5 reasons business owners are ditching DIY bookkeeping

David Parker
2 days ago
3 min read

And how Purple Accounts is helping them save time, reduce stress, and stay financially sharp

In today’s competitive business landscape, small business owners are under more pressure than ever to manage time, cash flow, and compliance—all while trying to grow.

It’s no surprise that a growing number of entrepreneurs are finally moving away from DIY bookkeeping and turning to professional bookkeeping services. The truth is: keeping your own books might seem cost-effective, but it often comes at a much higher price—time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Here are five powerful reasons why business owners are making the switch—and how Purple Accounts Warrington makes it simple.

Bookkeeping Essentials

1️⃣ Time Management: Get Your Hours (and Your Life) Back

Time is your most valuable business resource. Yet many small business owners still spend 10 to 15 hours a week trying to do their bookkeeping.

📊 A QuickBooks survey found that 43% of small business owners feel distracted or frustrated by financial admin, and many say it limits their ability to focus on core business activities like marketing, customer service, and product innovation.

Imagine what you could achieve if you got that time back every month.

✅ At Purple Accounts, we handle all your bookkeeping and financial admin—giving you more time to focus on growth.

2️⃣ Increased Accuracy: Mistakes Are Costly

Bookkeeping errors are far more common than you might think—and they can be expensive. A wrong figure here or a missed deadline there can lead to:

Tax penalties and interest
Cash flow issues from late invoicing or miscategorised expenses
Problems when applying for loans or funding

For example, a miscalculated VAT return or payroll error can result in penalties of up to 20% of the amount owed—plus added interest.

✅ Our team ensures your records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with HMRC and Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements.

3️⃣ Access to Expertise: Know More, Worry Less

Bookkeeping isn’t just about keeping records—it’s about understanding your business’s financial health.

Yet most business owners aren’t financial experts—and they shouldn’t have to be. With tax laws, VAT rules, and compliance regulations changing constantly, staying on top of it all is a full-time job in itself.

According to a recent industry study, small businesses that work with professional accountants report 30% more in tax savings than those using a DIY approach.

✅ At Purple Accounts, we don’t just enter numbers—we use them to help you make smarter business decisions.

4️⃣ Better Financial Planning: Make Informed Decisions

Without proper bookkeeping, you can’t see the full picture.

DIY systems often rely on basic spreadsheets or outdated software, which makes it difficult to understand trends, forecast cash flow, or plan ahead.

Imagine trying to run a business without knowing:

Your monthly profit and loss
Which customers haven’t paid you
When your VAT bill is due
How much cash you actually have available

📌 According to research, businesses with solid financial planning are 70% more likely to survive and grow long term.

✅ With Purple Accounts’ management accounts and financial reports, you’ll always have the clarity and insight you need.

5️⃣ Stress Reduction: Focus on What You Love

Let’s be honest—most business owners don’t enjoy doing the books.

It’s one of the top causes of stress, and when combined with the fear of making a costly mistake or being non-compliant, it can quickly lead to burnout.

A recent survey showed that small business owners who outsourced their financial admin reported a 40% improvement in job satisfaction—and more time for strategy, family, and even weekends off.

✅ We don’t just balance your books—we give you peace of mind.

🔄 Moving from DIY to Done-For-You: How Purple Accounts Makes It Easy

We work with small business owners every day who’ve been struggling with DIY bookkeeping—and their most common feedback after switching?

“I wish I’d done this sooner.”

Our bookkeeping service includes:

Complete HMRC compliance
Digital software integration (Xero, QuickBooks)
VAT and payroll management
Monthly or quarterly reporting
Personal support whenever you need it

Everything is done for you—clearly explained, properly managed, and stress-free. Opt for our complete accountancy package or outsourced accountancy service and get everything off your hands.