Accounting For Small Businesses in Essex
Navigating the Financial Landscape with Tailored Accounting Solutions
In the vibrant ecosystem of small businesses, where agility and precision define success, adept financial management is non-negotiable. At Swan Books, we dedicate ourselves to serving small businesses with accountancy services that are as innovative as they are reliable. Understanding that each small business is unique, we tailor our approach to unlock your potential and foster growth.
Our services are designed to address the multifaceted financial needs of small businesses, providing you with clarity and control over your finances.
- Comprehensive Bookkeeping: Keeping your financial records accurate and up to date with the latest software solutions.
- Proactive Tax Planning: Ensuring you are tax-efficient and compliant with changing regulations.
- Payroll Solutions: Simplifying payroll management to ensure your staff are paid correctly and on time.
- Financial Reporting and Analysis: Delivering insights into your business performance to support informed decision-making.
- Business Growth Strategies: Offering strategic advice to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency improvements.
Why Choose Swan Books?
With over a 17 years of experience in providing accounting services to small businesses in Essex, Swan Books understands the specific financial challenges and opportunities within this industry. Our clients have consistently praised our approachable, thorough, and tailored services. Our commitment to your success is reflected in our client testimonials and our consistent high ratings.
There’s a reason we have nothing but 5 star reviews on Google.
EXCELLENTBased on 101 reviews
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Charlie Baxter2025-02-06Stacey has been my accountant for 2 years now after having returned from setting up an online business in Australia and I can't recommend her enough! As each tax deadline approaches, she has been incredibly helpful, taking the time to explain things I’ve always found difficult to understand. She also tidied up my Xero accounting (a multiple currencies one 🤢), which I had left in a bit of a mess, and made sure everything was in order. On top of that, she helped me identify legitimate business expenses I could claim, which was a huge help. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jessica MacMillan2025-01-31Oh, Stacey where do I even begin? I first met Stacey in August 2024, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to switch accountants. Her presence is simply incredible. She’s not only extremely knowledgeable but also genuinely supportive of both you and your business, always striving to achieve the best outcomes. I’m so grateful to have met her and can’t wait to grow my business with Stacey by my side!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tom Alderton2025-01-28Stacey is the best around 🙂Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sophia Kelleway2025-01-28Stacy was fantastic with helping me sort out my self assessment, she made it so easy for me to understand and she was so easy to talk to. I can't recommend her enough🥰🥰 xxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Alin Lebanov2025-01-28I cannot praise enough the quality of services offered by Stacey @ Swan Books along with her team. This is the first time I'm using their services and I would recommend them 100%. The whole process was so straight forward and the communication crystal clear. Definitely going ahead with them for the next financial year!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ash2025-01-28Excellent service thanksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kirbie Shrimpton2025-01-22Stacey & her team are beyond helpful! I could not recommend them more, no question is a silly question! They make being a sole trader EASY! Soooo happy i found them!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Harry Couture2025-01-14Brilliant service - I had a few complications that were easily ironed out and explained by Stacey. Would recommend to anyone!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Gina Toyer2025-01-08Brilliant and patient accountant highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Ian Bement2025-01-03Great service, kept fully informed of when things would happen. Can't fault Stacey for the way she dealt with our tax returns. First time using Stacey, everything straight forward and all information presented to us in an easy to read/understand format.
Our Process
Initial Consultation
Understand your business, your challenges, and your aspirations.
Onboarding
Seamless integration with your existing systems, training provided if necessary.
Tailored Solutions
We propose a bookkeeping solution adapted to your unique needs.
Regular Check-ins
Periodic reviews to ensure your financials are on track and to address any concerns.
Year-End Finalisation
Ensure everything is aligned, compliant, and ready for HMRC submissions.
Solutions We Use
We leverage cutting-edge accounting software to provide seamless financial management and reporting:
- Xero: For real-time financial tracking and insights, ideal for small businesses that value accessibility and efficiency.
- QuickBooks: Offering an intuitive platform for bookkeeping and financial management, perfect for keeping small businesses informed.
- Sage: Known for its comprehensive features that cater to more complex small business needs, from payroll to inventory management.
- Dext: Streamlining document management and expense tracking, ensuring that every financial transaction is captured accurately.
What Can Small Businesses Expense?
Effective expense management is crucial for maintaining profitability. We guide small businesses through the maze of allowable expenses:
Design Tools and Materials
- Digital Design Software: Investments in software such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp for creating and presenting designs.
- Reference Books and Trade Journals: Costs for purchasing books and subscriptions that serve as resources for inspiration, trend forecasting, and industry standards.
- Productivity Software: Expenses for applications that aid in invoicing, expense tracking, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM).
Studio and Operational Costs
- Office Supplies: Expenditures on essential office items, including notepads, pens, printer ink, and office furniture to ensure a functional workspace.
- Inventory & Samples: Costs associated with maintaining a collection of design materials, samples (e.g., fabric swatches, paint samples), and small inventory items for resale or use in projects.
- Contracted Help and Creative Assistance: Fees for hiring freelancers or other professionals, such as photographers, graphic designers, or website developers, to assist with project-specific or promotional tasks.
Marketing and Client Engagement
- Advertising and Marketing: Budget allocated for online and offline marketing efforts, including social media advertising, print ads, and promotional events to attract and retain clients.
- Website & Hosting Fees: Annual or monthly fees for website hosting services, domain registration, and website maintenance to ensure a strong online presence.
Travel and Transportation
- Travel Expenses: Costs related to business travel, including visiting clients, suppliers, or project sites. This can also include public transport fares and taxi/rideshare costs.
- Parking and Tolls: Expenses incurred for parking and toll fees during work-related travel.
- Vehicle Costs: Expenses related to the business use of a vehicle, including purchase or lease costs, maintenance, fuel, and insurance.
Client Project Management
- Project-Specific Costs: Expenses directly related to client projects, such as space rentals for staging or photoshoots, hiring of additional creative talent, and purchasing specific project materials.
- Client Entertaining: Costs associated with business meals, meetings, or events intended for client relationship building or project discussions.
Home Office Expenses
- Home Office Furniture and Utilities: Investment in home office furniture and equipment to create a conducive work environment, along with a portion of home utility bills attributed to business use.
- Property Insurance: A portion of your home insurance that covers the business use of your property.
- Wi-Fi and Phone Bills: A portion of these bills can be allocated as business expenses, reflecting their use in business operations.
Registration
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Registration of you and your business self employment with HMRC.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
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Preparation of tax calculation, preparation and submission to HMRC and financial statements
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Prices may vary based on your business records. Please get in contact for a free consultation.
Bookkeeping
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Keeping your business finances up to date with cloud accounting software Quickbooks or Xero. Monthly or Quarterly updates providing you updates of business profits. All areas of bookkeeping undertaken.
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Prices vary permitting to volume of transactions each month.
Books Clean Up
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If your accounts are in need of a tidy up and you want to upgrade your internal procedures for easier processes, you have come to the right place!
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Prices vary client by client, please get in touch to discuss further.
VAT Returns
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Quarterly VAT returns prepared and submitted with Making Tax Digital compliant software with all deadlines met.
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Prices start from £175.00 per quarter
Power Hour
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One to one power hour discussing your business accounting and how to make improvements to make your finances run more efficiently within the cloud software of your business alongside training on how to get the best of your software.
Payroll
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All aspects of payroll processes ensuring all tasks are carried out by all deadlines and RTI compliant.
- Weekly or monthly payrolls
- Pension administration completed
- RTI compliant with HMRC
- Payroll year end service and reporting