In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky Clark is joined by Vicky Skinner, founder of the Animal Focused Alliance, to discuss how the Alliance is helping pet professionals raise standards in animal welfare and stay compliant with ever-changing regulations.

They explore the challenges faced by sole traders in the pet industry, especially when it comes to understanding licensing, legal requirements, and best practices, and how the Alliance provides vital resources and a supportive community.

Vicky Skinner also shares why inspector training is so important for maintaining consistent animal welfare standards and how the Alliance acts as a central hub for pet professionals to stay informed and connected.

Key Takeaways:

• The Animal Focused Alliance was created to support pet professionals and promote animal welfare standards.
• Keeping up with legislative changes in the UK is crucial for anyone working in pet care.
• Training and qualifications for inspectors are vital to maintaining consistent welfare standards.
• Sole traders often struggle to access guidance, making a hub like the Alliance invaluable.
• The Alliance provides reliable resources, updates, and a community for pet professionals.
• Regulations in animal care continue to evolve—staying informed is key to protecting animal welfare.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a must-attend business event covering the latest topics for pet professionals. Can’t attend in person? Online tickets are available too!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee tackle one of the most confusing but important topics for pet business owners: VAT and pricing.

They explain the recent increase in the VAT registration threshold to £90,000, what that means for your business, and why keeping an eye on your VATable turnover is essential to avoid mistakes. They also share real-life examples of where business owners have misinterpreted VAT rules, and the costly problems that followed.

But VAT doesn’t have to be scary. Vicky and Lee show how the right VAT scheme and strong pricing strategies (like annual price reviews) can actually support growth and protect profitability.

Key Takeaways:

• The VAT registration threshold has increased to £90,000—know how this impacts your business.
• Always understand the difference between gross and net figures when calculating VAT.
• VAT registration can be a sign of growth and stability, not just a burden.
• Regular price increases are vital to maintain profitability as costs rise.
• Choosing the right VAT scheme (standard or flat rate) can improve cash flow.
• A qualified accountant can save you from costly VAT and pricing mistakes.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a business event packed with expert insights for pet professionals. Can’t make it in person? Online tickets are available too!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky is joined by Teigan to break down everything pet business owners need to know about Making Tax Digital, and why switching to the right accounting software isn’t just helpful, it’s going to be the law for many businesses by April 2026.

They compare popular software options, including Dext, FreeAgent, and Xero, explaining which one works best for different business needs. From simple compliance tools to feature-rich reporting systems, they share practical advice to help you choose the right fit for your business.

Vicky also explains why The Pet Accountant avoids QuickBooks, and why keeping a separate business bank account is essential for accurate bookkeeping. This episode is full of actionable tips to help you get compliant and stay financially organised.

Key Takeaways:

• Businesses earning over £50,000 will need to comply with Making Tax Digital by April 2026.
• Dext is a simple option for straightforward compliance.
• Free Agent and Xero offer more advanced features for detailed reporting.
• QuickBooks is avoided due to technical issues and data loss problems.
• Choose software based on your business needs, budget, and complexity.
• Always use a separate business bank account to keep finances clear.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant pet business event covering key industry topics. Can’t attend in person? Online tickets are available too!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee discuss how their all-in-one accounting package helps pet business owners stay on top of their finances without the usual stress.

They explain how client feedback led to the creation of this streamlined service, combining everything into one easy-to-manage package. With Making Tax Digital just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to simplify your systems and get financially organised.

They also introduce performance packs, a new way to visualise how your business is doing financially, and share news about the team’s exciting growth with new staff and apprentices on board.

If managing your cash flow and understanding your business numbers has felt overwhelming, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• An all-in-one accounting package helps simplify finances and improve cash flow management.
• New staff and apprentices are joining the team, bringing additional support and expertise to clients.
• Making Tax Digital is coming, and using compliant software is now essential.
• Performance packs offer a visual way to track business performance and stay on top of obligations.
• Clients are encouraged to understand what's included in their package to make the most of it.
• Financial literacy is key; knowing your numbers is vital for long-term business growth.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant business event tailored to the pet industry. Can’t attend in person? Grab an online ticket and take part from anywhere!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee are joined by Jodie, Payroll Manager at The Pet Accountant, to dive into the often-overlooked world of payroll—and why getting it right is crucial for your business.

From choosing the right software (spoiler: Brightpay beats HMRC’s tools) to avoiding costly mistakes, they explain the importance of using a professional service to manage payroll. Whether it’s handling sick pay or maternity leave, Jodie breaks down how even small payroll errors can create big problems for both employers and employees.

If you're running a team in the pet industry, this is a must-listen to help protect your staff and stay compliant with payroll legislation.

Key Takeaways:

• Hiring a professional accountant for payroll helps prevent costly errors that impact staff.
• Brightpay is the recommended software—it's easy to use and offers secure document Storage.
• Switching from HMRC to Brightpay? You'll need to provide accurate year-to-date figures.
• Statutory sick pay and maternity leave rules can be complex—understanding them is vital.
• Payroll mistakes can lead to legal issues and financial losses for business owners.
• Always use the correct payment references when paying HMRC to avoid issues with credits.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a must-attend business event packed with expert talks and industry insights. Can’t make it in person? Online tickets are available too!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee break down some crucial tax tips every pet business owner should know.

They explain the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes and why it’s essential for anyone earning over £50,000 to get prepared before it becomes mandatory in April. From tax-saving strategies to common deductions for both sole traders and limited companies, this episode is packed with advice to help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

They also cover how social media can impact your professional image, for better or worse, and share simple actions to stay tax-efficient and compliant.

Key Takeaways:

• If your turnover is over £50,000, you need to prepare for Making Tax Digital before next April.
• Use trivial benefits to reward employees and reduce your tax bill.
• Don’t miss out on claiming 45p per mile for business mileage (up to 10,000 miles).
• Pension contributions can lower your tax liability by extending lower-rate tax bands.
• Employing family members can create tax-deductible expenses (within legal limits).
• Keep clear records of all business expenses to maximise deductions.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant business event covering key topics in the pet industry. Can’t attend in person? Online tickets are available too! Grab your spot now and don’t miss out.

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

This podcast episode underscores the critical significance of Dog First Aid in ensuring the safety and well-being of our canine companions. Vicky engages with her esteemed guest, Rachel Bean, who elucidates the necessity for pet professionals and dog owners alike to be equipped with proper first aid knowledge and skills. The conversation navigates through the various aspects of canine first aid, including the importance of selecting qualified training providers and the potential consequences of inadequate knowledge in emergency situations. Rachel's extensive experience in veterinary nursing and canine first aid training serves as a testament to the life-saving impact that proper education can have. It is imperative that dog owners and professionals alike take this matter seriously, contributing to the overall health and safety of dogs everywhere.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the significance of Dog First Aid can save a dog's life during emergencies.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience are essential for effective Dog First Aid training.
• Choosing the right Dog First Aid course requires careful consideration of the instructor's experience.
• Regular refresher training in Dog First Aid is vital to stay updated with the latest practices.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The conversation between Vicky Clark, the Pet Accountant, and Darren Ockenden from Motion to Profit centres around the essential strategies for expanding one's pet business. At the forefront of this discussion is the significance of effective content marketing and lead generation in attracting new clients. Darren elucidates how businesses can utilise video and social media to enhance their visibility and engagement, advocating for a more dynamic and personalised approach to marketing. Furthermore, the episode explores the intricate relationship between advertising spend and customer acquisition costs, emphasising the importance of understanding one's market and optimising marketing efforts accordingly. This insightful dialogue aims to equip pet business owners with practical tools and knowledge to foster growth and sustainability in their ventures.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Darren Ockenden emphasises the importance of creating engaging content to attract potential customers in the pet industry sector.
• Vicky Clark emphasises the importance of understanding marketing strategies and how they can enhance business growth for pet professionals.
• Darren discusses the necessity of utilizing social media effectively to increase visibility and customer interaction for pet-related services.
• Both speakers advocate for the integration of video content on websites, which can significantly improve customer engagement and retention rates.

If you'd like to find out more about Darren and Motion to Profit, visit his website here: https://motiontoprofit.com/

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The Pet Accountant Podcast provides essential insights into the foundational aspects of managing a pet business. We focus on clarifying fundamental concepts such as the process of registering with HMRC, understanding tax thresholds, and the implications of operating as a limited company versus a sole trader. Both Vicky and Lee address common misconceptions prevalent on social media, aiming to dispel myths that can lead to financial mismanagement. Listeners are encouraged to grasp these business basics to ensure compliance and optimise their financial practices. By revisiting these core principles, we seek to empower pet professionals with the knowledge necessary to navigate their business affairs confidently.

Takeaways:

• In today's episode, we revisited fundamental concepts surrounding business registration and tax obligations for pet professionals.
• We clarified the misconception that only limited companies can employ staff; sole traders can also hire employees.
• Listeners learned about the importance of accurately recording income and expenses for tax purposes, especially in relation to HMRC regulations.
• Understanding the implications of being a sole trader versus a limited company was a key topic, emphasizing the need for informed choices.
• We discussed how to register with HMRC and the different methods available for new business owners to comply with tax requirements.
• The significance of regular record-keeping and understanding tax return deadlines was highlighted as essential for successful business operations.

Today, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging in an enlightening conversation with Karen Fisher from The Grooming Goddess Academy. The discussion revolved around the establishment and significance of her membership programme, which is specifically tailored for female dog groomers. Karen elaborated on her extensive experience in the dog grooming industry, highlighting her journey from a novice to a seasoned professional who has successfully balanced her business with personal commitments. Throughout our dialogue, we explored the critical importance of goal setting and the necessity for ongoing support within the grooming community. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the grooming profession and to foster a sustainable business model.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Karen Fisher discusses her journey as a dog groomer and the establishment of the The Grooming Goddess Academy.
• The Academy provides vital business support for female dog groomers, focusing on pricing, marketing, and customer relations.
• Karen emphasises the importance of continuous professional development and setting achievable business goals for success.
• Vicky shares insights on the necessity of understanding one's financial needs and overheads to set appropriate service prices.
• Both hosts agree on the significance of ongoing marketing efforts to maintain customer loyalty and awareness.
• The episode highlights the value of investing in professional support, such as mentorship and accounting services, for pet business owners.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/