Regional accountancy firm Old Mill has beaten more than 200 rivals to earn the title ‘Emerging Partner of the Year’ at an awards ceremony staged by fast-growing accounting software group Xero.
Old Mill, which has offices in Melksham and Wells, won thanks to its “commitment to deliver an increasing number of value-added services to their clients and improving their business performance”.
Old Mill has been working with Xero since 2014, setting up its own clients with the software when its accountants felt it could really benefit their businesses.
Xero’s real-time accounting software for small businesses has been described as life-changing for small business owners.
Old Mill Manager and chartered accountant Stacey Morrison, who specialises in financial technology and who has been leading the firm’s Xero project, said its “beautiful accountancy” approach had already made a huge impact on many of its clients.
“In the UK, only 41% of newly formed small businesses survive their first five years, but for small businesses that use Xero that level rises massively to 88%,” she said.
“This is down to the far better financial management information available to users of Xero. So, by advising our clients to adopt Xero, we are giving them that vital extra functionality that helps future-proof their businesses and we are delighted that our work has been recognised with this award.”
Stacey points out that Xero itself has enjoyed massive growth over the past few years and now has more than 600,000 subscribers in 180-plus countries.
“Winning this award is great for building the profile of what we think is a hugely valuable technology that could benefit thousands of SMEs in the South West,” Stacey added.
“But it also highlights the importance of Old Mill’s business advice. Almost half of small business owners choose to turn to their accountant for business advice.
“This makes accountants more than twice as popular as the next closest adviser – bank managers – and therefore we feel it is our responsibility to have access to the quality of data needed to provide the highest quality of advice.
“Xero is one of a number of tools that allows us to help our clients get the most out of their businesses and help them gain and retain a competitive edge.”
Old Mill managing director Ian Carlson said: “We are so proud of Stacey and the rest of our Xero team – they have worked really hard on the Xero project, and have already made a hugely positive difference to so many of Old Mill’s clients. So it is fantastic that this work has been recognised with such a prestigious national award.”
Old Mill also has offices in Yeovil and Exeter.
Pictured: Old Mill’s Xero team, from left, Laura Day, Matt Phillips, James Gifford, Jude Bennett, Ian Carlson, Stacey Morrison and Kevin Whitmarsh
