Reply to: kb accountancy group

[VelcroPower]

There's a bit of variation in what people consider "catch up fees", but by most people's definitions we do charge them. It wouldn't be full rate (eg if you joined 10 months in, it wouldn't be 10 x £99+VAT = £990+VAT), but we're not one of the firm's that are seemingly fine to just ignore this period either. With us, expect to pay broadly half what it would have been if you'd been with us the whole time.

Client being on FreeAgent already doesn't make too much difference. We'll still be responsible for preparing accurate statutory accounts, which may involve making lots of corrections to bookkeeping, potentially just a month or two after a client signs up.

Catch up fees definitely do put some people off, but the other choice is we basically do lots of early work for free, which doesn't appeal.

I would invariably be wary of companies that don't charge catch up fees for switchers, as they are effectively able to do it because it is still less than their normal cost of acquisition, which will be a £400 voucher to the recruiter or the like. And those companies willing to throw £400 at a recruiter to win a client will want to make sure they get their money's worth from that new client...

[Maslins]

Does surprise me FA accountants charge catch up fees when you move from FA to FA but then I've never done it so might be more work required than I realise.

I hope I'm not diddling Chris out of some income here but I'm sure Maslins has stated they don't charge. That's the only feedback I have about catchups on that list. Doesn't mean the rest don't. Give a couple a ring and see if you like the cut of their jib.

There's a bit of variation in what people consider "catch up fees", but by most people's definitions we do charge them. It wouldn't be full rate (eg if you joined 10 months in, it wouldn't be 10 x £99+VAT = £990+VAT), but we're not one of the firm's that are seemingly fine to just ignore this period either. With us, expect to pay broadly half what it would have been if you'd been with us the whole time.

Client being on FreeAgent already doesn't make too much difference. We'll still be responsible for preparing accurate statutory accounts, which may involve making lots of corrections to bookkeeping, potentially just a month or two after a client signs up.

Catch up fees definitely do put some people off, but the other choice is we basically do lots of early work for free, which doesn't appeal.

[northernladuk]

Have look at the Accountant Recommendation sticky. They are all FA setups and have good feedback from respected users on here.

Does surprise me FA accountants charge catch up fees when you move from FA to FA but then I've never done it so might be more work required than I realise.

I hope I'm not diddling Chris out of some income here but I'm sure Maslins has stated they don't charge. That's the only feedback I have about catchups on that list. Doesn't mean the rest don't. Give a couple a ring and see if you like the cut of their jib.

[manjack]

Not that much keen on using them, I am freeagent user and have been doing book-keeping, PAYE, VAT myself using freeagent. But, now looking to move to a freeagent accountant. Was shopping around and stumbled across their website, they provide a free catch-up service (essentially free CT600 and HMRC/CH accounts for previous year). Others are charging £500+ for 'catch-up services'.
Decided to look-up here for feedback/reviews, although the two threads I found are old, they have similar feedback.

Anyone knows of another freeagent accountant who provide catch-up services at nominal rates?

[northernladuk]

Plenty of other options around. Why are you so intent on using them based on the information you've found over others?

[manjack]

Any recent feedback or review for KB accountancy group?

Any recent reviews or experience with this outfit?

I have spoken to them and they have a lite package which includes freeagent? Also they provide free catch-up service.

But the discussions on this thread and another thread on this forum have put me off.

It was also mentioned on another thread that they are unregulated and are not member of any professional accountancy body, I tried looking on their website but couldn't see if things have changed.

As some other folks here, the person I spoke to knows what he is talking about. But, I am worried that I will not get good service and will be assigned to another junior accountant/book-keeper once I join them.

Here is the other thread that I found:
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...-referral.html

Contractor Accountants | Accountancy Services | K&B Accountancy Group
JSA SERVICES LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)

[northernladuk]

Send an email, they should respond to it. If they don't ditch and move on.

Rubbish. Email is too detached. People can ignore or put it off. You lose control the minute you hit send.

If you want to sort issues out you get them on the phone so they can't get away or put you off.

I just don't get how people think email can sort anything like this.

[kaiser78]

If you email someone and they don't reply use the damn phone e.g. your voice or go there in person.

Send an email, they should respond to it. If they don't ditch and move on.

[SueEllen]

Maybe not texts, but what's wrong with emails ?

If you email someone and they don't reply use the damn phone e.g. your voice or go there in person.

[kaiser78]

Emails and texts?? That's how you resolve issues that really annoy you?

Maybe not texts, but what's wrong with emails ?

[Waldorf]

Don't know if its relevant but the 2 companies K&B accountancy group ltd, and K&B accounting group ltd, both have overdue accounts and companies house. The Registered office details on the K&B website is different from Companies House. There might be a simple explanation - I know there is reference to Kingsley Hamilton on the website and they have common directors so it may be that Kingsley Hamilton own K&B - but I'd certainly ask the question.

There are certainly questions I'd be asking. Even the Kingsley Hamilton accounts don't look very healthy, negative shareholders funds of nearly £1million. It would certainly be a concern that if an accountant can't get the accounts right, what hope do the clients have?

[chopper]

Emails and texts?? That's how you resolve issues that really annoy you?

I don't think they were even responding to smoke signals or carrier pigeons. Full escalation to e-mail or text has occurred.

[northernladuk]

Emails and texts?? That's how you resolve issues that really annoy you?

[KRISH]

Bad experience K and B!!

Thanks Natasha. I'm dealing with one of your team at the moment to organise joining you. Cheers

Hi there

I have had bad experience with K and B for the past 1.5 years as they have not been able to resolve my issue. First of all they are not regulated by any of the 6 professional accounting bodies in UK which means they can continue their unprofessional and fraudulent approach.
<mod snip> who got in touch with me in June 2016 to resolve the issue is not responding to multiple emails and text messages i sent. They are very unprofessional and im struggling to file company tax returns for the money i paid monthly i.e. 150 per month and i have to pay penalties from HMRC for non filing of tax returns. Self assessment was also not filed for me and my wife who are directors.
Im really annoyed and even after sending a letter before action there is no response because they are NOT regualted by any governing body in UK.
Can someone from K and B resolve my issue and refund the money i paid as fees??

[neilkellett]

Good afternoon,

I’m writing on behalf of K&B Accountancy Group and would like to clear up any misunderstanding with regards to the business. The company underwent a comprehensive restructure two years ago to cater for its rapid expansion and now operates under the Kingsley Hamilton Ltd name. There have been no other changes, and the business is growing from strength to strength and currently assisting over 2,000 contractors.

I hope this puts your mind at ease,

Kind regards,

Natasha Webb
Business Development Executive

Thanks Natasha. I'm dealing with one of your team at the moment to organise joining you. Cheers