Least painful signup process?

[nomeames]

Brookson

Hi,

A quick one - I’m about to re-enter the world of contracting after a ~5 year hiatus. Contract is secured and I can justify ltd company route, just need to sort out who I’m going to go with for accountancy services etc. Who has the slickest / min. hassle sign-up process out of companies like SJD / Brookson etc? Where should I go for the least pain getting a business bank account setup (stressful iirc)?


thx

As a person who has recently decided to enter into contracting world and joined Brookson, I can say for certain that there are much better options available.

I joined Brookson 3 months back. Joining process was hassle free, guys were very friendly, prompt response and everything looked fine. They set the company up for me very fast, opened a business account with HSBC and all went well. Soon after I received a letter from them saying that my contract is not IR35 compliant and needs to be ammended. Suggested the option of letting their solicitors DWF do that negotiation on my behalf for a fee. I told them to go ahead and discuss with my agent. It has been more than 2 months now, I havent heard anythiung from them. Everytime I contacted them I was told that they are working on it and would revert to me soon.

On top of all this, I have submitted 2 expenses so far and depending on who reviews the expenses I get different response. Some claims which were acceptable for the first month (like claiming travel expenses, house rent etc etc) were surprisingly not acceptable next month. When I asked the reason why they were acceptable for the first month I was told it was reviewd by someone else and was acceptable as per his/her judgment. The same claim cannot be accepted this month as the person reviewing it feels that this expense cannot be claimed. I have since spoken to couple of different advisors and each time I get a different reply as to what can be claimed and what not. That doesn't give me any confidence that I won;t be caught by the taxman at a later date.

They told me at the time of joining that I have been allocated a personal manager to get prompt response. I have tried a number of times talking to my personal manager but could never get through as he is either away, busy on another phone or in a meeting. Not to mention I was put on hold for a long period before any one answered.

To cut the long story short, I am seriously considering a change from Brookson to another professional accountant. Don't get fooled by the initial prompt response and friendliness. AND it is not just me there are another 5-6 colleagues of mine who are facing some or the other issue with Brookson.

[London75]

I used Nixon Williams and it was completely painless. Can't recommend them enough.

Me too

[d000hg]

I went with Quay and they have been fine so far.
My business account is with Abbey because they do most things I need for free and have decent online services. I just had to fill in one form, easy.

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

Its not difficult. Appoint an accountant and they can take care of it.

We can set up a company inside 2 hours and apply for the bank account same day and provided we can get the necessary anti-money-laundering ID normally have a bank account for you within the week. I am sure other accountants will be able to do the same but our start-up process is really slick.

If you'd prefer to open your own bank a/c generally all you'll need to take to the bank is your Cert of Incorp; your passport or driving licence and a utility bill.

[pleomax]

Can you not just walk into your local branch of high street bank and open a business account?

[Beagle]

Nice timing Take it you haven't just quit a nice secure permie gig.

not by choice... :-S

[DiscoStu]

I used Nixon Williams and it was completely painless. Can't recommend them enough.

[Old Greg]

I had 30 minutes spare to get this sorted when I started last year, and was sat in my work car park with my mobile in one hand. SJD did the lot for me. I'm pretty sure I could ha ve got it done cheaper, but it couldn't have been any slicker. They came out to visit me a week or so later to take me through what needed doing and to advise on tax matters.

[Turion]

Hi,

A quick one - I’m about to re-enter the world of contracting after a ~5 year hiatus. Contract is secured and I can justify ltd company route, just need to sort out who I’m going to go with for accountancy services etc. Who has the slickest / min. hassle sign-up process out of companies like SJD / Brookson etc? Where should I go for the least pain getting a business bank account setup (stressful iirc)?


thx

Nice timing Take it you haven't just quit a nice secure permie gig.

[SueEllen]

1. Use the search facility
2. There are a list of accountants recommended that are more expansive then the ones you have listed and are cheaper depending on what you need. To find them use the search facility
3. Phone up HSBC and ask them what stuff need to take with you to open a bank account. Then go to your local branch with the documents and you should get an appointment the same day. It maybe in an hour or in 3 hours so take reading material with you if there are no shops around. Oh and you can use google to find the info about HSBC.

[Beagle]

Hi,

A quick one - I’m about to re-enter the world of contracting after a ~5 year hiatus. Contract is secured and I can justify ltd company route, just need to sort out who I’m going to go with for accountancy services etc. Who has the slickest / min. hassle sign-up process out of companies like SJD / Brookson etc? Where should I go for the least pain getting a business bank account setup (stressful iirc)?


thx