{"id":1065,"date":"2021-12-30T01:52:12","date_gmt":"2021-12-30T01:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uk.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1065"},"modified":"2025-07-02T00:42:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T23:42:20","slug":"how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppose you are interested in setting up your own bookkeeping business in England and Wales. You know what the job entails, but you are not sure if there are any legal hoops you need to jump through to set up your business. Perhaps you are also wondering if there are any legal requirements specific to bookkeeping that you should be aware of. This article explains how to start a bookkeeping business. Firstly, it will provide some general tips for all business founders. It will then consider the relevance of professional qualifications, review your regulatory obligations, and explain the importance of professional insurance for your bookkeeping business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">General Tips for Starting Your Business<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Create a Business Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While not a legal requirement, all businesses should have a business plan &#8211; the more you can plan for, the better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, it may be helpful to approach this from the perspective of answering questions from a client or potential investor about your business. These questions could include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">how will you market your bookkeeping services, and what distinguishes you from your competition?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">who are your immediate clients going to be, and how will you source new clients?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">what are your upfront costs to start the business, and how much are they?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">what will your fixed costs be?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">how will you finance your business? <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">will you employ anyone or take on a business partner?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The financial elements of your business plan are particularly important (not least because you will be monitoring your clients\u2019 accounts!). Therefore, you should also consider your:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cash flow forecast;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">break-even analysis;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">profit and loss forecast; and\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">balance sheet forecast.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Understand Start-Up Costs\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should have a realistic view of what your upfront costs will be. Things to consider include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">what your computing and software needs will be, especially considering some accounting software licenses can be expensive;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">if you will be working from home;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">how much rent and any associated costs you will pay if you intend to work from an office;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cost of marketing materials;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">fees for insurance policies and legal advice; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a rainy day fund.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Choose a Business Structure<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The four most common business structures are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">sole-trader;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">unincorporated partnership;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">limited company; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">limited liability partnership (LLP).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are advantages and disadvantages to each business structure. However, as a business owner you should be especially aware of the implications of being a sole trader versus trading through an incorporated company, particularly as it relates to limiting your liability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Given you will be providing a sensitive service (monitoring your clients\u2019 accounts and other responsibilities such as processing tax returns), your financial liability could be high if anything goes wrong. Therefore, a company or an LLP could help limit your liability.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Know Your Tax Obligations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The amount you pay in tax will depend on what business structure you trade through. Therefore, you should ensure you know how much you will need to pay HM Revenue Council (HMRC) and when to make your payments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Business Bank Account\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although the banking services your new business will need may be contingent on your business structure, having a bank account in place before you invoice clients is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Professional Qualifications\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strictly speaking, you do not need to have any professional qualifications or certifications to be a bookkeeper. However, in practice, you may find it easier to win clients if you have obtained professional certifications such as certain Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Likewise, consider becoming a member of a professional organisation like the AAT or International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB). You will have access to certain resources and be part of a professional community, which can ultimately help your business.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Additionally, if you provide accounting or payroll service, you are subject to laws against money laundering. Professional membership can ensure you are staying within the law. However, you will usually have to pay a fee for professional membership.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accounting vs Bookkeeping<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You should also be aware of the services you cannot provide without certain certifications. In particular, usually only chartered accountants can give financial advice about investments or business acquisitions and disposals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"not-prose\">0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework lawyer-form_wrapper gplaceholder_wrapper form-with-labels-no-asterisks_wrapper has-new-validation-error-styling_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_2453' style='display:none'><div id='gf_2453' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_2453' class='lawyer-form gplaceholder form-with-labels-no-asterisks has-new-validation-error-styling' action='\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065#gf_2453' data-formid='2453' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_2453' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_2453_1000\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1000'>Name<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_1000' id='input_2453_1000' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_2453_1000'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1'>First Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_1' id='input_2453_1' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_12'>Last Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_2453_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_2'>Email Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_2453_2' type='email' value='' class='medium'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_3'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_2453_3' type='tel' value='' class='medium'   aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full custom-select gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_14'>Number of Employees in Your Business<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_14' id='input_2453_14' class='large gfield_select'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' selected='selected'>Select ...<\/option><option value='0' >0<\/option><option value='1' >1-5<\/option><option value='6' >6-20<\/option><option value='21' >21-50<\/option><option value='51' >51-250<\/option><option value='250' >250+<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_4'>Tell us about your enquiry<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_4' id='input_2453_4' class='textarea medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--input-type-html gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  >By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails from LegalVision and can unsubscribe at any time. View our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/privacy-notice\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/div><div id=\"field_2453_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_2453_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='http:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_2453_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='generic_form' \/><\/div><\/div><fieldset id=\"field_2453_999\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-checkbox gfield--type-choice gfield__uk-marketo-opt-in field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label screen-reader-text' ><\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_checkbox'><div class='gfield_checkbox ' id='input_2453_999'><div class='gchoice gchoice_2453_999_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_999.1' type='checkbox'  value='1'  id='choice_2453_999_1'   \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_2453_999_1' id='label_2453_999_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>By submitting this form, you agree to receive content and event invitations from us to help you grow your business. If you do not want to receive such messages, tick here.<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type=\"submit\" id=\"gform_submit_button_2453\" class=\"gform_button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"submit\"><span class=\"gform_submit_button__text\">Submit Now<\/span><\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=2453&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=gravity-theme&amp;hash=ec2463697d0d9cef7b71236ae60964c7' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_2453' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_2453' id='gform_theme_2453' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_2453' id='gform_style_settings_2453' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='2453' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='GBP' value='NGuGEGs9gnvwM2nF8EfNs+Iemr+4XhKuak1qM+y2x5W37EK7Lpn2zRR\/4AbIlwdlMHHEwAKjTBM0TqvsIxwi0MtjAYUPPMDqpApcIHBmI5MiBbo=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_2453' value='WyJ7XCIxNFwiOltcIjIyODY0N2ViMWU3NTcxZjA4YTY4NGJmMDcwMTk3Y2I0XCIsXCJiMzk3YmQ1MDBmMmFjNjk1ODE4MzdmNTBhYTA2MzQ0OFwiLFwiNGYyNGZkZGEwMzlkNDUxMWFhZGE1NGYwZmQwZmNiZTdcIixcIjUyMmJkMDE2M2I2ZmEwOTI3NDZhZjU5YTg0ZmM1NDk5XCIsXCIzODRlNjk1YjQxMTAzMWFiYmQ2ODEyMGYyZWFhMDYyNlwiLFwiYjkzNDcwNTE2MjkxOGRjZWViMjQzNzRjNmE0NGVmNTlcIixcIjQxMTliODZhMzVjYzJiMWViNDZiMmQ4NjRlNGUzZmNjXCJdfSIsIjQ3MjNiMzA2ZDIyZGVkODA2N2YyMjYyOThkYzI1ODVmIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_2453' id='gform_target_page_number_2453' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_2453' id='gform_source_page_number_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_ajax_frame_2453' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2453').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_2453');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2453').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2453').val();gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [2453, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_2453').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [2453]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_2453').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_2453').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"2453\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_2453\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_2453\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_2453\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 2453, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-next\"><!-- scroll anchor --><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anti-Money Laundering Regulations\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The definition of money laundering in the UK is quite broad, encompassing all forms of handling or possessing criminal property, including the proceeds (i.e., money) derived from a crime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--warning box--icon\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The law takes money laundering very seriously and places special responsibilities on certain professions the government considers vulnerable to being used to launder money. These include individuals that provide external accounting services, which in practice applies to most self-employed bookkeepers working in the United Kingdom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">By law, you must be supervised by an authority recognised by the HM Treasury, such as the IAB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (IAB). If you are a member of such a recognised authority, they will help ensure you are complying with the law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, you do not have to join a professional organisation to comply with the law, so long as you have appointed an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) supervisor and alerted HM Revenue Council.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Professional Indemnity Insurance\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Let us say you are working for a client to process certain transactions the company has made this year. Suppose you make an incorrect calculation or fail to pick up on a key element of the deal and you do record it as you should have. Your client, relying on this information, proceeds to act as if it is correct. Later, as a consequence of this, your client loses money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The law says you can be held liable for this, and the client could claim against you in court for the financial loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Professional indemnity insurance will cover the amount you are liable for and any associated fees or costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From a strictly legal perspective, there is no requirement to obtain indemnity insurance. However, as a condition of entering into contracts with your clients or becoming a member of a professional organisation, you may have to provide evidence of professional indemnity insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, given the amount of money you could be liable for and that not having insurance can make it difficult to do business, you should consider obtaining insurance upfront. Keep in mind that different policies will provide varying coverage levels at different prices.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As with every start-up business, you should ensure that you have a thorough business plan, with particular attention paid to the financial elements when starting your bookkeeping business. You will also want to consider what business structure you should adapt and ensure you understand the implications of incorporated versus unincorporated structures. In addition, you will want to review the importance of qualifications particular to bookkeeping. Similarly, as you may need to comply with Anti-Money Laundering regulations, you should familiarise yourself with your regulatory obligations. You should also consider what indemnity insurance you will need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need help with your startup business, our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startup-lawyers-lp\/\">experienced startup lawyers<\/a> can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Visit our<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">membership page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1640827973698\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What do I need to start my bookkeeping business?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">From a general business perspective, you want to ensure you have a strong business plan and how you will fund the first stage. From a legal perspective, you should familiarise yourself with regulatory obligations, what business structure is best for you, and the relevance of insurance.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1640828087784\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the main regulatory requirements for a bookkeeping business?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Because you will be working closely with money, the law requires that you be supervised by the appropriate authority to ensure that you are not aiding money laundering, intentionally or unwittingly.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"9eb4f72322\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Suppose you are interested in setting up your own bookkeeping business in England and Wales. You know what the job entails, but you are not sure if there are any legal hoops you need to jump through to set up your business. Perhaps you are also wondering if there are any legal requirements specific to<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13461,"featured_media":532,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[104,117,170,171],"class_list":["post-1065","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-startups","tag-start-a-business","tag-startup","tag-bookkeeping-business","tag-business-plan"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1067\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kieran Ram\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kieran Ram\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kieran Ram\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\"},\"headline\":\"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\"},\"wordCount\":1280,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"start a business\",\"startup\",\"bookkeeping business\",\"business plan\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Startup Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\",\"name\":\"How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\"},\"description\":\"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640827973698\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640828087784\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":1067,\"caption\":\"Implied Consent Under GDPR: What Your Business Needs to Know | LegalVision UK\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Startup Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/startups\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision UK\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\",\"name\":\"Kieran Ram\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Kieran Ram\"},\"description\":\"Kieran is a Trainee Solicitor in LegalVision\u2019s Corporate and Commercial team. He has completed a Law Degree, the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Sports Law, specialising in Football Law.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/kieranram\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640827973698\",\"name\":\"What do I need to start my bookkeeping business?\u00a0\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"From a general business perspective, you want to ensure you have a strong business plan and how you will fund the first stage. From a legal perspective, you should familiarise yourself with regulatory obligations, what business structure is best for you, and the relevance of insurance.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640828087784\",\"name\":\"What are the main regulatory requirements for a bookkeeping business?\u00a0\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Because you will be working closely with money, the law requires that you be supervised by the appropriate authority to ensure that you are not aiding money laundering, intentionally or unwittingly.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK","description":"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK","og_description":"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":1067,"url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Kieran Ram","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kieran Ram","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/"},"author":{"name":"Kieran Ram","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1"},"headline":"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales","datePublished":"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/"},"wordCount":1280,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg","keywords":["start a business","startup","bookkeeping business","business plan"],"articleSection":["Startup Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/","name":"How to Start Bookkeeping Business in UK | LegalVision UK","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg","datePublished":"2021-12-30T01:52:12+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T23:42:20+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1"},"description":"Are you wondering how to start a bookkeeping business in England and Wales? This article walks you through what you will need to do.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640827973698"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640828087784"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230036\/brand-design-00026.jpg","width":1600,"height":1067,"caption":"Implied Consent Under GDPR: What Your Business Needs to Know | LegalVision UK"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Startup Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/startups\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Start a Bookkeeping Business in England and Wales"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/","name":"LegalVision UK","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1","name":"Kieran Ram","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg","caption":"Kieran Ram"},"description":"Kieran is a Trainee Solicitor in LegalVision\u2019s Corporate and Commercial team. He has completed a Law Degree, the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Sports Law, specialising in Football Law.","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/kieranram\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640827973698","name":"What do I need to start my bookkeeping business?\u00a0","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"From a general business perspective, you want to ensure you have a strong business plan and how you will fund the first stage. From a legal perspective, you should familiarise yourself with regulatory obligations, what business structure is best for you, and the relevance of insurance.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/startups\/how-to-start-bookkeeping-business-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1640828087784","name":"What are the main regulatory requirements for a bookkeeping business?\u00a0","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Because you will be working closely with money, the law requires that you be supervised by the appropriate authority to ensure that you are not aiding money laundering, intentionally or unwittingly.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13461"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1065"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2083,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1065\/revisions\/2083"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1065"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1065"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1065"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}