Take a leaf out of the Three Wise Men’s gift guide

Richard Brewin • December 25, 2018

Christmas, as we all know, is a time for bearing gifts, and many accountants take the opportunity to thank their clients for their business with traditional gifts of alcohol, chocolates, hampers, calendars and the like.

Proactive accountants are very aware of being seen to be different to their competitors. We also know that all of us in business have a few big years coming up, what with Brexit, digitalisation, MTD and so on. So, here’s a chance to be different and to take another step towards tackling the challenges ahead.

The Three Wise Men ignored the usual gifts for a new born baby. Instead, they went for gifts with meaning. On a tangible level Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were expensive gifts, suitable for a present from one king to another, but this was a working class family in a stable.   On a spiritual level however, they represent kingship, a priestly role and death. Another conversation entirely.

We talk often of changing the conversation with clients to move the relationship towards a more advisory, more beneficial one. How about changing your gift selection this year to prompt a different conversation?   Here’s some ideas:

  • A book to get them thinking. Pick a favourite of yours but, if your struggling, I’d recommend Compassionism by Kavitha Chahel or The Fish Rots From the Head by Bob Garratt. If obvious business books aren’t your thing then Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari will get them thinking.
  • A set of noise reduction headphones – ‘we are here to keep you focused and to cut out all the white noise in your business life’.
  • A packet of seeds and a watering can – ‘we’re here to help you flourish’
  • Photo frames – ‘we know what matters to you most and we’re here to focus your actions on them benefitting.

Corny? Maybe, but the point is to start a different conversation with your client that you can then build on during the year. Does a 2019 diary or a bottle of Red do that?

Thank you for reading our blogs this year.

Merry Christmas and a successful New Year to you.

The Art of Saying No Without Losing Clients

By Richard Brewin • December 5, 2025
In the Accountant/client relationship, “yes” often feels like the default. Yes to urgent requests. Yes to timeline shifts. Yes to “just one more thing” added to the scope. We want to say yes to our clients. We want to support them, be helpful and build more work, but every unqualified additional yes becomes an invisible cost; on your time, your margins, and your wellbeing.  Bold accountants think differently. They know that “no” isn’t rejection. It’s honest and professional. It’s a strategic decision that protects quality, strengthens relationships, and reinforces your value.

From compliance filer to trusted coach: The role waiting for accountants willing to start the client conversation

By Richard Brewin • November 28, 2025
Let’s be honest, most business owners have a perception of an accountant that probably falls far short of our ambitions. They want someone who helps them make sense of the chaos, plan for growth, and sleep better at night knowing someone’s got their back, but their accountant doesn’t usually spring to mind as this person. What they dream of is a coach, not an accountant, but, weirdly, they often don’t trust coaches but do trust their accountant. Their accountant can be both, so the client gets the trust and the coaching

AI in Accounting Firms: Key Considerations for Leaders Today

By Richard Brewin • November 17, 2025
Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future of accounting — it’s here now. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering deeper insights, AI is transforming the way we work, serve clients, and lead teams. But for firm leaders, success isn’t just about implementing technology; it’s about doing it strategically, responsibly, and humanely .  Before diving into the ‘how’ and making piecemeal decisions, accounting firm leaders need to consider the ‘why’…and its not as simple as “because everyone else is”.