Enterprise Nation

A new accountancy service for freelancers launched a couple of short weeks ago. The product is called Crunch - to find out how well the service has been received, we turned to its first customer. He’s called Steve Hearsum and his response was delightfully eloquent. 

First off, how would you describe yourself?

Deboxer and Coffee Nerd.  The more traditional answer would be Consultant, Facilitator & Coach.

You’ve been self-employed for 7 years. Will you keep this status for the next 7 years?

I’d like to, economy permitting, and at the same time I am open to the possibility of that changing, either through partnering with other practitioners, building my business further or being offered a permanent position too funky, challenging and interesting to turn down. As it is, I have plans to broaden my practice and build on what I have achieved already.

What has been your most gratifying/enjoyable project to date?

Oooo… I get something different from all my projects. Two spring to mind: a review I carried out for a TV station of one element of their organization was particularly satisfying. From the contracting stage, when agreeing scope, through to delivery, and reporting back final recommendations, it was rewarding. I felt I managed the relationships and sensitive subject matter skilfully, and the client was delighted with the final outcome.

At the other extreme, I did one coaching session with an executive that resulted in us agreeing that what he needed was a therapeutic helping relationship, rather than executive coaching, so we agreed to terminate our relationship and he found a therapist. Being comfortable in recognizing where my practice begins and ends, and supporting another human being to get the appropriate help, was satisfying.

How did you come across Crunch.co.uk?

I have known Darren Fell, the MD of Crunch, for a number of years. He is both a friend and at one time a client. I had heard what he was planning and it coincided with my intention to switch from sole trader to Ltd company.

How does Crunch help you and your business?

• Easy to set-up a Ltd company – they made it painless.
• Ease of accounting: loading suppliers, expenses, clients etc is simple, and the integration with business banking is a killer application.
• Professional, quick customer service. All my queries as one of their first customers have been dealt with extremely well.

The key words for me are ‘ease’ and ‘integration’ i.e. everything is handled in one place, and that saves me time. And guess what, my tax position improves :- )

What one piece of advice would you offer to someone who is considering going freelance?

Answer these two questions honestly: Why would someone hire you? Who are you? Knowing who you are and what you bring is vital when you are freelance, as you will repeatedly need to sell yourself, and need to understand how you fit in relation to multiple organizations, people and situations.

Have you yet found the perfect cappuccino? (you need to visit Steve’s blog to understand the relevance of this rather stray sounding question)

I am oh so close… My milk stretching technique is coming on a storm, I can tell you. Although failing that Coffee @ 33 Trafalgar St in Brighton ROCKS!

Thanks to Steve Hearsum for his time.

• Steve Hearsum
• Crunch.co.uk