Services / Start-Ups
Start up as you mean to go on
Getting the foundations right from day one — structure, tax, systems, and a plan that holds up. Philip Barnes & Co have been doing this for new businesses in Tamworth and Staffordshire for over 50 years.
What we do
The right structure. The right systems. From the start.
Most start-up problems are structural — the wrong entity, the wrong VAT position, no accounting system worth the name. We fix those before they become expensive.
Philip Barnes & Co advise new businesses on every foundational decision: whether to trade as a sole trader, partnership, limited company, or LLP; when and how to register for VAT; which accounting system fits your business; and how to build a business plan that a lender or investor will take seriously.
We also work through break-even analysis with you — so you know exactly what revenue you need before the business pays for itself. That number matters more in year one than almost anything else.
Our initial consultation is free. Come in, tell us what you're building, and we'll tell you what structure makes sense and what you need to do next.
Company structure and set-up
Sole trader, limited company, or LLP — which is right for you?
The choice of entity shapes your tax position, your personal liability, and how easy it is to bring in partners or investors later. There is no single right answer — it depends on your sector, your growth plans, and how you want to share ownership.
We walk through the options with you in plain terms. Sole trader registration is fast and low-overhead, but offers no liability protection. A limited company costs more to administer but separates your personal finances from the business and can be more tax-efficient once profits reach a certain level.
LLPs suit professional practices and partnerships where members want flexibility over profit-sharing without the formality of a company. We advise on partnership agreements and shareholder agreements too — the documents that prevent disputes before they start.
Philip Barnes & Co have been advising businesses in Staffordshire on these decisions for over 50 years. We know which structures hold up as businesses grow, and which create problems down the line.
How we work with start-ups
From first conversation to first year-end
Free 30-minute consultation
Tell us about the business you're building. We'll ask the right questions about structure, VAT, and timing — and give you a clear picture of what needs to happen before you trade.
Structure and registration
We advise on the right entity, set up your company or partnership correctly, handle VAT registration where needed, and get your accounting system in place from day one.
Business plan and break-even
We help you build a business plan that works — with a break-even analysis that tells you exactly what revenue you need to cover costs. Essential if you're seeking start-up finance.
Ongoing support as you grow
Once you're trading, we're your accountants — quarterly reviews, year-end accounts, tax planning, and advice whenever the business reaches a new stage.
Finance and planning
A business plan that opens doors
Lenders and investors want to see numbers that add up. We help you build them.
- Business plan preparation A structured plan covering market, operations, and financial projections — built around your actual numbers, not a template.
- Break-even analysis We calculate the revenue you need to cover fixed and variable costs — the single most useful number in your first year of trading.
- Start-up finance We advise on sources of start-up finance and help you present your case to lenders, whether that's a bank, a development fund, or a private investor.
- VAT registration We advise on when to register, which VAT scheme suits your business, and how to stay compliant from the first invoice.
- Accounting systems We help you choose and set up the right accounting software — so your records are clean, your returns are straightforward, and you can see how the business is performing at any point.
Philip Barnes & Co are ICAEW Chartered Accountants, based in Tamworth, Staffordshire. Our close-knit team of qualified chartered accountants brings specialist skills to every engagement — including the businesses that are just getting started.
Ready to start? Let's talk before you commit to anything.
A free initial consultation with Philip Barnes & Co costs you nothing and could save you from an expensive structural mistake. Call us on 01827 60033 or drop in to The Old Council Chambers, Halford Street, Tamworth.