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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 Creative Businesses Can Avoid Late Payers (and Non-Payers) Without Getting Burned

As a creative, you’re not just selling your time - you’re pouring your ideas, energy and creativity into every project....

Should Your Creative Business Operate as an LLP? The Pros and Cons Explained

If you run a creative business - whether it's a design studio, video production company or content agency - you’ve...

How Far Back Can You Reclaim VAT? A Guide for Creative Businesses

If you're running a creative business - whether that's a design studio, a production company, or a content creation...

Box Seats & Business: The Tax Implications of Entertaining Staff and Clients at Events

It’s no secret that a night in a box at a concert or sporting event can be an unforgettable experience – a little...

Freelancers vs Employees: What Creative Businesses Need to Know About HMRC Rules

The creative industry thrives on collaboration, and freelancers are often the secret sauce that brings a project to...

How Do I Choose the Right Accountant for My Creative Business?

Choosing an accountant might not be as exciting as landing a new client, publishing your latest reel or launching your...

Tame the Paper Chaos: How Receipt Capture Apps Can Save You Hours Each Month

If you run a creative business, chances are your desk (or inbox) is a swirl of receipts, invoices and payment...

What on Earth is a Director’s Loan Account? (And Why Should You Care?)

If you’re running your creative business as a limited company you’ve probably heard your accountant mention something...

Can You Claim Tax Relief on Air-Conditioning for Your Business?

If you’ve ever spent a sweltering summer afternoon trying to edit video, design visuals or pitch to a client while...

Claiming Tax Relief on Your Car as a Creative Business Owner

If you run a creative business, whether that’s a design studio, film production outfit or content creation empire, you...

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