MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BUSINESS …

Your name: Angela Brown

Your business name: Hitchin Practice Tax Advisers and Accountants

How long have you been in business? 11 years

What do you love most about your job?  Helping people understand their accounts and taxes.

How long have you been a member of WIBN and why did you join? 7 years. WIBN is a friendly and supportive group, and I have met so many different and interesting business women.

Most frightening film and why?  The exorcist, without a doubt – I can still see her head spinning! I watched this aged 13 and it put me off horror films for life.

What sort of training did you have before going into this business? I am a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, and trained with Deloittes.

What advice would you give someone who wants to set up their own business? Make a business plan.  Be prepared to work harder than you do when you are an employee. Take advice from successful business people. Keep on top of your finances.

The one business you couldn’t possibly live without? IT. The hardware and software are essential (but expensive)

Who is the most interesting person you have met? My granddad, he always had stories about his life. He volunteered to fight in the first world war, even though he was too young.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you? Dame Judy Dench. I am sure she could make my life appear interesting!

What is the last book you read? In plain sight. The life and lies of Jimmy Saville.

What is the best thing that someone has said about you and your business?  I have had the pleasure of dealing with Hitchin Practice from day one and my business has benefitted enormously from their attentive and prompt service. I make few (if any) financial decisions without checking in first, and the advice has always been firstclass.’ 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing – what one thing would you do differently?  Rely on my gut feel about clients.

If you could be a super hero, what would you want your superpowers to be? To be able to teleport, so I could visit family who live away more often!

How would you describe your business in three words? Chartered Tax Advisers

What were you hoping we’d ask you, but didn’t? The biggest impact on your life that a WIBN meeting has had on your life. I met Faith Houbert (sadly no longer with us) at WIBN. We became mutual clients and friends. It was through her I became involved with ROTW (a registered charity) and served as a trustee and treasurer for 5 years. It was a brilliant experience and one I might not have had without WIBN.

How have things changed for your business over the past few years? Going paperless – it’s quite a challenge, but we are getting there.

What is the greatest challenge in running a business?  Being responsible for everything! Keeping the business running when you are out of the office. When you promise a personal service, clients expect you to be available to them 24/7.

What are your plans for the future? To work a 4.5 day week!

What’s the best thing about being a member of WIBN? Having access to the knowledge and resources of the other members.