U&W Chartered Accountants – Your Trusted Accountancy Partner in Stockport

Choosing a local accountant can make it easier to build a long-term working relationship with someone who understands businesses in Stockport and the wider Greater Manchester area. You can meet face to face when a detailed discussion is useful, while still using telephone, email and online meetings for routine communication.

A local relationship can be particularly valuable when you are starting a company, changing business structure, buying or selling assets, taking on new premises or planning for growth. These decisions can create tax, reporting and cash flow consequences, so having an accessible accountant who understands your circumstances can help you make decisions with greater confidence.

Location should not be the only factor when selecting an accountant. You should also consider professional qualifications, experience, communication, service scope and whether the firm takes time to understand your goals. U&W is based on Manchester Road in Stockport and is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. This gives local clients access to a chartered accountancy firm while retaining the flexibility of remote support when required.

U&W supports a broad range of business structures, including sole traders, partnerships, start-ups, owner-managed businesses and established limited companies. The right level of support depends less on the size of the organisation and more on its obligations, transaction complexity, tax position and plans for the future.

A new business may need guidance on whether to operate as a sole trader or limited company, how to register with HMRC, when VAT registration may become relevant and what records must be retained. A growing company may require support with statutory accounts, corporation tax, VAT compliance, director remuneration, funding applications or changes in ownership. Landlords, consultants, contractors and family-run businesses may also have specific tax considerations that require tailored advice.

Stockport Accountancy Services should adapt as your circumstances change. A simple compliance requirement can become more complex when turnover increases, new shareholders join, property is purchased, activities expand overseas or additional income sources arise. U&W can review your current position, explain which services are relevant and adjust the scope of support as your business develops.

Yes. Business and personal tax are often closely connected, particularly for sole traders, company directors, landlords and individuals with more than one source of income. U&W can help you understand the different obligations that apply and make sure relevant returns and calculations are completed accurately and submitted on time.

Business tax support may include corporation tax returns, tax computations, VAT advice, capital allowance claims and guidance on extracting income from a limited company. Personal tax support may include Self Assessment, property income, dividends, capital gains, inheritance tax considerations and tax arising from investments or additional earnings. Where your business and personal finances overlap, coordinated advice can reduce the risk of treating each issue in isolation.

Tax planning should be considered before a transaction or decision takes place. Selling an asset, purchasing property, changing business structure or withdrawing funds from a company may produce different tax results depending on timing and circumstances. An accountant can explain the available options, identify reliefs that may apply and help you prepare for the amount and timing of tax payments. Advice will depend on your individual facts, so an initial review is important before recommendations are made.

Changing accountants is usually straightforward, and you do not need to wait until the end of a tax year or accounting period. The first step is to speak with U&W about your current arrangements, the services you require and any upcoming filing or payment deadlines. This allows the team to identify urgent work and plan the transfer carefully.

You will normally need to inform your existing accountant that you are moving. U&W can then contact them to request professional clearance and obtain the records needed to continue the work. These may include previous accounts, tax returns, tax computations, company information, HMRC correspondence and relevant schedules. You may also need to authorise U&W to act for you with HMRC and, where applicable, Companies House.

Before switching, check whether your previous accountant has outstanding fees, whether any work remains incomplete and whether important deadlines are approaching. It is helpful to provide a summary of recent business changes, tax enquiries or unresolved issues. Once the transfer is complete, U&W can review your position, confirm responsibilities and agree how communication, document sharing and future deadlines will be managed.

The cost of accountancy services varies because every client has different responsibilities and levels of complexity. A sole trader with a straightforward Self Assessment return will usually require a different scope of work from a limited company with VAT obligations, multiple directors, property income or complex transactions.

A quotation may take account of your business structure, annual turnover, number of transactions, quality of existing records, filing requirements, number of income sources and the amount of advice you expect during the year. Additional work may be required if records are incomplete, earlier returns need correcting, HMRC has opened an enquiry or deadlines are already overdue.

A clear proposal should explain which services are included, how often fees are charged and what may result in an additional cost. It is worth comparing the scope and level of support rather than choosing an accountant solely on the lowest price. Low initial fees can become poor value if important work is excluded or communication is difficult.

U&W offers an initial consultation to understand your circumstances before providing a tailored quotation. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your priorities and make sure the proposed service fits your obligations and budget.

Yes. Although U&W is based in Stockport, accountancy and tax work can be delivered securely to clients across Greater Manchester and the wider UK. Meetings can take place by telephone or video call, while records and documents can be shared through suitable digital systems. You can therefore work with the firm without travelling to the office for every discussion.

Remote support can suit consultants, contractors, landlords, online businesses, company directors and people who have relocated but want to retain an established relationship with their accountant. It can also help businesses with owners or operations in more than one part of the country.

The important consideration is whether communication is clear, records are exchanged securely and responsibilities are agreed. You should know who your main contact is, when information is required and how questions will be handled throughout the year.

Clients who prefer face-to-face discussions can visit the Stockport office, while those further away can use remote consultations. U&W combines local availability with nationwide support, allowing each client to choose the communication method that works best for their circumstances.

The initial consultation is an opportunity to explain your current position, discuss your concerns and identify the support you may need. You may be asked about your business structure, accounting year end, tax registrations, income sources, existing accountant, current software and upcoming filing deadlines. It is also helpful to explain planned changes, such as forming a company, purchasing property, taking on investment, selling assets or expanding into a new market.

After the discussion, U&W can outline the services it recommends and provide a quotation. You should receive a clear explanation of what is included, what information you need to provide and which responsibilities remain with you. Before work begins, identity and anti-money laundering checks must normally be completed, and you will be asked to approve an engagement letter setting out the terms of the relationship.

If you are moving from another firm, onboarding may also involve professional clearance, transferring records and obtaining authority to deal with HMRC. Once access and information have been received, U&W can confirm key deadlines and the next actions required. Providing complete records promptly can help the process move efficiently and reduce the risk of missed obligations.