In 1954, my father Lyal Richardson with the support of his wife Betty established an accounting practice in Maddington Western Australia. I worked in the practice undertaking clerical work from a young age, then in the capacity as an assistant accountant while undertaking business degree studies at Curtin University. On completion of my degree I worked with my father developing an extremely successful accounting practice, taking on more responsibility while my father undertook civic duties as they Mayor of Gosnells from 1983 to 1989. In 1987 I became the principal of Richardson & Associates Pty Ltd working with over 3,000 small businesses in the preparation of annual tax and accounting work.
During the 1980’s and 1990’s I expanded my business interests to include factoring, finance, financial planning, exporting and pursued my interest in the hospitality industry through financial and management interests in 7 hotels and motels.
By 1998, I had become frustrated with the “bean counter” mentality pervading the accounting industry. Business was changing, electronic technology, greater competition, rapidly changing markets. Restructuring in the banking industry, meant my business clients were facing greater business challenges with less support from their traditional advisors – their accountants and bank managers. I perceived my business clients needed more – better service, more of my time, improved systems and procedures, to survive and grow they needed to improve their business management skills.
From these frustrations and my keen interest in business, I developed the concept of a business and marketing consulting business helping build dream businesses and providing a high degree of service and business/marketing management expertise. The seed was planted and in 1999 I stepped quite firmly outside the square and established ibalance. |
