An Ennis based accountancy firm are celebrating 25 years in business, as they adapt to a more hands on role brought about by COVID-19.

Coote & Co Accountants was established by Declan Coote on Bindon Street, in 1995. The business moved to a more spacious premises on the Kilrush Road 15 years ago. In 2019, Declan passed the torch to his son Mark who returned from Australia, having spent eight years at a mid-tier firm handling billion-dollar clients on the stock exchange. The philosophy at the firm is to relieve any pressure felt by clients, allowing them to “do what they do best and continue making money.”

Mark admitted that COVID-19 has shifted the role of accountants from annual meetings to regular hands-on engagement. “We have really learned in these times that you can earn a client for life by standing by them,” he stated. Cootes have clients in every business area, and each are suffering in some way due to the pandemic, he stressed. This new role, which transcends the traditional requirements of the accountant, is that of an administrator of government supports. Mark conceded that since the pandemic began, letting them know which supports are available has been a top priority.

“We have sat down with our client lists on several occasions when new supports became available. Each of them received a letter. This new way of operating involves engaging more and having a visible presence at their premises. I have taken up a pseudo-CFO role with clients, attending board meeting regularly with them. Clients like that. When you are more active, you gain their trust,” he stated.

The family run business are looking forward to what the next 25 years has in store and Mark hopes that “it will not be as difficult for businesses as the past 18 months has been. There is light now at the end of the tunnel and we will all move forward positively.”