Goalball UK and Northern Accountants 
Celebrate a Year in Partnership

Northern Accountants and GoalBall partnership

Over the last 12 months, Northern Accountants has stepped forward to support the UK’s leading charity supporting blind and partially sighted people to play goalball, Goalball UK.

This partnership not only amplifies Goalball UK’s mission to transform lives through sport but also sets a precedent for how businesses can contribute meaningfully to societal well-being.

Northern Accountants, renowned for their expertise and integrity in the financial world, have taken a remarkable step by backing the UK’s National Governing Body for goalball. This strategic support allows the charity to concentrate more effectively on its core mission: to enhance the quality of life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted through the exhilarating sport of goalball.

“By joining forces with Northern Accountants, we can focus even more on our vital work, ensuring that every individual who plays goalball can lead a more fulfilling and independent life,” said Mark Winder, CEO of Goalball UK. 

“Northern Accountants’ commitment to our cause is a shining example of how corporate entities can genuinely make a difference in the community” added Mark.

Phil Ellerby, the owner of Northern Accountants, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “It’s more than just a responsibility; it’s our privilege to support such an impactful charity. We believe in creating a positive social impact, and this collaboration with the goalball community is a testament to our commitment to giving back to society. It’s about making a real difference where it counts.”

As a charity Goalball UK recognises the importance of robust financial management. Northern Accountants’ support extends beyond financial contributions, offering expertise in financial planning and management, thereby ensuring that the charity’s resources are maximized for the greatest impact.

“I’ve seen first-hand how our support can transform lives, and it’s incredibly rewarding,” noted Phil. “We’re not just accountants; we’re part of a larger community, and we’re committed to contributing to its well-being.”

Echoing Phil’s sentiments, Mark added, “The expertise and support from Northern Accountants empower us to navigate financial complexities with confidence. This partnership is a cornerstone of our success and enables us to help people play more goalball”

As Goalball UK and Northern Accountants continue to build on their partnership, the future looks brighter for individuals playing goalball in the UK. Through the unifying power of sport and the commitment of corporate allies, Goalball UK is set to create more opportunities and celebrate the achievements of the blind and partially sighted community.

For more information about Goalball UK and how you can support their mission, visit their website to learn more. To learn more about Northern Accountants and their services, check out their working with us’ page.

Five minutes with Ricky

First job, worst job, dream job?
First official job - working in Hull’s fruit market (Humber Street) in the morning and then selling the goods in the shop during the day (Superveg)
Worst job - I have not had a bad job, really, but working in Kwik Save stacking shelves in the PET aisle was grim - as I don’t like PETS
Dream job - Professional golfer, but only in the sunshine

What do you hate about your job?
Taking calls on the budget each year before the speech has even finished

How would you explain your job to a 10-year-old?
I help people in business sort their money out so they have enough to spend on their 10 year olds!

What do you order at the bar?
Anything alcoholic - normally a pint of premium lager or red wine - none of the weak stuff

Which person would you most like to meet and why?
Either Tiger Woods or Sir Alex Ferguson - two sporting legends

Dogs or cats?
Neither - I don’t like PETS - see worst job above (although I have started like some breed of dogs)

Coffee or tea?
Coffee in the mornings but I like both

What music do you like – artists or genre?
All genre’s but indie music is my go-to.
Artists - Oasis, Phonics, Gerry Cinnaman etc., and Rod Stewart and Freddie M

Favourite film or boxset?
A Few Good Men - FILM
Suits - Boxset

Who's your team? What's your sport?
To support - Man Utd - Football
Play - Golf

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have that people wouldn’t expect?
Skill - I can make a bra from napkins or a large tea-towel

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Don’t eat yellow snow

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Do you, it’s fine - not what others want you to do or be

If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be?
Happy
Joker
Stubborn
Sarcastic
Annoying/nightmare (on social nights out - apparently)

Five minutes with Mark

First job, worst job, dream job?
First Job - Working as a pot wash in a pub
Worst Job - Never had a bad one
Dream Job -

What do you hate about your job?
The amount of time spent on hold with HMRC and how they often make changes without consulting on the actual impact on taxpayers

How would you explain your job to a 10-year-old?
I help people achieve their dreams

What do you order at the bar?
Pint of Guinness

Which person most like to meet and why?
Tiger Woods - great stories but to understand what it takes to be that much better than everyone else for such a sustained period of time

Dogs or cats?
Grew up with cats but would rather have a dog!

Coffee or tea?
Black Coffee

What music do you like – artists or genre?
Everything and Anything, from Taylor Swift to Foo Fighters to NWA and everything in between

Favourite film or boxset?
Fight Club

Who's your team? What's your sport?
Always been football and Newcastle United

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have that people wouldn’t expect?
Really got into building Lego recently - running out of space to store/display it!

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Authenticity sells - be yourself.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Nothing ever matters as much as you convince yourself it does.

If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be?
Supportive, Sarcastic, Driven, Problem-Solver and Insane

Five minutes with Colin

First job, worst job, dream job?
Holiday work in my dad’s accountants - haven't escaped from the industry since
Still in the accountancy but had a horrible boss.
Ski/Snowboard instructor

What do you hate about your job?
Chasing clients for information which is needed to get the right solutions for them.

How would you explain your job to an 10-year-old?
Helping owners of businesses earn more money so they can spend it on the things they want to spend them on.

What do you order at the bar?
Beer (mostly a Guinness), Rum and Coke (got to be Kraken) or a cheeky Tequila if that's where the night's heading

Which person most like to meet and why?
Michael Jordan - Find out what its like/take to be the GOAT of a sport.

Dogs or cats?
Have both but got to say definitely Dogs

Coffee or tea?
Coffee in the morning & tea in the afternoon

What music do you like – artists or genre?
Listen to pretty much everything - one minute Luke Combs, next Elton John, then some Five
Favourite song - Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader

Favourite film or boxset?
Wolf of Wall Street - nuts its based on a true story

Who's your team? What's your sport?
Sports to watch rugby (favourite team - Glasgow) or F1 (favourite team - McLaren)
Sport to play golf

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have that people wouldn’t expect?
Can still pull of an impressive handstand and/or cartwheel.

What's the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Don't accept criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Don't be afraid to speak out more and be confident in yourself.

If you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be?
Calm
Thoughtful
Inquisitive
Consistent
Light-hearted