Start ups

So you're on the way to starting your own business - or you've already taken the leap. Congratulations. It's the start of an eventful journey, with all the ups and downs that come with it - and we genuinely enjoy being part of that journey with our clients from the very beginning.

At Facts & Figures, we have a lot of experience working with new businesses across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Scotland. We understand that starting out can feel overwhelming, that not everything makes sense straight away, and that the last thing you need is an accountant who talks over your head or makes you feel like you should already know this stuff. We will always take the time to help you understand your responsibilities clearly - and to set you up with the right systems and habits from the start.

Getting the foundations right

The decisions you make in the early stages of a business have a disproportionate impact on how things develop. Getting the structure right, the bookkeeping set up correctly, and your tax obligations understood from the outset saves significant time, money, and stress later on. Some of the key areas we help new businesses with include:

• Business structure - helping you decide whether to operate as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company, and understanding the tax and legal implications of each

• HMRC registration - registering for self assessment, setting up as an employer, or incorporating a limited company through Companies House

• Bookkeeping setup - getting you started on the right cloud accounting platform from day one, whether that's Xero, QuickBooks, or something else that fits your business

• Understanding your expenses - making sure you know what you can and can't claim from the start, so nothing is missed

• VAT - advising on whether and when to register, and setting up your VAT accounting correctly if you do

• Your first tax bill - helping you understand payments on account and plan ahead so your first self assessment bill doesn't come as a shock

You won't need everything straight away - and that's fine

Most new businesses don't need the full range of accountancy services from day one - and we would never try to sell you something you don't need yet. We will start with what's relevant to where you are now, and as your business grows and your needs change - taking on your first employee, registering for VAT, looking at hire purchase or equipment leasing, thinking about incorporation - we will be there to guide you through each of those stages as they arrive.

That's one of the things we think makes a real difference for start-up clients: having an accountant who knows your business from the beginning, so that when something new comes up, the conversation starts from a place of understanding rather than having to explain your whole situation from scratch.

Services for new businesses

Depending on where you are in your journey, the services we most commonly provide for start-up clients include:

• Accounts and annual financial reporting

• Self assessment and personal tax returns

• Payroll - from your first employee onwards

• VAT registration and returns

• CIS - if you're working in the construction industry

• Bookkeeping and cloud accounting setup

• Ongoing support and advice as your business develops

• Fixed fees from the start

All of our services are offered on transparent, fixed-fee pricing - agreed in advance so you always know what you're paying. For a new business watching every pound carefully, that predictability matters. And because our ongoing support is built into that fee, you can pick up the phone or send an email when a question comes up without worrying about being charged for every conversation.

A word on Making Tax Digital

If you're starting a business now, digital record-keeping is not just good practice - it is increasingly a legal requirement. Making Tax Digital for VAT already applies to all VAT-registered businesses, and MTD for Income Tax is rolling out from April 2026 for sole traders and landlords above the income threshold. Getting set up on the right cloud accounting platform from day one means you will be compliant without having to change anything later.

Ready to get started?

Get in touch and tell us a bit about your business - what you're doing, where you are in the process, and what you're not sure about. We will have a straightforward conversation, point you in the right direction, and make sure you leave knowing exactly what you need to do next.

Thinking of switching accountant?

Already working with an accountant but feel like you've outgrown the service or aren't getting the support you need as your business develops? Switching is simpler than most people expect. Find out how moving to Facts & Figures works.