Accountancy firm makes new addition to top-rated app

A Devon accountancy firm with offices in Barnstaple and Holsworthy is building on the success of its first ever app by investing in three additional features designed to expand the app's appeal and help grow the number of downloads even further.

Simpkins Edwards launched its free app in April last year, since when it has had over 1770 downloads via Apple and Google Play stores and consistently appears near the top of search results for its category, outperforming other apps from the UK and internationally. After reviewing the app's strong performance, the chartered accountancy firm decided to expand its functionality, adding a business mileage counter, expenses log and important date reminder to the existing functions, which include tax calculators and a financial news feed.

Partner Adrian Hemmings, who was heavily involved in designing the additional functions along with the developers Crosby Associates, explained:

"We originally launched our app as a service to our clients, to help make their daily business and financial tasks easier. However, the popularity of the app has grown way beyond our client base, demonstrating the gap that existed in the market for a user-friendly app with features that people genuinely value in their businesses and day-to-day lives. It has proved fantastic brand exposure for us and we don't believe there are any other apps with comparable functionality from accountants in our region. Therefore, we're keen not to rest on our laurels and have made this latest investment to keep the app fresh and useful for existing users, as well as to appeal to new ones."

This latest investment comes as part of Simpkins Edwards' marketing strategy, which has a strong emphasis on online and digital platforms.

"In the past 12 months we have also developed a mobile version of our website, launched a Kindle version of our client newsletter and are actively stepping up our activities on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook," added Adrian. "Accountancy firms can sometimes have a stuffy image but we want to make sure we are moving not just with, but ahead of, the times; making information and services available to our clients in a variety of ways."

The latest version of the app is free to download and can be found at the Apple app store and the Google Play stores by searching for 'Simpkins Edwards'.