On 1st January 2020, Karl Sandall not only celebrated a new year and a new decade but also the 20th anniversary of him joining the TaxAssist Accountants franchise.
Having previously worked for 26 years at Midland and subsequently HSBC Bank at a senior level, Karl was approached by his friend and the founder of the franchise John Westgarth, who could see in Karl the potential to drive the growth of the franchise with his professionalism, integrity, warm personal style and solid work ethic. He initially joined as Group Operations Director, before taking on the role of Chief Executive Director in 2002.
Karl was presented with a celebration cake and card on 7th January to a rapturous reception from the TaxAssist Accountants Support Centre team in Norwich, who enjoyed speeches from Karl and his fellow directors including reflections and anecdotes from his time at the helm.
An emotional Karl, looking back on his time with TaxAssist, said: “It has been a tremendous honour to lead the company for the last 20 years. When I looked around the office today at the fantastic support team we have built up, now numbering over 60 and knowing that more than 2,000 people now make their living from the TaxAssist brand, it makes me incredibly proud.
“It was always my intention to lead from the heart as well as the head while driving the company forward. I think the ‘family feel’ I’ve helped to nurture at the Support Centre has not only created a warm environment in which staff can feel valued and supported, but has extended out to our fantastic network of franchisees who can benefit from the stable and happy workforce.
“There have been a number of highlights over the years – way too many to mention, but among the moments that stand out include our 200th shop, our management buy-out in 2014 and our successful expansion to Ireland and Australia.
“I continue to be heavily involved in many exciting projects both on a national and international level and am looking forward to many more years of success ahead.”
James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, said: “It’s an amazing achievement to have steered TaxAssist Accountants for the past 20 years. Karl has inspired us all over the years to buck trends by staying focused on what clients want and need from their accountant. “His many years of experience managing in retail banking environments was a major factor in the complete transformation of our business model 18 years ago, when we first launched our shopfront concept. Since then we’ve never looked back, seeing the success it continues to bring to hundreds of franchisees throughout the UK, Ireland and Australia.”
2020 is a year of special anniversaries for The TaxAssist Group, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the franchise.