Behind the business with accountancy experts ClearSky Business

ClearSky Business accountancy experts strive to help small businesses flourish and grow. Managing director Derek Kelly, who joined the company in 2008, takes Bdaily behind the business.

1. What key challenges has your company recently faced?

Keeping pace with changing legislation, so we can advise our clients on compliance and best practice, is our biggest single challenge. One legislative change may only have a minor effect on any given small business, but the size of our client base means it will have a major impact on us. We deal with thousands of small businesses, and in turn run payroll services for those businesses. Therefore recent reforms to the PAYE system, for example, have meant altering our software in order to cope with RTI (Real Time Information). Our previous payroll procedures worked perfectly and did so for a number of years, but the changes meant we had to introduce brand new software.

2. What is your biggest achievement over the past 12 months?

Our accountancy arm was recently crowned the UK’s 87th largest firm within a prestigious list of the industry’s top 100. We also recorded the second largest revenue growth of any of the top 100 firms, after doubling our fee income in the space of 12 months.

3. What is your biggest focus for the coming year?

Consolidation is a crucial focal point for us over the next 12 months, having completed two acquisitions in recent months. Taking on a wealth of new clients across a variety of sectors has meant introducing new systems and processes, not to mention new members of staff; to ultimately ensure that we deliver the best service that caters to their needs.

4. If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry, what would it be?

Have faith in your business idea and be sure to trust your own judgement and instinct. If you’ve a good enough venture and you’re prepared to back it, then everything will succeed. If not, then most likely you have a bad business or you’re a poor business owner. Unfortunately, the path of an entrepreneur just isn’t right for everyone.

5. Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in your region or generally, and where your organisation sits within it?

Do I think the UK economy is getting better? Not necessarily. It really is tough out there for businesses. ClearSky Business deals with small businesses and start-ups throughout the UK, our aim being to provide them with excellent service and unbeatable value. Our open and honest approach to pricing, combined with flexible rolling contracts, have helped fuel our rapid growth. Companies that offer their clients great value tend to perform better, whilst those providing expensive and poor quality service are really feeling the pinch. Regardless of what state the economy is in, unbeatable service and value for money are crucial factors to achieving success.