they will continue to develop as leading accountancy professionals here at Alexander Knight & Co.”

 

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, added:

“It is extremely pleasing to see two colleagues get recognised in this way and approved by the ICAEW. Accountancy qualifications in England & Wales are the most prestigious in the world and we are proud of their work and will continue to support them here as we develop and grow our practice.”

 

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Alexander Knight & Co attends the MGI Europe 2024 Conference in Warsaw.

MGI Worldwide Conference 2024 in Warsaw Poland

We were delighted to attend the recent MGI Europe 2024 Conference held in Warsaw, Poland.

This year’s European Conference attracted 73 delegates from 48 European firms, including participants from the UK, China, and Mauritius. 

Building on the success of previous events, the conference offered a dynamic mix of knowledge-sharing sessions and exciting social activities, both indoors and outdoors.

The agenda placed a strong emphasis on nurturing employee well-being and fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

We also heard from Poland’s former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, on economic and political developments , and as usual, there were also lots of interesting social activities with plenty of opportunities for networking and chatting with fellow members.

In a fun twist, six teams of delegates competed in a scavenger hunt through Warsaw’s charming old town, culminating in a delightful evening of Chopin’s piano music and a tasting of Polish cuisine and vodka.

Can you spot Murray Patt?

WATCH the video produced about the Conference featuring Murray Patt:

MGI Worldwide is a top 20 ranked global accounting network and association with over 8,000 professionals, accountants and tax experts in some 400 locations in almost 100 countries around the world.

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Collaboration is key

Alexander Knight & Co is a member of MGI Worldwide, a Top 20 international accounting network of independent audit, accounting, tax, legal, and consulting firms, which brings together the expertise of over 8,000 professionals in some 400 locations around the world.

Our membership enables us to keep abreast of important new developments, while providing a seamless international service to any of our clients looking for support abroad.

Joining the network has undoubtedly bolstered our international trade links and has enabled us to collaborate with accountancy firms in other jurisdictions.

Multiple companies headquartered in Canada, Sweden, USA, Germany, Holland, Greece, Denmark, Switzerland, Malaysia and Singapore have appointed our team to support them with a number of specialist services that we provide including Audit, Tax and Advisory.

Our UK-based practice has even picked up an award for our work relating to the clients of MGI Worldwide members. At the 2023 MGI UK & Ireland conference for partners & managers, which was held recently in Edinburgh, Scotland our team collected the award for ‘International Client Experience of the Year 2023’.

We were very pleased to have developed our international links and delighted to have won this award. It’s great recognition for our staff who are providing a fantastic service for our clients headquartered in the UK and abroad.

Case study

A good example of international collaboration is our positive relationship with fellow MGI Worldwide member Revideco AB based in Sweden.

Its team reached out to us to assist one of their clients who needed some UK specific advice relating to a subsidiary in England. The Revideco team has offices in Stockholm, Skellefteå, Sundsvall and Göteborg. Revideco are authorised accountants and auditors and have provided accounting, audit and consultancy services in Sweden since 1994.  

As a result of the introduction by partners at Revideco we were able to assist a Cheshire-based company which manufactures and retails all-natural supplements for dogs, in its annual Audit requirements. We were delighted to have been appointed by the client to undertake this activity and we are pleased that the relationship has developed positively.

“We are pleased with the relationship we have created with Alexander Knight & Co in the United Kingdom and it is pleasing to see that through our membership of MGI Worldwide we are able to identify high quality collaboration partners who can assist our clients with UK accountancy requirements.”
Antti Niemi
Partner, Revideco AB
"We are delighted to have been referred by our MGI Worldwide colleagues in Sweden. It’s a really good example of how likeminded accountants from different jurisdictions can operate effectively and develop strong and trusted relationships through the association. We would like to thank the Revideco team. We are looking forward to developing our professional relationship even more in 2024 and beyond."
Murray Patt of Alexander Knight & Co.
Murray Patt
Founder, Alexander Knight & Co
"Alexander Knight & Co shows the true value of being part of the MGI Worldwide global network. Clients want a ‘safe pair of hands’ they can trust and access as needed, wherever they choose to do business. This collaboration is a prime example of how two firms can work together seamlessly, providing high-quality support and advice to international clients in the UK."
Maxine Brock
Chief Marketing Officer, MGI Worldwide

TALK TO US ABOUT OUR INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTANCY WORK

If you are an international company that operates subsidiary companies in the UK we are perfectly placed to advise on accounting, tax and advisory work that is required to be undertaken.
Contact Murray Patt now
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Dan Williams qualifies as a Professional Accounting & Taxation Technician

Murray and Dan

We are delighted to confirm that our colleague Dan Williams has qualified as a Professional Accounting & Taxation Technician (following the completion of his Level 4 Apprenticeship) and has received his official certificate.

The ATT is the leading professional body for those providing UK tax compliance services. It has over 9,800 Members and Fellows, together with over 7,000 students.

We are committed to investing in the next generation of accountants. Well done Dan.

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Altrincham Rail Station advert by Alexander Knight & Co accountants

Are you a commuter passing through Altrincham rail station? Keep an eye out for the latest Alexander Knight & Co advertisement proudly displayed on the information board!

We understand the importance of clear, concise information—whether it’s about your financial and business goals or your train schedule. That’s why we’ve sponsored this information board in our home town of Altrincham.

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co said:

“We’re proud to feature at Altrincham Rail station. We deliberately selected Platform 4 because this is the stop for the historic Mid Cheshire line which takes in Manchester, Chester, Stockport and Hale where our office is located.”

Altrincham Rail. Station advertising by accountants Alexander Knight & Co

Murray Patt on platform 4 at Altrincham Rail Station.

The advert at Altrincham Rail Station in 2024:

 

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Vacancy: Payroll Manager (Part-time) Hale

Payroll Manager (Part-time) Hale

We are now recruiting for a Payroll Manager to join us on a part-time basis.

The role is two days per week based in our office in Hale, Cheshire and previous experience in payroll is essential.

Alexander Knight & Co is based in Grade A offices at Westgate House on Hale Road and we are an award-winning accountancy practice. We work with clients across the region and beyond.

Duties

  • Preparing monthly payroll for clients
  • Making relevant submissions to HMRC
  • Processing payroll payments and make relevant payments to HMRC.
  • Auto enrolment and submission of pension information on behalf of clients
  • Liaising with clients to answer payroll queries and deliver excellent service.
  • Carrying out year end activities such as producing P60s, claiming Employment Allowance and completing P11d’s where necessary.

To apply please email Alison Spier with your CV  alison@alexanderknightaccountants.co.uk

 

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Alexander Knight & Co supports festive campaign to support those experiencing homelessness

After more than a decade of designing bespoke cards, printing and posting – this year, we have decided to make a donation to charity instead.

Crisis at Christmas is an annual Christmas appeal that helps provide warm meals, shelter, support and companionship to those experiencing homelessness. We have made a donation to support Crisis in continuing its good work.

Crisis at Christmas supported by Alexander Knight & Co accountants in Hale Altrincham

We wish all our clients, staff and professional associates a ‘Murray Christmas’ and a Happy New Year.

 

 

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