Sole Practice Club
This is an online peer support and development group for sole practitioner accountants
Because running a practice on your own can feel heavier than it should.
Even if you have staff, you’re still carrying every decision, every client issue and every doubt, mostly on your own.
The Sole Practice Club exists to give sole practitioners a place to think things through, with people who understand their world.
Introduction
The quieter challenges of running your sole practice
Most sole practitioners are capable and conscientious.
What wears them down isn’t a lack of technical knowledge. It’s carrying everything on their own.
Client issues. Pricing decisions. Time pressure.
That sense of “I should know this by now”.
When you’re the sole decision-maker, there’s rarely a safe place to talk these things through. So many accountants don’t. They just absorb the pressure and keep going.
The Sole Practice Club exists to change that.
It brings together experienced sole practitioners who recognise these challenges and value perspective, reassurance and thoughtful discussion.
You’ll be learning from your peers and from all I have absorbed over the years from hundreds of 1-2-1 mentoring sessions. This will save you so much time, effort and frustration.
Break free from isolation, gain invaluable insights, and embark on a transformative journey with the Sole Practice Club. Best of all our monthly meetings count towards your CPD targets even though we do not talk about technical issues. Your sole practice revolution starts here. Read on to learn more and seize the opportunity that awaits you.
Fraction of the cost
Unlike other mentoring groups that charge hundreds or thousands of pounds a month, my Sole Practice Club offers all the benefits of a mastermind group at a fraction of the cost.
You’ll find full details of all the benefits and membership terms further down this page – along with many ‘Frequently Asked Questions’. I aim to make things as simple, easy, welcoming and supportive as possible.
What members say about the club
Members never describe meetings of the Sole Practice Club as “training”.
They talk about:
feeling less isolated
realising others face the same issues
leaving sessions clearer than when they arrived
Many join unsure whether it’s for them.
Most stay far longer than they expected.
That, more than anything, reflects the value of the club.
Here are three examples of what longstanding members say:
This is a superb place to meet like-minded accountants who want to pool ideas and support each other. Mark creates a very relaxed environment without the pressure of hype or expectation
Really interesting to hear how other practitioners approach particular issues and Mark provides insightful anecdotes from his years of experience mentoring sole practitioners. I got some valuable ideas which I plan to tweak and implement in my practice.
The SPC provides a wonderful supportive arena where members can engage in open discussions of challenges and issues being experienced, with Mark facilitating with his portfolio of sectorial expertise. It is a hotbed of solutions and I have always left the sessions with at least one take-away nugget
The SPC provides a wonderful supportive arena where members can engage in open discussions of challenges and issues being experienced, with Mark facilitating with his portfolio of sectorial expertise. It is a hotbed of solutions and I have always left the sessions with at least one take-away nugget
Really interesting to hear how other practitioners approach particular issues and Mark provides insightful anecdotes from his years of experience mentoring sole practitioners. I got some valuable ideas which I plan to tweak and implement in my practice.
This is a superb place to meet like-minded accountants who want to pool ideas and support each other. Mark creates a very relaxed environment without the pressure of hype or expectation
Unsolicited video testimonial
Andy Downs from Balloon Accounting has given an honest review on linkedin about the Sole Practice Club; have a listen and if you would like to see the full post, click here.
What being a member gives you in practice
Being a member of the Sole Practice Club gives you something many sole practitioners lack.
A consistent place to step back.
Each month, you join a small group of accountants who understand the realities of running a practice on your own – even if you have some staff.
Conversations focus on what’s actually on your mind at the time, not a pre-set agenda.
Members often say the biggest benefit isn’t advice. It’s perspective.
The chance to talk things through, test assumptions, and feel more confident about the decisions you’re making.
Over time, that leads to:
clearer thinking
calmer decisions
fewer sleepless “what if” moments
more confidence to make changes that suit you
There’s no pressure to perform or impress.
No obligation to commit to actions.
And no expectation to chase growth unless you want to.
The club is priced to be accessible, with no long-term commitment.
If it doesn’t feel right, you can cancel at any time.
For most people, a short conversation is the best way to decide whether it’s a good fit.
Get in touch today so that you can start short-cutting the process of changing things for the better in your practice. Simply book a call so we can both check that this is right for you.
There’s no risk or long-term commitment as you can cancel at any time.
Is is right for you?
You are eligible to join the Club if you are the sole decision maker for your accountancy firm. This means no active Partners or Directors. You may operate your firm alone or be supported by staff, contractors and/or virtual assistants.
None of our members have big successful practices. Indeed, many were worried that they might not fit in – and then realised that they were with like-minded practitioners who made them feel very welcome.
The quieter challenges of running your practice alone
Overcome the struggles facing most sole practitioners. As the sole decision maker for your accounting firm, you’ve likely faced isolation, overwhelming workloads, and the constant pressure to run a successful practice. I understand your struggles here and so do all of the members of the Sole Practice Club.
Join our community of passionate sole practitioners who are ready to support you every step of the way. By becoming a member, you’ll gain access to a powerful network of professionals who share your journey and understand your challenges.
There’s no fixed agenda and no slide deck. The focus is always on helping members think things through and make choices and decisions they feel comfortable standing behind. Meetings adapt naturally as the profession, economy and competitive landscape change.
Across the course of each year we address all of the most common issues you face. The range of topics we have addressed includes:
Marketing and promoting your practice
Effectively pitching your services 1-2-1
Pricing your services – with more confidence
Increasing your fees
Onboarding new clients efficiently
Keeping clients happy
Managing your mental health and wellbeing
Resolving issues with problem clients
Encouraging the referrals you really want
Improving your practice profitability
Software options and choices
Getting and managing support for client work
Strategic planning for your practice
How to avoid the race to the bottom
What being a member gives you in practice
A consistent place to think things through
Monthly small-group meetings with other sole practitioners, where you can talk openly about what’s going well and what isn’t.Perspective from people who understand your reality
You’ll hear how others handle similar situations, which often brings immediate reassurance or fresh ideas.Continuity, even when you can’t attend live
Recordings of meetings mean you can catch up without feeling you’ve missed out.Access to experience, without formality or pressure
You can draw on my experience during meetings and in between, as issues arise.Practical prompts and reflections
Notes and guides that capture key themes from discussions, rather than generic training materials.Gentle accountability, on your terms
An option to share what you plan to do next, and to reflect on progress later, without obligation.Ongoing connection between meetings
Private WhatsApp and Facebook groups to continue conversations and share experiences as they arise.
Extras
- Potential leads via complimentary listing as a tax ACCOUNTANT on Tax Advice Network website during your period of membership of the Club. (Normally £120 pa)
- Weekly tax tips published by the Tax Advice Network for general practice accountants
- Discounted ad-hoc 1-2-1 strategy and mentoring calls with me (saving hundreds of pounds a year)
- Discounted places at any supplementary webinars you attend where I address key issues in more detail (typically saving at least £250 pa)
Membership details
Membership and Practical Details
Membership is deliberately priced to be accessible to sole practitioners. This is why it’s so much less than other mentoring groups that charge anything from £250 – £1,000 a month.
There’s no long-term contract and no pressure to stay if it’s not right for you.
Monthly online meetings count towards your CPD, even though discussions focus on the realities of running a practice rather than technical updates.
This isn’t a high-intensity mastermind.
It’s steady, ongoing support that members return to because it helps.
If you’re curious, the best next step is a short, informal conversation to see whether the club is a good fit and, if we both think it is, you can attend the next meeting without charge, as my guest.
Monthly subs are just £129 (no VAT) and online Club meetings typically take place in the morning of the 2nd Thursday of each month. There is no long-term commitment but most members stay for years.
- Group 1 meets 8.30 -10.00am (only 5 places remain available as at the end of July 2026)
- Group 2 meets 11am -12.30pm (only 2 places remain available as at the end of July 2026)
Running your sole practice doesn’t mean you should carry everything on your own.
The Sole Practice Club offers a quieter space to reflect, talk things through and gain perspective with people who understand your world.
If that feels like something you’d value, please check the FAQs below and/or let’s have a brief conversation and see whether it makes sense for you while there are still spaces. There’ll be no pressure, just an opportunity for us both to be sure you’ll fit in and benefit. Click here to arrange a call
Frequently asked questions
How many sole practitioners will be on each zoom call?
There will generally be something between 6 and 14. Membership of each group is capped at 20.
Can I switch between groups?
Will I fit in?
You will fit in if you share the same key characteristics as most members of the Sole Practice Club:
- Are you a sole practitioner running your own ambitious general accountancy practice?
- Have you been in practice either now or during the course of your career for at least 2 years?
- Do you have an open-minded approach to problem solving – for yourself and others?
- Are you keen to avoid reinventing the wheel, to benefit from the synergy of the group and to learn from your peers?
- Are you willing to give as well as to receive help, ideas and support?
- Are you prepared to make a modest monthly investment in the development of your practice?
If you answered ‘yes’ to those questions, you should fit it fine.
Who Is this NOT for?
- You want to be cajoled and chased to do stuff between meetings like a naughty school kid
- You are looking for a quick-fix ‘magic’ solution to solve your issues
- You expect to get seminars or a lectures. These are available quite separately to the monthly Zoom meetings
- You want to be part of a technical discussion forum. Our discussions focus on practical and commercial issues rather than technical topics.
- You want to pay hundreds of pounds a month for mastermind group support
- You are a show off or have a big ego and want to show how wonderful you are
- You aren’t willing to have your camera on during our online meetings
- You want to be held to account and embarrassed if you don’t manage to make progress between meetings
NONE of the above is on offer through the Sole Practice Club 😉
Can I attend one meeting and see how it goes?
Of course you can. Please let me know if you are interested and I’ll confirm when the next guest spot is available.
Can I keep my camera off during meetings?
Is there a WhatsApp group for Club Members?
Yes. Whilst I’m not a fan of busy WhatsApp groups, experiene has shown that members use our respectfully and it’s a great way to keep in touch between meetings.
What if I don’t want to engage in the Club’s Facebook group?
Can I see the Membership Agreement before applying to join the Club?
Of course. It’s here
What’s in it for me (as an accountant)?
I’m sorry if I haven’t adequately spelled this out already. Here are some of the reasons accountants have previously told me they renewed their membership or wanted to join my groups:
- Learn from others what they are doing better than you
- Avoid reinventing the wheel
- Focus on building the practice rather than just servicing clients
- Gain a greater commitment to achieving my goals
- Learn new ideas I can adapt and implement to suit me, my practice and my clients
- Confirm that you are not the only one going through the decision journeys that you encounter
- Hear about and discuss the problems facing other sole practitioners
- Overcome the isolation of working alone
- Bounce ideas around with fellow sole practitioners
- Learn how others have overcome the same challenges that you face
- Gain from regular interaction with a peer group
How do I know the meetings will address my issues?
It is invariably the case that the ideas and solutions being sought by one member of the Sole Practice Club inspire other members too.
Whilst every sole practitioner is unique and special, I rarely come across anyone whose issues, challenges or problems are not shared by others. If that does happen then we can arrange a 1-2-1 to address your very specific issues.
When you join up we ask you to identify any key issues you hope the Club will help you to address. We sometimes return to discuss topics that have been addressed previously. New members always add a new perspective.
What if someone tries to dominate the discussion?
How can I be sure I will get value from this?
My approach, enthusiasm and reputation mean that I make every effort to ensure that everyone gains maximum value from each session. I am skilled in running such meetings (on and offline), keeping them to time, helping to draw out the key learnings to everyone’s benefit and never taking myself too seriously.
Experience with similar groups has proved that the more a member of a group, like the Sole Practice Club, is prepared to contribute and to share their ideas and solutions, the more fellow members will want to help them. This supports the old idea of ‘givers gain’ or ‘you scratch my back…’
You can also rely on my money-back guarantee (as outlined above). Essentially, if you don’t feel that membership is beneficial you can have a full refund of your subs if you ask for this within 3 months of joining the Club. The only caveat to this guarantee is that you must have taken the opportunity seriously and attended at least 2 meetings.
I offered this same guarantee to members of The Inner Circle and during the five years it ran not one person requested a refund.
What is the overall purpose of the Sole Practice Club?
This is why we ask about your key challenges at the outset. And also why we suggest that if you are already as successful as you want to be then it’s not for you.
What if I cannot attend a meeting?
Where did the idea for the Sole Practice Club come from?
What is a ‘mastermind’ group?
There are many variations. Essentially they involve like-minded participants sharing their ideas – so that the group benefits from the ‘mastermind’ that is created. Many variations of such groups exist for entrepreneurs and business owners. This is NOT a class, group coaching, or networking group.
Some accountants run mastermind groups for their clients. After attending Mark’s Sole Practice Club you may choose to establish a similar group for your clients.
Why should I trust you?
Do check me out online – through the About Mark page on this website, on Linkedin where I have c13,600 followers (mostly from the UK accounting profession), on AccountingWEB where I wrote over 200 articles with more than one million views, or even just google me.
Most accountants who join the Sole Practice Club seem to already know me or know of me. I cherish my integrity, professional approach and passion to help sole practitioner accountants. Regular feedback from those I have worked with and those who read my articles, blogs and comments is invariably positive and grateful.
Membership Terms
As a member of the Sole Practice Club you would also need to agree to the following key principles which form part of the Membership Agreement:
- Share ideas, issues, challenges and solutions in an open and constructive way
- Respect fellow members’ views
- Keep confidential everything you hear about other practices – adopting the principles of the Chatham House Rule
- Help keep the club independent and free from bias
- Contribute ideas and suggestions to enhance the value members derive from membership of the club
- Accept that, whilst I will run the Club for the benefit of all, it’s my club and my rules 😉
The terms of the agreement are essentially ‘small print’ standard terms and conditions to protect members and enshrine my right to expel anyone who disrupts the Club. This is a necessary precaution I have been advised to adopt even though I would not expect to ever have to do this. (I never have before!)
The Sole Practice Club Membership Agreement
Your membership of the Mark Lee’s Sole Practice Club is subject to the terms of this agreement which we have attempted to keep as simple as possible.
Past experience suggests that we can trust accountants who belong to Mark’s groups without needing to obtain signatures to evidence this. However you will be reminded of this agreement should the need arise. If you have any problems with these terms you must notify Mark without any delay.
This AGREEMENT is made
BETWEEN
(A) Each sole practitioner joining the Sole Practice Club and (B) Mark Lee whose business name is BookMarkLee
Definitions
In this Agreement:
“Member” means both the sole practitioner and their practice (if this is a distinct legal entity)
“Membership Fee” means the lump sum or monthly payments due by reference to this agreement.
“Club” means the Sole Practice Club run by Mark Lee
“Primary Membership Period” means ONE month
“Start date” means the first date on which the Membership Fee or subscription is paid.
“We”, “Our”, “Us” each refer to Mark Lee and his authorised representatives
Basis of Agreement
Mark undertakes to provide the services set out in Appendix A and the Member agrees that their participation in the Club shall be governed by the Terms of Business set out in Appendix B.
Before applying to become a member please ensure you are willing to abide by the following key principles which form part of the Membership Agreement:
Membership Trust Principles
Members agree to:
– Share ideas, issues, challenges and solutions in an open and constructive way
– Respect fellow members’ views
– Keep confidential everything you hear about other practices – adopting the principles of the Chatham House Rule
– Help keep the club independent and free from bias
– Contribute ideas and suggestions to enhance the value members derive from membership of the Club
Confidentiality Undertakings
We undertake to respect the confidentiality of all Members and to be bound by the Chatham House Rule*.
The Member undertakes that they will:
– protect the confidential nature of discussions between members of the Club whether online during Club meetings or otherwise in accordance with the Chatham House Rule*.
– not disclose any of the financial terms of this or any supplementary Agreement between the parties to any person outside of the Member’s firm.
Breach of these confidentiality undertakings by the Member, unless required by law or a professional body, may result in the Member’s exclusion from the Club without refund.
*The Chatham House Rule means that any reference to discussions at the meetings must be unattributed and the specific attendees should not be disclosed.
Money Back Guarantee
We undertake to promptly refund all sums paid under this Agreement if requested to do so by the Member after 3 months membership, if they notify us that they do not feel they have benefitted from their membership of the Club and request such a refund.
The only caveat to this guarantee is that the Member must have taken the opportunity seriously and attended at least 2 meetings of the Club.
APPENDIX A
We will provide the following services to Members to ensure they can gain maximum benefit and value from their membership of the Club:
Arrange and notify Members in good time of the details of monthly online meetings for their group of Club members
Organise and facilitate the discussion at such meetings so as to ensure Members can gain maximum benefit
Set up and moderate an online discussion forum for members of the Club to use to communicate with each other and with Mark in between meetings.
Further services and benefits may be provided from time to time to enhance the value of membership of the Club.
For the avoidance of doubt there is only one Club regardless of how many groups there may be – to allow for differing time preferences and also to keep each meeting to a manageable number to ensure maximum benefit to each member.
APPENDIX B – This is the heavier legal bit….
1. Membership
1.1 The Member’s participation in the Club shall commence on the Start Date and shall continue until the end of the Primary Membership Period.
1.2 Throughout the Membership Period the Member may attend each of the meetings referenced in Appendix A. This right will be curtailed in the event that payment of the Membership Fee is outstanding.
2. Mutual Rights
2.1 The Member has the right to to renew their Membership but will not be obliged to do so.
2.2 We reserve the right to:
2.2.1. Vary the terms and conditions of this Agreement within reason by giving one month’s notice in writing of the variation.
2.2.2. Postpone or reschedule, or vary the scope or content of, any meetings, reviews, documents or materials scheduled or proposed in connection with the Club without prior notice.
2.2.3. Exclude from future meetings any Members who are a disruptive influence and who we consider to be failing to behave in an acceptable manner during or between meetings of the Club.
2.3 Mark Lee retains all intellectual property rights (including, in particular, copyright) in all documents and other written materials, which are provided to the Member in connection with their membership of the Club. The Member agrees not to do or permit any act which would or might infringe Mark Lee’s rights in, and to keep in strict confidence and not to copy or disclose to any third party without Mark Lee’s prior written consent, any such document or other written materials or the contents of them.
2.4 In the event of a breach of any of the terms of this Agreement by the Member we have the right to terminate this Agreement in which event the Member has no right to any refund of the unexpired portion of the Membership Fee.
2.5 The Member acknowledges that, except where expressly agreed by Mark Lee, none of the meetings, reviews, documents or materials conducted or prepared in connection with the Club will be conducted or prepared specifically for the Member.
2.6 Except where so agreed, the Member shall not rely upon or otherwise act in accordance with any information or advice (in whatever form) derived from their Membership without first seeking advice in relation to the Member’s specific requirements.
3. Liability
3.1 Mark Lee shall not be liable for any loss or damage (whether arising in contract, tort including negligence or otherwise) incurred by the Member acting in reliance upon or in accordance with any information or advice derived from their Membership of the Club.
3.2 Without prejudice, Mark Lee’s liability to the Member for any loss or damage (whether arising in contract, tort including negligence or otherwise) incurred by the Member acting in reliance upon or in accordance with any information or advice (in whatever form) provided in connection with their Membership of the Club shall be limited to the quantum of the annual value of the Membership Fee. Mark Lee shall not be liable under any circumstances for any loss or damage, which is indirect or consequential.
4. Agreement Renewal
4.1 We will normally, but are not obliged to, invite the Member to renew this Agreement for a further term. Subsequent renewals will also be optional for both parties.
5. Mediation
5.1 If a dispute arises out of this Agreement, the parties will attempt to resolve this in good faith.
5.2 If the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation in good faith, the parties will seek to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure. The fees for the mediation will be borne equally by the parties.
6. Agreement and Law
6.1 The Member shall not assign or delegate or otherwise deal with any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the express agreement of Mark Lee, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.
6.2 This Agreement contains the entire statement of terms of the Member’s participation in the Club and, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and any website, promotional materials or other document in connection with the Club, this Agreement shall prevail.
6.3 The Member shall not comment publicly, via any form of social media or issue any information or statement that could be interpreted as critical of Mark Lee or the Club (or any part of it). Breach of this clause can lead, at Our absolute discretion, to the termination of this agreement with no obligation to refund any membership fees paid by the Member.
6.4 This Agreement is governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law and any claims and disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.
6.5 If any provision of this Agreement is found to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law, such provision shall, insofar as it is severable from the remaining provisions, be deemed omitted from this Agreement and shall in no way affect the legality, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions.
7. Third Party Rights
7.1 A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no rights under the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any terms of this Agreement, but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from that Act.
Last updated: 20 August 2022