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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

How a £10,000 Pension Contribution Can Boost Your Take-Home Pay (and Your Future Wealth)

If you earn a six-figure salary, it’s easy to think “an extra £10,000 is just more money in the bank.” But the UK tax...

Should You Switch to a Different Accountant? Here’s How to Decide

Changing accountants can feel like a big deal. After all, you’re trusting them with your business’s numbers, tax...

When Should Your Financial Year End? A Guide for Limited Companies and Sole Traders

Choosing your financial year end might not sound like the most exciting part of running a business but it can have a...

What Are Incidental Overnight Expenses – And Can You Claim Them Tax-Free?

If your creative work takes you away from home for a night or two – maybe you're filming on location, attending an...

DIY or Delegate? Why Creative Business Owners Shouldn’t Wing It with Their Finances

As a creative business owner, you're the ideas person. You’re the face of the brand, the visionary, and very often -...

Can You Claim Tax Relief on Training and Learning Costs? A Guide for Creative Businesses

Whether it’s a filmmaking masterclass, a marketing conference in London or a paid online course in animation, investing...

How Company Directors Can Pay Themselves Different Amounts Each Month (Without a Tax Headache)

If you run a limited company with one or more co-directors, chances are you’re not all contributing equally every...

Do I Pay Tax on a Grant or Bursary? A Guide for Creatives

If you’re in the creative industries - whether that’s music, theatre, film, design, photography or online content -...

Disbursements vs. Recharges: What Counts and What the Taxman Thinks

When you buy something on behalf of a client, can you just pass on the cost and forget about it? Or do you need to add...

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