Blogs

Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders

Making Tax Digital for Sole Traders

What You Need to Know Before the New Rules Arrive  Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is one of…

How Management Accounting Services Help Businesses Improve Financial Performance

How Management Accounting Services Help Businesses Improve Financial Performance

Financial reporting isn’t just something you do at the end of the year for HMRC. By keeping track of your…

JOB OPPORTUNITY

JOB OPPORTUNITY

We are currently looking for an experienced bookkeeper to join our team. HQ Accountancy Ltd is growing accountancy practice based…

Navigating the New Era of UK Accountancy- What You Need to Know

Navigating the New Era of UK Accountancy- What You Need…

When you think of an accountant, you may envision someone you only need once a year to fulfil your tax…

Making Tax Digital for the Self-Employed

Making Tax Digital for the Self-Employed

Introduction to Making Tax Digital (MTD) Making Tax Digital is a key part of the government’s plans to make it…

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Key Performance Indicators are used in four main areas: Understanding KPI Performance Index: Satisfied, Tolerating and Frustrated Users: > Tolerating:…

Capital Allowances on Commercial Property

Capital Allowances on Commercial Property

Capital Allowances Explained: How Businesses Can Claim Tax Relief on Assets These provide businesses with tax relief for the reduction…

Managed Service Companies – The New Rules

Managed Service Companies – The New Rules

What is a Management Service Company? As a result of the IR35 legislation in 1999, service providers created corporate structures…

Forensic Accountancy

Forensic Accountancy

Loss of Earnings Claims: How Forensic Accountants Calculate and Support Loss of earnings through injury or other causes have resulted…

The Personal and Financial Implications of Starting a Business

The Personal and Financial Implications of Starting a Business

1. How to Write a Business Plan By deciding to go into business you have displayed that you have the…

Why Haven’t I Got The Money?

Why Haven’t I Got The Money?

Your accounts show you made a profit of £100,000 last year. You now want to buy that £5,000 luxurious foreign…

Have the Finance Director You Want

Have the Finance Director You Want

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “Right Hand” looking after the Credit Control and Cash Flow; but only paying…

Funding Your Business

Funding Your Business

Crowdfunding for UK Businesses Their website is www.crowdfunder.co.uk They word with Sole Traders and Limited companies, to raise millions of…

Cloud Accounting Made Simple

Cloud Accounting Made Simple

Accounting also referred to as online accounting serves the same functions as a counting software that you would install on…

Developing an Integrated Approach to Your Company Finance

Developing an Integrated Approach to Your Company Finance

Do You Really Know the Financial Metrics Driving Your Business? It may seem like an odd question but it is…

Allowable Business Expenses for Limited Companies

Allowable Business Expenses for Limited Companies

When you’re running your business, it can be difficult trying to keep track of what business costs and expenses you…

R & D Tax Relief for SMEs

R & D Tax Relief for SMEs

Research and Development (R & D) reliefs support companies that work on innovative projects in science and technology. It can…

Capital Gains Tax On Residential Properties of Non Principal Private Residences

Capital Gains Tax On Residential Properties of Non Principal Private…

Since April 2015 Non Resident Landlords when selling a property in the UK have been required to complete a Non…

Entrepreneurs’ Relief Explained

Entrepreneurs’ Relief Explained

Business Asset Disposal Relief (Entrepreneurs’ Relief) Explained: Your Complete UK Tax Guide There are many entrepreneurs who wish to sell…

Ten Ways to Benchmark Your Business

Ten Ways to Benchmark Your Business

What Is Business Benchmarking and Why Does HMRC Use It?   Benchmarking is the comparison that HMRC does on every…

Corporation Tax – The Patent Box

Corporation Tax – The Patent Box

What is the Patent Box? The Patent Box enables companies to apply a lower rate of Corporation Tax to profits…

IR35 – The New Rules

IR35 – The New Rules

1. IR35 Explained: What It Is and How It Affects UK Contractors IR35 was introduced in 2000 to determine the…

Guide to Letting in the UK

Guide to Letting in the UK

Buy to Let and Property Letting Buy to Let involves investing in property with the expectation of capital growth with…

Restart Grants

Restart Grants

Restart Grant Scheme: A Complete Guide for Small Businesses The Restart Grant scheme is administered by local authorities. It is…

A Guide to writing a Business Plan

A Guide to writing a Business Plan

Every business needs to write an annual Business Plan. This enables the management to plan ahead rather than exist on…

Business Start Up Guide

Business Start Up Guide

Do You Have What It Takes to Start a Business? Whilst there are approximately half a million people who start…

A Step-by-Step Guide to Borrowing

A Step-by-Step Guide to Borrowing

Getting finance should be quick and easy, so you can get back to doing what you do best, running your…

Year End Accounts Accountants Liverpool

Need help with your tax return? HQ Accountancy provides professional self assessment services in Liverpool, helping individuals and businesses stay…

Lenka Torok

Lenka Torok

Tax Manager

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

My name is Lenka Torok, I am mum of two beautiful daughters. My role at HQ is to provide financial and tax advice to both our personal and corporate customers, ensuring they maximise profit, minimise expenses and are compliant when submitting their tax returns.  I am a qualified accountant with 18 years’ experience. I am passionate about advising people and helping them navigate their way through their financial and tax affairs, which for many can be an extremely daunting experience.
 
However, I must be honest, and admit that despite growing up in north Slovakia, studying in Sydney, Australia and now living in Surrey, UK I am still yet to master the Liverpool accent. 

What's a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

At the beginning of my career, I did some work experience at a magistrates court which involved going into prisons to take statements from defendants. Another fun fact is that I once met a black bear when holidaying in the Canadian Rockies – he was very rude though and when I waved at him, he didn’t wave back!

What is your most memorable project?

I enjoy most of the projects I’ve been involved in because preparing tax returns and sorting financial matters is like doing a jigsaw puzzle and collecting up all the missing pieces.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

I used to be a junior professional cross-country skier, so I absolutely love skiing and all outdoor activities such as walking, climbing and open water swimming.

What's a piece of advice or motto you live by, both personally and professionally?

No matter how difficult the problem, there is always a solution!
Natalie Cross

Nattalie Cross

Admin Assistant & PA

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

My role in the HQ Accountancy office is Administrative Assistant I work closely with all members of staff, as well as being Nick’s PA. I manage Nick’s diary, schedule meetings and I am the first point of contact with all clients who come into the office (how lucky they get to my smiley face when they come in).

What's a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

That I’m a fully qualified beautician! I trained in lashes, spray tans, facials ( chemical peels, dermaplaning & high frequency ), nails & massages it was something I enjoy doing when I get a chance to do it.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

If I’m not in work, I’m spending my days with my two children on days out making memories I enjoy long walks in Sefton park mainly it’s my little calm space also love a good book.

What's a piece of advice or motto you live by, both personally and professionally?

I can’t decide on one, but I have three favourites.

  • If this was your last day on earth, would you be happy.
  • What will be will be.
  • It is what it is.
Anna Pickstock

Anna Pickstock

Accounts Clerk

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

My current role at HQ accountancy is accounts clerk, working closely with senior members of the team to obtain knowledge and understanding of accountancy. I specifically work in VAT and accounts preparation. Alongside my role at HQ, I am fortunate to be on a journey to become a Chartered Accountant, attending college regularly to reach the desired title. I enjoy learning new things day to day and delving into different clients to understand the different needs of various industries.

What's a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

I have played football for all three of the big teams across Merseyside – Everton, Liverpool and Tranmere. In that time, I did however break both of my ankles (luckily not at the same time). Surprisingly, I am also terrified of aeroplanes, despite the number of times I am on them!

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

Outside of work if you don’t find my head in a textbook around my exams, you will find me with my family and friends exploring new countries/cities, on some sort of outdoor adventure, in the gym or watching the football (Everton unfortunately).

What's a piece of advice or motto you live by, both personally and professionally?

Fail to plan, plan to fail – while juggling work, exams and life it is imperative that I plan and have structure in everything I do, both personally and professionally in order to succeed. I am also an advocate for the saying ‘life is too short’ – if you want to do something, just go and do it.
Claire Hennesy

Claire Hennessy

Payroll Manager

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

I have been the payroll manger now for over 20 years, I love my job and all the clients and that everyday is never the same as there is always something different to accomplish

What's a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

I don’t like beans on my toast they have to be in a bowl at the side as I don’t like soggy toast lol

What's the most memorable or interesting project you've worked on here?

We opened a payroll scheme for a bar in Liverpool and I stayed up until 2am in the morning waiting on hours in order that the staff where able to be paid on time the following morning

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

Mr Bruce my dog love him to bits

What's a piece of advice or motto you live by, both personally and professionally?

The seven P’s  prior, planning & preparation prevent piss poor performance
Dave Evans

Dave Evans

Accounts Manager

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

I have 35 years’ experience specialising in accounts production for a wide range of businesses, predominantly SME Companies where I can have the most impact, as that experience allows me to meet deadlines efficiently and effectively for business who don’t have their own accounts department.
I have gained a wealth experience with a number of local firms and have worked alongside Nick for the past 17 years before becoming his Accounts Manager at HQ Accountancy as we began the journey to build the new practice.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

Away from the office I am a life long Liverpool supporter and enjoy following the club home, away and in Europe.
Nick Hughes

Nick Hughes

Managing Director & CEO

What's Your Role At The Company, and What Do You Enjoy Most About It?

I am the Managing Director & CEO of HQ Accountancy, as well as one of our Business Advisers and a Chartered Certified Accountant. That means all roads lead to me and the buck stops here!
What I enjoy is seeing first hand the positive impact we can have on our clients. I’m surrounded by an amazing team and, when they’re used in the right way, they can make a client’s life so much easier!

What's a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

I did not set out to be an Accountant. When I left University with a Maths Degree, I wanted to work for the Ministry of Defence. So I filled in an application and sent it off, but took a temporary job in a local accountants in order to earn some money. 23 years later, I’m still waiting on hearing back from the MoD!

What's the most memorable or interesting project you've worked on here?

The most memorable & interesting project has been evolving HQ into a wider service provider and a modern practice. Yes, we provide Statutory Accounting services like we always did, but we’re now Business Advisers, using all of our expertise to guide clients on their business journey, we have a number of amazing strategic partners that provide a complementary service to our own and we’re pushing ahead on digital record keeping methods that will keep our clients compliant & make their lives easier!

Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?

For my sins, I’m a long suffering Evertonian, but the least said about that, the better. I’ve picked golf back up again recently, mainly because it’s safer & cheaper that getting a new motorbike. I have two kids who I spend a lot of my time with.

What's a piece of advice or motto you live by, both personally and professionally?

Anyone who knows me knows I love a cliché and I have a few favourites.
 
  • Profit’s not a dirty word.
  • If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got.
  • No amount of money ever bought a second of time.