A DERBY accountancy and business advice company has recruited its fourth new team member in less than 12 months as it goes from strength to strength.
Vibrant Accountancy, based on Duffield Road, have welcomed Katie Hirst; a mum of three who will take care of the company’s book-keeping, accounts and, predominantly, payroll.
She joins co-founders Ian Ball and Beverley Wakefield, Samantha Carter-Roe, Vibrant’s chief book-keeper, office co-ordinator Lynn McCabe and Emma Vicars; head of accounting.
For Bev, who has received praise for her fun and easy-to-understand videos on social media which have covered everything from the Government’s furlough scheme and Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget plans to business grants and tips for the self-employed, Katie fits the ethos of Vibrant Accountancy perfectly.
Katie HIrst is the latest recruit to join Vibrant Accountancy. Picture: Ash Stanley @ ‘Av It Media
“Katie, who lives in Matlock, has great values and has already settled into the job so well,” said Bev, who is also a director for Derby children’s mental health community interest company, Bridge the Gap.
“Her background is in banking and she trained in accountancy, completing her ATT Level 4 accountancy exam just 10 days after giving birth to her third baby, which is incredible.”
Bev, who previously worked at Cooper Parry; the accountancy and business advisors whose head office is in Castle Donington, set up Vibrant Accountancy with business partner Ian Ball in September 2019, also ex-Cooper Parry.
And during what has been a challenging year for many, Vibrant Accountancy has blossomed with their ‘human nature’ and support for small businesses – several who are based or selling from the city – making them different to most accountancy firms.
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“We pride ourselves on having a personality and being passionate about what we do,” said Bev.
“Ian and I are polar opposites; I’m the emotional one in our partnership while Ian is the one who does most of the number-crunching; he’s the data man. It gives our clients that balance and we find it works really well.
“We both have the same vision for Vibrant Accountancy and, after experiencing rapid growth since we formed just over a year ago, we’re excited to see what 2021 will bring.
“The amazing team we have in place are a great bunch of people who really enjoy coming to work and the role which they play within the company; that’s so important to us. It’s hard to imagine that, last Christmas, Vibrant Accountancy was just me and Ian.”
The Vibrant Accountancy Team have gone from strength to strength in 2020. PIcture: Ash Stanley @ ‘Av It Media
Bev wants her business to be seen as ‘an arm around the shoulder of clients’ and is keen to break down the jargon associated with accountancy, after a year in which the use of words such as furlough and pandemic increased ten-fold.
“As business owners, Ian and I know how lonely it can be at times; we get it – we know where they are headed and the challenges they will face along the way. We want to help them and be seen as an extension of their team, as well as helping them with their finances,” she said.
“There has been so much jargon around this year and having someone who can help your business – grow with your business – and provide that additional support right now is so important.”
As well as having its challenges, 2020 has also seen the formation of many start-ups – and Bev has some top tips for those starting out on their journey.
“Believe in what you are doing and make sure you get the right home/work balance,” she said.
“You will need to have lots of enthusiasm, it will take a lot of time and energy to grow your business. And don’t worry about asking for help; there is lots of it out there, you just need to ask.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Kerry Ganly at Penguin PR on 07734 723951 or email [email protected]
