Buying block clients

TwoUpTwoDown

Good morning all
I'm currently trying to build up an accountancy practice and have recently brought in a new client as their current accountant is retiring (who is local to me).
I just wondered how might be best to approach the retiring accountant to see if there are more clients that may need an accountant moving forwards? I've heard of buying block clients but am unsure about this as all my clients thus far have been through recommendation. I don't mind the organic growth route but curious as to whether it's common practice to enquire about this kind of thing and if so, how i should make my proposal?
Many thanks

martindow

I imagine there must be specialist accountancy sites with a forum where this question could be posed.

It must be a common situation for accountants, not in a group practice, who are retiring.  These lists must have some value if they can be sold.  Some accountants may be unable to pass on or sell data for their clients if they have not sought their permission to do this.

Retiredwelshman

I was thinking the same as Martin - now if the retiring accountant' business is taken over that would be a different matter.
Anybody objecting to you could go elsewhere.

Savvy_Sue

If I were a retiring accountant, I (hope I) wouldn't pass my clients on to anyone I didn't trust to do at least a good a job as I have, but you have nothing to lose by asking if you can have the conversation. They might not want to sell you a list, but they might be prepared to email their list to say "as you know I'm retiring and TwoUpTwoDown is just starting out, get in touch with them for a quote."

Although as stated there must be accountancy sites who'd know the etiquette better than us.