The TaxAssist Group

The TaxAssist Group

The Group is a diversified professional services organisation comprising franchise networks, a portfolio of group-owned practices and a range of complementary businesses that strengthen and support the wider TaxAssist ecosystem. Together, these businesses help franchisees grow, enhance the client experience and create long-term value across the Group.

A significant milestone in the Group's development came in 2014 with the completion of a Franchisee Assisted Management Buyout (FaMBO), when The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd acquired 100% of the business. Believed to be the first transaction of its kind in the UK franchise sector, the buyout further strengthened the relationship between the Group and its franchise network. 

Since then, the introduction of an internal share trading platform has enabled eligible shareholders to buy and sell shares, access company information and review the Group's strategic plans, reinforcing the collaborative ownership culture that underpins the business.

The following companies are subsidiaries of The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd:

TaxAssist Direct Ltd

TaxAssist Direct Ltd is the franchisor of the UK TaxAssist Accountants network and the owner of all TaxAssist Group intellectual property and trademarks. As the Group's principal UK trading company, it is responsible for all UK franchising operations.

Established in 1995, the company has developed a strong brand, proven business model and comprehensive support infrastructure that underpin the TaxAssist Accountants franchise proposition. Today, TaxAssist Accountants is the UK's largest network of accountants specialising in tax, accountancy and business advisory services for small and medium-sized businesses, including limited companies, sole traders and partnerships.

In addition to supporting business clients, the network also provides a range of personal services, including tax, mortgage, income protection, pension and investment advice.

The company, together with the Group's international franchise operations, is led by James Mattam, Group Director of Franchising, supported by the Franchise Operational Board and the wider senior leadership team.

Client facing website: www.taxassist.co.uk
Franchise recruitment website: www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk

TaxAssist Direct Ireland Ltd

The TaxAssist Group established its presence in the Republic of Ireland in 2009 through the award of its first Master Franchise Agreement to an established accountancy practice seeking to expand nationally using the TaxAssist brand, systems and support model.

In 2017, following the retirement of the original Master Franchisee, the trade and assets were acquired by The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd and transferred into a newly formed company, TaxAssist Direct Ireland Ltd. Since then, the business has continued to develop and support the growth of the TaxAssist Accountants network across Ireland.

The company is led by Managing Director Alison McGinley and supported by the Ireland Support Centre team, working closely with the Group Support Centre in Norwich. As part of the Group's wider franchising operations, the business forms part of the franchise business unit led by James Mattam, Group Director of Franchising.

Client facing website: www.taxassist.ie
Franchise recruitment website: www.taxassistfranchise.ie 

TaxAssist Direct Ireland Services Limited

TaxAssist Direct Ireland Services Limited was formed in early 2023 to offer tax consulting services to the Irish network and market. The company works closely with the Irish franchise business and is supported by Alison McGinley. Its day-to-day operations are managed by Tadhg Moriarty, our local tax specialist who is a qualified Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Consultant and a Chartered Tax Advisor.

Tax Consulting by TaxAssist client facing website - www.taxassistconsulting.ie 

TAG Business Services Limited

TAG Business Services Ltd was incorporated in January 2026 as a wholly owned subsidiary of The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd and serves as the holding company for the Group's Complementary Services business unit.

Established as part of a wider Group restructuring, the company provides the corporate framework for the continued development and expansion of complementary services that support the TaxAssist franchise network and its clients. It also acts as the contractual entity for new commercial partnerships and strategic agreements within this business unit.

The Complementary Services division includes a range of specialist businesses designed to enhance the services available to franchisees and their clients, while creating additional growth opportunities for the Group.

TaxAssist Services Ltd

TaxAssist Services Limited was established in 2019 to deliver centralised payroll and tax consulting to support the UK franchise network. By leveraging technology, operational expertise and economies of scale, the business helps franchisees improve efficiency, enhance client service and create additional value for their practices.

TaxAssist Tax Consulting Ltd

TaxAssist Tax Consulting Ltd was formed in 2022, with operations transferring from TaxAssist Services Ltd in 2023. The company provides specialist tax planning and compliance support, helping franchisees and their clients navigate more complex taxation matters and access expert advice when required. 

TaxAssist Services Ltd and TaxAssist Tax Consulting Ltd are supported by Managing Director, Andy Gibbs ATT, CTA, and are wholly owned subsidiaries of TAG Business Services Limited. 

Tax Consulting by TaxAssist client facing website - www.taxassistconsulting.co.uk

TaxAssist Practices Ltd

TaxAssist Practices Ltd was established in January 2023 as a wholly owned subsidiary of The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd to support the development of the Group's Practices business unit.

The Practices business provides the Group with an additional route to growth while creating opportunities to develop best practice, operational excellence and long-term value across the wider organisation.

The company provides the corporate structure through which the Group acquires and operates accountancy practices, supporting the delivery of its long-term strategic growth plans. Through a combination of acquisitions, franchise resales and organic growth opportunities, the Practices business is focused on building a portfolio of high-quality practices that complement the wider TaxAssist Group.

The business is led by Karl Gessner ACA, Group Director of Practices, who joined the Group in October 2025 and is responsible for the continued development and expansion of this strategic pillar.

The company's first acquisition was completed on 31 May 2024 with the purchase of a 75% shareholding in Quartet Business Services Group Ltd. During 2025, the portfolio expanded further through the acquisition of practices in Norwich South, Cambridge, Aylesbury and Wolverhampton/Kingswinford.

The Practices business is developing around four key regional hubs: Northern Home Counties, East Anglia (Norfolk), East Anglia (Cambridge) and the West Midlands. In addition to supporting franchise succession through selected franchise resales, the Group is actively evaluating acquisition opportunities and smaller fee banks that can be integrated into existing hub practices, creating operational efficiencies and supporting sustainable long-term growth.