An Accountant Who Actually Understands
Plumbing & Heating Businesses
You didn’t get into the trade to spend your evenings buried in spreadsheets. We handle the CIS, VAT, and MTD headaches so you can focus on what you’re good at — keeping people warm.
Why Your Plumbing or Heating Business Needs a Specialist Accountant
A general accountant can file your return. But do they know the difference between a Gas Safe registration and a Worcester Bosch accreditation? Do they understand why your cash flow looks completely different in August compared to January?
Your trade has its own rhythm
Boiler season, emergency callouts, quiet summers, manufacturer warranty work — your income doesn’t arrive in neat monthly chunks. We plan around the reality of your year, not a textbook version of it.
CIS catches people out
If you’re subcontracting or working under a main contractor, the Construction Industry Scheme affects every payment you receive. Get it wrong and you’ll overpay tax for months without realising. We make sure that doesn’t happen.
VAT isn’t one-size-fits-all
Flat rate, standard rate, cash accounting — the right VAT scheme for your business depends on how much you spend on materials, parts, and equipment. We work out which one actually puts more money in your pocket, not just which one is easiest to file.
MTD is here — and it’s not going away
Making Tax Digital means quarterly reporting is becoming the norm. If you’re still working off a shoebox of receipts, we’ll get you set up on Xero and show you how to keep on top of it in ten minutes a week. No drama.
Accounting Services Built Around Your Trade
We don’t just do your accounts. We help you understand what the numbers actually mean for your business — and what to do about them.
CIS Compliance
Monthly CIS returns, verifying subcontractors, making sure your deductions are correct and you’re not leaving money with HMRC that should be in your bank account.
VAT Planning
Choosing the right VAT scheme, filing on time, and planning purchases to make VAT work in your favour rather than catching you off guard every quarter.
MTD & Cloud Accounting
We’ll get you set up on Xero, connected to your bank, and filing digitally. No more carrier bags of receipts at year-end. Just clean, current numbers you can actually use.
Business Structuring
Sole trader, partnership, or limited company? The right structure depends on your turnover, growth plans, and how many people work with you. We’ll tell you straight which one saves you the most.
Pricing & Profitability
Busy doesn’t always mean profitable. We help you understand your true costs — labour, materials, travel, overheads — so you can price jobs properly and stop undercharging.
Tax Returns & Year-End
Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, annual accounts — all filed accurately and on time. We plan ahead so your tax bill is never a nasty surprise in January.
We Understand Your World
This isn’t a generic service with your trade name swapped in. We work with plumbing and heating businesses every day. We know the landscape you operate in.
- ✓Manufacturer accreditations — Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal — and what they mean for your revenue
- ✓Service plans, maintenance contracts, and the recurring income they create
- ✓Scaling from a one-person operation to running a team with vans, apprentices, and office staff
- ✓The juggling act of Gas Safe renewals, public liability insurance, and tool investment
- ✓Managing cash flow when you’re waiting 30 days for a builder to pay but the merchant wants paying now
- ✓The difference between being busy and being profitable — and how to get both right
On the topic of pricing: Getting your quotes right is one of the biggest levers you have for growing profit without working more hours. Aaron wrote The Quote Handbook specifically for trades businesses — it covers how to price work so you’re not leaving money on the table. It’s available on Amazon and it’s a good place to start if you want to tighten up your pricing before we even sit down together.
Who’s Behind Together We Count?
Together We Count is run by Aaron Mcleish, based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Aaron has spent years working with trades businesses and understands the financial pressures — and opportunities — that come with running a plumbing or heating company.
He’s also the author of The Quote Handbook and The Systems Handbook, both written to help trade business owners get a better grip on pricing, processes, and profitability.
This isn’t a large corporate firm where you speak to a different person every time. You deal with Aaron. He knows your business, your numbers, and your goals. When you ring, he picks up.
What Our Clients Say
“[Client testimonial placeholder — replace with a real quote from a plumbing or heating client about your service, tax savings, or how you’ve helped their business.]”
— [Client Name], [Business Name]
“[Client testimonial placeholder — replace with a real quote, ideally mentioning something specific like CIS refunds, Xero setup, or help with scaling the business.]”
— [Client Name], [Business Name]
“[Client testimonial placeholder — replace with a real quote. Aim for variety: one about personal service, one about saving money, one about making their life easier.]”
— [Client Name], [Business Name]
Book a Free Financial Health Check for Your Heating or Plumbing Business
Think of it like an annual boiler service, but for your finances. We’ll look at your current setup, find what’s costing you money, and tell you — honestly — whether we can help.
No hard sell. No jargon. Just a straightforward conversation about your numbers.
Common Questions from Plumbing & Heating Business Owners
Do I need a specialist accountant, or will any accountant do?
Any qualified accountant can file a tax return. But a specialist understands CIS deductions, the seasonal cash flow of heating work, VAT implications on materials, and how to structure your business as you grow. That understanding saves you real money, not just time.
I’m a sole trader — should I go limited?
It depends on your turnover, your costs, and your plans. Going limited can save tax, but it also comes with more admin and responsibilities. We’ll look at your actual numbers and tell you whether it makes sense right now — or when it will.
I’m getting CIS deductions taken — can I get that money back?
Yes, in most cases. CIS deductions are advance payments of tax, not a penalty. If you’re overpaying, we can reclaim it through your tax return. Some of our clients have had thousands returned that they didn’t even realise they were owed.
Do I have to use Xero?
We recommend Xero because it’s straightforward, works well on your phone, and connects directly to your bank. It makes MTD compliance simple. If you’re on something else, we’ll have a look and advise — but most of our clients find Xero fits their workflow well.
What does the free financial health check involve?
It’s an informal chat — usually around 30 minutes — where we look at your current setup: how you’re structured, what you’re paying in tax, how you’re handling VAT and CIS, and whether there are quick wins. There’s no obligation and no sales pitch. If we can help, we’ll say so. If we can’t, we’ll tell you that too.