At the age of 16, Ian made a bold decision to pursue a career in sciences instead of following the expected path of becoming an accountant. He joined the NHS as a trainee and later became a pharmacy technician. Ian's choice was motivated by a desire to defy expectations and explore a field that intrigued him. Despite initially lacking a strong background in chemistry, Ian embraced the challenges and found satisfaction in working with specialised medicines, such as chemotherapy drugs and Total Parenteral Nutrition.
After several years in the healthcare industry, Ian recognised the limitations of his career trajectory and sought a change. He decided to transition to accounting, despite his earlier resistance to the field. Ian's motivation stemmed from a desire for greater control over his professional growth and the realisation that he could build a successful career in accounting. With the support of his wife Sam, Ian embarked on a new journey that would lead to the establishment of MBS Accountants.
The initial years of MBS Accountants were marked by rapid growth and numerous obstacles. Ian and Sam encountered difficulties in hiring and retaining the right talent, which caused setbacks and forced them to reflect on their approach. However, they remained resilient and adapted their strategies to build a stronger team. The challenges served as valuable lessons, ultimately shaping the company's culture and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
As MBS Accountants continued to evolve, Ian's exposure to business books, coaching, and strategic planning seminars led to a pivotal realisation. He recognised that the company's true value lay in providing clients with up-to-date financial information, financial control, clarity, and freedom. By focusing on these areas, MBS Accountants differentiated itself from traditional compliance-based practices and began offering strategic planning and financial performance measurement services.
Working with a life partner can be daunting, but Ian and Sam's successful collaboration demonstrates the effectiveness of clear boundaries and complementary strengths. They established a rule early on: business disagreements stay at the office, and personal disagreements stay at home. By understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses, they effectively divided responsibilities and fostered a healthy balance in their work and personal lives.
Looking back on his journey, Ian shared valuable insights he would impart to his younger self. Firstly, he would emphasise that it's okay not to be invincible and to accept being wrong. Confidence and a degree of assertiveness are important, but the ability to compromise is equally crucial. Secondly, Ian would advise embracing the idea of learning from mistakes and failures, as they are essential stepping stones toward growth. Lastly, he would emphasise the importance of balance in both personal and professional relationships, recognising the value of differing perspectives and approaches.
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