Not something you hear every day, I know, but I’ve spent over 26 years specialising in VAT, and I still get excited when a new case hits the courts or HMRC drop a new policy note (I know, I need a hobby... but here we are). I run a specialist VAT consultancy business based in Doncaster, but we advise clients across the UK (and beyond), usually brought in when things get a bit messy, however, I'm also called upon earley to assist clients to save thousands of pounds especially in the world of land and property, international VAT and the charity sector. 💷 💷 💷 What makes me a bit different? Well, not only am I friendly and approachable, I come from a funfair family 🎠 🎢 (literally, my first business lessons were learnt on the waltzers and I'm a dab hand at the space invaders 😂). That background taught me to speak in plain english, not tax gobbledygook, and I’ve built a reputation for making even the most complex VAT problems feel simple, structured and solvable. You’ll usually find me knee-deep in planning permissions, lease clauses, or restructuring a TOGC at 10pm on a Tuesday (voluntarily!), but what I really love is connecting with other professionals who care about doing the job right. I'm looking forward to learning from the brilliant people in this group, and happy to be a sounding board if you’re ever unsure whether you have a VAT problem or need VAT advice. See you in the comments 👋

Hi everyone, I’m Shaf 👋 An award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Serenity Business Systems. I believe the future of business belongs to those who embrace AI and automation and my mission is to make that future accessible to every SME today. I help entrepreneurs free their time, scale smarter, and transform the way they work by turning complex technology into simple, powerful solutions. Always excited to connect with forward-thinkers who want to be ahead of the curve 🚀

Hey guys, It’s great to see the community has more than doubled in the last week — welcome to all the new members. I’m genuinely excited about the energy and insights that fresh perspectives bring. That said, I want to be really clear about what this community is and isn’t. This isn’t a place for people who haven’t yet started their business journey. It isn’t a place for people just looking to sell, look for investors, self-promote, or collect contacts. This community is for serious business owners and investors who are looking to grow and scale... and who want to share, learn, and contribute along the way. If we start introducing the wrong people - forgive my bluntness, but those who are weak in mindset, only here to build their own network, or looking to take rather than give... then we dilute the value for everyone. That’s not what The Growth Syndicate is about. 👉 Please do recommend people. I want the right kind of growth here. I’m happy to keep the community free for now while I review who’s joining. But it isn’t about chasing numbers for the sake of it - it’s about quality. Also, a reminder of the community rules (image attached below): - No self-promotion - No selling - Respect people’s time - Keep the focus on education, inspiration, and motivation That’s the clarity and purity I want to protect in this space. I’m happy to discuss this if anyone wants to drop me a DM, or right here in the group. Mike

Every business hits sticking points - often it’s not about working harder, it’s about tackling the right obstacle first. If you had to choose just one that’s holding you back most right now, which would it be? Vote Below — and if you want, drop a comment on what you’ve already tried to fix it.

I hope you guys and gals have had a good day. This evening I have been putting the final touches (and the final final touches) to a presentation I'll be doing tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to a bunch of local business people. I don't do this nearly as often as I should, but I grabbed the opportunity of presenting to a live captive audience tomorrow, with the doors firmly bolded from the outside! I also have volunteered myself for an online presentation next Friday morning. Let's roll and see how it goes!