Winter Hill is a specialist accountancy service for the Licensed Trade. Our client base covers the North West of England, including Greater Manchester, North Wales and Cumbria.

Unfortunately, we cannot make accountancy interesting, but we are interested in pubs and our work is based on over twenty years of career experience with traditional brewery pub companies.

Our aim is to offer "Accountancy Plus", which means providing a complete accountancy service in terms of HM Revenue and Customs requirements (VAT, PAYE and Tax returns) but also converting figures into facts which will hopefully be of immediate and practical use in helping our clients to manage their business.

We are dedicated to the proposition that good pub businesses result from working hard, setting excellent standards and managing the business to make best profits.

Experience tells us that good cash control coupled with accurate profit forecasting is an essential foundation for success. This is particularly true in the early days of the business and is crucial if initial turnover levels are not as high as one might hope (or if the rent is overcooked - which is pretty common nowadays).

Site visit and initial evaluation are free of charge.

THE SYSTEM

Our clients complete a personalised weekly cash record and bank record.

These forms are designed for simplest possible execution and require no analysis (of VAT or expense category etc.) by the client.

The paperwork is posted to us normally on a monthly basis.

THE SERVICE

Our service includes of course completion of VAT returns, Self-Assessment returns and Payroll service if required.

All client data is computerised 'line by line' to provide a highly detailed book-keeping record well in excess of the statutory requirements for HM Revenue and Customs.

MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Each client is supplied as soon as possible with a "Profit Model" of the business. For many clients, this is the most important feature of our service.

The profit model is a detailed and very accurate assessment of the profit (or loss) potential of the business at different levels of trade.

The profit model is maintained on an ongoing basis, being periodically updated to reflect any significant changes (increase in overhead costs, changing volumes or whatever).

The model is an ideal mechanism to test possible alternative business strategies or to gauge rent reviews etc.

We regard the profit model as 'hands-on' accountancy - being a practical management tool far superior to traditional annual accounts, which are compiled mainly for historical record purposes.

OUR CHARGES

Our fees are all-inclusive, with no hidden extras*

We make no additional charges for tax investigation insurance, VAT inspections or Inland Revenue inquiries which can be answered from the clients records.

Accountancy retainer fees:-

Pubs with minor catering only = £125 per calendar month.

Pubs with substantial catering = £150 per calendar month.

Payroll operation = £1.50 per payslip, minimum £12 per month.

Stocktaking service = yes, by referral if required.

Catering profit controls = on a project basis, please ask for a quotation.

* sorry, our solicitor says we must reserve the right to charge extra fees with prior notice in unusual circumstances. (this has yet to happen).

THINKING OF TAKING A PUB TENANCY?

DON'T ! until you have spoken to us.

The licensed trade has been in continuous turmoil for fifteen years. Tenancy agreements are increasingly high-rent commercial leases with stringent obligations, loaded discounts and very low profit potential.

In our experience, the new PubCos are harsh landlords.

In our local area, we commend Robinsons, JW Lees, Thwaites, and Hydes. And of the national companies, only Marstons.

CONTACT US

Office: Winter Hill Accountancy 35 Whitehill Lane Bolton BL1 7DL

Email: email@winterhill.co.uk

Tel: 01204 302848