Eat Sleep Blog Repeat

Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience

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.

Recent Articles

HMRC Compliance Checks: What to Do If One Lands on Your Doorstep

Some creative business owners get an unwelcome surprise one morning - a brown envelope from HMRC titled “Compliance...

Should You Authorise Your Accountant with HMRC?

When you start working with a new accountant, one of the first bits of admin they’ll ask for is to be authorised with...

Reverse Charge VAT: The Hidden Trap for Creative Businesses

Some creative business owners keep a close eye on their sales to make sure they don’t creep over the VAT registration...

Should Your Creative Business Sponsor a Local Kids’ Sports Team? The Tax Angle Explained

Creative business owners often love giving back to their communities. One common way to do this is by sponsoring a...

The Tax Implications of Using Multiple Companies for Creative Business Owners

Some creative business owners get a little carried away each time they have a new business idea and decide to form a...

Reverse Charge VAT Explained: What Creative Businesses Need to Know

If you’ve ever had an invoice land in your inbox with the words “Reverse Charge VAT applies” splashed across the...

Going Solo: What Freelancers Need to Know About Registering with HMRC

So, you’ve taken the leap into freelancing – whether that’s filming live events, designing client logos, writing...

Paws Before You Claim: The Tax Implications of an Office Dog

More and more creative businesses are going “dog-friendly.” It’s easy to see why: an office dog boosts morale, reduces...

When HMRC Can Make You Personally Liable for Your Company’s Taxes

Most people set up a limited company because it separates their personal finances from the business. In almost all...

The Tax Reality of a Garden Office for Your Creative Business

For many creative entrepreneurs, the dream of a garden office is strong: a bright, stylish studio just a few steps from...

Finding this content useful? Sign up for more!