We asked Darren Trice, Kaizens CEO to answer a few questions on what makes the Kaizen offer different and what sets Kaizen apart
Whats been at the heart of Kaizens client growth and success Darren?
Darren Trice (DT) “At the heart of our growth is a simple but powerful strategy. We’ve succeeded by working hard at relationship building and offering quality advice and guidance. Its also about being good at developing relationships and understanding clients needs. It’s about the importance of proactive client care and how creating a strong team of specialists has been key to our success. At the core of Kaizen’s success is a commitment to first-rate client service. Clients come to us for advice or with problems and we give them the answers that fit their often unique situation. Its not about one solution fits all, its about giving individual advice, guidance and information that works. I suppose it’s what many would call good old-fashioned client service. But its more than just responding to client queries, it’s about being proactive and collaborative as well. For example, with tax legislation constantly changing, waiting for clients to come to us with their problems is no longer enough. We need to anticipate client needs, offering guidance before it’s even requested. It’s about doing something for them that they don’t have to ask for. Whether it’s a change in their circumstances or a change in tax legislation, we will talk to them and say, ‘We think this affects you in this way and here’s what we recommend’.”
How does this approach work in real terms for Kaizens clients?
DT “This proactive approach relies on building strong, trust-based client relationships. The better my team understands a client’s business, the better the advice they can give. You create and strengthen those bonds by making a difference. The stronger the bond, the better placed you are to step in and offer the right advice whenever it’s needed. This approach not only solves problems but also helps prevent them. When challenges crop up, a well-established relationship makes all the difference. If you build a good relationship with a client, you can overcome any issues because the relationship is founded on a solid base.”
How important is having a strong and knowledgeable team, like the one you have at Kaizen
DT “A big part of what makes Kaizens offer stand out from the competition is the strength of the people behind that offer. We have built a team of experienced specialists, who can cover all areas of the financial piste. There are a lot of rules and legislation we need to conform to, and the scenario can be a really complex one. It takes real skill to not only understand a clients situation and position, but also to explain it clearly in a way that a client and their staff understand. That’s exactly what our team does. Our in-house depth of talent allows us to consistently deliver the levels of service that clients need and demand. The team take the time to truly understand their client’s business and activity and what they need strategically and day to day. Then they deliver advice and guidance that’s timely, relevant and easy to understand, speaking the client’s language.”
What role does technology and IT take in a modern accountancy practice and how does it improve client service levels?
DT “It’s important for our practice and clients to select the most appropriate and effective systems. This means clear processes and the smart use of technology and IT. It’s about knowing when and how to use the right tools and making sure we exploit all the opportunities that our recommended software and hardware brings to both ourselves and our clients. This is becoming particularly important as bodies like HMRC go more and more digital”
What place does communication play in the service you give to clients?
DT “Good communication is the the thing that holds everything together. At Kaizen we aim at making sure everybody is fully involved and informed and at th same time feels included in our work with our clients without overwhelming them. It’s about having the right channels open with clear reporting lines. Then we make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and decision-making parameters. We need to make sure we are always in the best position to deliver for clients, both now and in the future”.
If you want to find out more about how Kaizen can become your accounting and finance partner then please do not hesitate to call us on 01482 772261 or email us at info@kaizengroup.uk . We will be very happy to talk through how we can help you as we have done with a number of regional businesses both large and small.