Compare first. Then decide.
See how we measure up against a traditional local accountant and DIY accounting software — on the points that genuinely count when you're running a UK business.
At a Glance
Three routes to managing your accounting — and only one brings it all together
You could appoint a local high-street firm, keep your own books in DIY software, or come to us. Here's how each one shapes up.
| Feature | Recommended Workwell Accountancy From £42.50/mo | Local Accountant £100–£300+/mo | DIY Software £15–£50/mo (software only) |
|---|---|---|---|
Dedicated named accountant | |||
Unlimited advice included | |||
FreeAgent included free | |||
Real-time financial dashboard | |||
All tax returns & filings | |||
Open banking (25+ UK banks) | |||
No setup fees | |||
No minimum contract | |||
IR35 support & contract reviews | |||
Mobile app access | |||
Invoice creation & tracking | |||
MTD compliant | |||
Proactive tax planning | Varies | ||
Payroll included | Extra cost | ||
| Average monthly cost | From £42.50/mo | £100–£300+/mo | £15–£50/mo (software only) |
Workwell Accountancy
From £42.50/month — everything in
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- Proactive tax planning
- Payroll included
Local Accountant
£100–£300+ /month, plus extras
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- VariesProactive tax planning
- Extra costPayroll included
DIY Software
£15–£50 /month — software only, no accountant
- Dedicated named accountant
- Unlimited advice included
- FreeAgent included free
- Real-time financial dashboard
- All tax returns & filings
- Open banking (25+ UK banks)
- No setup fees
- No minimum contract
- IR35 support & contract reviews
- Mobile app access
- Invoice creation & tracking
- MTD compliant
- Proactive tax planning
- Payroll included
Comparison reflects typical offerings in the UK market. Individual local accountants and software products vary.
What It Means
A tick in a column says little — what it delivers day to day says everything
The gaps between the three options are anything but minor. Here's what each row genuinely gets you with Workwell Accountancy.
A named accountant — not a portal
Call us and you get straight through to your own accountant, someone who already understands your business — not a generic call centre or a chatbot working a ticket queue. High-street firms can offer the same, but usually at 2–3× the cost, and DIY software offers nothing of the sort.
Unlimited advice — not pay-per-call
Pick up the phone as often as you like. Email a question mid-morning and hear back by lunchtime. Nothing is metered and no quick chat lands you a surprise bill. Traditional firms tend to charge by the hour, and DIY software gives you no one to ask at all.
FreeAgent included free — £19/mo saved
FreeAgent costs £19/month at retail. We include it. That's HMRC-recognised, MTD-compliant software with full bank feeds, invoicing and expenses, plus your accountant working in the very same system — no separate logins and no monthly software bill.
One flat fee — no surprises
You pay exactly what's quoted on the pricing page. Tax returns, payroll, VAT, IR35 reviews and mortgage reference letters are all in. No setup fees, no charge per call, and no “you-went-over-your-allowance” invoice landing in February.
The Sensible Move
One place for everything. One flat fee. No nasty surprises.
Become one of the UK businesses that chose Workwell Accountancy. A dedicated accountant, FreeAgent included, no setup fees and no minimum contract — from £42.50/month.