Rule 01
Don't panic about timing
Leave it to us. We plan the handover date around your year end, VAT returns and other deadlines.
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Section 01
What switching actually involves
×Switching is not a nightmare of paperwork
Switching is:
✓You agree a date
✓We write to your old accountant
✓We request your files and records
✓Your bookkeeping and payroll keep running
✓You get a fixed monthly fee
All of it is handled by us — you never speak to your old accountant again.
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Section 02
The 3 rules of a safe switch
Rule 02
Your old accountant must cooperate
They are obliged to hand over your records and files when we send a professional clearance request.
Rule 03
You keep the final say
We advise, you decide. Nothing moves and no one is contacted without your confirmation.
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Section 03
Your handover stack
A good switch is a short sequence of practical jobs. The order matters: protect the deadlines first, then move the records and software cleanly.
Step 1 — Choose your handover date
Deadline based on your year end
- • Check when your next accounts and tax return are due.
- • Give enough time for the old accountant to close their work.
- • Pick a date that does not create a rushed crossover.
The deadlines already in the diary
- • Note your next VAT return, payroll and pension dates.
- • Flag anything already filed or partly prepared.
- • Build the switch around the dates that cannot move.
Step 2
Clearance letter & records
- • Send the professional clearance letter.
- • Request prior year accounts and tax computations.
Step 3
Keep the people & permissions moving
- • Confirm payroll and pension continuity.
- • Re-register Government Gateway and VAT agent authorisations.
Step 4
Open the new working rhythm
- • Move your Xero subscription.
- • Reconcile the first period together.
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Section 04
The 'if you only do one thing' setup
Before you sign with any accountant, make sure these six basics are clear. A low fee is not a good deal if the service is vague.
1Your fixed fee is confirmed in writing.
2You know who will actually do your work.
3You know exactly what is included — and what is not.
4Xero and any software costs are clear.
5Your deadlines have been explained in plain English.
6You know when you will hear from them next.
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Section 05
Why a proper handover matters
Most switches
- ×Chased for records for weeks
- ×Missed deadlines during the crossover
- ×Duplicated fees
- ×VAT agent not re-authorised
- ×Penalties
Done by us
- ✓One point of contact
- ✓Nothing missed
- ✓No gap in service
- ✓Agent authorisations handled
- ✓Fixed fee agreed up front
A switch should be invisible: your business should not feel it.
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Section 06
The 4 levels of switching
Find where you are right now. You do not have to be ready to switch before you start asking sensible questions.
LEVEL 0
Staying put
Nothing changes, and nothing improves.
LEVEL 1
Thinking about it
You're not happy but you don't know your options.
LEVEL 2
Asking around
You've had a quote and you're comparing.
LEVEL 3
Ready
You know who you want, you just need to start.
LEVEL 4
Switched
Handover done, fees fixed, advice coming to you.
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Section 07
The one-hour setup
From “should I?” to “switched” in a few steps.
Have a free chat
- • No obligation.
- • Tell us what is not working.
- • Ask every awkward question.
Get your fixed fee in writing
- • See what's included.
- • See what isn't.
- • Know what happens next.
We handle the handover
- • Clearance letter.
- • Records and files.
- • Agent authorisations.
We check one thing with you
- • Your dates are right.
- • Your records are safe.
- • Then anything moves.
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Section 08
Optional add-ons
Start with the core work, then add the support that makes your business easier to run.
PayrollVAT ReturnsSelf AssessmentManagement AccountsCorporation Tax planningBookkeeping catch-upXero setupGovernment Gateway managementProfit & Loss reviewsCash flow forecasting
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Section 09
Final message
You don't need to be stressed about switching.
You just need someone who does the chasing for you.
The paperwork is manageable. The deadlines can be planned. The conversation can be ours. Your job is to decide whether the service feels right.
That's what we do.
Free consultation
Not sure if you're overpaying or under-served?
Bring your last set of accounts to a free 30-minute call. We'll tell you honestly what's being missed and what a fixed fee with us looks like — no obligation.
Switching to us usually takes 48 hours on our side.
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