NEW ACCOUNTANCY SERVICE COMBINES CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY WITH TRADITIONAL FACE-TO-FACE ADVICE

One of the region’s leading chartered accountants, business advisers and financial planners, Lovewell Blake, has launched a new cloud-based accountancy service which combines cutting-edge online technology with traditional, face-to-face advice.

MyLB from Lovewell Blake uses the market-leading technology of Xero as its base – but unlike many cloud-based accountancy packages, it also includes face-to-face advice from qualified, experienced accountants.  The result is a unique combination which offers local businesses the best of both traditional service and innovative cloud-based technology.

“There are lots of cloud-based accountancy packages on the market, but too many of them seek to use the technology to replace the kind of personal relationships which business owners value,” said Lovewell Blake partner James  Shipp.

“There is a real value to embracing online bookkeeping functionality which provides real-time information via the smartphone app and tablet based financial dashboard, but it needs to be much more than that.  Technology can do a lot to increase efficiency and provide quality information to help business owners make good decisions – but this has to be complemented by personal interaction with a qualified, experienced accountant who really understands the business.”

MyLB has initially been launched with three distinct service offerings.  The Compliance+ package includes outsourced bookkeeping, payroll and VAT together with end of year accounts, tax returns and a year end meeting with a Lovewell Blake Partner.

 Increasing the service level to Proactive or Virtual FD sees KPI reporting added, together with more regular meetings, a consultation with a Pension Specialist from Lovewell Blake Financial Planning and a Business Coaching session with the innovative Lovewell Blake Energiser programme.

All of the MyLB packages include a dedicated smartphone app, outsourced bookkeeping, a locally hosted payroll bureau and dynamic KPI reporting, all for a fixed monthly fee.  The service utilises the market-leading technology of Xero to provide real-time information direct to electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and even smartwatches!

“What sets MyLB apart is face-to-face meetings with a qualified, experienced accountant,” said Mr Shipp.  “We do not agree that you can automate the relationship a business has with their trusted advisor.  Face-to-face advice is vital, and when the meetings are included as part of the package, business owners can rest assured that they are properly informed and advised without unwelcome charges.

“Accountants are starting to embrace technology, but need to be careful not to neglect traditional, good quality advice.”

MyLB packages typically start from £300 per month.  More details are available at www.lovewell-blake.co.uk/my-lb.