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Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
I'm Dean Shepherd, a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and Fellow of the AAT, with approaching 30 years in UK tax and accountancy.
I run ESXR, a deliberately small accountancy practice for established service-based businesses — from creative agencies to consultants — who want their finances handled properly by someone who genuinely has time for them.
Before going out on my own, I spent eight years in the tax software industry, shaping how the products actually worked and helping build the software your accountant uses every day. I also lecture on tax and speak at industry conferences, which keeps me at the front of the profession rather than catching up with it.
I write these articles to make tax and money a little less stressful: plain English, no jargon, grounded in what actually works for real businesses rather than textbook theory.
If something here raises a question about your own situation, I'm always happy to help — drop me a message, or book a chat.
I run ESXR, a deliberately small accountancy practice for established service-based businesses — from creative agencies to consultants — who want their finances handled properly by someone who genuinely has time for them.
Before going out on my own, I spent eight years in the tax software industry, shaping how the products actually worked and helping build the software your accountant uses every day. I also lecture on tax and speak at industry conferences, which keeps me at the front of the profession rather than catching up with it.
I write these articles to make tax and money a little less stressful: plain English, no jargon, grounded in what actually works for real businesses rather than textbook theory.
If something here raises a question about your own situation, I'm always happy to help — drop me a message, or book a chat.
Recent Articles
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- November 21, 2025
If you’re a freelancer in the creative world — whether you’re a designer, videographer, editor, sound engineer,...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- November 20, 2025
A lot of agencies reach a stage where things start getting bigger. New service lines, a production arm, a training...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- November 19, 2025
What creative founders need to know before saying “I do” to another studio.
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- November 18, 2025
If you’re a designer, filmmaker, consultant, photographer, copywriter or any other kind of creative turning your sole...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- November 17, 2025
Some creative business owners get a little carried away each time they have a new business idea and decide to form a...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- October 28, 2025
Taking on your first employee is a big step. Exciting? Yes. A bit daunting? Also yes. You’re no longer just running...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- October 14, 2025
If you’ve ever typed a tax question into ChatGPT at 2 a.m. while finishing client edits, you’re not alone. AI is now...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- October 13, 2025
It’s the question everyone’s asking right now — can AI replace your accountant?
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- October 10, 2025
Every creative agency knows the feeling: you’ve poured hours (and heart) into a project, sent the invoice, and…...
In a bold and unusual move, the UK government has launched a time-limited “no questions asked” voluntary repayment...
