Accountant in Brighton
Brighton’s economy is driven by a dense cluster of digital, creative, and tech businesses, alongside a strong tourism and independent retail sector.
Why we work with Brighton businesses
Brighton’s business community is unusually concentrated in digital services, software, and creative production, sectors where tax complexity often catches founders off guard. We work with limited company directors and contractors across North Laine and the Lanes, as well as hospitality operators in Kemp Town and Hove. Our model is remote-first with in-person meetings on request, which suits Brighton’s fast moving freelance and small company culture. The mix of high growth tech and established hospitality means we handle everything from R&D credits to VAT schemes.
The Brighton business scene
Brighton has a genuine dual economy. On one side, American Express’s European HQ and Brandwatch anchor a growing tech and professional services corridor. On the other, Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals and the University of Sussex drive healthcare and research employment. The city’s independent retail scene, concentrated in North Laine and the Lanes, is unusually resilient for a UK seaside town, while tourism and hospitality remain significant across Kemp Town and the seafront. This mix creates a distinctive tax and accounting profile: digital businesses need R&D and share scheme advice; hospitality operators need VAT and payroll support; and the self employed contractor base needs straightforward, no nonsense compliance.
Business hubs in Brighton
North Laine · Lanes · Kemp Town · Hove
How Brighton's economic mix shapes our service emphasis
Brighton’s sector mix means our work is rarely uniform. A digital agency in North Laine typically needs R&D claim preparation for software development work, often alongside EMI share scheme structuring for early employees. A hotel or restaurant group in Hove will prioritise VAT partial exemption and capital allowances on refurbishment. We also see a steady stream of healthcare professionals, from physiotherapists to private consultants linked to Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals, who need personal service company tax planning and IR35 reviews. The local concentration of independent retailers in the Lanes means we handle a lot of partnership and sole trader accounts, often with complex stock and margin calculations. Our ICAEW accreditation gives Brighton directors confidence that we understand the technical detail behind their sector specific challenges, whether that’s R&D boundaries for a SaaS business or the VAT treatment of holiday accommodation.
Anchor employers in Brighton
American Express (European HQ) · Brandwatch · Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals · University of Sussex · Legal & General
What we do for Brighton businesses
Tax planning
Salary and dividend extraction, corporation tax, R&D credits, BADR planning.
Management accounts
Monthly P&L, cash flow forecasting, KPI dashboards.
Payroll & PAYE
Director payroll, employee payroll, P11D benefits, RTI submissions.
Incorporation & structure
Sole trader to limited, holding companies, alphabet shares.
MTD & VAT
Making Tax Digital ITSA and VAT compliance, scheme selection.
Exit planning
BADR, MBOs, earn-outs, goodwill valuation, due diligence support.
Brighton case study (anonymised)
£23,400 R&D claim recovered on iterative software development
8 employee digital product studio
A Brighton based digital product studio in North Laine approached us after their previous accountant had dismissed R&D claims as ineligible. The studio built custom web applications for hospitality clients, including a booking system for a Kemp Town hotel group. We reviewed their project records and identified qualifying activity in iterative software development, user testing, and resolving technical uncertainties around API integration. We prepared a full claim under the SME R&D scheme, recovering £23,400 in corporation tax relief. The directors also benefited from our advice on structuring future projects to maintain clear technical records, which has made subsequent claims straightforward.
Frequently asked questions from Brighton
- Do you have an office in Brighton?
- We operate remote first but hold client meetings in Brighton and Hove on request, typically in North Laine or central Hove. We also serve clients across Worthing, Lewes, and Eastbourne without a physical office in each town.
- I run a small software company in Brighton. Can you help with R&D tax credits?
- Yes. We prepare R&D claims for Brighton tech and digital businesses regularly, including those working on software development, API integration, and data processing. We ensure claims are technically robust and HMRC compliant.
- How do you charge for a limited company annual account and tax return?
- For a straightforward Brighton limited company, our annual fee typically starts at around £1,200 plus VAT. This includes the corporation tax return, statutory accounts, and personal tax returns for one director. Pricing varies with transaction volume and sector complexity.
- I am a contractor working through my own limited company. Do you specialise in IR35?
- Yes. We advise Brighton contractors on IR35 status, dividend strategy, and expense planning. We also handle the annual accounts and corporation tax return, and can review existing contracts for off payroll working risks.
Speak to an accountant in Brighton
Book a free 30-minute call. We will talk through your situation and give you clear, practical recommendations. No jargon, no obligation.