FDS was first choice franchise consultants

"Our founder and chairman, FCA qualified Chartered Accountant, John Westgarth approached FDS in 1995 for advice on franchising the TaxAssist Accountants business model. At the time, John was aware that hundreds of thousands of small business owners would need help sorting out their finances in the wake of self-assessment and, keen to capitalise on this growing demand. John decided to create a nationwide franchise network.

"FDS was our first choice because they have a vast amount of experience within the franchise world. Over the years we have developed a good working relationship with the company- they are all thoroughly professional and have been of great assistance to us!

'At the moment we are using the Franmatch system as part of our recruitment activities and FDS are helping us locate quality leads. We are looking for people who have the desire to succeed and are commercially aware. While a background in accounting would be useful it is not essential because full training is provided.

'We have every intention of continuing to use FDS in the future- and look forward to having them onboard to help us with our international expansion. FDS advertising products such as The Franchise Magazine and TFM online have proved invaluable and a great source of lead flow.'

Chief Executive, Karl Sandall, TaxAssist Accountants

A 'fellow' of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, a School Governor and a member of the Financial Industry Group and of the Committee of the IFS School of Finance for the East of England Karl Sandall joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2000 as the Operations Director. In 2002 he became Chief Executive.