Built for the Way You Work
Tradespeople in Essex don't have time to sit behind a laptop chasing paperwork. You're on a site in Romford at 7am, quoting a job in Brentwood at lunch, then dropping materials in Basildon. So we built our service around how you actually work — snap a photo of a receipt, forward an invoice, and we handle the rest.
We work with sole traders and limited company contractors right across Essex — from one-van operators to multi-crew firms with full PAYE and CIS subcontractors.
What We Do for Trades Clients
- CIS registration and monthly returns — contractor and subcontractor
- Gross payment status applications and reviews
- VAT, including Domestic Reverse Charge on construction work
- Self Assessment with CIS deduction reclaims
- Payroll for employed labour, including pensions auto-enrolment
- Sole trader vs limited company reviews
- Xero and FreeAgent setup, training and ongoing bookkeeping
Local to Essex Trades
We look after trades businesses across Brentwood, Romford, Basildon, Chelmsford, Billericay, Hornchurch, Upminster, Ongar, Epping and across the wider Essex region.
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Common Questions
Do you handle CIS for Essex tradespeople?
Yes. We register subcontractors and contractors under the Construction Industry Scheme, file monthly CIS returns, and reclaim CIS deductions through Self Assessment or company corporation tax — for clients across Brentwood, Romford, Basildon, Chelmsford and the wider Essex area.
I'm a sole trader builder — should I become a limited company?
Often yes once profits exceed roughly £40,000–£50,000, because dividends plus a small salary usually beats sole trader tax. But it depends on mortgage plans, IR35-style risks with main contractors, and whether you want gross payment status. We'll run the numbers before recommending either way.
Can you do my books from invoices and bank statements?
Yes — most of our trades clients send us photos of invoices and we pull bank data directly via Xero or FreeAgent. You stay on the tools; we keep the books, VAT and CIS up to date in the background.
What expenses can a tradesperson claim?
Tools, materials, PPE, van running costs, fuel, mobile phone, work clothing with logos, insurance, accountancy fees, training, subcontractor labour, and use of home as office. We'll review every claim properly so you don't overpay tax.
Want a Trades-Friendly Accountant?
Fixed monthly fees, Xero or FreeAgent included, CIS handled, and a real person in Brentwood at the end of the phone. See our full CIS and construction accounting service.