Michael Sparrow

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Michael was quick to get in touch and we have arranged a meeting so that I can potentially get on board with his firm. He was very helpful and informative so I look forward to hopefully working with him.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Absolutely excellent. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He explains things clearly and in a way that meets my needs. I am definately going to use Michael's services.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

No privatpe rooms to discuss financial/personal business All conversations were had with other members of staff in the same room therefore could hear conversations I didn't feel it was professional to not have private meeting rooms to discuss financial business

Michael's reply

Hi Gemma, Thanks for the feedback. The meeting room is adjacent to our accounts room, we didn't use it because you needed to download bank statements on my computer, which we were happy for you to do. Your instruction to liaise with your previous advisers for clearance was conducted and our engagement letters sent, so we're a little surprised to hear you've chosen to not come on board. Wish you all the best for the future. Michael

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I hope to complete my tax returns with Michaels help so far he has been very informative an professional.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very personable. he telephoned me very quickly after receiving the enquiry, understood our position and offered a service quite a bit cheaper than we were paying. We have yet to meet but am confident of a great service going forward.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

First rate, I needed guidance with a personal Tax return. Michael explained his services and charges and was very good at explaining that what I was doing was correct and that I did not need anyone to complete the return for me, which could have been an opportunity for greater fees. He was professional, efficient and courteous throughout and assisted until I had got to where I needed to be to submit my return.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent. Very welcoming. Great advice very clear, organised a meeting quickly. Most helpful. Will be using their service. Highly recommend.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Excellent advice on all aspects.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I was contacted by michael early the next morning with lots of help and advise including fees and fwlt he was the accountant i could rely on.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Contacted Michael through VouchedFor and received a call from him that morning. We spent an hour on the phone talking through my situation and then had a follow up meeting a few days later for another couple of hours. The discussions were very reassuring in that it was obvious he didn't want to charge me for accountancy services that I didn't need, and he was also able to point me in the right direction for further research. Moving forward I will definitely be proceeding with Michael as my accountant and, so far, cannot recommend him highly enough.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

After receiving many years of bad advice from cowboy accountants i came across Michael at the top of vouchedfor and gave him a call. Since our initial chat i was impressed with his knowledge and received more sound advice in a one hour conversation than i have ever had from previous accountants.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Vouchedfor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes since moving to sw&p our accounts are all up to date, we have saved thousands and we have more money for the business.

What could they have done better?

Michael is doing an awesome job and i do not feel as though he could do any more.

Michael's reply

Thank you for the kind words Vin, look forward to a continued relationship for years to come!

Review from verified client

September, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I needed help with self assessment tax for different income streams and to set up as a limited company.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael thoroughly explained all the options available to me, advised on the best course of action, talked me through each step and was always ready to help whenever I had questions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

To ensure that all accounts were completed correctly.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

He came out to see us, and gave us help and advice and then took on the business accounts. Throughout having Michael as our accountant he has been extremely helpful and easily obtainable when queries have arisen. He has provided us with a most excellent and honest service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Michael has made the whole process much easier than anticipated giving us support and advice every step of the way.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

It found it was extremely difficult to find clear information on the subject of accounting so that I could learn how to fulfill my legal obligations by myself, and that I needed to focus my time on more important matters within my company.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

He took the time to listen and understand the workings of my company and how it developed (And still is developing), began to understand my own personal position and gave me suggestions and advice of how I should be taking advantage of my current position financially. I didn't understand everything entirely, but I understood the principles. The most important thing he did was get me and my company up to speed on it's financial obligations, I feel confident that we're now on top of our accounting duties, and somewhat confident there won't be any problems in the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I got what I paid for. With some benefits that I understand are still to come, it will take time before I know I've got the outcome I'm hoping for. What has changed for me is that I no longer worry about the legal issues of accounting, there's no worry of huge fines from HMRC, which is a huge weight off my shoulders. I also have an accountant that I trust will look out for me and company, not just simply doing the job he's paid for but will ask questions, give suggestions, point out problems, make the company run better and take advantages of things it's missing out on.

What could they have done better?

In the discussion I had with him, to find out if I should go ahead with choosing him as my accountant, I got overloaded with all of the points he could benefit me with, as a result of him having an understanding of me and my company. This isn't a bad thing, but what it meant was even though he spoke clearly, and it an easy-to-understand manner, it was hard to keep up and grasp everything he was saying. When discussing point A, he would explain it, I would listen and understand, but we would go to point B before I could fully grasp point A. Now I'm not sure if this is something that could ever be fully be worked upon, I suspect it would turn into an accounting crash course. But perhaps a condensed summary in writing at the end, in an email for example, which clearly states all the key points of discussion and what it means for the client, so that the client (Such as myself) go easily review it and understand everything that's going on.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was not satisfied with the level of service my previous accountants provided. I needed more than a bookkeeper that I would have to chase. After reading the reviews we spoke to a few accountants and Michael stood out from the rest immediately.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

From the initial contact, Mike was very sharp, professional, generous with his time and patient answering our many questions. He is not your typical accountant - he provides very strong, sound business support and has turned into our most trusted adviser. We have turned to Michael for various challenges and issues and he has always been extremely supportive and knowledgeable. He always replies to any enquiries within seconds even in the evenings and at weekends. It gives me a great peace of mind to know I've got Michael as my advisor.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, and way above what I expected and hoped for. Michael has quickly earned our trust and has become our family accountant and advisor, dealing with not only my company's tax issues.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all. His services are highly efficient, his fees absolutely transparent and more than fair. He exceeded my expectations and I am sure we would work and rely on Michael in many years to come.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Wanted a fresh approach to accounting & bookkeeping.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael advised on the best way to streamline my business accounts & book keeping. He also took over the companies payroll. He explained everything in a way I understood. Michael is very knowledgeable & is always on the end of the phone if you need to ask him anything.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I feel I received the service I needed and more. I now spend less time worrying about my accounts & more time concentrating on the business.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Michael has gone over & above what I expected from an accountant. I wish I'd contacted him sooner

Michael's reply

Thank you Kieran. I look forward to keep driving the business forward alongside you for a while to come!

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Tax issues due to previous self employment and capital gain challenges on property.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael has provided a fast, efficient service and going above and beyond in helping me on personal matters that are not strictly services provided by an Accountant. I would recommend Michael and he has been the best Accountant I have used over the last 10 years. He always looks at how a challenge can be solved and provides practical ideas.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am very happy with the outcome I have received.

What could they have done better?

I have nothing but good things to say about Michael and couldn't ask for more from him.

Michael's reply

Thank you for the kind words Matt, much appreciated. Speak soon

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Previous account raised concerns, when making declarations. They were incomplete, which led me to seek elsewhere.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

After auditing and studying the pattern of events , reported the seriousness of the matter. Excellent work.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! The results are in pipeline and I am already running a very efficient operation with Micheal's excellent guidelines.

What could they have done better?

To be honest, I was made aware of the mechanism of running a good company, which I never knew myself, so I learnt a lot from Micheal.

Michael's reply

Glad to have helped you and the business to date Raja, you're a delight of a client and I wish for many more productive years together in our business relationship.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

I found Micheal and his colleague to be very accommodating and helpful as this is my first venture on my own. They made things very easy to understand and took me through what I needed to do step by step. I feel confident that they were the right choice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

He was very efficient and effective. Good communication skills.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We needed good sound professional advice.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

He talked us through all the aspects of personal and corporate tax and explained everything in detail.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes---100%.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

New to the game and wanted everything to be spot on.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Lengthy advisory session at his office which dealt with all that was applicable to by line of work and business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Partial as it's still early days in my business but I have found Michael to be very helpful in any questions I have had for him.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Trying to buy a house.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

He did a great job of doing my books, and also offered excellent advice so i could maximise the size of the mortgage, and about buying houses generally. He also provided me with details of an excellent mortgage broker.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes, within 2.5 months of first contacting michaeli have moved into my frst home!.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Having been employed by a company for the past 8 years, I made the decision to set up as a sole trader.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael was knowledgeable, confident and immediately gave the impression that he would be able to be an asset to my consultancy business. All the dealings and correspondence since then have confirmed this.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. Michael has proved high value for money. He is also very friendly, professional, approachable and always there if you need advice.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at the moment.

Michael's reply

Thank you Martin, much appreciated. Looking forward to coming out and seeing you guys after the tax year

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was not happy with my previous accountant and had no confidence in her services. I started looking for a new one as I found out that my accounts for the previous year were not done properly. The meeting with Michael had proved to be true. He re-submitted my accounts.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

He prepared my accounts for last year/ resubmitted the previous accounts and gave me a piece of mind.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I wanted the work to be done properly . His review of my accounts prepared by my previous accountant had proved to be accurate - I paid the accountant a fee for not submitting my accounts properly.

What could they have done better?

I cannot fault Michael at all. He always does as he says. He is very thorough and reliable and have his clients' interest at heart

Michael's reply

Thank you for the kind review, I'm glad I was able to re-instate confidence with you Maria. It's absolutely vital that all clients are safe in the security of knowing their accountant is acting in their best interest and can be confident this is the case. Without this, it puts our profession and reputation in jeopardy.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Help with personal tax return and starting up a new business.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Various ways, most significantly advised on financial matters with regard to setting up a Ltd company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Michael's reply

Our relationship started with humble beginnings and has now progressed into various corporate matters. I look forward to continue working with you guys and providing the best advice for your needs. Speak soon Mike

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I had to find an alternative Accountant after many years of being with a previous accountant.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Micheal has always been extremely proffessional and very experienced in all aspects of his service to us. He as always gone out of his way to ensure everything is running smoothly, offering sound Business advice and backing it up with support and efficient service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have every confidience that our company will continue to grow with our ongoing hard work and support backed by Micheals support and professionalism.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, We are very happy with everything Micheal has done for us and the business

Michael's reply

Thank you for the kind words Chris. You're a great client to work with and always have time to speak with us. All the best Mike

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We needed to appoint an accountant at short notice to prepare our end of year tax returns for our small partnership.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

After getting some ambiguous advice from an other accountancy firm we found Michael to be a great communicator who had a really natural understanding of our needs and provided clear and excellent advice Since appointing him, he has been highly responsive in helping and hand holding us through what is completely new territory for us. We much prefer working with people we like, and we took an instant liking to Michael. He's very helpful, personable, amenable, and patient with us business novices.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so. Patient and highly responsive against a timescale during a period when he was extremely business. Service doesn't get much better that that.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of any improvements that could have been made. A highly professional service. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.

Michael's reply

Many thanks Andy. Glad we can be of service as you should hope for. Looking forward to a great relationship moving forwards. Mike

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

Very friendly and gives straight good advice so glad I found an accountant that makes sense of the minefield that HMRC is.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Michael

brilliant

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We have recently invested in property so needed tax help and advice.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael gave us regular advice and was generous with his time both bin person and over the phone. He also completed the self assessment paperwork and made the process very easy for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Last year is complete and we will use Michael again for this year.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of - very pleased with the service.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Ongoing dispute with HMRC regarding underpayment of tax.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

he made sense of the constant and often contradictory correspondence from HRMC, took control of the tax submission, and corrected all the errors, so that there was no additional tax revenues owing.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely, all dispute is now resolved, and the tax submissions corrected for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

What could they have done better?

nothing, we has clear with explanations, very punctual, and delivered on time

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Business tax.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Sorted my tax out.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Hopefully still waiting.

What could they have done better?

Nothing he was xcellent

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

our old accountant wasn't working for us and we felt we needed a new fresh approach.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike helped by explaining lots of new ideas to us and how we could benefit .Mike is extremely accommodating and always easy to contact.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes we have seen the outcome we were looking for.

What could they have done better?

we have built up a good working relationship and have effective communication.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

My old accountant was retiring.

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike gave me a fresh outlook to my record keeping, got me more organised than i have ever been for finances and made me understand certain tax implications for various aspects of my work i never knew existed!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My business is growing more than ever and having Mike and SW&P on board gives me confidence that they are working to my interests. More than happy.

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing! SW&P as a whole were fantastic from the initial phonecall to dealing with Mike on a one-to-one basis

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael is a very professional individual, who knows his product area well. His knowledge is extensive and his explanations were clear and concise. His whole service is a conducted in a very professional manner.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike is friendly and was very helpful while I was setting up my company offering advice not just on dealing with HMRC and tax returns but also on ways to better manage cash flow within the business.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike has helped with my self-assessment for a couple of tax years now and I have found him very easy to approach and to provide easy to digest explanations.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael's advice and guidance has been second to none, a true professional who is extremely knowledgable. I would highly recommend the services of SW&P and Michael to any business or individual.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

I know nothing about this side of the business and so was looking for someone local who could help me. Mike took all the stress away from me and the wife and told me exactly what needed doing and why. Charges were far more reasonable than anyone else i called. Cheers.

What could they have done better?

Honestly, nothing

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike's advice and guidance was invaluable when I set up my own engineering consultancy. Without him, it would have been difficult to navigate through the tax minefield. Since then, Mike has continued to provide an excellent service including tax returns and payroll.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

SW&P have been 1st class in helping me with my business. At a very reasonable price they have removed the stress regarding tax returns, accounts and legal requirements. They have far exceeded my expectations and continue to support my business with sound advice.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Michael & SW&P gave me solid advice and without them I would have found it difficult to organise my property finances and tax. Highly recommended.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Once again thank you for your friendly efficient services. You took the stress out of my accounts and saved me a packet! Chris

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike was extremely helpful and supportive in my 1st few months of setting up my own business. Mike explain things clearly and demonstrated his knowledge and experience from the word go, this allowed me to feel I was in safe hands and Mike would ensure one of the biggest worries of setting up your business became hassle free but more importantly easy to understand. - I look forward to many successful years ahead with Mike's on going support. Thanks Mike

What could they have done better?

/

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

I am looking to start up and contacted a number of accountants for support. SW&P are, by far, the best. I knew where I was with them and as a result trusted the company and their advice more. I've appreciated the straight-up, practical support which is helping me get to where I want to be.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to answer - the service and advice has been great.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Michael Sparrow helped you?

Mike made everything very clear right from the start. I was too wound up with corporate entities and tax issues, it had all become overwhelming! Mike spoke with plain English and laid everything out in front of me, gave me various options and put me in touch with the right people. Without SW&P, I would have continued to pay for professional services I didn't understand, didn't know about(!) or have much use for me or my business. Overall, i can't thank Mike and his team enough!

What could they have done better?

Honestly, nothing! A complete breath of fresh air compared to my previous advisors.

Michael's reply

Many thanks for your kind review Simon. We look forward to build upon our continued relationship and drive the company forward!