Avanti Tax Accountants Franchise CONFIDENTIAL PROFILE
‘A unique combination of
modern services and traditional values, provided by a team of vibrant, colourful experts in their field’
Taking the ‘grey’ out of accountancy & business development…
The Avanti Vision... To be instrumental in helping UK businesses realise their full potential and thrive, through our proactive and innovative approach to business support and development.
“Come rain or shine The Avanti Group (UK) Ltd provides you a truly supportive system, helping make your future brighter."
Mission Statement... Our range of professional services, delivered by a team of friendly, vibrant individuals, empower business owners to achieve their goals by enabling them to get on with what they do best.
Values & Culture
Our team of expert individuals have made Avanti the company it is today! Some of the values we hold most dear...
Sincerity
Approachability
Honesty & Integrity
Education
Passionate
Team
Excellence
Community
Reliability
Client Satisfaction
Referrals
Positivity
Proactivity
Leading-Edge
Who is Avanti?
A family firm established in 1999 as Tax Accountants.
Since then, to enable us to serve the total business requirements of our clients, we created The Avanti Group (UK) Ltd, comprising:
• Avanti Tax Accountants • Avanti Networking • Dataspeed Software With highly experienced Qualified Practicing Accountants, Tax Advisers and Directors with 16+ years of networking experience, we understand the importance of trust & integrity whilst being approachable, friendly and professional; adding value to your business!
The Avanti Family: Directors Jan Fenn, Steve Fenn & Victoria Sharp
What makes Avanti different in the accounting industry? Our logo says it all – Colour! We pride ourselves in our vibrant, professional, proactive, and friendly services. Our team are 100% committed to our Culture Statement and understand its importance in providing that exceptional level of service our clients have come to know and expect.
As well as throwing out ties and suits and incorporating a smart, but colourful and relaxed dress, we also have licences in the office for music – so that the staff are working in a fun productive environment!
The Directors have all run their own businesses prior to starting this family run firm. The Managing Director – Victoria Sharp FMAAT – was an award winner in 2000 with ‘East Anglian Start Up Business of The Year’.
Originally starting out as a Franchisee (winning awards for ‘Best Performing Franchise’), we have experience of both sides of the fence, enabling us to offer a truly unique franchise opportunity with relevant support and understanding.
Victoria Sharp M.D
“Accountancy does not have to be
boring & accountants should not be scary!” “We have created a firm that is approachable & friendly. We have achieved this with our culture steps to create a positive-thinking environment for the team and clients”.
Accolades & Associations Recognised as one of the region’s ‘Ones to Watch’ by Future50 – Funded by Round 6 of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund. With over 100 applications, Enterprise Agency NWES who sponsor the initiative only provided this recognition to 25 business in Suffolk. We are members in practice with Association Accounting Technicians (AAT) and our M.D. is the Chair of the AAT Suffolk Branch. We are also members of Institute of Certified Practicing Accounts (ICPA) and Federation of Tax Advisers (FTA). As a firm we are diligent on keeping up to date with continuing professional development. All accountancy staff in the Ipswich office for example; undergo training and certification with XeroTM the online bookkeeping package we are advisers for.
A Working Practice
We are a tax accountancy practice at heart. Our clients are SME’s and range from individuals needing a tax return for property to Partnerships, Sole Traders and Limited Companies with requirements for VAT, Payroll, Bookwork, Accounts, Corporate, Partnership & Personal Tax. Just some of the current Avanti Team
We do help some CIC’s and non-incorporated Charities as well. We pride ourselves in providing a very professional, proactive accountancy service to our clients and the systems that we have in place mean that you can do the same. The team’s supportive, colourful approach to life allows us to step away from the stereotypical accountant image, to provide instead a vibrant, friendly service that our clients appreciate.
Business Networking
In 2009 we started our first Avanti Networking Group and now have three very active, successful groups; each with around 30 members, some of whom have been with us since its launch! The networking events bring to life Avanti's ethos of helping to support, encourage and inspire other businesses within their community. As an Avanti Franchisee you will be able to demonstrate this same ethos, thanks to your ability to operate your own successful Avanti Networking Group within your territory. This not only enables you to connect with like-minded business owners but also provides you with access to new opportunities and a vital support network.
The Franchise Opportunity
THE INITIAL INVESTMENT: £25,000
What does this investment include? Exclusive Use
Territory
of Logo and corporate branding
Equipment &
Promotional items
Intellectual Property Social
Media Package
2-week
training program
Unique Intranet Site Access • Operational Manuals • Training Manuals • Bespoke Database •
to:
Bespoke Excel based programs
Networking
Group launched
*All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing Rate
The Franchise Opportunity
Your practice can achieve at least £300K within 5 years, using the systems, polices & procedures we have in place. Of course, this all depends on how much effort you put into the practice and the sky is limitless‌ why not strive to be the biggest Avanti practice!
Monthly Management Fee & Marketing Fund
What does this fee include?
Full support from Franchisor and fellow franchisees
Email Helpline – general business advice, marketing support, alongside technical tax & accounts
Access to Intranet System containing updates on all relevant programs & manuals
Training days & Field Visits
Ongoing support for Bespoke Database System & Excel-based programs from eForecastingPro© to our popular eCashBookPro©
Telephone Answering Service
Registered Office Hosting (for home based workers)
Production of regular client newsletters & factsheets
Marketing programme including local and national campaigns across all media*
Access to competitively priced supplier products & services
*Monthly Marketing Fund Fee is a fixed % – capped at turnover of £300K All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing Rate
Bolt-On Services
As a full service accountancy practice we can also offer our franchisees a number of add-on services for you and for your clients*: Support Services for Franchisees:
Virtual Assistant Accountancy Administration
Support Services for Clients:
Registered Office Hosting Company Secretarial Duties Payroll Bookkeeping
*additional fees may apply
Preferential Rates
As an Avanti Franchisee you will have access to suppliers with preferential rates for the following:
Storage & Shredding Phone Systems IT Maintenance, Support and Equipment Graphic Design, Copywriting, Printing & Promotional Items Qualified & Professional Business Coaching Telemarketing Bookkeeping / Accountancy / Payroll & Tax Software Membership To Professional Bodies Insurance Independent Financial Advisers Banks & Financial Institutions Specialist consultancies e.g. VAT / Insolvency / Tax
Once you have an established your Avanti Networking Group you are entitled to use suppliers from within your group in order to encourage and support your fellow members. Please note however, that The Avanti Group (UK) Ltd will need to vet any chosen suppliers to ensure that they meet our requirements as Franchisor.* You can of course continue to use our recommended suppliers as long as you like! *Some specific suppliers to Avanti cannot be changed - these will be confirmed however include, for example, software suppliers.
Avanti ‘Discovery Days’ Once you have decided that an Avanti Franchise is for you, you will be invited along to one of our Discovery Days. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the team that will be supporting you in your new venture and for you to show us that you have what it takes to run a successful Avanti Tax Accountants Franchise!
Agenda:
Meet the Team
History & Concept
The Structure
Compliance, management, marketing, coaching, systems, the dream
Statistics – Forecasts, Finance & Money
Site visit – Proof of Concept
FAQs
Book your 1-2-1 now!
What’s that? You’d LOVE to be an Avanti Franchisee… Congratulations! You have just taken the first important step on the way to a brighter, more colourful, successful future! Here are your next steps: 1.
Await your invitation to attend one of our initial Discovery Days. Please note, we will ask you to sign a NonDisclosure Agreement.
2.
Once you have met all of the necessary requirements, you will be invited to attend a 1-2-1 interview with the Managing Director. At this time, we will discuss finances and how best to progress your life-changing opportunity. If successful, you will be given a copy of the Franchise Contract to check with your legal representative and asked to pay a deposit to secure your territory.
3.
A start date is set, balance of monies due is paid and the fun begins!...
FAQs ANY NEW VENTURE IS SURE TO PROMPT SOME QUESTIONS Q:
How do I raise the finance?
A:
As a Future50 member we have the opportunity to access NWES loans which are for a fixed rate and no fees up to £25K per owner. We also have strong relationships with Banks and Financial institutions.
Q:
Do I have to pay a deposit, if so is it refundable?
A:
If you are successful and are offered a franchise, you reserve your exclusive territory for 30 days, for which we require a deposit of 10% of the Franchise Fee. If you enter into the Franchise Agreement with us then the deposit will be credited against the initial Franchise Fee. If for any reason the franchise agreement is not signed before 2 weeks prior to Commencement Date, then we will agree to refund the deposit, less a sum to cover expenses incurred by us.
Q:
How many people does the Initial training cover?
A:
It is very important that all Directors involved are included to ensure you are all on board with our bespoke processes and systems. The training therefore covers all Directors, and we may also be able to include any key members of your team that you deem necessary – we will confirm upon request.
Q:
How much can I earn from my operation?
A:
We have based the figures on £300,000 after 5 years, but of course its really up to you how quickly you grow your operation. Our training includes understanding how to ensure the figures show income first – as the owner(s) you want to know what is achieved for you personally as well as the business.
Q:
I've never been to a networking event – I’m nervous about owning one – what support do I get?
A:
We have established a system that has a proven track record for a successful Avanti Networking Group. We will help you with the launch, field visits and we can provide full administrative background support too.
FAQs continued… Q: A:
How long is the Franchise granted for? The term of the Franchise Agreement is five years, renewable every five years, assuming you have operated the franchise as set out in your Franchise Agreement. If you decide to sell the franchise, this is also possible. The value of your business is calculated as a multiple of your gross annual recurring fees and acceptance of the new owner into the franchise contract. Training of the new owners is required and the necessary fees will be applicable.
Q: A:
What if I have clients prior to joining the Avanti Tax Accountant Franchise? We provide a relief against our normal rates of Management Service Fees for your existing clients and the existing services they use. Their fees are ring-fenced from our usual fees and are only charged at a lower % of the turnover. This ensures that we are able to provide the full support system to those clients as well as new clients you obtain.
Q: A:
Do I need any working capital? We have been conservative with our figures and included costs that we believe may be incurred in the early stages of setting up your franchise. We have therefore allocated an expected £15K of work capital required at the beginning until income is generated.
Q:
As a sole-Director business with no staff I will struggle with all the Admin – what support do I get? With our experience and expertise in administration we are able to provide a full support admin system to you. This can be on a ‘pic’n’mix’ basis so that you can choose the level of support required. This is an additional cost, but is more costeffective than employing help, especially when you first start your business.
A:
Q: A:
Working from home – how do I stay professional to clients? A requirement of our Franchise, to ensure professionalism and to help you – is that if you work from home, we will provide you with a registered office address. This can be used as your correspondence address too and full telephone answering facility. This will allow you to have a full receptionist both when you are available and when you are away from the office. And this is all included in the Management Fee!
FAQs continued…
Q: A:
I am qualified but I don’t have a practice certificate. What do I do? For both ICAEW and ACCA unless you have a practicing certificate their rules state you are not allowed to be a Director / majority Shareholder, sign off accounts or run a practice. For ACCA require a training record signed by a chartered accountant (ACCA or ICAEW) who is their employer and supervisor for 2 years from certification before a practising certificate is awarded. For ICAEW you have to be a ‘member’ for 2 years before you can have a practice certificate. They do not need their work signed off by chartered accountant. As ACCA or ICAEW qualified can apply for full membership with AAT and get a licence to practice straight away. Unfortunately, ACCA/ICEWA will not let you practice for the 2 years. If you wish to run a practice and do not yet have a licence through ACCA or ICEAW and do not wish to wait the 2 years requirement – then getting your AAT qualification and the practice certificate will be potentially the quickest route. You can run a practice without even having any qualification, let alone a Practice certificate, however for an Avanti Tax Accountants Franchise, if you are not qualified, you will be required to have 5+ years’ experience in Practice and be prepared to take your AAT exams and practicing licence. You can practice whilst taking your AAT Exams and licence. And as a Fellow Member in Practice with AAT we can support you with your licence application. However, if you have an ACCA or ICAEW qualification you may lose this if you practice without their practicing certificate and it is recommended you speak with your own professional body to check their rules and regulations and any restrictions upon you.
The BIG Question...
Q: Why choose Avanti over another Accountancy Franchise? A: Consider these points:
A franchise offered from a real working practice that has experience as an award-winning franchisee in the past
Opportunity to run a successful Networking Group
Telephone Answering Service
Administration support
Bespoke software available
Full support in all areas of running your practice
Modern Franchising with Traditional Values
For more information
www.avantitaxaccountantsfranchise.co.uk
01473 558866
enquiries@avantigroup.uk.com