The situation
At £70k turnover, sole trader, one person. She’d just hired the first staff member and was growing. Key questions: sole trader or Ltd? When to register for VAT? Cost implications at the threshold?
She needed clear guidance on business structure, bookkeeping setup, and strategic VAT planning before scaling further.
What we did
Business structure and VAT threshold plan
Structured advice on sole trader vs Ltd, tax implications, and VAT threshold strategy. Clear timeline and cost projection for registration at the appropriate point.
PAYE and payroll setup
PAYE administration established on hire of first staff. Ongoing payroll management and compliance handled throughout scaling.
Strategic VAT registration
VAT registration executed on plan at planned revenue level rather than by accident. Upfront cost modelling provided, and ongoing VAT compliance managed with regular returns filing.
The outcome
“I crossed the VAT threshold on purpose this year — not by accident. That’s the difference. Annabel gave me a one-page plan and the tax is boring and predictable for the first time in my life.”