Case Study 1: £8,000 VAT Reclaimed – A Fresh Start with Accurate Bookkeeping
A prospective client approached us, frustrated with their current accountant and bookkeepers. They suspected that transactions weren’t being processed correctly and that categorisations were inaccurate.
As part of our onboarding process, we conducted a thorough historical transaction review to identify and correct any misclassifications. Our investigation revealed that rental payments had never been categorised correctly, resulting in missed VAT claims.
We meticulously analysed all transactions, ensuring that VAT was correctly reclaimed where applicable and that all expenses were allocated to the correct categories. To future-proof their bookkeeping, we set up automated rules that guarantee ongoing accuracy and compliance.
The outcome? A significant £8,000 VAT reclaim—money that was rightfully theirs but had been overlooked. More importantly, they now have complete confidence in their financial records, with systems in place to ensure continued accuracy and efficiency.
Case Study 2: £12,000 Capital Gains Tax Saved – Beyond the Basics
A client initially engaged us for a straightforward Capital Gains Tax (CGT) calculation related to the sale of shares in their family business. After an initial consultation, we determined the potential tax liability they would face upon selling.
However, we didn’t stop there. Rather than just providing a number, we took the time to understand their wider financial position and future plans. By digging deeper into their goals and exploring alternative strategies, we identified a tax-efficient solution that allowed them to offset the CGT liability in another way—ultimately saving them over £12,000 in tax.
This wasn’t just about compliance; it was about strategic financial planning. Our proactive approach meant that not only did they get clarity on their tax obligations, but they also kept more of their hard-earned money—making the sale far more rewarding.
Case Study 3: £40,000 Saved – Rescuing a Business from Poor Accounting
Another business owner came to us with concerns about lack of tax efficiency and poor financial visibility under their previous accountant and bookkeeper. They suspected that they weren’t benefiting from all available tax reliefs but felt left in the dark about their financial position.
As part of our onboarding process, we conducted a three-stage review to determine whether a full restatement of accounts was necessary. During this assessment, we uncovered:
- Numerous miscategorised transactions
- Unclaimed VAT
- Allowable business expenses wrongly posted as Directors’ Loan transactions
What we found was a case of lazy bookkeeping, where transactions weren’t properly reviewed, and receipts weren’t requested for correct categorisation. The impact? A significant tax overpayment.
We took decisive action, restating both the business accounts and the directors' personal tax returns, leading to an incredible £40,000 saving. This meant valuable cash back into the business and into the directors' pockets—a transformative result for their financial position.
Client Case Study 4: Regaining Financial Control Through Strategic Planning
We recently conducted a strategy session with a client who was feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about his financial situation. He already had substantial liabilities from previous self-assessments, which were under HMRC payment plans. Although he had also arranged a payment plan for his VAT, he had fallen behind on the last two quarters’ VAT payments. On top of that, he faced an impending £30,000 corporation tax bill, with no clear idea of how to manage his finances.
We began by establishing how much money he needed each month to support his family. From there, we built a financial model, developing a realistic sales forecast alongside expected expenses. This model incorporated key elements such as capital expenditure, meeting current financial obligations, and ensuring there was enough left to provide him with a level of financial comfort.
Armed with a clear understanding of his financial position, we contacted HMRC again and successfully renegotiated terms—consolidating all outstanding debts into a single, manageable payment plan that aligned with the new financial model.
The outcome has been transformative. The client now has a clear plan to get back on track and manage his affairs confidently. We’ve scheduled ongoing review sessions to monitor his performance against the forecast and to help him stay on course.
The relief has been immense. The client shared that the stress had been seriously impacting his health. Now, with a clear plan and support in place, he feels back in control—and for him, that’s life-changing.
Why Our Approach Works
At our firm, we don’t just process transactions—we analyse, question, and optimise. Our proactive, detail-focused approach ensures that clients don’t just stay compliant but maximise their financial opportunities.
Whether it’s uncovering missed VAT claims, identifying tax-efficient solutions, or correcting years of poor accounting, we make sure our clients receive the best financial outcomes possible—with systems in place to prevent issues from arising again.
Because great accountancy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy, insight, and making sure every penny works as hard as you do
