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Years ago
Accountants would leave school, start articles, work their way up and one day perhaps become a junior or even senior partner. You had the semi-seniors and seniors swiching firms for money and experience, but there wasn't many who would "go solo". Nowadays things are quite different. Many Accountants, under social or financial pressure, will seek to "go it on their own" with some even merging at a later date. To succeed in any venture you have to have a certain personality not just knowledge, and whilst I agree a guideline is a must, it won't teach you how to deal with the "culture shock" of being self-employed.
You're right John...
... although we have indeed addressed that point in the guide as it is so fundamental.
Mark
Also
I think that this can give a introverted view and lacks a wider perspective when it comes to being in business in the big bad World. I always point startups towards the PCG "Guide to Freelancing" and have found it an interesting read. There is also general guidance at the DTi's StartupUK site.
That may all be very useful too @Thornyissues
One benefit of a specific guide for start-up practices is that it is focused on key issues and challenges that are directly relevant to accountants starting up in practice. More generic guides will rarely be as useful in isolation.
Too many
guides could lead to overkill.
Starting your own business should be a really exciting venture, but unfortunately red tape including stupid EU rules that should never have been allowed to get to the statute books can dampen that enthusiasm. Certainly to be an Accountant these days is not for the faint hearted.
There is also a lot to be said for the just "go for it" attitude and learn by your mistakes, although these days they could be costly.
It does all seem daunting
I am working towards a portfolio career and have many friends and contacts who try to suggest ways I could get small pieces of work assuming that, as an accountant, it's just a question of offering services, performing work and being paid - if only it was so simple. The more I read the more risky and daunting it all seems.... I'm inclined to focusing on non accounting work unless I can find interim contracts which seems a potential waste of one of my more marketable skills.