“After being a client of yours for Illuminate Group there is no way I would want to go anywhere else.”Dom O'Connell, Director, Illuminate Group
Where they were
Illuminate Group came to us using FreeAgent, looking for a more hands on accountant who could offer advisory support as well as keeping them compliant, with client direct debits already set up that needed to carry over without disruption.
What we did
We moved them onto Xero, migrating their existing direct debit mandates seamlessly so nothing changed for their own clients, which was a big relief for them. We built a bespoke chart of accounts in Xero to support their internal reporting, and reviewed and updated the directors' remuneration strategy when they joined. We've also had periodic tax planning and review calls with them since they appointed us. Beyond the day to day bookkeeping, payroll, and VAT, we prepare their year end accounts and tax returns and support the directors' personal self assessments.
Where they are now
Illuminate Group has grown steadily since joining us, and we're now looking at ways to build out their management reporting even further as they continue to scale. Dom trusted us enough to bring an entirely separate venture to us too, when he needed an accountant for a new company, there was no question of going anywhere else.
Industry insights
Digital marketing and web development agencies are geared for growth, and that means the numbers behind the business, remuneration strategy, internal reporting, and management accounts, need to keep pace as the business scales. Agencies also often mix project fees with retainers, which can mean looking profitable on paper while still struggling with cash flow month to month, so getting the KPIs and reporting structure right early on means an agency can see exactly how it's performing, not just what it owes HMRC. Many agencies doing genuine technical development work can also be eligible for R&D tax relief, which is well worth exploring as they grow.