Hyde Accountancy Service Limited

Close your eyes and imagine an accountant. What do you see? Probably a man wearing a grey suit, black patent shoes and sporting a clipboard. If you had to speak to him (or her), you would probably reel back in anticipation of a conversation about tax thresholds, VAT relief schemes and train timetables in East Anglia.

What you certainly would not imagine is Vanessa Hyde, an accountant who, as she is quick to point out, is far from conventional.

In August 2005, Vanessa was made redundant from her job in an advertising agency. Just a few hours later, she was the proud owner of Hyde Accountancy Service Limited (HASL), based in Warminster.

"I am the owner of a small business now, so I need a voice, and the FPB is far more effective in its campaigning than rival organisations."

- FPB member Vanessa Hyde,

Hyde Accountancy Service Limited

And all that from someone who had never given serious thought to starting her own business until receiving her P45 one Friday morning.

"I am not a conventional 'grey' accountant. Having been made redundant with a little cash, I decided JFDI (just flaming do it) and set up my own company," Vanessa explained.

On forming HASL, Vanessa immediately turned to the FPB for support. Having utilised the member benefits in her previous role, she knew that we could provide peace of mind and help save her money, but, as a responsible business owner, it was the campaigning voice that really interested her.

"I am the owner of a small business now, so I need a voice, and the FPB is far more effective in its campaigning than rival organisations," Vanessa said. "I also appreciate having the legal cover and, as I expand, will look to take advantage of other offers. I know that, for whatever I need, I can always give the member helpline a call."

In the future, Vanessa might call the FPB for employment advice, but with her husband currently the only employee, the chances of her being taken to a tribunal are hopefully minimal.

Working from home and in partnership with her husband creates its own pressures, but Vanessa is adept at keeping work and leisure separate. Salsa classes help, while if the stress ever gets too much, a quick walk out of her front door takes her to the lions of Longleat Safari Park.

Finding a balance is key to Vanessa and, contrary to the traditional image of accountants, her focus is on far more than simply making money. "I want to help people who might not normally be able to afford an accountant," she says. "There are a lot of smaller businesses in the west country and I can provide a service they might otherwise be denied. If I can help others, then the success of HASL allows me to do that, and perhaps live a little as well."

Like all business owners, Vanessa hopes to expand, but for the moment she is happy to just be doing a job she loves.

"Accountants have a reputation for being boring and obsessed with saving money. While I accept that money is useful, it is not the be all and end all of life. I want to help people in the UK – and beyond – to make something of their lives.

"I also like the fact that people can get on with running their own business, which is what they do best, and leave the boring accounts to me. Wonderful!"

That is a view the FPB very much supports – we aim to take the stress and effort out of dealing with red tape and legislation, so our members are free to get on with developing and growing their own business.

Click here to join the FPB.