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 16 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 71 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Lily Burford3 July 2024Amazing service. Really efficient, professional and friendly. I would highly recommend for anyone needing guidance with business finance.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Cara Johnston28 June 2024Lovely and personal and very understanding.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.James Marvell27 June 2024Very helpful. ThanksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Lauren Millington25 June 2024I’ve been working with stacey for a few years now and recommend her to anyone who is looking for an accountant, she is so down to earth and answers absolutely any questions I have no matter how big or small!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Refine Design24 June 2024Stacey is a wonderful lady! She makes the mind boggling process of accounts an absolute breeze! She's professional and speedy at what she does! I'm so glad I found her!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Official SleepWelness28 May 2024So accepting, easy going, clear, transparent & easy to talk to. She takes the weight off your shouldersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Zoe Vango24 May 2024Stacey is the best in the business, always gives the best advice and is 100% there when you need her! XxTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Susan Webb24 May 2024Wonderful service. Recommended to my friends.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Helen Clarke24 May 2024Stacey has been amazing to work with. She has been able to explain everything in a language I understand and is calm, consistent and always communicative. Stacey came highly recommended and I feel in the safest hands. Thank you Stacey and team Swan Brooks! 🙏Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jackie Kelly24 May 2024Excellent. Very knowledgeable and confident. Stacey has sorted our family business out with minimum fuss. A pleasure to deal with and highly recommended.
ExcellentBased on 33 reviewsrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Refine Design24 June 2024Stacey is a wonderful lady! She makes the mind boggling process of accounts an absolute breeze! She's professional and speedy at what she does! I'm so glad I found her!recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Vicki Daws28 February 2024Stacey has been amazing with me, as a first time business owner without a clue how to do my accounts, she's been so patient and understanding helping steer me correctly, relieving so much stress and pressure! She genuinely cares and has belief in my business which helps me have belief too! I highly recommend.recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Stevie-May Cole27 November 2023Stacey has been great from start to finish. She has explained everything helping me understand and put my mind at ease throughout the process. I highly recommend Swan Books for anyone looking for an efficient local accountant 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Georgia Billie Anthony24 October 2023Amazing at putting your mind at ease and extremely patient ! Could not recommend stacey enough 5 ⭐️ all round xrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Shiralee Swan Photography LSWPP, LNPS2 August 2023I took the big step in 2020 to start my own business. Stacey handles the numbers side of things for me, she very friendly and super helpful, and she never makes me feel like I have a silly little question. I, 100% recommend StaceyrecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Olivia Charles20 July 2023Stacey 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!recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Stuart Wilson2 February 2023Stacey has been fantastic, she does all my bookkeeping and submits all my tax returns. She has given me advise and is always there to answer my questions and provide support. Stacey has given me one less thing to worry about so I can focus on with running my business. 100% recommend Stacey!recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Ross Cook9 January 2023Friendly and extremely helpful. We had many questions about sole trading and Stacey was more than happy to help, even at 8pm in the evening!recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Sharon Groves1 December 2022Stacey has been amazing in getting my books in order and submitting my tax returns. She has given invaluable advise and is always on hand to answer any questions and provide support. Stacey has been a god send and given me one less thing to worry about so I can get on with running my business. Thoroughly recommend Stacey!recommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.Natalie Wooden24 November 2022Stacey was so friendly and eager to help me from the start. Nothing was a problem. We did everything step by step and everything was taken care of for me. I’m so glad I found you Stacey! Thank you for your help and professionalism.
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