Alexander Accountancy boss shares personal story during radio interview with Burton Chamber head

Alexander Accountancy chairman David Alexander has talked about his personal journey and the professional challenges he has overcome in a one-hour radio interview.

David spoke about his life and career when he appeared on Burton Radio on The Business Hour, the weekly show hosted by Richard Brooks, head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce.

Making his first broadcast appearance, David recounted his experiences growing up in the village of Hanbury, Staffordshire, in a house which he later came to buy and lives in today, through to the present day leading Alexander Accountancy.

The company founder told the audience about the adversity he has faced, including the impact of the loss of his father, who died when David was three years old.

He said: “As the youngest of four in a single parent family in the 1960s I was more likely to end up in prison than to run a business.”

David explained how he showed an early talent for maths and calculations before going on to study business studies and begin his career as a trainee accountant.

He told listeners about his experience working as a warehouseman before he returned to accountancy, as well as the ethics he has followed in his career.

He said: I’ve never been able to swing the lead and I have never understood why people do it.”

David discussed his efforts at running his own business in the 1980s, which led to the later success of Alexander Accountancy, now based in Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent.

David said networking had provided a breakthrough in his business development. He said: “I had been very insular and was trying to do things on my own. I was learning the hard way. Networking changed where I was.”

Today the firm provides services including tax planning, business advice, budgets and forecasting services, plus the preparation of company accounts. The team supports new start-ups through to established small enterprises looking to scale up.

David said Alexander Accountancy was based around a people-led approach instigated with managing director Wayne Penlington. David said: “Wayne and I have always wanted to help people and we have bottled that as being our culture.”

Outside of work, David talked about his passion for the outdoors and walking, as well as the circumstances that led him to complete the rare feat of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro three times. He also selected key songs from his life, including tracks by Pink Floyd, Toto and George Harrison.

Richard Brooks closed the interview by saying: “It has been an absolute pleasure speaking with you. I am sure we could do two or three more shows with you as you have a vast amount of experience both in life and work.”

Pictured from left to right: Richard Brooks and David Alexander