Time to wise up

Richard Brewin • April 15, 2019

Sir Francis Bacon expressed the view that ‘knowledge is power’. It certainly can create the power to drive your firm forwards in these challenging times.

It’s very easy to fall into the trap of being too busy to learn, too busy to train, too busy to explore new ideas and   developments. I’m sure there are times when we’ve all done it.

Unfortunately, it comes at a cost, often not immediately obvious. Individuals and firms that starve themselves of learning limit their future growth. It may be that commercial and client needs can still be met in the short term but what feeds the development of new ideas, solutions, approaches and techniques? What fuels future performance?

When an accountant becomes guiltily aware of a lack of CPD then it is invariably the risk that comes to mind first. What about the professional bodies? What if I wrongly advise a client or fail to assist them properly? Whilst these risks are very real, there is an ongoing commercial risk as the firm gradually slips away from the cutting edge expected and required of a great professional service business.

The compliance and advisory world is rapidly changing. The needs of clients are changing as quickly, if not more so. How can you run a successful business if you are not aware of what is happening out there?

Failure to continue learning increases risk and negatively impacts profits. Those alone should be reasons enough to get online, listen to an expert, implement a development plan or research a new development. Beyond that though is the sheer satisfaction of your role and why you come to work. An up to date, outward looking, well researched business person runs a confident, trusted, highly performing business. An expert advisor has settled, trusting and well-paying clients, great client relationships. A team member who is confident and knowledgeable in their role is happy in their work and delivers great performance.

Don’t take the short term option and cut the learning corner. Create a culture of knowledge, development and training. There is no down side.

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”.