Whether you’re just launching or scaling up, these are the questions we hear most often—from bookkeeping basics to credit-risk cover. Our answers focus on the support and services we provide, with practical steps you can take right now.
Q1: How do I set up my bookkeeping correctly from day one?
Open a dedicated business bank account and choose a cloud-based accounting platform (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage). We’ll:
- Configure your chart of accounts to match your industry
- Automate bank-feed reconciliations weekly
- Establish naming conventions and invoice templates
This ensures accurate financials, easier VAT returns, and instant visibility into your cash position.
Q2: What’s the best way to manage credit control and invoice collections?
Late payments kill cash flow. We recommend:
- Defining clear payment terms (Net 30, Net 14, etc.)
- Automating reminder emails before, on, and after due dates
- Escalating overdue invoices with a structured call/email process
Our Debtor Watch service monitors outstanding invoices daily and intervenes at the first sign of delay, so you stay paid on time.
Q3: When and how should I register for VAT?
If your rolling 12-month turnover nears £90,000, you must register within 30 days. We can:
- Calculate your VAT threshold and deadlines
- Complete the HMRC registration on your behalf
- Set up VAT codes, periodic returns, and reverse-charge processes
Timely registration prevents penalties and lets you reclaim input VAT on purchases.
Q4: How do I forecast cash flow accurately?
A rolling cash-flow forecast is your business GPS. We’ll help you:
- Map all expected sales by client and payment terms
- Layer in fixed costs (rent, salaries) and variable costs (marketing, materials)
- Update forecasts weekly and highlight variances
This proactive approach flags potential shortfalls early, so you can secure finance before you need it.
Q5: What credit-risk checks should I run on new customers?
Every new client carries risk. Our credit-risk management includes:
- Instant CreditSafe or Experian checks
- Customized credit policies with starter limits
- Ongoing monitoring to catch deteriorations in customer creditworthiness
You’ll reduce late payments, write-offs, and hidden liabilities in your sales pipeline.
Q6: Is credit insurance worth it for my SME?
If you rely on a handful of big buyers—or export internationally—credit insurance can be a game-changer. We’ll:
- Assess your debtor book and identify top 3–5 risks
- Compare policies from leading insurers
- Handle the application and claims process
Partial cover on key customers means you sleep better if one goes bust.
Q7: How do I prepare for upcoming tax liabilities?
Surprises are expensive. We work with you to:
- Project Corporation Tax, PAYE/NIC, and dividend tax based on forecast profits
- Set up separate tax-sinking accounts or automated savings transfers
- File quarterly or annual returns on time
That way, you never scramble for cash when HMRC deadlines loom.
Q8: How can I empower my team with finance training?
Mistakes in bookkeeping or compliance cost time and money. Our training sessions cover:
- Hands-on workshops in Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage
- Essential compliance: VAT, CIS, GDPR basics
- Best practices for invoice processing and expense claims
Tailored half-day sessions turn staff into confident operators, reducing errors and bottlenecks.
Q9: Why partner with a local finance specialist instead of an offshore call centre?
Local expertise means faster response times, deeper understanding of UK regulations, and personal relationships. With us, you get:
- A dedicated account lead who knows your business inside out
- Proactive advice based on real-time data, not monthly catch-ups
- Access to our full suite: bookkeeping, credit control, VAT support, forecasting, and insurance
Focus on growth—with your back-office in expert hands.