A Monmouthshire man has started a bookkeeping business after completing voluntary bookkeeping for his local Royal British Legion, and courses at a specialist UK-wide e-learning college focusing exclusively on bookkeeping and accounting. In less than two months, Choice Bookkeeping has seven signed-up clients on its books.

Mark Williams, 38, from Raglan, was looking for a change in his life, and found that he enjoyed volunteering with his local legion branch. Last year he joined 2000 other students at long-established online college Ideal Schools – studying to become a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.

Mr Williams started the learning process in March 2016, and has already passed the ICB’s Level 2 & 3 exams, started his business, and is currently sitting the ICB’s Self-Assessment, Payroll, and Level 4 courses to round out his skills.

Choice Bookkeeping started in December and has a wide range of clients, from not-for-profit organisations, limited companies, and sole traders, all from the local area.

Mr Williams said: “It’s been a very fast uptake. I built the website myself, and started a social media presence, and clients have been coming to me from all across the Monmouth area.

“I chose Ideal Schools to start my journey because they were the best I had found online. I tried another few online colleges, and they were all high-pressure, pushy, and trying to talk me into signing up to finance agreements.

“I called Ideal Schools, and spoke to Brian McVean, one of its leading tutors and he focused on what I wanted to learn, and how he could help me. From then, I knew they were the college for me. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone.

“They provided clear, easy to follow materials, help and support at any time, even at the weekend, and all my assessments were marked in less than 24 hours. By far the best I’ve come across.”