Whether you're starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or investing in a franchise, the key to success is careful planning. As the saying goes, "failing to plan is planning to fail".
You have the vision, we have the expertise and experience to guide you through the process of making it a reality. Here are some of the services we offer to help you get off to a sound start:
Choosing the right structure
One of your first decisions is how to structure your business. If you’re going it alone the choice is between trading as an individual or forming a limited company. If there are two or more of you, the choices are a partnership, a limited liability partnership (LLP), or limited company.
Each of these structures has advantages and disadvantages. We will take time to gain a sound understanding of your circumstances so that we can recommend the best option and explain the reasons for our recommendation in plain English.
The business plan
A well thought out business plan, supported by sound financial projections, is the essential road map for the crucial first months and years of your venture. It will also be vital to your success in raising the finance needed to turn your business vision into a reality.
We have the expertise and experience to guide you through the process of producing a business plan appropriate to your business, along with the supporting cash flow and profit forecasts.
Tax planning
No doubt there are a lot of questions you want to ask about tax and VAT. With our help you can ensure that the decisions you make are tax efficient both now and in the future.
As your business grows your tax planning needs will evolve. Tax planning is an ongoing process; we keep all our clients' affairs under constant review to ensure that tax saving opportunities are taken, and tax pitfalls are avoided.
Getting the record keeping right
Accurate business records are essential to understand and evaluate the performance of your business and keep it on track. They are also the key to preparing accurate accounts, tax, and VAT returns, without which you risk incurring financial penalties from HMRC.
Bookkeeping can be an unwelcome burden when you are trying to build a business. We have a range of cost effective solutions to minimise the burden, from taking over your bookkeeping completely to setting up a computerised or manual system that you can use comfortably, freeing you to concentrate on building your business.
Accounting software
Accounting software can simplify your record keeping and provide useful management information, but to do so it must be the right package for your business, properly configured, and operated correctly. We can help set up and configure your accounting software and train you and your staff to use it properly.