Della Hudson was so frustrated by the lack of part-time jobs for senior accountants that she decided to set up her own business – with an efficient 25 hour working week.
She sold her business nearly 10 years later for more than 30 per cent above the national market average at that time – and has released a book about the secrets of her success.
Della, from Backwell, near Bristol, who has been a chartered accountant for over 20 years, has published The Numbers Business: How to Build a Successful Cloud Accountancy Practice.
Kind of manual
Della says: “It can be daunting to set out on your own, so I’ve created the kind of manual I would have found helpful when I first set up my accountancy business.”
And Gary Turner, co-founder and managing director of the multi-million pound cloud accountancy software Xero UK, has praised both Della and the book.
Many entrepreneurs work an 80 plus week to build their business quickly and then struggle to cut their hours.
Build a practice
But Della decided to build a practice which used modern cloud-based software, to enable remote and flexible working.
She also introduced systems for efficiency – and this helped make her business more valuable when it came to selling.
Della, who has moved into management consulting and coaching for business owners, said: “Building a business around my family meant that I had to get the work and life balance right from day one.
Flexible working
“I wanted flexible working for myself and my team, so I needed to introduce good systems from the start for maximum efficiency.
“This allowed me to scale the business within my limited hours. We systemised everything in sight and recruited the best people to provide a friendly interface with our clients.”
Della – who is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in recognition of her commitment to the profession – shares her experience and expertise in a step by step guide for those starting out.
Generic business books
She said: “When I started out, I read plenty of generic business books, but there were many gaps with regard to setting up an accountancy firm.
“My aim is to help other accountants start a successful business from scratch, without personal or business contacts, and guide them through the relevant steps.”
The lessons in the book apply to other professional service businesses. It looks at moving from the kitchen table to an office, taking on staff, creating a systemised company and buying and selling a business.
Ethical business
Della, who has been heavily involved in community work such as coaching young people and sponsoring local sports teams, also looks at running an ethical business.
She attributes her success to the high quality team she was able to recruit by offering part time and flexible working, her investment in good cloud technology and systemising everything – from bookkeeping and accounts production, to marketing and public speaking.
Gary said: “Della shares the essence of how she succeeded in today’s increasingly dynamic world of small business accounting and advisory services.
Practical hints
“It doesn’t stop there – she also provides step-by-step practical hints and tips with incredible detail and clarity.”
He describes Della as one of the first professionals in the UK to recognise how cloud software could improve the client service.
He added: “Her firm’s internal efficiency and profitability have shone through at every stage of the journey.”
Della has taken part in various charity fundraisers, including an Ironman distance triathlon in aid of the Breastcare Unit at Southmead Hospital (BUST) after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother has since been given the all clear.
- For more information, visit www.hudsonbusiness.co.uk