An accountant is for life, not just for year end.
Our job is to make your life easier and help your business run as efficiently and profitably as possible — with sound advice at every stage.
Step 1: Startup
Passion for your trade is a great start, but it doesn't guarantee success. A one-person business can be up and running in a month or two; a larger venture with staff and funding can take up to a year.
How we can help:
Research the market. Know your competitors and your ideal customer.
Decide what you'll sell. Pin down your product or service and what makes it stand out.
Write a business plan. A roadmap covering goals, funding and growth opportunities.
Set financial goals. Plan what you'll invest, borrow, spend and earn in year one.
Consider partnership. Team up with someone who brings complementary skills or capital.
Secure funding. From small business loans to crowdfunding.
Create your business. Choose a structure and register for VAT, PAYE, NI and pensions as needed.
Step 2: Growth
With a customer base in place, focus turns to growing sales and operations — perhaps with new funding, equipment or staff.
How we can help:
Hire employees. Contracts, policies, insurance — we can connect you with trusted suppliers.
Monitor cash flow. Quarterly meetings to keep cash flow, a leading cause of failure, under control.
Manage your money. Tax-efficient investment to plan for a rainy day.
Major review. A deep dive into your most and least profitable areas.
Growth strategy. Introductions to local marketing and branding experts.
Tax efficiency. Up-to-date advice on tax, NI and VAT as you grow.
Step 3: Maturity
After several years your business is likely more stable and profitable, with strong brand recognition and room to expand.
How we can help:
Reviews. Keep reviewing every area so you spot challenges early.
Stay in control. Digital accounts show cash flow and anomalies at a glance.
Build a dashboard. Real-time data monitoring across your tech stack.
Blue sky thinking. Revisit your business model and plan what's next.
Step 4: Transition
Change arrives — good or bad. It can bring threats to manage, or big opportunities with larger partners.
How we can help:
Opportunity planning. Make sure a big new deal is one you can deliver and that truly pays.
Company audit. Manage large outgoings before the income arrives.
Company valuation. Know your worth before passing on, selling or stepping back.
Step 5: Succession
The final stage: closing, selling or handing over to a successor. Often emotional, and often the start of a new chapter.
How we can help:
Prepare financial documents. Get records, statements and returns ready for buyers.
Negotiate terms. We work alongside your solicitor to support the sale price.
Close the deal. Guidance through the contracts that transfer ownership.
Let's Work Together
Email us or call 01449 798444. Book a meeting to see us in person and we'll make sure the biscuits are stocked up.