Well, we think it’s safe to say that this has not been a year that any of us will look back on with undiluted pleasure. Alongside so many of our small business clients we’ve witnessed the best and the worst of what this incredulous year has brought upon us…and it’s not over yet. Our busy team here at Bells Accountants are bracing themselves for a busy Christmas period as the self-assessment tax return deadline of 31st January will be here before we know it!
Our biggest challenge this year has been seeing the effect of Covid on our clients’ businesses. Being a small business ourselves we understand how hard our clients have worked to build up the enterprises they are so proud of. Seeing them knocked (in some cases severely) by an event outside of their control, has been heart-breaking at times and we will continue to do our upmost to help limit the damage caused during (and post) the pandemic by continuing to serve and advise them as best we can.
Being a close knit team that needs to work closely together, we have found remote/distanced working a challenge at times but, more than ever the team has shown great persistence, determination and professionalism in delivering their work, as well as compassion for our clients and a fantastic display of team work, which really is what our company is about.
Despite the trials encountered, there has still been plenty of positives to come from 2020. We could not be prouder of how we have supported our clients through Covid so far. We’ve turned furlough claims round with optimum efficiency and issued regular update bulletins on the latest guidance surrounding bounceback loans, job furlough schemes and security for employees working remotely. We have also posted regular blogs full of advice from managing cash flow, managing overdue invoices through to advice on starting a business in lockdown. Plus, we’ve always been available at the end of the phone to provide support for clients who need it.
Our best team project this year was implementing a customer care process to ensure that even though we are rapidly growing as a business, our clients can be rest assured will still receive a bespoke personalised service. We also welcomed two new team members to our Eltham branch – welcome to the Bells family Lindsey and Melissa.
So, what is new for 2021? Well, we are looking forward to welcoming a new bookkeeping apprentice at our Chislehurst branch, continuing to build our newest practice in Tonbridge and working on improving all areas of our business. It goes without saying that we are looking forward to working with all our clients and welcoming many new ones as the year progresses.
Until then, we are going to enjoy all the virtual Christmas team fun and games that we have planned including; a Bells team quiz, a magician to teach us all a few tricks and plenty of prosecco in hand!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF THE TEAM HERE AT BELLS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, positive and prosperous new year.
