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"Every tree tells a story, every coin counts – building the financial backbone of your business." Running a business means keeping a close eye on costs – from abiding by HMRC’s strict ‘wholly and exclusively for business’  rules, to minimizing tax and optimizing your business. Getting your expenses right is a big part of this, and it’s often more nuanced than it first seems. The Usual Suspect s Every business will have the obvious, everyday expenses – the “usual suspects”  – like: Rent Software Travel Professional fees Marketing Office supplies These are the bread and butter of business expenses, and they’re generally easily identifiable and straightforward if you keep good records and stay on top of your bookkeeping . If you’re a client, you’ll have access to my full A-Z guide of claimable expenses in the members' resources area. It’s a handy reference, but of course, we’ll also be reviewing your books regularly, having those all-important chats, and making tailored suggestions to help you stay on top of your finances. But What About the Quirky Ones? Not all expenses fit neatly into the usual categories, and this is where things can get interesting. Think about it –  you run a business, and you have a dog who’s the furry face of your brand. They pop up on your social media, star in your marketing videos, and are a big part of your identity. What do you think might be claimable? Grooming, training, or even branded accessories might just count as business expenses if your four-legged friend is genuinely part of the team. You run a business that involves a lot of travel –  you’re a designer, and while you’re traveling or on holiday, you spend some time sourcing unique fabrics, or maybe you’re a travel writer scouting new destinations while overseas. What do you think might be claimable? Part of your travel costs – like accommodation, flights, and certain activities would possibly be claimable as business expenses. It’s all about keeping clear records and speaking with us to plan accordingly. You run a business that’s all about performance, character, or visual storytelling –  maybe you’re a children’s entertainer, a historical tour guide in full period dress, or a YouTuber with a strong visual brand. What do you think might be claimable? Specialist costumes, themed attire, or even character props might just be part of the write-off. You make or review products – perhaps you’re a chef experimenting with ingredients, a tech reviewer testing the latest gadgets, or a craft business owner creating handmade pieces. What do you think might be claimable? Those unusual supplies, quirky materials, or high-tech tools might just be part of the business expense list. It’s often the unusual, the niche, or the downright unexpected that can make a significant difference if managed correctly. This is where having advice from a company like Eterna can really make the difference – helping you make the most of every opportunity and avoid missing out on perfectly valid claims. When Common Expenses Get Complicated Even those ‘usual suspects’  can become more complex depending on the nature of your business. For example, travel expenses are straightforward for a client meeting or a trade show, but what if you’re a freelancer who works from different locations, or a consultant blending work and leisure on the road? This is where having a professional on your side can make a big difference – it’s about more than just applying the letter of the law, it’s about understanding its spirit too, ensuring you aren’t leaving money on the table. Why Getting This Right Matters Getting your expenses right isn’t just about reducing your corporation tax or managing cash flow – it’s also about: Staying on the right side of HMRC Avoiding fines Making your annual accounts as stress-free as possible Supporting effective budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning Building a healthier, more resilient business Need a Hand Keeping Your Finances in Order? I’m here to help – whether it’s day-to-day bookkeeping, tax planning, or long-term growth strategy, I can support you every step of the way. And if you’re a client, you’ll also have access to my A-Z guide of claimable expenses, so you can always stay one step ahead. Let’s have a free, no-pressure chat to explore what you need — and how we can help.

“By working with an accountant when starting a business, you set yourself up for stress-free growth.” Starting a business is exciting — but it also comes with a long to-do list. You're likely juggling everything from branding and sales to websites, suppliers, and maybe even hiring your first team member. It’s a lot. So it’s understandable that finances might get pushed down the list — or that you might assume you only need an accountant for the essentials, like your year-end tax return or Companies House filing. But if you're wondering whether you really need an accountant when starting a business, the answer is: it can make a huge difference. It’s Not Just About Avoiding Penalties Yes, one of the most important reasons to work with an accountant early on is to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines or fall foul of HMRC. That part is critical — and something we can take off your plate straight away. But what many new business owners miss is the internal setup . Things like: Keeping proper bookkeeping records Tracking income and expenses clearly Storing receipts in a system that actually works Setting up payroll correctly (even if it’s just for you) Understanding how tax planning applies from the very start Get It Right From Day One In the early days, it’s easy to manage things with spreadsheets, notebooks — even a folder full of receipts. But once your business starts to grow, those systems often break down fast. That’s when things become stressful, messy, and hard to untangle. By working with an accountant when starting a business, you’ll build the right foundations — not just for staying compliant, but for saving time, reducing stress, and growing with confidence. Need help setting up your finances the right way from day one? Let’s have a free, no-pressure chat to explore what you need — and how we can help.