Apr 2023 – Present · 2 yrs 11 mos · Bristol · Hybrid

• Helping the next generation of business owners on their way with all sorts of ad hock support.

Jan 2014 – Present · 12 yrs 2 mos

• I identified the potential of cloud-based accounting software in 2013. A colleague and I conducted a thorough review of the market to establish which was the best software for our clients, taking into account functionality, security and financial backing.
• Initially we partnered with FreeAgent and another popular cloud solution. Within a short time it became apparent that FreeAgent was by far the best software for our contractor, consultant and freelancer clients.
• In my opinion, FreeAgent has widened the gap between themselves and the rest of the market in the years since.
• FreeAgent is an accounting solution that helps over 160,000 freelancers, small businesses and their accountants take care of their finances. Started in 2008 it has grown to over 280 employees

Dec 2007 – Present · 18 yrs 3 mos · Bristol, United Kingdom

• I started Focus Accountancy so that I can be a financial partner and provide accounting support to Consultants, Freelancers and Contractors to save them time with their bookkeeping and financial management. Over the years I’ve developed a tiered service to deliver an exceptional accountancy service to this client group effectively at a reasonable cost.
• Satisfied clients are my primary goal, and I’m delighted this shows through in many ways:
• Client retention and renewal is extremely high
• I’ve received many testimonials, some written and some as videos. (These are on the http://www.focusaccountancy.co.uk website).
• Referrals and introductions are our main source of new clients
• In 2014 I started our partnership with FreeAgent to provide a modern cloud-based approach to delivering accountancy services. I’m delighted to be a Gold Partner now and provide this valuable service to clients so they and we can save time on financial administration. This means clients can do more of what they are best at, (or enjoy) and we can focus on providing advice and even better customer service, and develop the software stack and tools we offer.
• Examples of areas where we provide advice are ways to structure the business for efficient extraction of funds and where applicable we assist clients with R&D Tax credits.
• Three topics high on the agenda for many consultants, contractors and freelancers currently are:
• IR35 and the changes coming into force in April 2020
• VAT and quarterly reporting to HMRC and MTD
• Saving time and ways to streamline financial data entry, book-keeping and reporting.
• I offer potential clients a 1 hour consultation as a way to get to know and understand each other.
• If you’d like to arrange a call or meeting please email me on barry@focusaccountancy.co.uk.

Jun 1995 – Mar 2001 · 5 yrs 9 mos · Bristol, United Kingdom

• Working closely with the Directors of the group I was a Senior Manager with responsible for special projects and new clients. This involved managing projects such as acquisitions, business plans, succession planning and promoting business development both within the group and to clients.
• Details of all new clients to the group came to me. Depending on the size of the client, type of client, personalities and fee potential I would decide which client service manager best suited their needs.
• If appropriate I would introduce them to other parts of the group, which included Financial Services, Leasing, Credit Management, Insolvency and IT.
• Client Services Manager (June 1995 - March 1999)
• The position included looking after a portfolio of clients from purely tax clients to groups with a turnover of over £10m. I was the point of contact for the clients and delegated work as necessary.
• Skills and experience acquired at Caulfield Cavells includes:
• Succession planning
• Company valuations
• Advising on the sale of businesses
• Tax, VAT and NIC planning
• Quoting and billing clients
• PAYE, VAT and IR investigations
• Developing work for Financial Services
• Staff recruitment and training
• Management of accounts and tax software
• Computer formatting
• I gained my ACCA qualifications while working here.
• I also studied for the Chartered Tax exams.

Sep 1992 – Jul 1994 · 1 yr 10 mos

• In this role I learnt the fundamentals of accounting, working primarily with smaller businesses. This included preparing accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies incl. VAT & TAX, setting up limited companies, doing company secretarial work and maintaining computer systems.