Andy Raynor, chief executive, Tenon Group Plc

One of the biggest turning points in my career was being admitted as a partner and being told 'Now p**s off and get your own clients!'

The most difficult question a client can ask is ‘What difference do you make?' If you can answer that, you know you're on your way. Most people will win if they work hard. Brilliant people still lose if they're lazy. Approached properly, the accounting profession is the fastest way to gain wide business knowledge and strategic skill. Realise that opportunity and use it.

Trends

Businesses must be prepared for fundamental and global influences: oil, war, US change, interest rates, house values. Wise people are already factoring these into plans.