Let's Talk About Tax

As the Haywards Heath branch of TaxAssist celebrates its first anniversary, Hanna Prince visits to hear the story of an outstandingly successful year

It’s only been a year since TaxAssist opened in Haywards Heath, but this fresh accountancy business is already a word-of-mouth success story. Alex Mathew – who established this  local branch of the franchise in May 2023 to serve Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and the surrounding villages – has since welcomed more than 150 clients.

Impressively, most of them have been referred through personal recommendation. “It’s been amazing – I’ve never looked back,” said Alex, who had worked as a financial controller in the City for 17 years before making the decision to set up the TaxAssist franchisee. “I’ve always enjoyed what I do, and the wide experience I’ve accumulated over the years has helped me understand and assist the clients I work with. They operate in various industries, and I have a passion for understanding those areas and then finding tax efficiencies for them.”

TaxAssist specialises in helping individuals, start-up businesses, SMEs, which tend to be under-resourced in terms of accounting offerings in the market. His services include advising start-ups on their business plans, managing tax returns and annual accounts, and helping limited companies cut their corporation tax bills.

Based out of an accessible shop in Haywards Heath, he welcomes clients who want to meet to  discuss TaxAssist services. “Building a relationship with local people and businesses is really important to me,” he said. “Senior citizens or those with disabilities, find the shop front accessibility ideal to just come in and talk to someone.”  One of the ways in which Alex has quickly forged strong community connections is by putting corporate and  social responsibility at the very heart of his operations.

He supports More Radio’s Ten Thousand Tins campaign, sponsors Haywards Heath Town FC and the Town Mayor’s Time4Children charity, and is taking up a skydive challenge for charity in August 2024 for Dementia UK. He is also committed to offering workplace support. In the short time since the business was established, he has already given work experience placements to two Ukrainian refugees and plans to offer apprenticeships to young people keen to pursue a career in finance. “I think it’s important to give something back to the community,” he explained. “That was part of my reason for moving on from a well- paid job in the city to startup my tax and accountancy business.”

Alex brought his community-minded ethos to the business’s first anniversary celebrations, hosting a networking meeting with a delicious home-cooked spread for the Haywards Heath Business association. The town mayor, Councillor Stephanie Ingelsfield, helped him cut the ribbon to TaxAssist’s shopfront in South Road – the perfect way to pay tribute to a phenomenally successful year.

Tax Assist Accountants

113 South Road,
Haywards Heath RH16 4LR
www.taxassist.co.uk/accountants/haywards-heath

Haywards-Heath@taxassist.co.uk

01444 620144