Sumer stands as the UK’s leading mid-market accountancy practice, offering professional support to SMEs across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Ranked among the top 15 UK accountancy firms, Sumer is on a mission to champion SME businesses through local delivery backed by national expertise. Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through strategic acquisitions, now boasting over 1,350 employees 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 exclusively dedicated to the SME market. These Hubs benefit from a broader range of client services, technological and compliance support, funding for further acquisitions, and opportunities for Hub colleagues.
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 reignited my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to step down as Chief Operating Officer and start Sumer in 2023.
The inspiration behind Sumer was the UK’s thriving yet often overlooked SME community. I identified a significant gap in the market and made it Sumer’s mission to champion SME businesses across England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Our goal is to provide top-quality accountancy services to SMEs within their communities, supporting a diverse range of local businesses from family-owned farms to tech scale-ups. These businesses are the backbone of Britain’s economy, yet they often lack the support they deserve.
Who do you admire?
I have great admiration for regional accountants. Since leaving KPMG, I’ve come to appreciate the immense talent and dedication found in local and regional practices. These professionals are every bit as skilled as those in the Big Four, possessing deep knowledge of the middle market and a commitment to going the extra mile for clients of all sizes.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I also admire professionals from diverse backgrounds who have succeeded, particularly in the accountancy sector. Being your true self in this industry isn’t always easy, as even well-meaning colleagues and clients can make conversations awkward by assuming everyone is straight. Attitudes are slowly changing, and I hope Sumer’s DE&I policies will help make the accountancy sector more welcoming for everyone.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this journey and feel fortunate to be surrounded by talented and hardworking colleagues. While I’ve made my share of mistakes, I don’t regret them, as each one has provided valuable learning experiences that have strengthened our proposition. If anything, I wish I took more time to celebrate our progress, as my impatience often drives me to keep pushing forward.
What defines your way of doing business?
Sumer is a private-equity-backed, mid-market accountancy practice dedicated to supporting SMEs across the UK. We’ve rapidly grown to establish eleven regional Hubs, employing over 1,350 colleagues in just 18 months.
Our unique shared ownership model sets us apart in the accountancy market. All management teams hold equity in their respective Hubs, ensuring they are incentivized to serve clients and grow their reputations and revenues. This mutuality provides a powerful foundation for Sumer’s development.
My business approach focuses on helping others be their best selves and aligning incentives with this goal. I firmly believe that growth comes from doing the right thing by clients and colleagues, maintaining zero tolerance for poor behavior or practices.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Entrepreneurs often possess bravery, creativity, and passion for their markets. My advice is to take many small risks—experiment, learn what works, and quickly discard what doesn’t. Adapt and repeat this process.
Running a fast-growing organization can quickly overwhelm even the most skilled individuals. Therefore, it’s essential not to spread yourself too thin, risking burnout and stifling others’ development. Distributing 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.
Lastly, be bold. Ventures that address unmet needs and provide colleagues with a true sense of purpose will have strong foundations for success.
Paul Jones
Harvard alumni and former New York Times journalist. Editor of Business Matters for over 15 years, the UKs largest business magazine. I am also head of Capital Business Media’s automotive division working for clients such as Red Bull Racing, Honda, Aston Martin and Infiniti.
