Maria is self-employed, VAT-registered and has a turnover in the high tens of thousands each year.
She’s been using QuickBooks for several years but only for raising her sales invoices.
The sales invoicing is going well, all the invoices get paid, but earlier in 2025 Maria decided she needed to get all of her bookkeeping working in QuickBooks and, ideally, to do most of it herself.
Our first piece of advice was for Maria to open a separate business bank account, tell all her clients to pay into it and to use it for ALL business expenditure.
The impact was instant:
Accounting software is a game-changer for small businesses.
There’s a wide choice of accounting software which is low-cost, accessible and will help you get on top of your business finances and tax.
It’s fair to say that bookkeeping and accounting are not for everyone and you may choose to outsource your business accounting to a local bookkeeper or accountant. Indeed, we can help you (see below).
But, if, like Maria, you’re at all curious about doing some or all of it yourself then – invest in training!
Now that all her bookkeeping is being done (and done very well) in QuickBooks, Maria is in a much better place:
Bookkeeping is now one of Maria’s favourite things!
We got this far without mentioning MTD and that’s because the important part of MTD is the D – Digital.
Our view is that MTD is extra work for business and property ownes and their bookkeepers and accountants for no great advantage.
But there’s one big benefit, which is to encourage business owners and private landlords to get started with separate bank accounts and bookkeeping.
Be more Maria – start now!
It’s an article of faith for us that ALL businesses should have good bookkeeping and we have a long track record helping businesses owners with:
Let’s have a free-of-charge chat about your business – call Michael Austin on 020 7125 0270 or email info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk
Let’s grab a coffee or perhaps a drink with jam and bread!
Michael
Related links:
QuickBooks training for your business
Making tax digital – the useful bits have little to do with tax!
Improve your business by changing your accountants
Chartered Accountants – Bedford House, Fulham Green, London, SW6 3JW
We don’t believe in forms, we believe in talking to people, finding out your needs and tailor-making a solution just for you.
Give us a ring on 020 7125 0270 or email us at info@bluedotconsulting.co.uk
“Michael and the Blue Dot team have been an essential part of our journey from startup through to being an established company, and we look forward to continuing working together long into the future. They have always been on hand to offer support and sound advice whenever it is needed.”
“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”
“Blue Dot Consulting went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.
Their deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges was evident from the outset. They provided unwavering support to our team, ensuring they felt confident and well-prepared for the changes ahead.”
“Thank you again for your help and training so far – it’s honestly been invaluable.”
“I’m no expert but it has been transformative the help and advice I get from Michael and his team.
Michael was fantastic. He quizzed me on how my business worked financially and was super patient with me. Explaining everything in a non-accountancy manner. He then showed me how to utilise all the less obvious tools in the program, which he continues to do, so that I can see immediately what monies held belonged to my company and what is held for clients. I now do my own VAT returns and payroll because of his help and continued support.”
“I really enjoy working with Blue Dot Consulting — they’ve helped me take control of our financial situation in a practical, no-nonsense way.
They take a common-sense approach and, most importantly, they get things done. For example, we now have weekly planning and forecasting calls, along with monthly cash flow reviews using simple, easy-to-understand spreadsheets.
Their support has made a huge difference in how we manage and plan for the future.”
“As the business owner, it can get lonely making all the decisions. I feel I have a ‘silent FD’ that I can call, challenge and that any idea is OK to discuss, and to arrive at a sensible way forward.”
“Having someone in the room that is happy to (in a structured way) challenge the norm and not simply accept that, because things look good, we should stop looking to improve.”
“Blue Dot are uncompromisingly systematic and thorough so that you can get on with running your business.”
“Outstanding service and support. They get things done, just what you need. Recommended.”
“It was the genuine level of care and interest in what we do as a business.
The regular check-ins and the effort to ensure the systems they’ve implemented are working for everyone stood out.
It felt like more than just a service, it was a partnership.”
“I’ve been delighted with both the service and expert advice I’ve received from Michael and his team. They take the weight off my shoulders when it comes to my business’s financial requirements, allowing me to focus on building and managing the company.”
“We are a small organisation with no in-house financial expertise, so it’s a huge weight off my mind knowing that I can rely on Michael and his team to take care of everything.”
“I can wholeheartedly and highly recommend Michael and his team at Blue Dot as an exceptional accounting firm. They put my mind at rest knowing I am in excellent hands.”
“Michael and the team are my saviours. Always helpful, approachable and reliable. They show an interest in my business and give excellent advice and recommendations. Above all, they are highly likeable and fun to work with.”
“They went above and beyond in helping us navigate not only the transition to cloud-based accounting but also in leading our accounts team through a broader period of transformation.”
“You guys are brilliant. It’s been a challenging few weeks facing up to the issues but I do feel positive towards them now and I feel a weight has lifted from my shoulders. I am honestly so thankful!”
“I was a little apprehensive about working with a new accountant but I didn’t need to worry – I have found their approach to be friendly, genuine and they go above & beyond to help.”
“Michael’s straightforward, practical and tailor-made approach was perfect for me and our business.”
“Blue Dot have been our accountants and bookkeepers since the very beginning of our business, and have been nothing short of outstanding throughout.”
