The problem
You’re starting a business and the accounting side feels like a separate, confusing job on top of actually running it: what structure to use, what to register for, what records to keep, and what you’ll owe and when. Most new business owners either freeze on these decisions or get them wrong and pay for it later.
What’s included
Startup accounting covers everything a new business needs in its first months of trading:
- Guidance on business structure (sole trader vs limited company)
- HMRC and Companies House registrations
- Bookkeeping set up from day one, not bolted on later
- A clear view of your tax obligations and when payments fall due
- Ongoing support as the business grows past its first year
For a complete first-year package built specifically around this, see the D&T New Business Starter.
Who it’s for
Anyone about to start trading, or who has started within the last few months and wants to make sure things are set up properly before bad habits or missed registrations become expensive to unwind.
How it works
We start with a conversation about what you’re planning to do, who your customers are, and roughly what you expect to earn and spend. From there we recommend a structure, handle the registrations, and set up bookkeeping you can actually keep up with week to week.
Pricing
Quoted based on your business structure and circumstances – see our Pricing page for what affects your quote, or get in touch directly.
FAQs
Do I need to register as a business before speaking to an accountant?
No – it’s usually better to talk to us first. Registering the wrong way round can mean redoing paperwork.
How soon after starting to trade do I need to register with HMRC?
There are HMRC deadlines for registering as self-employed or incorporating a company, and they’re tighter than most people expect. [Dates to be confirmed against current HMRC guidance before this goes live.] Talk to us as early as possible rather than relying on a remembered deadline.
Sole trader or limited company – which should I choose?
It depends on your income, risk and plans for the business – there’s no single right answer. See our sole trader and limited company pages for what each involves, or just ask us directly.
Can I switch from sole trader to limited company later?
Yes, and it’s a common path – start as a sole trader to keep things simple, then incorporate once the business is established. We can handle that transition when the time comes.
What’s the actual cost of getting set up properly?
It varies by structure and circumstances – see our Pricing page for what affects your quote, or get in touch for a figure specific to your business.
Let’s talk about your business
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and we’ll talk through what you actually need.