Case Study: Kam & Sejal Sira – From Redundancy to a Thriving Multi-Shop Practice
Franchise Locations: Barnet, Watford & Borehamwood
Joined the Network: 2010
When Kam and Sejal Sira launched their TaxAssist Accountants franchise in Watford in 2010, the UK was in the midst of a recession. For many, it was a time of uncertainty - but for the Siras, it was the start of a thriving business journey.
Why They Chose TaxAssist Accountants
After Kam was made redundant, the couple began looking for a business opportunity with long-term demand.
“Knowing that accountancy services are always in demand, we took the chance to start our own business with TaxAssist,” said Sejal, a former lawyer.
Kam added: “I wanted to work for myself, using the skills I’d built up over my career, but with the security and support a franchise provides. The strong reputation and proven success of TaxAssist gave me all the confidence I needed.”
Getting Started
To fund their new venture, the couple combined personal investment with a loan from NatWest’s franchise lending team. The process involved preparing a detailed business plan - something they were well equipped for - but they also had hands-on guidance from the TaxAssist Support Centre.
“They helped us with everything from marketing and social media to networking strategies,” said Sejal. “That guidance meant that business leads started coming in immediately.”
Growth and Expansion
From one shop in Watford, the Siras have expanded to two shops - in Barnet and Watford, plus an additional office in Borehamwood. They look after over 1000 clients and have ambitious plans to reach a £1,000,000 turnover within five years.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, their client relationships strengthened further.
“We contacted clients proactively to offer our expertise and helped many access government support schemes,” said Sejal. “We were busier than ever, and those goodwill gestures mean we’re more likely to keep clients long-term.”
Resilience in Challenging Times
Kam believes economic downturns can actually create opportunities: “Recessions often lead to people starting new businesses, and larger companies switching to smaller accountants to reduce costs. We were signing up two or three new clients every week, even during lockdown.”
For Kam and Sejal, joining TaxAssist was the right decision at the right time: “A recession can be a great time to start a business. My wife and I work together in our practice and we haven’t looked back!
Advice
"Have we had challenges? Of course we have," said Sejal.
Award winning