Clearsky Opinions

[konradz]

Hey guys,

First time poster here.
I've been 'freelancing' through Parasol (an umbrella company) for the last 24 months or so and have had a fantastic experience, never had an issue and whenever payments have been even a day late, they've been on the case.

Now I've been considering switching to Clearsky which is their accounting division, to open up a LTD and try to take control of a few more things. Im just wondering what everyones opinion of Clearsky is? I've had no issues with Parasol, but wanted to ask if Clearsky felt the same.

Best,
K

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

Clearsky Opinions

From what I can tell it’s an overpriced contractor accounts farm. Better off using a small independent who dispenses free advice on this very forum. But I’m very biased.

[Darren at Fox-Bartfield]

Accountants

From what I can tell it’s an overpriced contractor accounts farm. Better of using a small independent who dispense free advice on this very forum. But I’m very biased.

Agree, but also biased!

[Hertsseasider]

I use them and have done for a few years with no problems. Does what it says on the tin, straightforward portal for entering Invoices, Bank statements, expenses etc. Works out my tax and tells me what to pay and when. I've asked a few questions along the way and got help and advice. £144 per month, I guess I could get cheaper but i'm OK with that to be honest.

[Fred Bloggs]

I use them and have done for a few years with no problems. Does what it says on the tin, straightforward portal for entering Invoices, Bank statements, expenses etc. Works out my tax and tells me what to pay and when. I've asked a few questions along the way and got help and advice. £144 per month, I guess I could get cheaper but i'm OK with that to be honest.

How much? !!!!! They're having your eyes out.

[konradz]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, from what I can see is its expensive but not exactly horrible. Would an equivalent be something like Crunch?

[Waldorf]

How much? !!!!! They're having your eyes out.

I’m guessing that he is paying £120 + VAT so giving £144.

I understand that that is one of Clearsky’s mid-range package. Still overpriced but what you can expect from such a large group.

Remember that Clearsky are now part of the same group who also owns Parasol, SJD & Nixon Williams.

Judging by comments on here, the service from these companies had fallen over the past few years.

[Fred Bloggs]

I’m guessing that he is paying £120 + VAT so giving £144.

I understand that that is one of Clearsky’s mid-range package. Still overpriced but what you can expect from such a large group.

Remember that Clearsky are now part of the same group who also owns Parasol, SJD & Nixon Williams.

Judging by comments on here, the service from these companies had fallen over the past few years.

I totally agree, but the market is moving on. So much more is being automated nowadays with platforms like FreeAgent and similar. No longer (in my opinion) is it acceptable to deliver 3rd rate services at 1st rate prices. The sooner people wake up and realise that as clients of 3rd rate companies they are costing themselves 00's of GBP a year the better things will get. In today's world of automation and cloud services, prices should be going down and service levels should be going up. If you know where to look, you can find this. These big 3rd rate guys are surviving purely due to client inertia. I can't see it lasting forever, but maybe it will.

[Fred Bloggs]

Thanks for the replies so far guys, from what I can see is its expensive but not exactly horrible. Would an equivalent be something like Crunch?

No idea, but your first priority should be to engage an accountant that offers FreeAgent as part of the deal.

[VillageContractor]

No idea, but your first priority should be to engage an accountant that offers FreeAgent as part of the deal.

Crunch will do everything but for cheaper, however it doesn't use freeagent. I chose Crunch over a freeagent accountant and I've been pretty happy.