|
|
Hi, my name is Nicola Wilson.
I started Totally 4 Business after completing ICB Level 2 (manual) in 2006 after a career break to have my two children, who are now 12 & 10.
I quickly gained clients in design industries, once I started using MYOB, as they all used Macs. When the UK division of MYOB was bought by Mamut I soon realised that although it is a brilliant business management software package it was far too big for most of my clients and couldn't be used on a Mac. That's when I came across www.xero.com and I was hooked!
Totally 4 Business has now evolved. A large part of my time is spent training people how to use Xero as well as bookkeeping for several clients. I love it 
|
|
|
Hi I`m Steve and I`m based in Doncaster where I started my bookkeeping practice 5 years ago. I`m married, in my late forties, and have a 15 year old daughter.
This is the first time I have ever posted anything to any forum but hopefully not the last!!
|
|
|
Hi Nicola.
Out of all the people I could have asked I chose you! I have a form for a practice lisence but it talks about indemnity insurance I don't know what that is or how to obtain it or infact how to obtain clients, I'm having no luck finding work for an employer either. Can you help at all?
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 424 posts
|
dellamo said:
“
Hi Nicola.
Out of all the people I could have asked I chose you! I have a form for a practice lisence but it talks about indemnity insurance I don't know what that is or how to obtain it or infact how to obtain clients, I'm having no luck finding work for an employer either. Can you help at all?
”
Hi dellamo,
I got my indemnity Insurance from www.simplybusiness.co.uk, it was the best deal I could find at the time.
David
|
|
|
dellamo said:
“
Hi Nicola.
Out of all the people I could have asked I chose you! I have a form for a practice lisence but it talks about indemnity insurance I don't know what that is or how to obtain it or infact how to obtain clients, I'm having no luck finding work for an employer either. Can you help at all?
Hi Della
Like David I have my insurance with www.simplybusiness.co.uk. They are very helpful & make sure you are covered for everything you require.
|
|
|
Newbie user - Edinburgh -
|
|
|
Hi everyone, my name is Katherine and I live in Northamptonshire. I have two very young children and am keen to set up on my own but find myself significantly lacking in confidence to take the plunge.
I have a business and accounting degree and have over ten years work experience. I am a member and have completed all my manual examinations. At the end of January I submitted my Level 2 Computerised paper for marking, so I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for good news.
In January, I also got my practice licence and purchased a website domain.
Looking forward to meeting people in a similar situation.
Best wishes,
Katherine.
|
|
|
Hi,
My name is Aleksandra. I am a mum of one. I am 26yr old. I moved to the UK over 3 years ago. In January (this year) I started the ICB Level 1.
It's a pleasure to 'meet' you all !!!
|
|
|
At last someone a bit nearer to me in rochdale. Hope you are doing great in your new business.
Good luck with it I am just going through level 2 manual about to start sage 2nd level.
|
|
|
Hi, Im Fiona, I live in a little village in northants with my 3 lovely kids,equally lovely and patient hubby, 2 dogs and numerous chickens. I started my ICB exams at the start of my maternity leave last year, i got level 1 and 2 manual and have just sent in my level 2 comp, fingers crossed. I want to set up on my own as soon as I get my exam result and hope to be able to say in a years time that I did it!
I loathe football am not great on rugby other than appreciating rugby players legs!! But i do love the sport of kings so if anyone wants a tip for the cheltenham festival Im your woman ;)!
|
|
|
Hi there! I think this is a brilliant idea - my name is Sarah and I'm a qualified ACMA working as a Finance Director for a large company but want to set up my own bookeeping & tax business. Have passed Level I & II last summer and I am about to take the Level III & the Diplomas in Self Assessment & Payroll Management. I am also studying my Chartered Taxation exams to specialise in Owner Managed Businesses & Personal Taxation.
I have twin boys aged 2 and a half.
Am nervous about starting up on my own!!
|
|
|
Mary trouble, that's a great name for a bookeeping business!!
'Figure It Out'
Edited at 08 Feb 2011 04:34 PM GMT
|
|
|
Hi everybody, not sure how to work this but i will give it a go! I am an associate member who is qualified in Manual Bookkeeping and currently completing my sage comp at mo. Hopefully will keep going and eventually might start up on my own! Currently working so getting experience but aint alot of job offers in our field Anybody wishes to say 'Hi' then that would be lovely, don't know any bookkeepers so it will be good to share experiences, tips etc from time to time.
Bye for now
Colleen
|
|
|
Hi Tony,
Its Colleen here, did not realise you had done a thread - being a bit thick really lol. I am glad i have introduced myself, so 'Hi to you'
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 259 posts
|
Hi Everyone!
I have a degree in BA Accounting & Finance and I am currently working full time as a bookkeeper. Let me tell you a degree doesn't properly teach you how to do any journals! This was my weakest area and I was lucky enough to find my first job with no experience 4 months after finishing my degree. I worked with an ACCA qualified accountant who taught me everything there is to know about journals and now I have no trouble taking all accounts to trial balance. I have just taken the Level 1 exam and I have submitted my level 2 computerised exam (still awaiting results) and will book the level 2 manual exam within the next month. I am hoping to start my own business by the end of they year.
I am also proud to say I'm a Londoner and have been working in the city as a bookkeeper/finance officer for 3 and a half years.
|
|
|
Kat said:
“Hi everyone, my name is Katherine and I live in Northamptonshire. I have two very young children and am keen to set up on my own but find myself significantly lacking in confidence to take the plunge.
I have a business and accounting degree and have over ten years work experience. I am a member and have completed all my manual examinations. At the end of January I submitted my Level 2 Computerised paper for marking, so I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for good news.
In January, I also got my practice licence and purchased a website domain.
Looking forward to meeting people in a similar situation.
Best wishes,
Katherine.”
Hi Katherine, you caught my attention when I saw you're from Northamptonshire. My name is Rina from same county (Kettering). I'm also a qualified bookkeeper since 2009 but scared to put up my own business. I adore people like you who's so brave in setting up their own business. I want to be employed as bookkeeper so will have practice but companies I applied were looking for experience. How can I have experience if nobody will employ me 
Good luck to your computerised... God Bless!
|
|
|
This is a message for Katherine of Northamptonshire. Don't know if I did the right way when I send my message below to her so I tried again.
Hi Katherine, you caught my attention when I saw you're from Northamptonshire. My name is Rina from same county (Kettering). I'm also a qualified bookkeeper since 2009 but scared to put up my own business. I adore people like you who's so brave in setting up their own business. I want to be employed as bookkeeper so will have practice but companies I applied were looking for experience. How can I have experience if nobody will employ me
Good luck to your computerised... God Bless!
|
|
|
Hi Everyone, I'm Jennifer and have just started my practice and looking for clients!! Yes, it's very scary but with fingers crossed and alot of hard work i'm sure it will be fine..
I gained my AAT 10 years ago but have not been working in the industry since, so i've re qualified with the ICB and so far loving it. I still have the Payroll, Level 3 and Self Assessment courses to go. Computerised is currently being marked!
I started my practice as I wanted to be my own boss and from reading other posts on here, it is a good move. I have a daughter (nearly 3) and I enjoy rugby, big time!! Bath is the way to go....
Looking forward to reading all our exciting posts,
Jennifer
|
|
|
I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Mairi. I live in Perthshire with my husband and two lovely kids. I've been doing book keeping for my own business for the last 10 years but now I am planning on starting my own book keeping business. I'm going to start sitting the exams soon to become a full member. I have found the forum very useful, I'm sure that I will have may questions as the year goes on.
|
|
|
Hi
I'm Moira and I am new to forums, so I wasn't quite sure how to go about posting my introduction and I have already done so under a new topic, Introducing Yourself, but thought I would join this thread. I have also been finding it dificult to get work and I hope I didn't upset any accountants out there by saying I could save on costs. It's a case of having to be able to compete and I appreciate that an accountant is necessary in a lot of situations. If there are any accountants or bookkeepers in my area, who have too much work, then please get in touch.
www.bespoke-ledgers.co.uk
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 107 posts
|
Hi
I am new to forums, so here goes! Just taken Level I and got a distinction. How happy am I? Studying for level II now through Ideal Schools. Dabbled with bookkeeping in the past through adult ed and worked in banking a very long time ago! Currently in retail and desperate to get back to numbers, would love to have my own business one day. Enjoy reading all the posts.
Linx
|
|
- Companion Member
- Practice Licence
- Practice Licence
- 50 posts
|
MEH said:
“I have also been finding it dificult to get work and I hope I didn't upset any accountants out there by saying I could save on costs.
www.bespoke-ledgers.co.uk”
Hi Moira,
I think being cheaper than accountant is a good selling point as most accountants I know don't want to do the 'boring' bookkeeping bit. Also many self-employed people don't want to pay excessive fees.
I had a brief look at your website, as I'm looking into getting one myself & am tring to get ideas from all sources, & noticed you had the GBBO mark at the bottom. Did you find it easy to create a website through them? Also, although it says it's free for 2 years, it doesn't say whether you have the option of cancelling before you have to pay for it. I'm a bit unsure of web advertising & am trying to work it all out.
Good luck with finsing clients.
Lara
|
|
|
Hi Lara
The GBBO web site was easy to create but I had a bit of help from my family with customising some of the aspects, such as the logo and the links to the other pages and my email address. It is, as you said, free for two years but below is a link to the GBBO web page of terms and more info, just copy and paste it to your browser bar.
http://www.gbbo.co.uk/terms/
Within the headings in the terms, there are a number of links to other web pages, and you can also copy and paste these links to your browser. They seem to answer the questions about usage and costs.
If you have a problem setting up your web site then try this link, as it's google's support web site.
http://www.google.com/support/pages/?hl=en
I decided to use the GBBO option to keep my start up costs down but hope that if I can get some work I can upgrade.
I'm glad you are getting better and hope that you are soon fully recovered.
Good luck with the rest of your exams and with finding more clients.
Moira
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 41 posts
|
Hi Everyone
I am Carrie and I have just passed my Level 1 and am moving onto Level 2. I turn 50 at the end of this year and after being Mum to 3 children and numerous species of animals for the past 20 years have decided to do something that I enjoy. I currently work as the sole Financial 'Department' for an IT company and would really like to setup my own business and be my own boss.
I love my course so far and look forward to getting loads of advice and tips from you all.
Carrie
|
|
|
Hi,
I am Gemma and i am 21. I have just started the course but finding it really interesting and hopefully i will be where some of you are in a few years time :)
I also have a 18 month old little girl :)
Edited at 13 Feb 2011 11:56 AM GMT
|
|
|
Tony said:
“Thought it might be nice if we had a thread where people could introduce themselves. So I'll go first  .
Well I'm obviously Tony and I'm based in Liverpool where I've started my own bookkeeping business around this time last year. I'm my early forties, I have 2 teenage sons who I don't spend nearly enough time with - except when we're all supporting Everton.
And you?”
|
|
|
HI I'm Carolyn from Plymouth new to this business of Forums, have just passed my Level 3 and am awaiting my results for Payroll. Once this is done then will be upgrading from Student to Member I then want to apply for my practice licence. Have been doing books for over 20 years but with no formal qualifications so thought it about time I did something about it. Spent a lot of time in Zimbabwe doing books there was a nightmare with hyper inflation.
|
|
|
Hi I'm Stacey and I've currently passed my lvl 1&2 with the ICB, currently debating starting my own practise as (other than the exams) I have no experience of bookkeeping, I have also recently passed my SAGE 50 accounts certification. I live with my 2yr old daughter and husband in Nuneaton Warks and am looking for any type of job, experience to get me on the way to starting my practise so that I can work from home and spend more time with my family.
|
|
- Companion Member
- Practice Licence
- Practice Licence
- 50 posts
|
Hi Moira,
Thanks for that info & your wishes. I'm going to set it up this week as I thought the same about start up costs.
Good luck everyone,
Lara
|
|
|
RCA said:
“This is a message for Katherine of Northamptonshire. Don't know if I did the right way when I send my message below to her so I tried again.
Hi Katherine, you caught my attention when I saw you're from Northamptonshire. My name is Rina from same county (Kettering). I'm also a qualified bookkeeper since 2009 but scared to put up my own business. I adore people like you who's so brave in setting up their own business. I want to be employed as bookkeeper so will have practice but companies I applied were looking for experience. How can I have experience if nobody will employ me
Good luck to your computerised... God Bless!”
Hi Rina,
I am from South Northants. I am in the process of setting up my practice and you are right it is all very daunting. However, I have been thinking about it for a long time and now seems the right time to do it. Hope you are having more success with the job hunting, it can seem like a vicious circle, stay positive.
Katherine.
|
|
|
HI all,
I'm Sarah. I work as a Finance Officer for an accounting network in London.
I have two young boys who keep me busy and sane when work becomes overwhelming. I like sport also - especially Liverpool Football Club, although I must admit rugby is more my game - come on the All Blacks!
I have been working in finance roles for 18 years now and have just decided to obtain a qualification to back it all up. THe only stumbling block at the moment is the fact that I get so stressed about exams that I shake and throw up and therefore haven't actually managed to sit one yet. Oh well, might have so see a hypnotist to get over that one lol.
It would be nice to meet other members in London and maybe meet up during the week/month for coffee/lunch, and to throw ideas around or just have a good ole natter.
Eventually I would like to have my own practice - just have to get over those terrible exam nerves first!
Wishing you all the best!
SK
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 150 posts
|
Hello all, my name is Torben Stones. My web nick name was given to me at uni, due to my login namebeing "tds". Anyway I think I'm 33 years (I stoped counting at 25), with a 2 year old daughter, and am just about to take my level III manual and computerised bookkeeping. Once I pass these I want to start my own practice, am relly excited and wary about the idea of going into business.
|
|
|
Hi, My name is Debbie, I have already taken the level I and II manual exams, am currently working on the payroll and then plan to take on the level III . Having been made redundant after 22 years within an accounting office, I'm hoping to start up my own practice, just need the confidence to get out there..... .
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 39 posts
|
Hi everyone, I'm Angie and from Moray in the North of Scotland. I am a full member and I have been self employed and in practise since 2008.
I am mum to my 18 month old son, 2 dogs and 2 ponies.
Until recently I was both employed and self employed but decided that it was time to go one way or the other - so here I am AP Bookkeeping Services!!
So glad we now have a forum!!
Angie x
Edited at 16 Feb 2011 10:41 PM GMT
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 9 posts
|
Hi everyone,
I'm Angela, I joined ICB in 1999 and passed my level 2 in 2000 and have been running my business for nearly 10 years. Over the last couple of years I have added computerised level 2 and the payroll diploma and currently working through level 3 (which I should have done years ago!!) with Ideal Schools.
Pleased to meet you all.
|
|
|
Hello,
My name is Nick and I joined the ICB in July 2007 as a student. I managed to pass Level I, II and III. Currently studying for the SAGE computerised qualification and will follow that up with Payroll.
I have just completed my career with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in January 2009 and promised myself I would start my own small Bookkeeping business. I got distracted for a year working at RAF Cranwell as the Financial Administrator/Bookkeeper to Deadalus Officers Mess.
I am married have 2 children, both of whom have grown up and flown the nest. I love playing lots of golf, badly and I am a Leeds United fan.
I don’t normally do forums, but you all seem so nice I thought I would give it a whirl.lol
|
|
|
Hi My name is Adetutu and I'm a mum of one (1yr Old Boy). I'm almost 35 and qualified as an Associate Member last year.
Although I obtained my practice licence last year I'm yet to take on my first client. In the main time I've gone on to continue studying so that I can become a full member.
Any help or advice on how to go about it will be greatly appreciated
Edited at 18 Feb 2011 06:17 PM GMT
|
|
|
Hi , I'm Graham. I'm knocking on the door of forty. Three kids and trying to change my career. As such I have completed level 1 & 2 exams in manual bookkeeping gaining 'distinction' in both. I'm after some advice on looking for a job. This is a completely new area for me and most jobs seem to require experience. If someone out there knows a good way in or could advise me if a 'Sage' course would be a good idea, it would be greatly appreciated. Many tanks
|
|
|
Hi. I'm Graham, knocking on the door of forty and trying to change my career. As such I have completed level 1 & 2 in manual bookkeeping gaining 'distinction' in both. Now I've come to search for a job, but most seem to require experience or a "Sage" qualification. If someone could advise me a way in or whether a "Sage" course would be a good idea it would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 2 posts
|
HI, MY NAME IS FAYE WATKINS AND I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF. BORN IN NEW ZEALAND BUT NOW HAVING LIVED HERE IN WALES SINCE 1990, I CAN SAY THIS IS HOME NOW. I AM MARRIED WITH A NEAR TEENAGE DAUGHTER (HELP!!!). I AM PART OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR SOUTH WALES. ANY IDEAS FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS I WOULD HAPPILY RECEIVE YOUR COMMENTS.
I STARTED MY OWN PRACTICE IN MAY 2004. I HAVE HAD THE CREAM OF WORK AND FINDING NOW THAT BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN HIT HARD AND MY CLIENTS HAVE REDUCED THEIR HOURS. WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BOOKKEEPING I JUST NEED TO
RE-CHARGE THE BATTERIES AND GET BACK ON THE JOB SEARCH.
FEELS A BIT LIKE STARTING OUT AGAIN. I REMEMBER THE DAYS OF LEAFLET DROPS AND GOING AROUND THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ON FOOT. THATS WHERE IT ALL STARTED.
ANY IDEAS FOR GETTING NEW CLIENTS GREATLY APPRECIATD.
Edited at 23 Feb 2011 09:31 PM GMT
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 5 posts
|
Hello,
I am Ann-marie - Decided to give this forum ago to see if I can pick up some useful hints and tips from you all.
I started my business around a year ago it's doing well especially as I work full time too.
Looking forward to being part of discussions and learning more.
|
|
- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 11 posts
|
Hello, my name is Tracey and I have been an Associate member since 2008 with Level I & II manual bookkeeping and have CB.Cert. I was very nervous when I first tried to get clients. Luckily I phoned several local accountants to see whether they outsourced their bookkeeping, most said No but one said that he needed a bookkeeper to work in his office. I have been there ever since and work 3 days a week which is great as I have young children to look after. I love the variety of the work and clients, I have since learnt about CIS and VAT returns both of which I now handle and run for the Accountant. I always get great assistance from my boss and other co workers and am learning new things everyday. Plus I have picked up other clients through the accountant.
Edited at 24 Feb 2011 02:03 PM GMT
Edited at 09 Mar 2011 02:37 PM GMT
|
|
- Member
- Practice Licence
- 19 posts
|
Hello, my name is Jane Orr, I live in Central Belt Scotland, I have small practice mainly sole traders, and a local hotel chain. I had been doing book keeping for 30 years before I decided to go into business for myself. Best decision I ever made!
|
|
- Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 259 posts
|
So, who is attending the CPD seminar in London? So excited as it'll be my first one!
|
|
|
My name is Louise Hunter, I am 38 years old and mum of 2 kids. I live in East Lothian. I have been an Associate Member for a year now.
I started studying at home in 2000 at AAT Intermediate level but decided to take a break to bring up family.
Worked as a payroll administrator for 5 years before deciding that I wanted to do more accounts work. Have worked for the last 2 1/2 years as an Accounts Manager within a small family run business.
At that time I was looking to get more experience in Sage Accounts and through Home Learning College (very expensive co. to study with) was lead into ICB qualifications when I got this job so did Level 1 & 2 in Computerised Bookkeeping. Thought that the exam process would be a lot harder than it was and am now getting ready to sit the Level 2 Manual exam. Have got Sage Accounts Certification and working towards getting Sage Payroll as well.
I would like to start my own bookkeeping business but wouldnt know where to start so would appreciate some advice.
|
|
|
Hi. My name is Beverley Vernon and I live in Oxfordshire. I am an AICB, CB Dip, PM Dip. I have been a practicing member since January 2009 and have enjoyed setting up my own Practice. I have had really good support from all at ICB when I have had a problem and find lots of usefull info on the website. The new Bookkeepers Directory works as I have recently gained a new client!
|
|
|
Hi my name is Natalie and I have an 8 month old son. I currently am on maternity leave from my Performance post in the NHS and am about to start studying Level 1/2 Manual and Computerised bookkeeping.
My aim is to start building up a business from home. My sister has her own beauty business and am going to start with her accounts.
|
|
|
Hi I'm David I am going to enrol on a bookkeeping course and I am looking for some sound and honest advice which path I should take ,self employed or vocational.
I'm 41 years old, I am qualified Carpenter but but unfortunately due to disability I have had make a career change. I did all my own bookkeeping and payroll but this the limit of accountancy experience. Is possible for me work self employed or should I take take the vocational route , in which case would the att accounting technician course be more appropriate .I would like either option but due to my age and disability I feel apprehensive with the vocational option,even it wouldn't pose a problem in my opinion .
David
|
|
|
Hi I'm Shirley,
I have been a member for three years. Pass my Payroll at the end of last year. I have grown-up children a girl and two boys. I am working in London at the moment but would love to start my own business. I just don't have the confidence.
|
|
|
Hi, I'm Lindsay from Reading, Berkshire. I am mom of 2, Matthew (3) and Megan (1). I am 30 this year. Yay! Just came off maternity leave. Completed L2 comp and L1 Manual with HLC while at home with kids and am sitting the L2 manual exam next week. Got the books for Payroll L3 and will do Manual L3 through Ideal schools asap. I have 3 years bookkeeping experience and more than 10 years in admin. Just set up my own practice. Have sent out post cards and business cards and cv at agents, but still waiting. Got a few days of admin work from a client, but need lots more and soon! Can't really afford a very slow start. Good luck to everyone!
|
