Clear Start Accountants Expands its Team

As part of the AFA Group here at Clear Start, we recently held our annual end-of-year celebration at The Light Cinema in Stockport – with a wealth of entertainment, talent and esteemed accolades to recognise the outstanding work of our team members. The celebrations kick-started with the AFA Group’s spin on classic game shows such as Jeopardy and Deal or No Deal. AFA Does Jeopardy featured general knowledge questions covering categories such as Art, History, Entertainment, Science, Sports, and Geography; the team engaged in friendly competition, earning raffle tickets for each correct answer. New Business Representative here at Clear Start Gill Brooks, was victorious and secured the chance to play Deal or No Deal, and the opportunity to win £250! Despite playing a commendable game as she eliminated each box, Gill walked away with a respectable £120. Following the suspenseful games, eight individuals then took to the stage in the AFA Group’s Got Talent, where they battled to secure the grand prize of £1000 or the Golden Buzzer prize – a holiday for two in Rome! From impressive musical performances to a daring recreation of The Full Monty, the contestants showcased a huge array of talent. After intense rounds of competition, the final three contestants emerged, all of whom showcased their vocal prowess. Geralt and Nicole secured the top spots, winning the cash prize and the coveted getaway. To conclude the evening, prestigious awards were presented to individuals who have made remarkable contributions throughout the year. Among the deserving winners were: · Manager of the Year: Jan Copeland · Customer Service Agent of the Year: Soma Surai · Team Leader of the Year (Clear Start Accountants): Shaz Ahmed · New Business Agent of the Year: Mike Kennerk · Newcomer of the Year: Fezan Bhatti · Team Leader of the Year (AFA Insolvency): Kerry Summerfield · Employee of the Year: Faisal Abdirahman Fiaz reflected on the event and said: “The dedication and outstanding achievements of our team members have been instrumental in the success of the AFA Group this year. I would like to extend my congratulations to those who won awards tonight, as well as the lucky participants of our talent and game shows. “The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the group but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement among employees.”

Here at Clear Start Accountants, we are proud to have supported a substantial number of clients to date with our general accountancy support and personal budgeting services. Since the business was established in 2019, Clear Start Accountants has provided financial support for the masses. As well as offering accountancy services for sole traders and smaller firms delivered by our dedicated team of qualified accountants, we also provide pioneering, tech-enabled personal budgeting services for private individuals. Of particular relevance in the current climate, we have helped countless consumers to make considerable cost-savings with our vast suite of services, and with the assistance of our bespoke software – a highly innovative programme available to customers via an app. We have proudly supported individuals across the length and breadth of the country for over five years with budgeting and financial planning, including tailored budgets based on income, expenses and financial goals, with regular reviews of personal circumstances and income checkups. Additionally, assistance has been provided to help clients understand and prioritise their liabilities, strategise their savings and maximise their incomes, with guidance on potential benefit entitlements and applications. Bill and expense management has also been facilitated, consisting of household bill comparisons, subscription and spending audits, and lifestyle budgeting tips. One customer shared their experience with Clear Start Accountants and said: “I have dealt with many people in Clear Start over a few years and have always had a pleasant experience. Today was no exception, as Jamal was a great help being efficient and knowledgeable. We discussed multiple financial issues and he was able to provide great service every step of the way. “The company has helped me multiple times over the last few years, I’m very happy.” A client who utilises our accountancy services added: “Clear Start Accountants and Mubeen have been instrumental in simplifying my finances and guiding me through the Self- Assessment process. Their professional advice and meticulous attention to detail have made tax filing stress-free and efficient. Mubeen's expertise and personalised support ensured I was always compliant while maximising my financial benefits. I can't recommend them highly enough for anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable accounting services." Another also shared: “I am a medium-sized company owner and have been a client of Clear Start Accountants for several years now. Their expertise, professionalism and attention to detail has been very reassuring. Moreover, they have a wide knowledge of financial topics. I could not be more satisfied with them, and have no hesitation in recommending them for accounting services.” Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of the AFA Group, commented: “We are exceptionally proud to have supported countless consumers and small businesses to date with significant cost-savings, with overwhelmingly positive feedback received. As the client base continues to grow, we continue to expand our employee base, considerably enlarging the customer- facing team to enable us to maintain the exceptional level of service provided.”

The team at Clear Start Accountants is celebrating a record year for charitable donations, raising a massive £100,00 for numerous organisations in need of vital funds. Both regional and national charities have benefited from the substantial fundraising efforts, enabling the causes to continue their critical work throughout the community. Much-needed funds have been shared with twelve organisations including CEO Sleepout, War Child, UNICEF, Orphans in Need, Makki Masjid, Zakat Foundation, AL-Khair Foundation, Smile Aid, Human Appeal, AL-Firdous Organisation, Penny Appeal and the Amir Khan Foundation. Fiaz Ashraf, Founder and CEO of Clear Start Accountants comments: “It is an honour to support a range of charities and not-for-profit organisations, contributing vital funds as they endeavour to provide essential aid to their beneficiaries. “At Clear Start Accountants, we firmly believe in the importance of giving back to not only our local community but those that are supporting others, while also recognising the significant work that they do.”