Clarke & Co

Business Start-Up

Starting a business is a really exciting time, but we know it is also a very busy time.

You will no doubt have your plans in place and the drive to succeed, but you may not be aware of all the financial aspects involved.

We can help you throughout your journey, looking at:

  • Forming your company – deciding your company type is important, our team will help decide whether a sole trader, partnership or limited company is best for you. We will consider and advise the taxes and liabilities you may owe before making this decision
  • Make sure you are set-up and registered with HMRC for all the right things, such as VAT and Payroll
  • Help set-up your business bank account
  • Company secretarial duties
Talk to an expert
Self assessment

Our tax services make sure that your tax liability is calculated taking into account all allowed exemptions and deductions. We simplify the process by using accountancy software to accurately complete tax returns and calculate any tax liability that may occur, along with any payments that need to be made.

Corporation tax

Corporation tax reliefs and rates change annually, so we ensure that we can provide all the right guidance and advice when looking at exemptions, allowances and deductions that may be available.

We will thoroughly review and prepare corporation tax returns in great detail in order to ensure you are complaint and that you don’t incur any penalties.

Capital gains tax

You may be looking at investments, a second property or another asset and our team can make sure you maximise your exemptions while simplifying the difficult area of capital gains tax.

Personal tax planning

We can help with the complex issue of personal tax, we know it can be difficult to understand, which is why we help every step of the way. We take away the time and stress by creating a tax planning strategy that suits your tax affairs, helping ensure you pay the least amount of tax. Our team will advise when payments are due along with what forms need to be filed and returned to keep you compliant.

Latest news from Clarke & Co

August 18, 2025
Seven Things Every Company Director Needs to Know

Becoming a company director comes with a fair bit of responsibility - and not just when things are going well. Whether you're the hands-on type, more of a silent partner, or even directing behind the scenes, all company directors have legal duties under the Companies Act 2006.

Read article
August 14, 2025
Lessons From a Director Ban: Getting Help Before It’s Too Late

If your business ever runs into financial difficulties, how you handle the situation can have serious and lasting consequences. That’s the message behind a recent case involving a Staffordshire director who’s just been banned from running a company until 2031.

Read article
August 13, 2025
Government Unveils Small Business Plan

The government has launched its Small Business Plan which it believes will help small businesses to grow and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses.

Read article
August 11, 2025
New Legal Requirement: Directors and PSCs Must Verify Their Identity from November 2025

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This is part of a wider reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and it’s set to impact millions of individuals connected to UK companies.

Read article
August 7, 2025
New Government Reforms Aim to Revive High Streets with Easier Rules for Cafes, Bars and Venues

New government reforms will make it quicker and cheaper for small businesses to turn empty shops into cafes, bars and music venues, as part of a wider push to bring life back to high streets and support small business growth.

Read article
August 6, 2025
Man Jailed for Hiding Assets and Breaching Bankruptcy Rules

A businessman has been jailed for more than four years after hiding assets, illegally acting as a company director, and obtaining over £100,000 in credit while still subject to bankruptcy restrictions.

Read article
August 4, 2025
UK Economy on the Mend, Says IMF - But Bumps in the Road Remain

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has concluded its 2025 Article IV Consultation assessing that the UK economy is recovering, with modest growth expected this year and stronger momentum building into 2026.

Read article
July 31, 2025
Revived Pensions Commission Aims to Secure Better Retirements

The government has announced the revival of the Pensions Commission, twenty years after it helped bring in automatic enrolment. Its goal is to stop future pensioners from being worse off than those retiring today.

Read article
August 18, 2025
Seven Things Every Company Director Needs to Know

Becoming a company director comes with a fair bit of responsibility - and not just when things are going well. Whether you're the hands-on type, more of a silent partner, or even directing behind the scenes, all company directors have legal duties under the Companies Act 2006.

Read article
August 14, 2025
Lessons From a Director Ban: Getting Help Before It’s Too Late

If your business ever runs into financial difficulties, how you handle the situation can have serious and lasting consequences. That’s the message behind a recent case involving a Staffordshire director who’s just been banned from running a company until 2031.

Read article
August 13, 2025
Government Unveils Small Business Plan

The government has launched its Small Business Plan which it believes will help small businesses to grow and encourage entrepreneurs to start businesses.

Read article
August 11, 2025
New Legal Requirement: Directors and PSCs Must Verify Their Identity from November 2025

From 18 November 2025, identity verification will become a legal requirement for all company directors and people with significant control (PSCs). This is part of a wider reform under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, and it’s set to impact millions of individuals connected to UK companies.

Read article
February 21, 2024
Applying Circular Economy principles in a business

A circular economy (CE) is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible.

Read article
March 5, 2024
Understanding the pros and cons of the VAT Flat Rate Scheme for businesses

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a significant consideration for businesses. It impacts your cash flow, the amount of admin work needed, and even your overall profitability. One option available to businesses - with a VAT exclusive turnover of £150,000 or less - is the VAT Flat Rate Scheme (FRS), which offers a simplified approach to VAT accounting.

Read article
March 6, 2024
Are you eligible for a £252 saving on your tax bill?

With the tax year ending on 5 April, March is a good month to check whether sharing unused tax allowances with your partner could save you some money.

Read article
March 8, 2024
Making Tax Digital: New policy paper published

A new policy paper has been released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment for sole traders and landlords.

Read article