Supporting a first-time business purchase with clear advice and hands-on financial guidance

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Nick first contacted Bernard Rogers & Co for help setting up a business. Six months later, they made the decision to buy a business instead. The company they were purchasing used very traditional accounting methods, with bookkeeping done on Excel, and the business structure was unusual, with one part VAT registered and the other not. The sector is also FCA-regulated, making it far from a standard acquisition. They needed an adviser who could explain every step, carry out detailed due diligence and ensure the structure met financial and legal requirements. Three of Nick’s family members were already clients, and after one call with David, they knew they wanted to work with us.

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Bernard Rogers & Co carried out a full financial due diligence report and created structured comparison packs for each purchase option. This allowed Nick to make a fully informed decision about which business structure was financially stronger and better aligned with their long-term plans. We guided them through negotiations, supported the legal process and provided hands-on advice during the final days of the purchase, when decisions had to be made quickly. There were many late-day phone calls, last-minute financial questions and structural considerations, and we were fully invested in helping them secure the right outcome.

Once the acquisition was completed, we supported the transition to QuickBooks and provided training to move them away from Excel-based bookkeeping. Initially, Nick and his wife planned to handle the bookkeeping themselves, but the VAT split became complicated, so they moved the bookkeeping to us for accuracy and ease. We now produce their annual accounts, and we will take over payroll from spring 2026. They describe our approach as friendly, approachable and consultative.

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They appreciate that we listen to what they want, present practical solutions and explain everything in clear terms. They feel reassured knowing they can call at any time and receive a fast response, which has been essential during their first experience of buying and running a business.

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MoneyMaximiser has now launched new insurance products and expanded its service offering. As their product lines grow, they will need to review their financial structure and future business planning, and Bernard Rogers & Co will continue to support them through each stage of that journey.