In this episode of Leaders with Ambition, Nicky welcomes Martin Brennan, Founder of Onside Accounting and ACCA Global Council Member, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, remote working, and giving back.
Growing up in Blackpool, one of the UK's most disadvantaged communities, Martin's journey is anything but conventional. From being encouraged by a school teacher to pursue accountancy, to taking a significant pay cut to start an accounting apprenticeship, to eventually founding his own successful accounting and tax firm during the pandemic, Martin shares the lessons, challenges and opportunities that shaped his career.
Together, Nicky and Martin discuss:
✅ Growing up in Blackpool and overcoming barriers to success
✅ Building a successful business during COVID-19
✅ Creating a thriving remote-first company culture
✅ Leadership, trust and employee engagement in distributed teams
✅ The realities of entrepreneurship and starting your own firm
✅ The impact of private equity on professional services firms
✅ AI and the future of accounting and professional services
✅ Networking, personal branding and career growth
✅ Supporting disadvantaged communities and paying success forward
✅ Why purpose and values matter more than ever in the workplace
Martin also shares practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, insights into scaling a business, and his vision for the future of the accounting profession.
If you're interested in leadership, business growth, entrepreneurship, remote work, accounting, or professional services, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
🎧 Listen now and discover how ambition, consistency, and a commitment to people can create extraordinary results.
Chapters
00:00 Intro Highlights
01:13 Welcome & Martin Brennan Introduction
03:33 From Blackpool to Accountancy
04:38 First Exposure to Private Equity
08:30 Moving to London & Career Growth
09:32 Why Tech Startups Changed Everything
10:20 Launching Onside During COVID
12:11 Starting a Business Without Fear
13:28 Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs
14:39 The Power of Networking
16:43 Building a Network & Winning Clients
19:24 Creating a Remote-First Culture
24:44 Founder Wellbeing & Avoiding Burnout
27:12 Protecting Employee Wellbeing
28:36 Private Equity's Impact on Professional Services
32:28 AI, Technology & the Future of Accounting
34:07 The Talent Shortage in Accountancy
36:30 Why the Tax Environment is Tough for Entrepreneurs
38:41 Giving Back & Supporting Disadvantaged Communities
40:14 Purpose, Charity & Company Values
42:45 What's Next for Onside?
45:49 Closing Thoughts
Looking to advance your career or grow your team? Ambition is a leading international recruitment agency specialising in professional services. Learn more at www.ambition.co.uk
