Forum

• # 112317
• Tue 09 Feb 2016 01:20 PM

Hi all,   I would really love to start up my own bookkeeping business.  I would love to hear from anybody who could pass on any advice - although I would love to be able to set up my own business I am feeling very nervous about leaving a permanet job.  I have all my manual and computerised bookkeeping courses and am working through the Payroll course at the moment, I still have a feeling I might not have enough knowledge or experience to set up myself.  

 I live in a small town and would worry about gaining clients. Sounds silly but I am also a bit unsure how exactly the business would run what exactly would  I offer - how far are the accounts taken and what on a daily/weekly/monthly basis do you normally offer?   Another worry is how much to charge, although I know this is a very difficult question for anyone to help on.

  Basically I would love to hear from anyone who maybe has had some of these worries, or any others!,  and have gone on to start up - any help/advice or just hearing from anyone who has taken that first step and would like to share their experience in their journey would be great to hear!  Many thanks! 

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• # 112318
• Tue 09 Feb 2016 03:59 PM

Hi Debbie 

I am Sarah the Glasgow  Branch leader and our Workshops cover exactly your worries.  I bit rushed at the minute but if you were at the Aspire tour in Glasgow on the 24th Feb 2016 which is covering the whole of Scotland I would be happy to try and introduce you to some near you for mentoring and I would be happy to talk to you and try and help.   It woud be good for you to meet other members in Scotland as we all pass work on to each other. 

At the moment we do not have workshops in the Highlands or a local ICb Branch but we are always looking for new leaders.    If you wnat to give me a ring abut the aspire tour I would be happy to answer any questions.   I think the aspire tour on the 24th would help you greatly.  

Our you can follow us on Linkedin ICB Glasgow Showcase page and raise any questions

• Sarah Douglas C.FICB

  HouseTree Business Ltd 

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• # 112319
• Tue 09 Feb 2016 04:01 PM

Hi Debbie

I left my full time job back in October and am almost at the stage where I can take my last exam to become an Associate.  At that time I hope to set up my own business from home.  At the beginning I joined two groups through the ICB who have monthly meetings and I have found these invaluable.  There is still things I do not understand but I have found I am not the only one.  Even people with businesses up and running learn from these meetings.  They also help to make you feel part of the ICB community.  It may be difficult for you to attend as you work at the moment but you could always take a day off maybe if you knew in advance when the next one was in your area.  I suggest you check out the Forum for your local group and see if you can make the next one.

If you find the magic formula I would be interested as I too have concerns but I am taking one step at a time.

Good luck  

Sue

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• # 112324
• Wed 10 Feb 2016 10:04 AM

Thank you both Sarah and Sue for your replies,  I had looked at the Tour in Glasgow but unfortunately due to work commitments I am unable to take the time off to attend.  However I would like to try and make it down to attend one of your branch meetings Sarah I think that would be helpful and worth a trip,  I will get in touch with you over the next few months and see about that if that would be okay.  Thank you once again.

Thank you also Sue for your reply and advice, I am going to try to attend a meeting.  I wish you well with your studies and exams sounds like you are very dedicated and well on your way to qualifying and setting up a good business too.  Good luck with everything 

Many thanks

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• # 112355
• Fri 12 Feb 2016 10:22 PM

Debbie.R said:

“

Thank you both gmembershipah and Sue for your replies,  I had looked at the Tour in Glasgow but unfortunately due to work commitments I am unable to take the time off to attend.  However I would like to try and make it down to attend one of your branch meetings Sarah I think that would be helpful and worth a trip,  I will get in touch with you over the next few months and see about that if that would be okay.  Thank you once again.

Thank you also Sue for your reply and advice, I am going to try to attend a meeting.  I wish you well with your studies and exams sounds like you are very dedicated and well on your way to qualifying and setting up a good business too.  Good luck with everything 

Many thanks

”

 Hi all

I have passed my BA7 and got AICB members now. I am preparing for practice licence. I already have more than 4 years working experience in bookkeeping and accounts.  Now i want to start my own work. I would love to have any useful tips please. Thanks and every body have a lovely weekend.

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• # 112356
• Sat 13 Feb 2016 12:46 AM

Hi Debbie.

My advise is to stay in your permanent job until you have enough clients to take over the wage of your current employ. 

There are always nights after work, along with weekends to build up your client base before you take the leap.

All the best

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• # 112443
• Wed 24 Feb 2016 12:05 PM

Hello

my little journey so far is i studied & gained my aicb while running my barbers shop full time, once qualified i applied for practice licence & insurance straight away.

Some people might see this as spending money you don't need too as i didn't have clients, but it was for me just get it done & it's another hurdle jumped.

I was already registered with HMRC as self employed & had my shop nearly 10 years so over the worry about working alone & being my own boss i'm just used to it. next i had to sell the barbers, that happened finaly just before christmas.

Then i got a desk & cleared work space in our living room, bought the osborne books for tax & am studying for self assesment.

I approched the people who purchased my barbers about becoming there bookkeeper & started in Jan :-)

The way i'm doing it is monthly i pick up all paper work from the month before, hand them back what's been processed through sage with a customised printed record of activity, i am charging them £15 per hour & get paid monthly on delivery of there invoice, this was discused & agreed before hand then put in writing & signed. At the end of a financial year i'll give them a profit & loss & balance sheet ect.

I am really hopefull i can gain my self assesment & persue that, i am waiting really until i can do self assesment to advertise a little (set up a FB page, instagram)

I haven't been able to attend any branch meetings so far so i'm just winging it! haha

I wish you the best of luck

louise

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• # 113048
• Wed 25 May 2016 06:03 AM

Hi Louise sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you for taking the time to explain how you have started out with your business. I have found this to be very interesting and helpful. Wishing you continued success with your business.

Debbie

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• # 114268
• Sun 04 Dec 2016 10:55 PM

Hello Every One,

I am AICB & have passed payroll diploma as well. I am doing full time bookkeeper's job. I am interested to start my own bookkeeping business, but unfortunately I don't have a time, I am looking someone, who may be available at least one day a week, willing to become director of already registered company.I will make all initial investments & will work as well, while staying at home, actually need some one who can market the business & can bring the new clients. is it sound nice, if some one is interested, can you please just sms me at 07427679749.

Khalid Ayub,

AICB, PR Diploma,

MBA.

Debbie.R said:

“

Thank you both gmembershipah and Sue for your replies,  I had looked at the Tour in Glasgow but unfortunately due to work commitments I am unable to take the time off to attend.  However I would like to try and make it down to attend one of your branch meetings Sarah I think that would be helpful and worth a trip,  I will get in touch with you over the next few months and see about that if that would be okay.  Thank you once again.

Thank you also Sue for your reply and advice, I am going to try to attend a meeting.  I wish you well with your studies and exams sounds like you are very de

---

 Hi all

I have passed my BA7 and got AICB members now. I am preparing for practice licence. I already have more than 4 years working experience in bookkeeping and accounts.  Now i want to start my own work. I would love to have any useful tips please. Thanks and every body have a lovely weekend.

”

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