Accountants

It is advisable, when seeking an accountant, to research a minimum of three accountancy firms before taking the plunge: it will only be when something goes awry with your accounts that you will know you have made the wrong choice, so take care.

Use recommendations from informed individuals in order to create a shortlist of good companies. Reputable firms should be either certified or chartered, illustrated by the letters ACCA or FCCA and ACA or FCA respectively, and ideally be a member of a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants, although you do not have to be qualified to call yourself an accountant.

The choice of accountant should reflect the size of your accountancy needs - individuals and small-businesses do not have the same requirements as corporations - it should also cost accordingly, so check whether an hourly, monthly or annual fee is charged. Make sure your accountant has the skills to cope when your company grows.