In 2024, according to a NatWest survey, 78 per cent of accounting firms cited recruitment and retention of talent as their primary concern.

HSBC and Accounting Age both reported a similar number (67 per cent) of accounting firms saw recruitment and retention as their number one priority.

In 2025, FreeAgent reported that 42 per cent of firms were turning away work due to staff shortages.

It’s fair to say that those firms who recruit and retain key staff better than others will be able to serve their clients better, support more businesses and generate more work within their local economies.

How FFT are different

It’s fair to say that, in many ways, we’re just like any other accounting firm.

We submit accounts, perform audits for businesses in Manchester, and our payroll experts help you pay your staff.

But one thing that really sets us apart is the continuity of staff and the fact that you could have the same adviser for decades.

Glen Jung is a great example of this.

He’s been working at our office in Manchester for 30 years – an incredible testament to both him and the firm.

“Glen’s been here longer than me by a long shot and 30 years working at one firm is almost unheard of nowadays. I remember when I started, I had just come from a major firm, and the turnover of staff was much higher.

“FFT on the other hand has such a solid basis of ongoing, stable staff members that they almost become a bedrock within the firm.

“Whenever I have VAT questions, Glen is always there to ask.”

         – Sam Bacall, Director

Glen trained at FFT after gaining his degree in Accounting and Finance and then continued with courses, exams and gaining knowledge and experience throughout his initial few years before qualification.

How had the accounting profession changed in the last 30 years?

Glen is our VAT expert but he’s a real all-rounder and has worked in several departments in the last three decades, getting a handle on multiple different disciplines including audit, accounts, tax compliance and business advisory.

In his own words:

“Over the years, everything has evolved. The practice itself (FFT) has changed a lot, and I’ve been exposed to really varied work when parachuting in to help departments.

“The fundamental part of my job – getting the work done to a high standard – hasn’t changed but accounting regulations and tax laws have continued to change over the years.”

Glen says that the way clients interact with accounting and what they expect from a firm has also evolved:

“Client meetings aren’t always in person anymore – they’re often on Teams – and I think Covid had a lot to do with that. However, I’m pleased to say that we do continue to meet with a lot of our clients at our office in Manchester.

“Government announcements are now sent almost instantly to our clients (rather than sending them over via letters or telling them when they next come into the office).”

Despite all of it, Glen has been a rock within FFT that has remained strong and stable throughout it all.

He’s the person we all go to when we need VAT advice and he’s often seen helping to train the newest recruits.

Thank you, Glen, from all the FFT team.

If you’re reading this and you want to speak to someone for VAT advice rather than just relying on Google (which didn’t exist when Glen started), why not reach out for a chat with Glen?

For VAT advice in Manchester, please click here.