
Bookkeeping might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it’s the backbone. If your records aren’t clean, nothing else is - not your VAT return, not your payroll, not your tax bill.
Think of bookkeeping as the day-to-day diary of your business. It tracks what’s coming in, what’s going out, what you’ve spent, and what those transactions relate to.
When it’s done properly, your numbers make sense and your decisions get easier.
We use trusted platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, Sage, and Apron to keep everything tidy and accurate.
That includes:
You get reliable, organised books without the stress of doing it yourself - and year-end becomes a whole lot smoother.
Hiring people is exciting. Running payroll? Not so much.
Once your business grows, payroll becomes one of those jobs that sneaks up on you. There are dates to hit, rules to follow, deductions to calculate, and auto-enrolment responsibilities that definitely
weren’t in the original job description.
We run your payroll for you, keep your records clean, and make sure everything is submitted to HMRC properly. We also handle auto-enrolment contributions and keep your employer responsibilities on track, so you’re not juggling deadlines and paperwork on top of everything else.
You stay compliant, your team gets paid correctly, and you get your time back.
If you want to stay compliant, keep HMRC happy, and avoid mistakes that upset staff, yes.
Payroll is detailed, time-sensitive, and unforgiving if it’s done incorrectly.
VAT is one of those areas that looks simple from the outside... until you’re dealing with it.
Whether you're just starting out or already established, VAT can quickly become confusing and costly if it’s not handled properly.
Maybe. Maybe not. And that answer can change over time.
We help you decide whether to register at the start, and we monitor your turnover throughout the year. If VAT registration becomes necessary, we handle all the paperwork and guide you through exactly what it means for your business.
And on the other side — if you’re eligible to deregister and it makes financial sense — we’ll tell you that too.
We can prepare your VAT return from your own bookkeeping records or handle both the bookkeeping and VAT for you. We make sure you claim everything you’re entitled to, especially on the tricky areas like mixed-use expenses and motor costs.
There isn’t just one VAT scheme. There are several, and some can save you money or reduce your bookkeeping responsibilities. We look at what you’re eligible for, compare your options, and recommend the setup that works best for you.
Whether it’s bookkeeping, payroll, or VAT, you get a simple promise from us: we keep it clean, clear, and under control - so you don’t have to.
You get your time back. You stay compliant. Your numbers stay accurate. And you can finally stop worrying about the admin.
Let’s get you set up. Contact us to discuss how we can take away the hassle so you can do what you do best.
Hancock & Hastings Limited
Suite 2, Ashton Square Business Centre, Ashton Square, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 3SN