Purple Lime are a digital accountancy firm based in Corsham. Purple Lime are a team of experienced and practiced accountants. The practice offer a tailored outsourced finance/accounting function for clients and also focus on taking a more strategic advisory role in client’s businesses, as their client data is live and current through the use of Xero accounting software and numerous add on cloud applications. They also offer Xero and app software training to small businesses remotely and on site.

We spoke to Tom Taylor, 27, who is undertaking a Level 7 Accountancy apprenticeship through the company.

Can you tell us about your background, had you always thought the apprenticeship route was the one to take?

I went to University in Winchester and studied for four years on an integrated Masters of Accountancy course, when I left with my degree I secured a job in Salisbury but it soon became clear the role wasn’t what I expected it to be. So, I looked for another role to support my progression and I found the role at Purple Lime, I am an Assistant Management Account. I started the apprenticeship in September 2018.

What are the best aspects of your role?

I like working in a small business, I feel I am making an impact, making gains and savings for other small businesses. I have a lot of influence as I can put forward ideas freely. We work virtually but do also visit clients on site sometimes as we like to maintain a personal working relationship. One of my proudest moments with the business is when we had a client with whom I delivered a lot of Xero app training and support, they had a lot of questions and needed guidance. They were very impressed with how well I supported them. This led them to decide to bring all of their business to Purple Lime. I was delighted to have supported the client well and bought in new business to Purple Lime as a result.

What would your advice to others be?

Definitely give more thought to the apprenticeship route, it is more efficient and the cheaper option. For example, the whole cost of the apprenticeship course to me is the same as one private exam. With a good training provider like mine you can also learn soft skills as well, which are great for your CV.