Canadian expansion

Mould-breaking small business accountancy specialist TaxAssist Accountants has launched its successful business model in Canada.

The national network, which has seen year-on-year growth of 14% in the UK, building a fee income of more than £30 million, with almost 200 franchisees, has signed a Regional Master Franchise Licence for the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario with financial and business planning specialist Rina Mancini.

The move marks TaxAssist Accountants second international venture – the company signed its first Master Licence in the Republic of Ireland five years ago, now a 23-franchisee network with fee income of almost €3 million.

David Paulson, Franchise Recruitment Manager of TaxAssist Accountants comments “We’re delighted to be launching in Canada, which has a burgeoning franchise sector, worth some CA$ 100 billion, but does not yet offer our unique packaged accounts and tax service for small businesses,”.

“We see a significant growth opportunity in Canada and couldn’t make a better start than with Rina Mancini. She brings extensive Board-level experience in the banking, credit management and financial services industry in Canada, but also has a strong understanding of the small business clients we serve, having spent the last seven years as a self-employed consultant, advising a range of firms on business development and financial planning issues and providing feasibility studies for new companies entering the Canadian market.”

Rina, who has held Vice President posts with Rogers Communications and Sears Canada Bank and Assistant Vice President roles with Equifax and Manulife Bank, comments:“The TaxAssist Accountants business model is absolutely perfect for the Canadian small business community and I’m looking forward to building a thriving network of franchisees across the Greater Toronto area, from our strong base of independent accountants and financial services specialists. We’ve already started discussions with more than 30 potential franchisees and there is enormous interest here across the business community.

“The welcoming, straight-talking approach, with accountants in shop-front offices in prime high street positions, is exactly what small businesses need in this country and the comprehensive training, marketing and business development support we receive from a long-established and multi award-winning franchisor, will create a very strong platform for future growth.”

TaxAssist Accountants plans to grow its business in Canada with Master Franchisees for Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. Future international expansion is planned for the U.S., New Zealand and Australia.

Pictured above are Phil Sullivan (Network Operations Director), Rina Mancini (Master Franchisee for Greater Toronto), Sarah Robertson (Business Development Director) and Karl Sandall (Chief Executive and Director)

January 2014