A slew of birthday cards and good wishes is the usual indicator that another year has passed. But while Peter Watkins of Blue Penguin Chartered Accountants is still waiting for his cards, he said reminders from software houses, professional bodies and insurers had indicated the arrival of the second anniversary of his business!
Blue Penguin was set up in 2017, shortly after Peter left Milsted Langdon to take up a part-time contract at Hinkley Point C with Somerset Larder. 
He runs the business from his home office in Taunton and prides himself on actually being “different to other accountants” rather than just making a generic promise on a website. Client meetings are as likely to take place in the pub or on a long dog walk as they are in the boardroom – aka his kitchen table!
Peter said becoming a Somerset Chamber member had been invaluable: “Working for yourself can be lonely, and I’ve attended various Chamber events which have all helped in some way to improve my business.
“I joined SCC early on, and membership of the Chamber has been very useful. Ritchie, Jenn and the team have taken the time to help me tweak my business offering and get the Blue Penguin name out there.”
He added: “For a 100% paperless and cloud-based firm, I still like to do business with people I have met face to face.”
He credited chamber networking events with helping him to meet a range of professionals, including Airhead Animations, Aisling Magill Photography, JR Corporate Health, RSH Copywriting, the Teapot Creative and Wessex Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, who helped Blue Penguin to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
“If we haven’t met yet, make a beeline for the only accountant in the room not wearing a suit, and you’ll find me,” said Peter.
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