Social media pays off for CPA Associates

A NORTH West accountancy practice is attributing a surge in client numbers to harnessing social media.

Wigan-based CPA Associates has boosted its team and recently relocated after growing 50% in the last year.

The firm, which moved to the Wigan Investment Centre in May, says Facebook and Twitter, has helped it woo dozens of new clients and it now acts for nearly 200 businesses and individuals.

It says more than 90% of their major clients have come from relationships built up using social networking.

Founder Jim Carmichael-Prince said: “When we first decided to give social networking a try, I was slightly sceptical and concerned it would be a waste of time.

“However, we have experienced a fantastic year in business and this is mainly down to branching out in to the world of social media. We have now been able to establish fantastic relationships with clients that we previously would not have had access to, and now work with companies based as far away as Ireland.”

As a result of the increased workload, CPA has been able to offer former apprentice Hannah Louise Guest a job as practice manager.

Hannah joined CPA on placement in 2010 whilst studying for her degree in accountancy. Mr Carmichael-Price added: “I am a huge advocate of work experience and believe it is vital for students to gain industry experience and important for companies to offer it.

CPA’s Twitter identity is @NW_Accountant