Straight answers to the questions we hear every week from business owners in the East Midlands.
Fees
Our fees depend on the size and complexity of your business, but every client pays a fixed monthly fee agreed upfront. We'll give you a clear fixed quote after a short chat about your business — no surprises, no hourly clock.
Everything. Annual accounts, corporation tax or self assessment, VAT returns, payroll, bookkeeping support, phone and email access, Xero setup and training, pre year-end tax planning, confirmation statements, and any HMRC correspondence. If we've agreed a fixed fee, we don't send extra invoices for the things we've promised.
Only if you specifically ask for something outside your agreed scope — for example, a specialist tax investigation, R&D claim or a complex one-off project. In those cases we agree the price before any work starts. No surprises.
Yes. The first conversation is always free and no-obligation. We'll talk about your business, what you need, and what we'd charge. You take it away and decide in your own time.
Services
We work with limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, start-ups, landlords, contractors, construction businesses (CIS), and hospitality businesses. Our clients range from one-person consultancies to growing companies with 20+ staff.
Yes. We run weekly, fortnightly or monthly payroll, submit RTI to HMRC, handle auto-enrolment, and produce payslips and P60s. For CIS, we handle monthly returns for contractors and verify subcontractors.
Yes. We're a Xero Bronze Partner and we use Xero as the default accounting software for our clients. We'll set it up, migrate your data from wherever you are now, train you on the basics, and support you whenever you need help.
Yes. Making Tax Digital for VAT has been in place for years, and Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is now live for most sole traders and landlords. We'll make sure your records are in the right format and everything gets submitted on time.
Switching
It's easier than you think. You tell us the name of your current accountant and we handle the rest. We write to them, request all your records, and do a handover call if helpful. Most clients are fully switched within two weeks with no disruption.
Very rarely. The Institute of Chartered Accountants has clear rules about professional handovers — your current accountant has to provide us with your records within a reasonable time frame. We've done dozens of switches and the vast majority go through smoothly.
Yes. You can switch at any time — you don't have to wait for your year end. We'll pick up where your current accountant left off. There might be a small amount of work to get everything in order, but we'll tell you before we start.
No, we handle that. We submit new agent authorisation forms (64-8) to HMRC for corporation tax, VAT, PAYE and self assessment — whichever apply to your business. Once HMRC processes those (usually 7–10 days), we can access your records and deal with HMRC on your behalf.
How we work
At the absolute minimum: once a quarter for a catch-up. In practice, we talk to most clients every couple of weeks. We pick up the phone when you call, reply to emails the same day, and flag things we spot before they become problems.
Yes. Part of our job is keeping you on track. We'll send friendly reminders before deadlines, let you know what we need and when, and follow up if we don't hear back. We'd rather nudge you twice than miss a deadline.
Ring us or drop us an email. There's no charge for quick questions — that's what the fixed fee covers. We'd much rather you ask us than Google it and get half the picture.
Absolutely. Our office is at Shellbrook House in the centre of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Pop in any time during working hours — we'll put the kettle on. If you're based in South Derbyshire we also serve Swadlincote by appointment.
Choosing an accountant
It varies a lot depending on the size of the business, what's included and whether the firm bills hourly or fixed. Sole traders generally sit at the lower end, limited companies higher because there's more to file and review. Hourly billing varies far more widely than fixed-fee. We don't bill by the hour — every client pays one fixed monthly fee agreed upfront, with everything included.
Hourly rates for UK chartered accountants vary widely depending on the seniority of the person doing the work and the firm's overheads. Smaller firms often sit at the lower end; specialist tax work or partner-level advice can run higher. We do not bill by the hour. Every client pays one fixed monthly fee that covers everything, so you never have to think about whether a phone call is worth the cost.
The four types most people refer to are chartered accountants (ICAEW, ICAS or CAI qualified), certified accountants (ACCA qualified), management accountants (CIMA qualified), and bookkeepers (often AAT qualified). Chartered and certified accountants can sign off statutory accounts and represent you to HMRC. Management accountants focus on internal reporting for larger businesses. Bookkeepers handle day-to-day record-keeping but cannot file company accounts. Barton Accountancy is ICAEW chartered.
Start with three checks. First, are they qualified — ICAEW, ICAS, CAI or ACCA? Ask them directly which body they're regulated by and request the firm registration number if you want to be thorough. Second, do they offer fixed monthly fees, or do they bill by the hour? Hourly billing makes you hesitate to ask questions. Third, will they do tax planning before year-end, or only file your return after? If they only call in March, you are paying for filing, not advice.
Free, no-obligation quote. Fixed monthly fee. No surprises.
Just a proper conversation about your business.