Here at The Affinity Group we strive to not only encourage our colleagues to achieve their professional goals, but also their personal ones. And this September we’re so proud to announce that some of our Affinity Team will be ticking one of their goals off their bucket lists, by tackling the world famous Three Peak’s Challenge! The Challenge On September 3rd we’ll be sending some of our best and brightest to complete the National Three Peaks Challenge in only 24 hours, all in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. Starting off at the base of Ben Nevis in Scotland, then onto [...]

You may have noticed something different about us - we’ve got a new look and name! Formally known as The SG Professional Services Group, we’re now called The Affinity Group, but fear not, we’re still run by the same exceptional team that manages our five brands – SG Accounting, SG Umbrella, Aardvark Accounting, Taxevo and Vantage Accounting. Our focus hasn’t changed, we’re still championing the accounting needs of individuals, small businesses, and the flexible workforce. The story behind our new name We feel that the name ‘Affinity’ perfectly reflects who we are, our beliefs, and the direction we’re moving in [...]

Why do we have the paradox that instead of improving agility and cohesion, ‘enabling’ more flexible working patterns, the opposite can be the case with IT investment? Instead of better information flow, for example, access to relevant data is more complex, while any expected reduction in the operational costs of the business fail to materialise. The implications are increased vulnerability, as well as an impact on effectiveness, an increased difficulty in remaining competitive and being on the same wavelength as their customers. For a report being researched and written by DECISION magazine for HB Tech, companies consider what they need to address if IT is to deliver key objectives. This [...]

SG Professional Services Group has completed on the part acquisition of Christchurch Accountants LLP. A chartered accountancy and business adviser based in Christchurch, Dorset, they pride themselves in 'making complicated numbers make sense', along with a commitment to client satisfaction. Providing a full range of accountancy and bookkeeping services to both businesses and individuals, working with business start-ups, sole traders, freelancers and SME's, to owner-managed businesses, partnerships, and larger international companies, across a range of industry sectors. They ensure your business is fully up to date and compliant in financial matters, and working in the most tax efficient way possible [...]

SG Professional Services Group has completed on the acquisition of Certax Limited, an accounting practice based in Winchester, Hampshire. Run by Dave Etherington FAIA for the past 10 years, he's specialised in servicing the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, by offering a full range of accountancy and taxation services to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Working closely with local businesses, he provides a professional yet personal service that's tailored to meet each and every client's individual needs. Dave's clients will now be looked after within our Vantage Accounting brand, with Dave joining the Vantage team. Daniel Mepham, Managing [...]

In this exclusive interview with Dan Mepham, MD of SG Accounting, we hear from the front-line how their contractors have coped with the triple whammy of Brexit, the Pandemic and IR35 and discover that the market is now back on the up for many. Q) How has the contract market weathered the recent storms? After having the off payroll reforms hanging over us like the sword of Damocles I think most in the contractor market were just saying “let’s just get it over with now”. I’m sure many firms put things on hold on the basis they couldn’t really predict the outcome post [...]

We are delighted to announce that our small business accounting brand Stilwell Gray has been rebranded as Vantage Accounting as of September 21st 2020. Launched in 1995, Stilwell Gray has since grown to a firm with offices in Winchester, Totton and Ringwood, providing services to a variety of businesses nationwide. After 25 years, it is time to retire the name ‘Stilwell Gray’ and replace it with a brand that reflects the times we live and the company values of being Proactive, Knowledgeable and Reliable. Part of the SG Professional Services Group, Vantage Accounting sits alongside SG Accounting, SG Umbrella, Aardvark [...]

Each year The Contracting Awards recognise the top contractor suppliers in the UK, and award those who provide exceptional services to the contracting community. SG are incredibly proud to announce that all four of our contracting brands have been named as finalists in this year’s awards. Who’s been nominated and for which awards? Best Contractor Accountancy (under 1,000 clients): Taxevo and Aardvark Best Contractor Accountancy (1,000 – 2,499 clients): SG Accounting Best Umbrella Company (under 1,499 clients): SG Umbrella   When will the results be announced? Due to this year’s COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s awards will be virtually held on [...]