Are their clients prepared to back the firm by providing specific testimonials and putting their names to them?

Are their clients happy to talk to prospective clients about the service they receive?

Are they happy to put you in touch with their clients?

Have they achieved any recognition for the level of service they provide by way of external awards?

How impressive is their client list? Have you heard of any of their clients? Are they people or businesses that you would be happy to be associated, and to do business with?

What is their strength in depth? Ask for details of the qualifications and experience of the senior people within the organisation.

Who will actually deal with your affairs? Ask how much time the person presenting to you will be available to work with you.

Do they have a client manager system geared around your requirements?

Do they have a system for Fixed Price Agreements which can build in Director/Partner support without charging by the hour?

Ask other professionals (Bankers and Lawyers) in your area how they rate them.

Are they part of an International and UK network to provide specialist advice in other countries, or on technical areas, as you need it?

Can they demonstrate the ability to meet exacting deadlines on audit work?

Can they show you some “war stories” or case studies that demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and experience that reassures you?

Have they got sufficient tax expertise to be voted the Best Tax Team in a Smaller Practice by the UK’s leading taxation publisher?

Are they an Investor in People? Does their team instil you with confidence that quality runs right through their organisation?

Are they people that you feel you want to do business with?