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We are Alchemy.
We provide accounting support for passionate SMEs and freelancers in the creative industries. We make accounting as straightforward as possible so our clients can run predictable businesses and find freedom in their creative craft.
Our story
Craig McCall FCCAIt should never be underestimated how daunting it is to start your own business. From the day I first dreamed about starting my business to actually finding the courage to go for it took four years. Leaving behind the steady and predictable income of employment to have my name over the door has been a deeply personal journey, and I know no two journeys are the same. After working with a photographer in the early days (and loving it) I discovered I felt most fulfilled helping creative people and most inspired when immersed in the creative world. Maybe it was the child in me that had never quite given up on becoming a musician. Now, with a like-minded team behind me, I’m proud to provide expertise to a sector I so admire.”
Director of Alchemy
Education
We believe education is the most powerful tool for change. We don’t treat accountancy like a dark art or gatekeep knowledge. We spend time with our creative community helping them understand what they need to do practically to succeed. In the process, they educate us about their world. On the team, we commit to continuous improvement, knowing complacency is the enemy of progress.
Authenticity
There’s a lot of BS in the world, and we don’t stand for it. We will never try to deceive our clients or sell them something we don’t think they need. There’s no facade at Alchemy. If we make a mistake for any reason, we hold our hands up to it, learn from it and move on. Authenticity doesn’t mean bearing your soul to everyone. It means being yourself at work and feeling able to share your ideas, thoughts and opinions in an open and collaborative space.
Empathy
If we only look at the world through our lens, we won’t be able to truly help our clients. In our view, there’s no accountancy support without empathy. We practice empathy by seeking to understand our clients goals, fears, thoughts and beliefs. We put ourselves in others’ shoes and have respect for others’ experiences. We expect the same in return, and no amount of money will make us overlook disrespect, superiority or arrogance.
Meet the team
Craig McCall
Director
I built Alchemy Accountancy on a passion for seeing others thrive. Whether it’s helping a small creative business achieve its goals or watching my team develop personally and professionally, I get to work with seriously brilliant people every day. Growing up, I loved playing guitar and was convinced I was going to be a professional musician. While I didn’t quite become the next Jimi Hendrix, founding Alchemy in 2018 allowed me to combine my accounting and creative backgrounds. I’m passionate about supporting creative entrepreneurs through no-nonsense accounting and love nothing more than deep-diving into what makes them tick. From what drives success to what drives them mad, I want to hear it all! Outside of work, I’m all about enjoying nature with my family. My young son already loves exploring the outdoors, so most weekends we head to the lakes to go walking, cycling or kayaking. There’s never a dull moment!
Mulenga Chilufya
Client Manager
The diverse nature of the creative industry means no two days are the same in my role. Whether it’s helping a photographer build their long-term business strategy or giving financial advice to a creative media agency, I enjoy figuring out the best actions to reach their goals. It’s the same investigative part of me that would love to be a detective if I weren’t in the accounting industry! When I’m not providing compliance advice (or the office banter) you’ll find me getting into the action mid-tackle on the rugby pitch.
Nick Valentine
Client Manager
After working with Craig in a previous job and finding we shared similar visions, I had no doubt I wanted to come on board when he created Alchemy. The team I work with is supportive in and outside of work, operating as a driven collective rather than as individuals (even if they aren’t all avid Blackpool FC supporters like myself!). As a client manager I get to work with groundbreaking creative business owners, helping them achieve the things they want through solid accounting and financial strategy. When I’m not supporting our brilliant clients, you can find me in the gym or planning when I’m going to run my next marathon!
Tilly
Head of Barketing
Hello! I’m Tilly, Craig’s black labrador. I work part-time at Alchemy, gracing the office with my presence about once a week, but I take my job very seriously. I bring a good dose of silly shenanigans to the office, personally hoovering up any stray biscuits and assisting where I can to give fur-nancial advice. Outside of my professional duties, you can find me having the time of my life in the Lake District, chasing after my favourite tennis ball or jumping into the water at top speed!
Craig McCall
Director
Mulenga Chilufya
Client Manager
Nick Valentine
Client Manager
Tilly
Head of Barketing