How Bishops modernised systems, cut costs, and improved cashflow with Engager and TaxCalc
When Simon Halliwell, Digital Services Director at Bishops Chartered Accountants, reviewed the firm’s technology in 2025, he knew change was unavoidable.
Bishops, a 15-person practice based in Blackpool and Blackburn, had moved from IRIS to CCH in 2020 in search of modernisation. Instead, the system became increasingly restrictive, complex, and expensive.
“They were talking about moving to the cloud, but that just never materialised.”
The software offered more functionality than the firm needed, required workarounds, system updates and frustrated clients when they tried to use the portal.
When CCH explained that additional charges for Making Tax Digital would be applied mid-contract, Simon decided it was time to act.
We had no downtime and we didn’t need to call support for any tax returns in January."
The training went really well, and our staff picked it up quickly. That was a huge relief.”
Simon Halliwell, Digital Services Director
Finding a better alternative
Finding a better way
A smooth transition
Improvements in workflow and client service
Key benefits & results
- LowHappier staff – “They’re not wasting time waiting for slow software.”
- Easier navigation – “Admin staff find it much more intuitive.”
- Time savings – “Tasks that used to take ages are now much quicker.”
Firm Name: Bishops
Location: Blackburn and Blackpool
Practice Size: 15 staff
Previous Software:
CCH and IRIS
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As Engager became embedded, the commercial benefits were clear. Integrated billing and payment tools accelerated cash collection and reduced outstanding debt.
“Our debtor balance has reduced significantly with the implementation of direct debit and successful delivery of fee notes and statements.”
Moving to the cloud also eliminated costly infrastructure and allowed them to ditch hosting and server costs – a process that is still ongoing but should save costs longer term.
The verdict
Final thoughts
For Simon, the decision delivered far more than cost savings.
“We could have just sat on CCH, it worked and served us well but I could see there was better out there — going cloud based opened up a whole world of opportunities.”
By adopting Engager and TaxCalc, Bishops transformed its systems into a platform for long-term growth.
Liam’s advice to other firms
After reviewing alternatives, Simon identified Engager as a platform that matched how the firm wanted to work.
“With Engager, it was the ability to filter on the client base and communicate easily. You couldn’t do that in CCH.”
Engager’s integrated onboarding, compliance, and workflow tools solved long-standing operational problems.
“When I saw it could handle proposals, letters of engagement, and AML, I was convinced that this was my best option.”
For the first time, client services and workflows were fully visible across the firm.
"Now everyone knows which services each client uses – we never had that before.”
Engager also transformed management reporting and visibility. It allowed Simon to monitor fee growth, capacity, and performance in real time — supporting better decision-making.
“In CCH, there was complex report building. With Engager, it’s just there.”
A crucial test
- HMRC authority request – “A simple but hugely helpful tool.”
- Tax return letter, questionnaire, and checklist – “Saves so much time.”
- Overall speed – “Everything just works faster.”
‘Far better than anything before’ – practice thrilled with product and support
Customer stories / Bishops
Bishops implemented Engager in August 2025, alongside the acquisition of another practice — a major operational challenge. Instead, the system proved its value immediately.
“Without Engager, I would have dreaded it. Within days, all engagement letters were sent.”
The successful integration led to a full firm-wide rollout.
Strong financial results
Seamless migration and support
Migration was completed without disruption, and ongoing support proved reliable. “We had no downtime and we didn’t need to call support for any tax returns in January.”
Tangible benefits
Today, Bishops operates on an integrated, cloud-based platform that supports growth, acquisitions, and efficient client service.
The firm has achieved:
•Reduced software costs
•Reduction in debtor balances
•Faster billing and stronger cashflow
•Elimination of server and hosting costs
•Streamlined onboarding and compliance
•Improved management visibility
•Faster staff adoption
With Engager established, Bishops introduced TaxCalc in October, ahead of the busy season.
“When TaxCalc acquired Engager, everything clicked."
Despite the timing, implementation was smooth.
“Tax season was a breeze. You just can’t go wrong. With a new system coming in just before tax season, we should have struggled - but we didn’t.”
The ease of use enabled junior staff and new starters to adopt TaxCalc very easily.
Completing the platform with TaxCalc
"Our debtor balance has reduced significantly with the implementation of direct debit and successful delivery of fee notes and statements."
Simon Halliwell, Digital Services Director