Anna Barwick had it all worked out.

The former co-owner of Hyphose Limited was not ready to retire after the sale of the business to R&G Acquisitions Limited.

So Anna, pictured left, who was then 55 and previously the company’s Finance Director, decided to start her own accountancy and bookkeeping business.

That was 2018 and the plan was simple.

AC Barwick Bookkeeping & Accountancy Services – ACBBAS Limited – would offer a highly personalised service to a small number of clients.

But then word spread about Anna’s business.

And the client list grew and grew.

Anna, who is qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, said: “My intention was to look after a few clients, really adding value.

“I especially wanted to work closely with small businesses and start-ups that I felt could benefit from personal attention and my experience in business.

“But clients started recommending my services and the numbers started to grow.

“It was a lovely position to be in but I started worrying about moving away from the very thing I set out to do in the first place.”

The solution was close to home.

In fact, Anna’s daughter, Karen.

The 39-year-old, a management accountant working in industry, had already expressed interest in joining ACBBAS when the time was right.

In the event, a relocation by Karen’s company came just as Anna was reaching capacity.

Anna said: “In many respects, it was fantastic timing.

“Karen took redundancy from her company and then joined me last August as a Director

“She now provides day to day support for our clients using Xero and other accounting software packages.”

Meanwhile ACBBAS continued to grow, adding clients by the month, mainly through recommendation.

Anna’s grandson, Jack, now 17, was choosing his future career and was interested in accountancy.

Anna said: “We were discussing things and it gradually became apparent that Jack should train with us and Bournemouth & Poole College.

“He’s a very good people person.

“We asked him how he would feel about working with his old nan and mum.

“Jack said he’d love to and joined us in September.

“He’s doing the AAT accounting apprenticeship and will do the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) after that.

“Jack does one day a week at Bournemouth & Poole College on day release and it’s working very well.”

ACBBAS, which is based in the Arena Business Centre in Nimrod Way, Ferndown, now has more than 150 clients.

They range from retired couples with property portfolios through to companies with a £5m turnover.

Services include accountancy, computerised accounts and mentoring.

So how do the three generations get on working together?

Anna said: “We’re all easy-going people and get on very well.

“We’re happy and our clients are happy.

“I’m very proud of the business and Karen and Jack.

“And if I ever do retire then I won’t need to look far now for my successor.”

• annabarwick.co.uk