Friday 30th June 2023: Consett-based accountancy and business advisory firm, Valued, has done the double, winning not one but two prestigious accolades, at last night’s North East Accountancy Awards.

Returning for 2023, the awards recognise excellence within the fields of finance, accounting and tax, from all industry sectors operating in the North East. At last night’s black-tie dinner - held at the Hilton Hotel Newcastle | Gateshead and hosted by ex-BBC Newcastle presenter and all-round funny man, Alfie Joey - Valued won Firm of the Year (under 50 employees), with Valued’s very own Michael Mann scooping the award for Rising Star Accountant of the Year.

The Firm of the Year (under 50 employees) Award aims to recognise firms that demonstrate outstanding achievements, with judges specifically looking at areas including growth, innovation, client service, CSR and regional impact.

Beating off some difficult competition from the other five shortlisted firms, Valued was named the winners by category judge, Sharon Coull of Drummond Central. Relaying the judges’ feedback, Sharon commented specifically how everyone at Valued: “worked together as a tight knit team, both internally and externally, and with their approach to clients.”

Presenting the award, Sharon continued: “You could really see their culture in place. They were authentic and could talk about their core values in a passionate and tangible way. They championed their investment in people while also driving the business forward for their clients.”

The firm, which offers accountancy, business advisory and mentoring services to its roster of 700 clients all over the UK, has seen turn over increase by 27% in the last 12 months, with a return to some normality in operations and financial forecasting following the Covid Pandemic.

In addition to serving business owners, many of whom are loyal customers with Valued seeing a 98% retention rate in the last year and many new business wins coming from direct client referrals, the accountancy firm also supports other finance professionals and accountancy firms with mentoring and training, through its recently launched Valued Academy.

Commenting on last night’s award win, Stephen Paul, Founder and Managing Director of Valued, said: “Wow. Just wow – I’m absolutely blown away. Valued’s ethos is all about understanding the business owner behind the business, putting customers at the heart of everything that we do. From working directly with business owners to supporting other accountancy firms, we do what we do to make a difference.

“The team works so hard each and every day to deliver the best service possible to our clients; from getting to know them and their aspirations, to figuring out solutions and working together to see them become reality, last night really was a dream come true for us!

“We were up against some other brilliant firms and I’m sure the competition was fierce. The judges’ comments were so kind and I can’t thank them enough for recognising the work that we do as team and the value we deliver for our clients, our people and wider impact on the North East too. Thank you!”

As well as Valued receiving praise for its approach to business, its support for clients and regional impact, Valued’s Michael Mann was also named as the North East Accountancy Award’s Rising Star Accountant of the Year 2023.

The award, sponsored by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - the global professional body for professional accountants, recognises individuals currently studying towards a chartered accountancy qualification or those who have qualified as a Chartered Accountant within the last five years. Judges assessed nominees on their professional development and willingness to learn, examples of innovation and new initiatives, commitment and enthusiasm, team working and flexible working skills, recent achievements and excellent client service, as well as impact to the firm.

Beating seven other soon-to-be or newly qualified Chartered Accountants, Michael was named the winner, and was presented his prize by category judge, Susan Allen, ACCA Council Member and Finance Director for Willerby Holiday Homes. As Michael made his way to the stage to accept his award, Susan commented that Michael had impressed the team of judges with his: “Clear commitment to personal development, client focus and team work ethic.” Susan also said that Michael showed humility, passion and drive for continuing career progression, all of which had made a positive difference for Michael’s clients, and to Valued as a business.

Stephen concluded: “Valued’s success would not be possible without the people behind the business. They’re the ones that build the relationships with our clients each and every day, getting to know them and what they want to achieve from life, so they can guide and give them the best advice possible, helping to make their business work better for them.

“Michael is every inch the rising star and such a worthy winner of this award. He’s always been a grafter and each day he shows up, works hard and delivers. He’s brilliant with his clients, is a fantastic manager to his team and embodies the values of our brand. This award couldn’t have gone to a better bloke and I’m absolutely thrilled for him. Well done, Michael!”

As well as winning big at the North East Accountancy Awards, Valued has recently been shortlisted as a top three finalist in the Mid-Size Firm of the Year category at the 2023 Xero Awards, with Founder and Managing Director – Stephen Paul – also being named as one of HELM’s top 10 advisors of the year.

For more information about Valued and its services, including accountant services for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, as well as the Valued Academy and accounting software implementation, visit: www.yourvalued.co.uk