Meet the team
Meet the team
Meet Gurps and Jit, co-founders of Fairfax Tax and Accounts. We are a husband and wife team who have been together since 2004 and working together since 2013. We are now a team of seven, everyone is dedicated to providing all of our clients with friendly and prompt service whether it's payroll amendments or when they need some guidance.
What motivated you both to start an accountancy business together?
Gurps: “They say good things come in pairs. We both have a strong background in accounting and finance, and we realized that combining our expertise could provide a comprehensive service to our clients. Plus, we wanted to create something that we could build and grow together.”
Jit: “I trained and worked as an auditor at PWC which took me all around the country and I worked with many multinational, large companies. However, I enjoyed working with owner-managed businesses as they showed real passion towards the business and I felt that’s where I could add real value to help them scale the business.”
How do you divide the responsibilities in your accountancy firm?
Jit: “I focus on the technical aspects, such as tax planning, financial analysis, and compliance. Gurps handles client relations, marketing, and the day-to-day operations of the office. Although we found out pretty quickly that when it's your own business, you need to be prepared to get involved in all aspects of it!”
Gurps: “We play to our strengths and ensure that we communicate regularly to stay aligned on our goals and tasks. This division helps us operate more efficiently and effectively.”
What challenges have you faced working together, and how did you overcome them?
Gurps: “One of the biggest challenges was learning to separate our professional and personal lives. It’s easy to let work discussions take over our personal time. It’s important to respect each other’s space and time.”
Jit: “We set clear boundaries and established specific times when we don’t talk about work. This helps us maintain a healthy balance and ensures we have quality time together as a couple.”
How do you handle disagreements or conflicts in your business?
Gurps: “When we are at home we can't argue about work and when we are at work we can't argue about home.”
Jit: “Hang on, that makes it sound like we argue all the time! Sometimes we agree to disagree and move forward with the decision that makes the most sense for the business. It’s about keeping the bigger picture in mind.”
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of running an accountancy business together?
Jit: “Seeing our clients succeed and knowing that we played a part in their financial well-being is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication.”
Gurps: “I agree. Plus, the flexibility to create our own schedules and the joy of celebrating our successes together makes it all worthwhile. We have both enjoyed building something together.”
Q: Any other advice?
Jit: “Make sure you understand your numbers - your margins and staff costs if you grow as you can't do all the jobs in the business. Also, hire an accountant if you want to grow your business. You didn’t get into business to fiddle around with a bag of receipts and HMRC forms. You want to focus on sales, new ideas, and working with your clients.”
Gurps: “Also, be prepared for ups and downs. Running a business is challenging, but don’t forget to have fun along the way and celebrate your successes.”