creatives
Clear accountancy for creative businesses.
Creative businesses rarely follow a standard pattern. Income arrives in waves, deadlines move quickly, and the financial side of things tends to get pushed to the bottom of the list while client work takes priority.
At Phinch we work with freelancers, studios, agencies and production companies who want straightforward advice without the jargon — and an accountant who actually knows how creative work gets made and paid for.
Our role is not just to keep you compliant. We work alongside you year-round on tax planning, reporting, cash flow and the wider decisions that shape sustainable growth.
Year-round, not year-end
Ongoing advice and planning whenever you need it — not a silent line until January each year.
Fixed, transparent fees
Clear pricing agreed up front with no surprise invoices or time-clock billing for quick questions.
A real person on your side
A dedicated accountant who knows your business, picks up the phone and explains things in plain English.
Sector-aware advice
Practical guidance shaped around how creative businesses actually work — projects, royalties and all.
A full service, tailored to the creative sector.
From Self-Assessment and limited company accounts to specialist reliefs — everything a creative business needs under one roof.
Creative Industry Tax Relief
Specialist support preparing and submitting claims for Film, Animation, High-End TV, Children's TV and Video Games Tax Relief.
Self-Assessment for freelancers
Accurate personal tax returns with careful attention to every legitimate expense — studio costs, kit, software and travel.
Limited company accounts
Year-end accounts and Corporation Tax filings structured to keep more profit in your business.
R&D Tax Credits
Many creative and technology-led projects qualify without the founders realising. We assess and prepare the claim in full.
VAT compliance
Registration, returns and advice on the VAT schemes that work best for creative businesses, including cross-border sales.
Bookkeeping & management accounts
Cloud-based bookkeeping with regular reporting, so you always know where project budgets and cash flow really stand.
Outsourced payroll
Compliant payroll for studios and production companies, including freelancer classification and off-payroll working advice.
Tax planning & advisory
Year-round, proactive planning that looks ahead to your next project, studio purchase, hire or eventual exit.
A simple, three-step way of working.
No cold, formal onboarding and no ticket systems. Just a clear process that starts with getting to know your business and continues throughout the year.
Talk
A free, no-obligation conversation where we get to know your business, your goals and where things currently stand.
Plan
We agree a clear scope and a fixed fee, then build a plan tailored to your income pattern and the reliefs you qualify for.
Support
Year-round support from a dedicated accountant — filings handled, deadlines managed, advice on tap whenever you need it.
Common questions from creative clients.
A few of the things we hear most often from freelancers and studios getting in touch for the first time.
I am a self-employed creative — do I really need an accountant?
You are not legally required to have one, but most self-employed creatives end up paying more tax and spending more time on admin than they need to. A specialist accountant typically saves you more than they cost, while removing the stress of deadlines, HMRC letters and year-end panic.
Can you help if my income changes from project to project?
Yes. Most of the creatives we work with have irregular income. We help you understand the numbers across the year so you can plan ahead and manage tax and cash flow with more confidence.
Do you only work with limited companies?
No. We support creatives at every stage — freelancers and sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies with staff and international clients. Whatever structure works best for you, we can advise on it.
How much do you charge for your services?
Our fees depend on the size and shape of your business. A freelance illustrator has very different needs to a production company with staff. We always quote a fixed fee upfront after a free initial call, so there are no surprise bills.
Can you help me claim Creative Industry Tax Relief?
Absolutely. Creative Industry Tax Relief is one of our specialisms. We can assess your eligibility, prepare the claim, and handle the full submission process with HMRC across Film, Animation, TV and Video Games reliefs.
Testimonials
What our clients say about us
Mike Herford
Phinch is a fantastic company. Especially David Parmenter and Sebastian Hassan-Ally who are responsive, proactive and very good at what they do. I am very pleased I engaged this team.
Paul Hemmings
[The Phinch] team did a great job: fantastic communication and follow-up throughout the filing process. Highly recommended!
The Pear Orchard Grill
Highly professional and approachable, always at the end of the phone if we’ve had any questions. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.
Rahul Moodgal
Just incredible. So responsive, detailed but without loosing you with technical jargon and really answered my questions. Will recommend time and time again! Simply the best!
Jane Jarzebowski
My husband & I returned to the UK after a long period of living abroad. Phinch were highly recommended to us as a business that was both professional and compassionate. We have received excellent advice & support from everyone who has helped us and we continue to do so. Thank you so much to you all.
Request a free consultation
If you want to contact us right now, please call us on
01934 404000
.
Or send us a message using the contact form below.