Case study: Getting a Manchester recruitment start-up on the right footing from day one

The client

Orpheus Recruitment Ltd is a Manchester recruitment business, set up as a limited company and trading since January 2025.

The director came to us at the very start. They had no previous experience of running the financial side of a company, and wanted to get HMRC, Companies House and deadline responsibilities right from the outset. Looking for accountants for start-ups in Manchester? This is the kind of start we aim to give.

Where they were

The director was not looking for someone to prepare the annual accounts and disappear. They wanted an accountant who would:

• Explain what needed to be done, and why
• Be on hand when questions came up during the year
• Understand the needs of a professional services business
• Give a personal service rather than passing them between members of a large team

What changed

We prepared the company’s statutory accounts and Corporation Tax return, and guided the director through their HMRC and Companies House responsibilities. Alongside that, we gave one-to-one support on bookkeeping, tax and cash flow, and cleared up a few misconceptions that new directors often have.

During the work Jay spotted a discrepancy in the accounts that needed to be raised with HMRC. Rather than leaving the director to deal with it alone, Jay spoke to HMRC on the client’s behalf and the matter was resolved.

We also looked beyond the first year. Together we discussed tax planning and how to plan cash flow as the business moved into its second year, so decisions could be made with the tax consequences in mind.

The result

• Confidence and clarity about what is required of a company director
• An HMRC discrepancy identified and resolved
• Tax planning that identified opportunities to save tax
• A clear plan for cash flow going into year two
• Ongoing support, so questions get answered when they arise

In their words

What set them apart was how personal the service felt. With larger accountancies you tend to get passed around from person to person, and that was simply not the case here.

Director, Orpheus Recruitment Ltd

They were like an extension of my business.

Director, Orpheus Recruitment Ltd

Jay and the team went above and beyond, not only getting my accounts into a much stronger position but always being on hand for advice and support.

Director, Orpheus Recruitment Ltd

What we love most

Orpheus is now in its second year with us. The relationship has grown into more than a traditional accountant and client arrangement, and the director is better informed and better prepared for the next stage of the business.

Questions this story answers

Can an accountant help me when I start a limited company?

Yes. A good start-up accountant explains your obligations to HMRC and Companies House, sets up the right records and helps you plan ahead. See our limited company accountancy service for what is included.

Will I deal with the same person each time?

With us you deal directly with an experienced accountant who knows your business, rather than being passed between different members of a large team.

Will my accountant deal with HMRC for me?

If you authorise us to, we can speak to HMRC on your behalf about matters relating to your accounts and tax.