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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
- September 12, 2025
A few banks now run prize draws to encourage you to keep a healthy balance. One of the most eye-catching is Mettle’s...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- September 3, 2025
Running a small creative business in the UK comes with its unique challenges, and keeping your team happy and...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- September 2, 2025
Creative businesses often love to surprise clients (and impress prospects) with thoughtful treats – a box of artisan...
- Dean Shepherd CTA FMAAT, Chartered Tax Adviser, ~30 years experience
- September 1, 2025
If you run a creative business — whether that’s a design studio, film crew, or production agency — you want your team...
If you’re an interior design studio that sources furniture and furnishings for clients, VAT can get messy fast. The key...
Running a creative business means juggling big ideas, tight deadlines, and sometimes unpredictable income. Tax might...
When you employ people, you’ll know that PAYE is the system for deducting tax and National Insurance from salaries. But...
When you’re starting or growing a creative business, your bank account might not be the first thing on your mind....
If you’re self-employed and recently filed your Self Assessment, you may have noticed something strange on your tax...
If you’re a creative freelancer — maybe a designer, filmmaker, or content creator — you’ve probably heard whispers (or...
