Support for new businesses and start-ups
ABLM guides new businesses from setting up properly through to the accounting and tax they will need.
Getting the set-up right at the start saves problems later.
Starting a business? ABLM is here to guide you, from setting up properly to the accounting and tax your new business will need. We take the time to understand what you are building and give clear, practical advice.
You are about to start trading
Setting up your records, registrations and filing calendar correctly from the first day makes later accounts and tax returns far simpler.
You are forming a company
Company formation is part of what we offer. A new company’s first accounts are usually due 21 months after incorporation; check the actual deadline on Companies House.
You are growing quickly
Taxable turnover over £90,000 means registering for VAT, and a first employee brings payroll duties. Both are easier to plan for in advance than to deal with after the event.
What we do
- Business structure: whether to trade as a sole trader, partnership or limited company
- Company formation
- Tax registrations with HMRC, such as Self Assessment, VAT and PAYE where they apply
- Bookkeeping and software setup: the right bookkeeping and cloud accounting from day one
Early dates worth knowing. First company accounts: usually 21 months after incorporation (check Companies House). VAT registration: when taxable turnover over the last 12 months goes over £90,000, or you expect it to in the next 30 days alone. Self assessment: tell HMRC by 5 October after the tax year if you need to file a return for the first time. (Rules from GOV.UK, checked 8 October 2026.)
Who will deal with it?
- Laurence MaynardFCCA MAATFounder. Honed his skills as an Audit Manager in a top-tier firm, with a wealth of experience in SMEs.
Where we work
ABLM is based in Peterborough. We work with small businesses and limited companies in Peterborough, Wisbech and the Fenland area, Whittlesey, Chatteris and March, and with owner-managed and family-run businesses across England, including many clients in London. You stay in touch with the team through Teams, phone and email, with face-to-face meetings available if you prefer.
Starting a business?
Tell us what you are planning. No obligation, and the quote is free.