- What is your name and what is the name of your business?
My name is Chris Hankin and I am the Director of CMH Accountancy Ltd.
- What does the business do and who are your customers?
We are a general accountancy practice working with local small businesses and individuals who need support with areas such as accounts, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, and business advice.
We offer a complete, full-service approach, meaning our clients can access everything they need in one place. Our aim is to provide reliable, straightforward support that helps clients stay on top of their finances and focus on running their business with confidence.
- What’s the history of the business & what’s your role within the business?
I did my initial accountancy training with a practice in Reigate, where I later became a partner. After eleven years there, I decided to leave and build my own business.
Since then, I’ve been running the business alongside employed work. However, from the end of May I’ll be leaving employment to focus entirely on CMH Accountancy! The business has now grown to a stage where I feel confident taking this step. It’s a big leap — and definitely a little daunting — but it’s also incredibly exciting. I’ll finally be in control of my own business and able to focus all of my energy on growing it further.
I’m also now actively marketing myself and looking to bring in new clients, something I was previously reluctant to do because I didn’t want to take on more work than I could manage and risk not giving clients the level of service they deserve.
So yes, it’s a really exciting new chapter for me and for the business.
- How long have you had a virtual office here at Freshmill and why were you looking for one?
I have had a virtual office here for nearly five years. Previous to this, I was just based at home with a small bank of clients. During Covid things started to grow, I had a website built and at this point I really wanted a professional ‘shop front’! I didn’t want my home address on public record and I also wanted to offer the service of being a registered office for my clients should they require it. So a Virtual office at Freshmill made perfect sense as it ticked all of those boxes.
- Does Freshmill work well for you and your business, and do you use any other services we offer?
Freshmill works brilliantly for me. I use the meeting rooms regularly when I have client meetings and I occasionally used a hotdesk. I have also attended the Freshmill Forum events which I really enjoyed. Freshmill works really well for me and how I work. It is a lovely space to come to when I need a bit of space and I want a bit of company or a change of scene from the home office!
- What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
I would say the key things are listening to people, never over-promising, and being adaptable.
When I take on a new client, I always make time to sit down with them and really understand what they need from me. Of course, I can complete the required work, but for me it’s about much more than that. I want to make sure clients feel heard and supported, and that I deliver a service that genuinely works for them.
I always explain to clients that I don’t charge for phone calls, letters, or meetings to discuss concerns or questions — I see that as part of the service I provide. Building strong relationships and trust with my clients is incredibly important to me. I want them to feel comfortable picking up the phone before making a decision they’re unsure about, so we can talk things through together and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Where to you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
Umm, this is a difficult question!… I would like my kids to be independent – they will be 17 and 19 by then. It would be nice for me and my wife to get some freedom back, without worrying about the kids so much! My new role fits into this plan too…it should allow for much greater flexibility giving us the freedom to go away for a weekend if we wish to – that would be the plan anyway!
With regards to my business, I would hope by then that we have grown significantly and have and employee or two to help manage the workload.
- What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
I think I would say, ’Nothing is as scary as you think it will be’! What will happen, will happen. Don’t panic about passing your exams, don’t worry about what to do after you qualify, don’t be concerned about what people think of you or what you think people expect from you. Try to focus on what you want, and work things out from there.
- What is your favourite quote or mantra?
My favourite quote is an old Chinese proverb that I really like…
‘The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now’
10. If you could, who would you switch places with for the day, and why?
It does sound a little strange, but I would love to spend the day in Donald Trumps inner circle just to be able to understand what is going on! It feels like we are guessing whether there is a plan or not in those meetings with world leaders – it would be so interesting to find out if he has a strategy, or if it’s a game, or if there is something else at play!
