Meet the team who take care of you
Our team
Karen Gascoigne, Founder
I bring the energy, drive and passion that will make a real difference to your business. You’ll also benefit from my 30+ years’ experience in customer service, management, business development and sales.
I started out in banking and health insurance, then estate agency management and eventually bookkeeping, VA and office management.
I recently managed the interior design and set up of a boutique hotel in the Caribbean, recruiting staff, setting up systems and then marketing and managing the hotel. Tough assignment, but somebody had to do it!
I returned to the UK in 2013 and put all these diverse experiences together to offer businesses the support they need. I like nothing more than helping others to be their best.
I’m a qualified bookkeeper with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
At weekends I enjoy watching my son playing sports, walking my dog and spending time with family and friends (with the odd gin thrown in!)
Emma, Office Manager
Emma is our expert at all things admin! If you need help with any administrative task in your business, whether its a one off, holiday cover or regular weekly or daily support, Em is your girl!
With experience in hospitality management, Emma knows the importance of looking after your customers.
If you need help with your incoming phone calls, divert them to Emma! She will take your call, organise your work load, and even chase your debtors!
Sharon, Account Manager
I have 30+ years of experience in administration and accounting - so there’s not much I haven’t seen. I have a thorough understanding of office and IT systems including Microsoft Office, Sage 50 Cloud Payroll, Xero Accounting and many other packages.
If you use something different, no problem. I’m adept at learning new software packages and systems. Detail is what I do. One of the challenges I overcame successfully was to work through the furlough scheme for more than 90 employees in the hospitality industry.
I love nothing more than solving accounting problems and complications – so bring them to me.
Laura, Account Manager
My background is in customer service and sales. I’ve worked in an accounts environment for over eight years dealing with sales and purchase ledgers.
I’m friendly and approachable and have an unrelenting eye for making sure everything balances to the penny!
I love solving problems. So if your books are a bit of a mess and need bringing up to date, I’m just the person you need. I know my way around many different software platforms including the Microsoft suite, Xero, Hubdoc & Sage 50.
Tracey, Office Administrator
I have many years’ experience within an office environment, both administration and finance. There isn’t much I haven’t done; Microsoft Office, Sage and Xero, I easily learn new software.
I can help you as your virtual assistant with emails, proof reading, audio and written transcription or anything else you can think of.
Credit control is my secret weapon – let me take control of your debtors.
I also enjoy a little dabble with bookkeeping & reconciliation. I’m always up for learning new things and nothing brings me more joy than seeing a neatly organised office system and a smiling owner enjoying time with their family!
Nicole, Account Manager
Nicole is an AAT qualified bookkeeper with 6 years office experience. She has trained with both Xero and Sage software and is a real microsoft whizz!
I love working with numbers and really enjoy learning new things. I am currently doing my advanced diploma in accounting. Keeping your books up to date and tidy is definitely my forte!
I relish a challenge, send your number problems my way and I will have them sorted in no time!
Lucinda, Account Manager
I have worked in accountancy and bookkeeping for 9 years and always love a good challenge of helping to sort client's books out.
I have a good understanding of of Microsoft Office and trained using Sage and Xero accounting.
Always keen to learn something new, I am currently studying to push my qualifications further.
Max
Meet our CSO Max! (Chief Snuggle Officer)
When he’s not snoozing on the sofa in the office, or chasing the birds around the garden, Max loves to give us a moment of fun! He makes sure we’re all working hard as he parades around our desks through out the day!
Max isn’t taking calls right now, but we can certainly pass on a message!
Blog and News
Budgeting is Like Planning a Holiday: How a Bookkeeper Can Help You Achieve Both
When you think about planning a holiday, you probably picture setting a budget, researching destinations, and making sure every detail is covered to ensure a
5 Ways to Prepare your Business for the Summer
As June rolls around, the anticipation of summer brings excitement for us at Solace but we also sense the touch of anxiety that business owners
What can my cash flow tell me about the overall health of my business?
If there’s one figure you know in your business, I expect it’s your bank balance. And it’s a pretty important one. But alone it doesn’t
