Start Up Accountants
Helping ambitious businesses get off to the right start
Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions. Should you operate as a sole trader or limited company? When do you need to register for VAT? Which accounting software should you use? How much tax should you set aside?
At Coombs Chartered Accountants, we help new businesses build solid financial foundations from day one. We provide straightforward advice, practical support, and proactive guidance, giving you the confidence to focus on growing your business while we take care of the numbers.
Supporting Your Business From Day One
Every successful business starts somewhere. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, turning a passion into a business, or leaving employment to work for yourself, making the right decisions early can save you time, money, and stress later on.
We’ll guide you through every stage of the setup process, helping you choose the right business structure, register with HMRC and Companies House where required, and ensure you’re fully compliant from the outset.
Our advice is always tailored to your goals, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions as your business grows.

Our Start Up Accounting Services
We provide everything you need to get your business established and running efficiently, including:
- Business structure advice
- Limited company formation
- HMRC registrations
- Bookkeeping support
- Cloud accounting software setup
- VAT registration and advice
- Payroll for your first employees
- Tax planning
- Year-end accounts
- Self Assessment tax returns
- Ongoing business advice and support
As your business evolves, we’ll continue to support you with proactive advice to help improve profitability, manage cash flow, and plan for future growth.
More Than Just Compliance
Starting a business isn’t simply about filing accounts and meeting deadlines.
It’s about understanding your finances, knowing what you can afford to invest, managing cash flow, pricing your products or services correctly, and making confident decisions.
We don’t just look backwards at last year’s figures. We work with you throughout the year, helping you understand your numbers and providing practical advice whenever you need it.
Having an accountant who understands your business from the very beginning gives you a trusted adviser as your business grows.

Why Choose Coombs?
When you’re starting a business, you need advice that’s easy to understand and people you can rely on.
We pride ourselves on offering:
- Straightforward, jargon-free advice
- Responsive, personal service
- Modern cloud accounting solutions
- Proactive tax planning
- Fixed-fee packages with no hidden surprises
- Ongoing support whenever you need it
We’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you avoid common mistakes that many new business owners make.
Ready to Start Your Business?
If you’re thinking of starting a business, or you’ve recently launched and want expert accounting support, we’d love to help.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to arrange an initial conversation and discover how we can help your new business thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s not a legal requirement, having an accountant from the beginning can save you time, reduce costly mistakes, and ensure your business is set up correctly. We can advise on everything from choosing the right business structure to managing tax and cash flow.
The right structure depends on your circumstances, income, future plans, and the level of protection you need. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the most suitable setup for your business.
We can handle the registration process on your behalf, whether that’s registering as a sole trader with HMRC or forming a limited company with Companies House. We’ll also ensure you’re registered for the relevant taxes.
Not every business needs to register for VAT immediately. We’ll advise whether registration is mandatory based on your expected turnover, or whether voluntary registration could benefit your business.
We work with leading cloud accounting software and can recommend the best solution based on your business needs. We’ll also help you get everything set up and show you how to use it effectively.
The amount depends on your business structure, profits, and personal circumstances. We’ll help you understand your tax obligations throughout the year so there are no unexpected bills.
Yes. We can provide as much or as little bookkeeping support as you need, from helping you maintain your own records to managing your bookkeeping entirely on your behalf.
We’ll continue to support your business as it grows with year-end accounts, tax returns, payroll, VAT, business advice, and proactive financial guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Our fees are tailored to the services you need and are agreed upfront, so you’ll always know what you’re paying. We offer fixed-fee packages designed to provide great value for new businesses.

Insights
Contractor Tax Return Guide for UK Contractors
Our contractor tax return guide explains deadlines, records, expenses and payments, helping UK contractors file accurately and plan with real confidence.
Do Directors Need a Separate Tax Return?
Do directors need a separate tax return? Clear guidance on Self Assessment, company filings, deadlines and the records directors need to submit each year.
Bookkeeper vs Accountant Differences Explained
Understand bookkeeper vs accountant differences, from daily records to tax planning, and choose the right financial support for your business wisely.
Coombs have been an invaluable part of our business journey. They simplified our accounting, kept us compliant, and offered advice that genuinely helped us grow. It’s rare to find a firm that’s both knowledgeable and approachable. What really sets them apart, though, is the extra time and care they give to clients with learning difficulties like ADHD and dyslexia. They break things down clearly, never rush the process, and make sure you feel supported every step of the way. That kind of understanding is priceless.
I couldn’t imagine not working with Jake – he’s truly the oracle! Nothing is ever too much trouble, and he always takes the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. In the 11 years we’ve worked together, there hasn’t been a single question he couldn’t answer. I couldn’t recommend him enough and such a positive guy to have on board with us.
I was recommended Jake when I was looking for an accountant for my business – I’m delighted that I took the advice! As having spoken with Jake he advised that I become a limited company, sorted out all the paperwork and it’s been a hassle- free process plus saving me money; what isn’t there to recommend?
Definitely recommend Jake, we have been with him now a couple of years and has been very helpful always willing to answer any questions we may have had, very easy to deal with and has made the accounting side of our business a breeze.
I’ve the pleasure of working with Jake, and I can confidently say he’s one of the most helpful and reliable professionals I’ve dealt with. He’s consistently thorough, responsive, and takes the time to explain everything clearly. Whether it’s tax season or ongoing financial planning, Jake brings both expertise and peace of mind to the process. I truly appreciate his attention to detail and the way he makes complex financial matters feel manageable. Highly recommended!











