Business Details
Expert Online Accountants for Small Businesses
The Friendly Accountants is a small firm of qualified professionals dedicated to simplifying accountancy for small businesses, contractors, and e-commerce clients. With over 25 years of experience each, directors Lesley Ward and Richard Baldwyn combine expertise from FTSE company leadership and HMRC backgrounds to deliver efficient, technology-driven solutions. We specialise in Xero and FreeAgent software, offering year-round support through online tools and remote access. Our services span compliance, time-saving administrative tasks, and value-added financial planning, all underpinned by fixed fees and unlimited client support.Recognised for our personable approach, we serve clients across the UK and overseas, prioritising transparency, ethical standards, and practical advice tailored to individual business needs. Our team maintains Practicing Certificates and professional indemnity insurance, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and client protection.
Services
Compliance Services
Time-Saving Services
Value-Added Services
Xero Accounting
FreeAgent Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined experience from qualified chartered accountants and ex-HMRC tax specialists
- Our services include free unlimited support with all compliance and financial management packages
- We provide fixed-fee structures with no hidden charges for complete cost transparency
- Our team holds Practicing Certificates and professional indemnity insurance for client protection
- We deliver tailored tax planning strategies to legally minimise liabilities while ensuring compliance
What people say
Outstanding support
Proactive tax advice
Paperless efficiency
Expert Xero guidance
Personalised service
Services
Compliance Services
We manage all regulatory requirements including tax returns, company accounts, and HMRC filings. Our service covers personal tax returns, business accounts, and Companies House submissions. Clients receive proactive deadline management and unlimited support to ensure complete compliance with UK tax legislation.
Xero Accounting
Specialist implementation and ongoing support for Xero accounting software. We provide system setup, training, and integration tailored to small business needs. Our packages include subscription management and troubleshooting to maximise software efficiency for financial tracking.
Value-Added Services
Our ProfitSAFE and BusinessBUILDER programmes optimise tax efficiency and growth strategies. Services include cash flow forecasting, investment planning, and exit strategy development. We deliver custom solutions to enhance profitability and long-term business sustainability through proactive financial management.
FreeAgent Support
Tailored FreeAgent implementation for freelancers and contractors. We handle payroll processing, VAT returns, and expense management within the platform. Our support ensures accurate financial tracking and compliance for self-employed professionals using FreeAgent's cloud-based system.
Time-Saving Services
We streamline business operations through bookkeeping, VAT returns, and credit control services. Our RTI payroll management and expense tracking solutions reduce administrative burdens. Clients benefit from outsourced financial administration with guaranteed deadline compliance and regular progress updates.
People
Lesley Ward
Director
Former finance director of a FTSE company with over 25 years' experience in corporate accounting. Specialises in strategic financial management and business growth planning for small enterprises.
Richard Baldwyn
Director
Ex-HMRC tax specialist with 25+ years' experience in complex tax matters. Focuses on tax efficiency strategies and compliance solutions for contractors and e-commerce businesses.
Questions
What accounting software do you support?
We specialise in Xero and FreeAgent platforms, providing full implementation, training, and ongoing support for both systems.
Are your fees fixed or hourly?
All our services operate on fixed-fee pricing with no hidden charges or unexpected costs.
Do you handle tax compliance for overseas businesses?
Yes, we support clients across the UK and internationally with cross-border tax compliance requirements.
What qualifications do your accountants hold?
Our directors are qualified chartered accountants and tax advisers with Practicing Certificates and professional indemnity insurance.
How do you deliver remote accounting services?
We use secure online software, video calls, and encrypted document sharing for fully remote account management.
