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LONDON
UK BLACK BUSINESS GUIDE 2021-22
VOICE BLACK BUSINESS INTERVIEW:
Andrea L Richards of Accounts Navigator Associates
E
stablished since 2003 we are a modern digital accountancy firm supporting Entrepreneurs, Charities, Artisans, Entertainers and Property businesses to skilfully navigate towards business growth and success. VBBG: How did you grow from working by yourself to having an office and a team? Andrea: I made the decision to run my own business when I was made redundant from my job. I started doing freelance jobs for various businesses and gradually the businesses started building up - I found myself working 18 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep up. As my client base grew, I decided to take on my first member of staff in 2011, and from there I have built a tightknit and reliable team who are dedicated to getting the job done to a high standard
VBBG: How did you/do you grow your business? Andrea: When I started Accounts Navigator in 2003, it was just me, on my own. The growth of my dedicated team has allowed me to focus on bettering myself and the business - I have transi-
you started and how far you have come – nobody can take that away from you.
Andrea L Richards
tioned from working for my business, to working on my business through marketing and networking. VBBG: What advice would you give to people struggling with what other people think? Andrea: As a woman in the industry, I often find people try to ‘undermine’ or not take me seriously. I’ve worked hard to build up my business and grow in the sector, so for people struggling with what other people think remember where
VBBG: What you think can be done to break down the many barriers black business owners, especially female owners face? Andrea: Working in a sector dominated by older, white men I used to struggle with finding my place in the market. I didn’t show my face alongside my business for years because I felt that I “didn’t belong” in this business. However I recently made the decision to challenge stereotypes every day ; yes EVERY SINGLE DAY, because I am not what people picture when they think “accountant” or “business owner”. I am a prime example of why you should never judge a book by its cover and I recommend other female business owners do the same. n
