Recognized as the UK’s leading mid-sized business accounting firm, Sumer provides professional support to SMEs across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sumer is one of the UK’s top 15 accountancy firms and is committed to supporting SME businesses through local services backed by national expertise. Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through strategic acquisitions, now employing over 1,350 people across more than 40 offices and generating an annual turnover of over £135 million.
Sumer’s strategy focuses on acquiring leading regional practices that share its ethos, values and approach, forming regional hubs dedicated exclusively to the SME market. These hubs benefit from a broader range of customer services, technology and compliance support, funding for further acquisitions and hub colleague opportunities.
What was the inspiration behind Sumer?
After a fulfilling 26-year career at KPMG, I felt it was time for a new adventure beyond the structured environment of a Big Four firm. The Covid lockdowns sparked a personal reset and re-ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, resulting in me stepping down as Chief Operating Officer and founding Sumer in 2023.
The inspiration for Sumer was the UK’s thriving but often overlooked SME community. I identified a significant gap in the market and made Sumer’s mission to support SME businesses in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Our goal is to provide best-in-class accounting services to SMEs in their communities, supporting a diverse range of local businesses, from family farms to tech scale-ups. These companies are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often lack the support they deserve.
Who do you admire?
I have great admiration for regional accountants. Since leaving KPMG, I have appreciated the tremendous talent and commitment found in local and regional practices. These professionals are every bit as skilled as the Big Four, have in-depth knowledge of the mid-market, and strive to go the extra mile for clients of all sizes.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also admire professionals from diverse backgrounds who have achieved success, particularly in the accounting field. It’s not always easy to be your true self in this industry, as even well-meaning colleagues and customers can make conversations uncomfortable if they assume everyone is being honest. Attitudes are slowly changing, and I hope Sumer’s DE&I policies will help make the accounting sector more welcoming for everyone.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this journey and feel lucky to be surrounded by talented and hard-working colleagues. Although I made some mistakes, I don’t regret them as each one provided valuable learning experiences that strengthened our offering. If anything, I would take more time to celebrate our progress, as my impatience often drives me to push further.
What defines your way of doing business?
Sumer is a mid-market private equity-backed accounting firm dedicated to supporting SMEs across the UK. We have grown quickly and have set up eleven regional hubs in just 18 months, employing over 1,350 colleagues.
Our unique shared ownership model sets us apart in the accounting market. All management teams hold equity stakes in their respective hubs, ensuring they are incentivized to serve customers and grow their reputation and revenue. This reciprocity forms a strong foundation for the development of Sumer.
My business approach focuses on helping others achieve their best and aligning incentives toward that goal. I firmly believe that growth comes from doing the right thing by customers and colleagues and maintaining zero tolerance for bad behavior or practices.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Entrepreneurs often have courage, creativity and passion for their markets. My advice is to take lots of small risks — experiment, learn what works, and quickly discard what doesn’t. Adjust and repeat this process.
Managing a rapidly growing organization can quickly overwhelm even the most experienced employees. That’s why it’s important not to overexert yourself, otherwise you risk burnout and hinder the development of others. The distribution of leadership and responsibilities is far wiser.
Additionally, working closely with a trusted accounting firm is invaluable. Our clients often tell me that our support has given them the confidence to invest and grow.
Finally, be brave. Ventures that address unmet needs and provide colleagues with a true sense of purpose have a solid foundation for success.
