Driving Your Business Forward...

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re based in Cauldon Locks in Stoke on Trent

You’re welcome to visit me here by appointment, or I can come to your workplace or we can grab a coffee somewhere neutral – I love a Costa!

My name’s Dave Shannon and I will be your contact for everything – You can call me directly on 07790 029569

That totally depends on your requirements.  Some businesses just see me once a year with, some may be monthly, whilst others require me to see if them every week if they require services such as payroll.

You can normally get in touch with me from 8am on a weekday.  I’ll continue to answer calls up to 5pm every day apart from Friday’s when I finish at 3pm.  I don’t work weekends.  You can leave me a message outside of these times and I’ll get back to you ASAP on the next working day.

Absolutely.  On WhatsApp just use my mobile number – 07790 029569.  With messenger it’s easier to connect via our business page www.facebook.com/driveaheadbookkeeping

As a bookkeeping business we are bound by the UK’s Anti Money Laundering (AML) Regulations so we are required to check your ID.  These are then logged with our AML supervisor the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

In short, yes.  We have some free templates to help you record your details on our Resources Page – a well kept spreadsheet can save time for me going through your transactions which in turn will save you money.

Yes, if you have a package already in mind we can get you set up.  If you’re not sure which package to go for then please check out the next couple of FAQ’s

If you choose to pay monthly then we will incorporate the cost into your monthly payments.  If you pay yearly then your invoice will show my hourly rate and a separate charge for the software

I commonly use Sage and Quickbooks so they are my preferred software.  However, I can also help your business if you use different software

Yes, most software providers will also include an app for you to record your accounts.

If your accounting software has an app then that will normally be able to record your mileage as well.  Or you can use a standalone app such as Mile IQ.

I completed my qualifications with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). My qualifications are Level 3 in Bookkeeping and Accounts and Level 3 Payroll Diploma

My speciality is small businesses.  As well as my bookkeeping business I have also owned and managed a driving school since 2005 so have lots of experience in small business accounts.

I am a member of, and am regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.  My practice licence number is 21993

Yes, I have £250,000 of professional indemnity insurance with Qdos Contractor

Your data may be stored in several ways:

  • digitally on my password protected laptop.
  • digitally within a software application such as Sage which is password protected.
  • paper documents will be kept locked securely in a filing cabinet when not in use.  When these items are no longer needed they will either be returned to you or shredded.

The first thing I’ll need to do is verify your identity with a recent bill and some photo ID.  I’ll also send you a letter of engagement to confirm the services that you require and the fees you will charged.  Providing you’re happy with that and signed it, then we can make a start in bring your accounts together.

You can terminated your contract at any time by giving 30 days written notice.  All work completed up to that point will be invoiced to you at the end of the 30 days.  If you have any software agreements then you may be required to pay the remainder of the term as stated in your letter of agreement.

Yes.  I’m qualified to Level 3 Payroll Diploma with the ICB. I can help you to implement a Payroll system if you don’t already have one in place, or continue the use systems you have in place if suitable.

Yes, using the latest software we can ensure you stay Making Tax Digital compliant

We can report on any time frame that you require, whether that we weekly, monthly or just once a year.

No, not at all.  Bookkeepers are very familiar with clients arriving with a shoe box full of receipts.  Whatever state your accounts are in we can help!

There are 3 ways you can share information with me:

  • send me your paper versions either by post or in person
  • by email
  • via the AutoEntry website.  This will integrate with any software you have set up with me but needs to be set up first.

We will make every effort to get your accounts processed to meet HMRC deadlines.  However, if you are late in getting the paperwork to me and they can’t be completed then you will be liable to any HMRC late fees.

Depending on the complexity of your accounts it may be possible to get them done within a few days.  However, during the peak times of December and January it may take considerably longer.  For this reason we recommend you get your paperwork to us as soon after year end as possible.

In the first instance please contact me directly and I will do everything to resolve any issues you may have.  However, if you feel your complaint needs to be escalated further then you can contact my supervising body, the ICB stating my practice licence number 21993 at

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, 122-126 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU

Email: professional.standards@bookkeepers.org.uk

My standard hourly rate is £30 per hour.  Additional fees may apply if you require software subscriptions.

My preferred payment method is by bank transfer (details will appear on my invoices), however I can accept cheques made out to ‘Drive Ahead Bookkeeping’ and direct debits

Get In touch

07790
029569

available from 08:00 til 17:00

Office 10, Cauldon Locks, Shelton New Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7AB