Adfin | From fashion to finance: how Beth is building a modern practice

In the spotlight this week is Beth, who swapped a decade in fashion buying at Marks & Spencer for life as an accountant. Bringing a sharp commercial focus and a love of speed, she’s built a modern, tech-driven practice with a personal touch - starting with direct debits from day one and making Adfin one of her easiest (and most impactful) tools.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into accounting?

It’s definitely not been the most liner journey. In my previous life, I was a clothing buyer living in London - most of my career was at Marks & Spencer, buying women’s wear. That meant a lot of travel, factory visits, working with designers, costing garments, and working with merchandisers to rank products, choose volume lines, fashion pieces - all very different from accounting!

I did that for about 8 to 10 years, but after going through a few recessions and cutbacks, the role became increasingly focused on budgets and numbers. I actually found myself enjoying that part more and more. The creative side was fading, and I just felt like I needed a change.

Eventually, I looked into accounting and realised there were so many transferable skills. I started studying AAT on the side while still working, and then made the switch. I left London, found someone willing to train me up, and never looked back - it’s been the best decision I ever made.

I think because I came into accounting later and with a different background, I saw opportunities to do things differently. I’m really passionate about combining all my experience into my own practice - not to do something wildly new, but to drive something better. I saw the extremes: very tech-driven firms and very old-school ones, and I wanted to create something that felt more balanced. I’m big on leveraging tech to give clients more access to me - someone to talk to.

Was there anything from your fashion career that helps you now as an accountant?

Absolutely - speed! In retail, especially a FTSE 100 company, if it wasn’t done yesterday, that wasn’t fast enough. When I came into accountancy, I noticed things moved much more slowly. People would say, “Let’s think about that,” and I’d think, “What is there to think about?!”

That mindset of being fast and commercially focused really shapes how I work now. I managed multi-million-pound departments, presented to anyone form CEOs and to international teams, so I bring that energy and confidence. I also bring a lot of commercial awareness - knowing when a plan needs sticking to or pivoting - and I think that adds something different to my client work.

Is that why you wanted to start your own firm, rather than join another practice?

Yes - and because some of the more traditional firms I worked in had I just thought, “How are you doing this job when it’s made to feel so dull?” But it’s not dull! If you use the right tech, you get to focus on the exciting stuff - analysing numbers, spotting opportunities, improving processes.

I love looking at people’s business processes as well as their accounts. I’ve suggested tools and ideas - e.g freeing up their time using tools like AI note-takers. I want to share what I know, not be a gatekeeper.

It’s a holistic view - helping clients with more than just compliance and saving tax.

Are there particular types of clients or industries you’re focusing on?

For me, the niche is the person. Some people just want to hand over papers and have the work done - and that’s totally fine, but that’s not me.

I want to work with people who are open to change, who want to make their lives easier, and who are happy to collaborate. It’s not about growth for the sake of growth - it’s about figuring out what they want, and helping them get there.

I do have a passion for supporting startups. I’m even working with a local CIS to offer a free mentoring programme in conjunction with a local start up grant for 18-30 start ups.

What’s been the most challenging - or exciting - part of setting up your own thing?

Definitely figuring out what to do myself and what to get help with. I had someone help with branding and photos, but I did the website myself - which I’m not sure I’d do again!

The initial setup was tough. Just getting HMRC agent codes for each different tax service - none of it is straightforward. It was hard not having reassurance that I was doing things “right.” But once I got past that early stage, I really enjoyed it. I’m just trying to avoid shiny tech syndrome by sticking to a roadmap I’ve built for myself.

Let’s talk more about that tech roadmap - how did you choose what to start with?

There’s so much tech to choose from - client portals, management software, receipt capture tools… It’s endless. I took everything I’d learned so far and chose a stack I felt good about, while keeping an eye on what’s coming up and listening to what other business owners are saying.

One big piece of advice I heard from almost everyone was to set up with direct debits from day one. It takes so much stress off your plate. And it sets you up to scale - you don’t want to be sorting that out later when you’re already swamped.

That’s also how I came across Adfin - at Engager Day. I already planned to use Engager, and when I saw Adfin’s integration was announced, it just made sense. The presentation helped dispel some common myths I had about payments, and honestly, it was the easiest thing I’ve set up so far. Cost-effective, simple, and just works.

What’s your long-term vision for your practice?

I want to scale up to a small team - probably five of us max. I’m aiming to build what Daniel Priestley calls a “lifestyle business.” That means tight client numbers, high-quality service, and no interest in offering everything to everyone.

I’m really passionate about helping business owners not just succeed in business but feel better in their life. Business and personal are so intertwined - if you get someone’s business working well, it often transforms everything else.

Are there any tech trends you’re especially excited about?

There’s really only one answer: AI.

Right now, I’m particularly interested in AI being built into receipt capture tools - not just machine learning, but actual AI. It’s an area that’s still really time-consuming and costly, and clients often don’t fully see the value. So if AI can improve that, I’m all in.

I’ve also automated quite a bit using Client Engager, which has really helped with admin and scaling.

What’s one task you’d happily never do again - and one you love doing?

I’ll start with what I love: cleaning my house. I know it sounds sad, but it’s true! A full clean on a Friday evening really helps me unwind. There’s just something so satisfying about it.

As for what I’d never do again? Talk to HMRC. The setup, the inefficiencies - it’s just painful. Coming from a commercial background, it’s hard to believe they operate the way they do.

What’s your go-to drink while working?

Coffee. Always coffee. We have a proper machine at home, and I’m a flat white girl. I’ve even got professional photos of me drinking it - it’s kind of my thing.

And what about when you're off the clock?

I’ve really gotten into beer lately - specifically a good lager in the summer. I’m picky about wine in pubs, so lager just feels like a safe bet.

And finally - since you’ve got a fashion background - any favourites from your buying days?

Denim, without question. I love the technical side of denim: the fabric choices, stretch technology, washing processes… even the whiskering and colour layering. There’s nothing like a proper 100% cotton jean that’s been bashed and laundered to perfection.

I could go on forever, but let’s just say yes - I’m in jeans most of the time and probably have too many!

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Need an accountant who moves fast and makes your business feel lighter? Beth’s your woman. Book a call with Beth today.

Setting up a new business? Get started with Adfin today to have seamless payments from day 1.

From fashion to finance: how Beth is building a modern practice

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