Meet the Team: Getting to Know dns accountants Haslemere

Born the son of an expatriate, Doug spent much of his childhood overseas before returning to the UK. He later studied at a University in Oxford, but throughout those years abroad, Haslemere was always a place he came back to. With much of his wider family based in the area, it has long felt like home.

Around 16 years ago, Doug settled in Haslemere permanently and joined the local accountancy practice. When the firm became part of dns accountants a decade ago, he continued his journey with the business, helping to build the trusted reputation the accountants in Haslemere practice enjoys today.

Doug works with a broad range of clients, from sole traders and consultants to landlords and growing businesses, and is known for providing practical, jargon-free advice and taking the time to build lasting relationships. As one of the experienced Haslemere accountants, he focuses on building long-term relationships with every client.

Away from the office, family life keeps him busy. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his partner and their children, and is an avid sportsman who brings the same discipline and commitment to everything he does.

We sat down with Doug to talk about what makes Haslemere such a special place to do business, why personal service still matters, and the advice he’d give to every local business owner.

The Haslemere practice has built a five-star reputation. What’s the secret to consistently delivering the kind of service that clients are willing to recommend?

It comes down to treating every client as an individual.

We believe in offering a truly personal service. That means meeting clients face to face whenever possible, sending letters to those who aren’t comfortable with technology, taking the time to explain HMRC correspondence or new tax legislation in plain English, and even accepting cash or cheques for those who don’t use online banking.

Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. We make time for those conversations because we want every client to feel valued, not just another number.

What makes Haslemere and the surrounding area such a great place to do business?

Haslemere offers the best of both worlds. It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside while benefiting from excellent transport links, around an hour to London Waterloo by train and approximately 40 minutes from Portsmouth by car.

The area attracts professionals looking to leave London and establish their own consultancy businesses, alongside a strong community of landlords and established business owners. Household incomes are generally higher than the national average, creating a thriving local economy with plenty of entrepreneurial ambition.

It’s a fantastic place to build a business, and we’re proud to support so many local enterprises as they grow.

What types of businesses do you work with most in the Haslemere area?

We work with a wide range of clients, but many are personal service companies, consultants, sole traders, individuals and small owner-managed businesses.

As business accountants Haslemere businesses rely on, we understand that whether someone is just starting out on their own or has been running a successful business for years, they all want the same thing: practical advice they can trust and an accountant who understands their goals.

At dns, we talk a lot about putting clients first. What does that actually mean in practice?

For us, it means making time.

Business owners have enough pressure without feeling like they’re being rushed through a meeting. While deadlines and compliance are important, our clients have their own goals, concerns and ambitions. Taking the time to listen, explain things clearly and provide advice that genuinely helps them is what client service should be about.

It’s not always about return on investment from our perspective; it’s about helping clients achieve theirs.

How does being part of dns accountants benefit clients in Haslemere?

Our clients enjoy the best of both worlds.

They receive the personal, local service you’d expect from a high street practice, while also having access to the wider expertise and specialist knowledge that comes with being part of dns accountants’ group.

Whether it’s tax planning, business advisory, property taxation or specialist support from experienced tax accountants Haslemere businesses trust, clients know they have an experienced team behind them whenever they need it.

What trends or challenges are local businesses facing right now?

Like many parts of the UK, the local business landscape is changing.

Changes surrounding property legislation have led many landlords to consider selling their properties, while traditional retailers continue to face challenges from e-commerce and reduced high street footfall.

That said, independent boutiques continue to perform well, helped by professionals relocating from London who value unique, local businesses. Since the pandemic, Haslemere has become increasingly attractive to people seeking more space and a better quality of life, bringing new opportunities for many businesses in the area.

What should business owners look for when choosing an accountant and business adviser?

Trust is everything.

Clients want someone who is qualified, approachable and able to explain complex topics clearly. One of the biggest mistakes accountants can make is overcomplicating advice.

As we like to say, clients want you to call a spoon a spoon and not a concave utensil.

Good advice should leave people feeling informed and confident, not overwhelmed.

Many businesses only change accountants when something isn’t working. Why are new clients still coming to Haslemere?

Many of our new clients are start-ups or business owners who have reached the point where they need professional support.

They’ve outgrown doing everything themselves and want the reassurance that their accounts and tax affairs are being handled correctly. As small business accountants Haslemere entrepreneurs rely on, we help business owners stay compliant while planning for future growth.

Our online reviews, local reputation and prominent high street presence all help people find us, but it’s our service that encourages them to stay.

Finally, if you could give every business owner in Haslemere one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t pay business expenses out of your own pocket without recording them properly.

If legitimate business costs aren’t put through the business, you’re creating a false picture of your profitability and could end up paying more tax than necessary. Good bookkeeping isn’t just about staying compliant, it’s about making better financial decisions.

What’s the most rewarding part of leading the Haslemere practice?

Without question, it’s being part of the local community.

We’re involved with local people and businesses every day, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch our clients grow, overcome challenges and achieve their ambitions. Knowing we’ve played a small part in that journey is what makes this role so enjoyable.

At the end of the day, accounting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about helping people build successful businesses and giving them the confidence to focus on what they do best.

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