About Tony

“We view Tony Wright as an essential part of our business. In times of despair or when we’re deliberating over longer term strategic opportunities – he has provided solutions, no matter how daunting they may have seemed to us at the time. He achieves this through having a great deal of experience, having a genuine interest and through gaining a broad and detailed understanding, not only of the task in hand but digging much, much deeper than any accountant we have met. As such, when he delivers a solution, it’s like someone has waived a magic wand that’s turned dilemmas into exciting opportunities.”

- Martin Dupree – Dupree International

An interview with Tony

Tell us a little bit about your work and your role. 

We are a practice of chartered accountants servicing our clients accountancy, tax and business advisory needs on a turnkey basis.

What does your work with a client usually involve?

As a practice we tailor our service the needs of the client. Some clients will require a full service from start up advice, bookkeeping, accounts and tax all the way through to business strategy.

How did you get into this field of work? 

I have been an accountant for 23 years since leaving school after A levels. Being quite good at Maths and English, this seemed a natural progression. What I have found out since is that the role is more about problem solving than crunching the numbers. Although understanding the numbers remains a vital part fo understanding what is going on and helping find those solutions.

What excites you about your role?

Since entering the industry I have always wanted to work in general practice and be a partner in my own firm. We do not specialise in any industry or sector and that gives us a wide exposure to many different types of business. We can then use this breadth of experience to help our clients achieve the business and personal objectives.

What does your ideal client look like?

My ideal clients are owner/manager business of all sizes. I find it is best to maintain regular contact with the client in order to have a full understating of their business and the opportunities and threats they face. Providing clients with accurate up to date MI is essential to me and them knowing what is going on in their business.  With this In depth understanding of both the individual and business I hope to help them both prosper.

We prefer to operate on fixed fees. This why our clients are not afraid to send an email or pick up the phone in case the clock starts ticking. We pride ourselves on not giving our clients any surprises. As much as that is in relation to their tax situation, the same rings true with our fees.

What have your highlights been so far?

My personal highlight was becoming owner of my own practice. From this position I can influence the entire direction of the firm and instil the core values based around helping clients.

What are the challenges currently facing your sector?

Like our clients, we also experienced the the main challenges arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moving to home working through lockdown, adapting work practices post lockdown and accommodating a change in employee outlook of work/life balance present operational challenges. Although having been early adopters of cloud computing we were well placed to be able to cope with most things that have been thrown at us. We see technology very much at the forefront of our industry. I see technology looking after the basic compliance freeing us up to provide more added value.

Should a busy entrepreneur prioritise this area of work? How can they make time for it with everything else on their plate?

My advice to a busy entrepreneur would be to let us take on the burden of looking after the finances of the business. That way they are released to focus of making the business a success. I want them to fell like they can lean on me for assistance and advice in relation to any situation. We are here to take the pressure off.

What's the best advice you've been given?

If you are not growing, you are shrinking. You always have to be looking forward.

How do you see your work changing over the next ten years?

Accounts and tax compliance will become more and more systematic and automated. We must ensure they we continue to provide the added value to our clients be that with tax strategy, business strategy or through just being a sounding board for their ideas.  

What do you do when you're not at work?

I have a large family which keeps me pretty occupied. I enjoy sports and will watch as much live sport as possible. I have a particular interest in horseracing and owns shares in racehorses. When time allows I enjoy playing golf.

What are the benefits do you think of working together in a collective way like Runway Advisors? 

Runway Advisors has a collective of professionals with the skills that can be of benefit to my clients. Helping my clients is what I want to do and I am big enough to admit that I can not always provide all the solutions by myself. You need to know when to call on someone who can provide the specific assistance as required. The added benefit is that the team are a great bunch!