Galston and Kilmarnock-based Barry McGougan is celebrating 16 years of success

Barry McGougan joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2001, having previously worked for 30 years within the public sector.  He opened his first shop in Wallace Street, Galston in 2004 and then a second shop ten years later in St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock. Since 2001, Barry and his three-strong team have provided specialist tax and accountancy services to 1,000 small businesses in and around East Ayrshire.

Barry said; "Getting to where I am now has required a lot of hard work and perseverance and most of all, it has required the patience and support of my family.

"The fact that I am still in business and operating successfully is testament to the proven business model provided by TaxAssist, without which I know I would have struggled to achieve what I have.  If you follow the proven business model then with hard work and dedication to make the business what you want it to be, it will provide you with the lifestyle you want – proving franchising does work.

"Being a franchisee is a way of running your own business without the risk factors normally associated with new self-start businesses. It also makes what you achieve more satisfying in that you have done it yourself, albeit with the support and guidance of the Franchisor.

"My experience has been and continues to be a positive one. TaxAssist through their on-going training and support, truly “walked the talk”.  Even today, after 16 years in business, one of the most comforting factors is that with a telephone call or E-mail my questions/concerns can be discussed and solutions achieved. 

"Celebrating 16 years is a great achievement for me and the team. The small business community has been through some tough times, but it’s great to see how they rally round and support one another. We’d like to thank them for their support; word-of-mouth recommendations have really helped us see client numbers grow year-on-year.

“With ‘Making Tax Digital’ changes on the horizon, we’re already seeing an increased demand from small businesses starting to prepare for the new tax regime and bringing everything online. It’s been a fantastic journey since 2001 and we look forward to helping small businesses in the region deal with the major changes in the next few years.”