It’s one of the questions we hear most from people starting out — and honestly, the answers out there are varied to say the least! Ask around and you’ll probably hear something like:
- “Give it one to three years first.”
- “Go as long as you can without one.”
- “Never — they’re too expensive.”
- “When you hit the VAT threshold.”
Not the most encouraging list, is it? To be fair, none of these answers is exactly wrong. When you bring an accountant on board is entirely your call. But every business needs support at some point, and building a relationship with an experienced, business-minded accountant can make a real difference to where you end up.
"Aren't accountants expensive?"
We get it. When you’re just starting out, every pound counts, and an accountant’s fee can feel like a luxury you’ll get round to later.
But here’s the thing: a good, proactive accountant shouldn’t be a cost to your business. They should save you far more than they charge. That might be through making sure you claim everything you’re entitled to, structuring things tax-efficiently from the start, avoiding penalties for missed deadlines, or simply giving you clearer numbers so you make better decisions.
And beyond the savings, there’s the time. Every hour you spend wrestling with spreadsheets or puzzling over HMRC guidance is an hour you’re not spending on winning customers and growing the business.
Ask an established business and you'll hear something different
Here’s what’s interesting. Put the same question to people who’ve been running a business for a while, and the answer is almost always the same:
“From day one.”
Why the difference? When you’re new, it’s hard to see what an accountant could actually bring to the table. Established businesses, on the other hand, have lived it. They remember the moments they really needed a helping hand — the cash flow wobble, the first big contract, the tax bill they didn’t see coming. Many have also used their accountant as a sounding board for growth, not just for the year-end figures.
That’s why so many of them look back and wonder: “Where would my business be now if I’d had an accountant from the very start?”
Three questions to ask any accountant
So the honest answer is: it depends on you and your business. But whenever you start looking, these three questions will tell you a lot:
- How will you help my business? You want more than “we’ll do your accounts”. Listen for how
they’ll support your goals, not just your paperwork. - How can you save me money? A proactive accountant should be able to point to real ways
they’ll add value — and give suggestions for real savings. - Why should I work with you? What makes them the right fit for you, your sector and the stage
you’re at?
Any experienced accountant will be happy to answer these. If they can’t, or they’re vague, that tells you
something too.
It all comes down to the relationship
At the end of the day, choosing an accountant is about people. Can you work well together? Do they understand what you’re trying to build? And will your business genuinely be better off for having them in your corner?
If you’re wondering whether now’s the right time, we would love to have a chat. At Unico3, we work with small, growing and family businesses at every stage — from those just getting started to those ready to scale. No jargon, no obligation, just an honest conversation about where you are and how we could help.
Drop us an email at hello@unico3.co.uk or give us a call on 03301200599 to arrange a free, no-obligation meeting.
Find out if we’re the right accountants for you.
Call us today: 0330 1200 599, contact us or book a consultation below.