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.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
vanessa mar2025-07-01Second year in - Stacey truly is the best and amazing to work with. Her patience, warmth and clarity are unmatched. Extremely happy with the service!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Gary Butler2025-06-29After making the booking for a new customer enquiry the process and response from Stacey couldn’t have been better. Stacey was prompt with the return call, took the time to get to know my situation, was knowledgeable and very helpful with information and explaining the next steps. Looking forward to receiving the details for those steps and impressed with professionalism shown from the off.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Dani Avis2025-06-03I met Stacey as a networking event, and I am so bloody glad I did. She is so experienced, so knowledgeable and has helped me massively in such a short amount of time. Answered every question I have (which is a lot) because I generally had no idea what I had to do with tax’s with starting my own business. I feel so at ease now I have her as my accountant and recommend her highly to anyone and everyone!! XxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Living With Leanne2025-04-15Couldn't recommend Stacey enough for everything accounting! She is efficient, informative, supportive and trustworthy. She supports my small business and ensures that everything runs smoothly when it comes to submitting my tax returns which I am so grateful for! Thank you Stacey!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Chloe Turner2025-04-14My first year working as self employed and Stacey has been so helpful and supportive, making my first tax year as a small buissness straightforward and stress free. Thankyou so much! ♡Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Sam Davis2025-04-14Brilliant service from start to finish and would highly recommend, will certainly be using swan books for many years to come. ThanksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Emma Cook2025-04-09Stacey is the best accountant we have would definitely recommend her to anyone, she’s so friendly and very helpful and always there to help us . Thank you for your hard work xxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Emma Spencer2025-04-09I have used Stacey’s services now for the past few years. She has been fantastic, always have a prompt reply with any queries. Highly recommend!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Ted Nellie2025-03-28I own a preschool that Stacey has helped me to manage and completely turn around to become thriving when I wanted to give in. She is so personable and always very reliable and honest. I wish I had met her at the beginning of my business but thank goodness I have found her now. Thank you Stacey for being a breath of fresh air and making the accounts so understandable!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Samantha Harvey2025-03-13Stacey is honestly the loveliest most informative person, I was completely clueless about everything and she has taken her time to explain things and reassure me on anything I’m unsure about. Thank you so much! Highly recommend x
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.
Stacey has been fantastic with my accounts. She went through everything and was very helpful with any questions I had. Brilliantly responsive and got everything together in no time at all. I would highly recommend her!
Olivia Charles
Registration
£
45
00
-
Registration of you and your business self employment with HMRC.
Self Assessment Tax Returns
£
250
00
Prices From -
Preparation of tax calculation, preparation and submission to HMRC and financial statements
-
Prices may vary based on your business records. Please get in contact for a free consultation.
Bookkeeping
varies
-
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.
-
Prices vary permitting to volume of transactions each month.
Books Clean Up
varies
-
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!
-
Prices vary client by client, please get in touch to discuss further.
VAT Returns
£
175
00
Prices From -
Quarterly VAT returns prepared and submitted with Making Tax Digital compliant software with all deadlines met.
-
Prices start from £175.00 per quarter
Power Hour
£
65
00
Prices From -
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
£
20
00
Per Payroll -
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