Group business development director celebrates 20 years with the TaxAssist franchise

James Mattam has come a long way since 1999 when he was hired as IT manager for the company

James Mattam joined the franchise TaxAssist Accountants to be part of a team of just four staff and a network of 41 franchisees in July 1999.

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Having completed his honours degree in Business Information Systems, Mattam was recruited as IT manager to build websites and provide support to the franchisees. Promotions to marketing manager and senior business development manager followed before he joined the board of directors in 2016.

Reflecting on his experience with the TaxAssist Group, Mattam said: “I’ve had a fantastic 20 years working with TaxAssist. I feel very fortunate to have found such a forward-thinking and supportive employer which has enabled me to grow both on a personal and professional level and one which I am proud to represent at the board level. I am very much looking forward to the next 20 years!”

Mattam’s recent achievements involve the launch of a national television brand campaign – the first of its kind in the UK for the accounting sector – and expanding the social media programme for the UK franchise network to drive more awareness in each local territory.

Karl Sandall, group chief executive, said: “Having spent his entire full-time career with TaxAssist Accountants, James has witnessed and embraced huge changes in technology and software over the years and he has played a fundamental role in delivering record client leads to the network, developing new marketing, brand and business development strategies and the expansion of our network of shops.”

The TaxAssist Accountants’ support centre in Norwich has recently been expanded to allow for the anticipated growth. It has 51 members of staff with 359 years of experience between them.

“If you combine this figure with the 1,086 years of service of our network of 215 franchisees, this really highlights the stability of support and the experience of the accountants across the network,” added Sandall, who is heading towards 20 years in franchising in 2020, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the TaxAssist Accountants franchise.

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