Kathryn Houliston

Freestyle Accounting Limited

Client reviews

Review from verified client

January, 2017

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Kent

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I am a qualified accountant (FCCA / FMAAT) - so why am I using the services of Freestyle Accounting for the last circa 5 years? Because my specialism is Internal Controls / Fraud advisory to large commercial organisations as a service. I work extensively long hours, commute to London often and have a very young family - in essence I am not time rich.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Her specialsim in Contractors and knowing the finer detail. Being up to date in all respects. Also the Freestyle Accounting team as well the same.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - free of worrying that I am completely up to date with all my Limited company affairs.

What could they have done better?

I cannot really think of anything. Maybe provide advice regards when one builds up retained earnings in the Limited company but then for me I already know what one can tax efficiently do with such retained earnings.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Kathryn

Did not contact me

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Setting up a new company.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Very impressed with Freestyle and the team. My company set up was seamless and was turned around in a couple of days. Highly recommend.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I required an accountant When setting up my own limited company to ensure both the company tax affairs and accounts were correct and that my iown oersonal tax affairs were correct and accurate.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I have always found the service from Freestyle Accounting to be excellent. Any queries I have had have been dealt with very quickly. Nothing is too much trouble their staff. My tax affairs have been dealt with in a clear and understandable manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending Freestyle Accounting to other people.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have been extremely satisfied with all the work that freestyle Accounting has carried out.

What could they have done better?

I do not believe that there are any areas that could have been improved

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I found my first contract role which required me to start at short notice. I needed an accountant to advise me of the process of setting up a new Ltd company and filing accounts.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I was recommended Freestyle by a friend when I decided to become a contractor. I have been using them for 2 years and their service has been excellent. Their all in one package has saved me a lot of time and hassle with setting up my Ltd company, bank account, Indemnity insurance and submitting my expenses, VAT, corporation tax and personal tax returns.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I have found Kathryn and the Freestyle Accounting staff to be always responsive and helpful.

What could they have done better?

.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Needed one.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Always extremely helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. They know everything and it shows both in the service they provide and the quality of the information received. I always recommend them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I need an accounted to support my limited company.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I found Freestyle Accounting on-line when looking to setup my company. They offered great initial advice followed by setting up the company. The online portal is a great asset, which means I can manage my business effectively and keep up to date with invoicing and the latest accounts. I fully recommend them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, absolutely, accounts prepared and good quality accounting advice.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Creation of a new limited company.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I found freestyle by chance when searching for an accountant. I have to say I am glad I did. The portal software is excellent and makes it very easy to keep track of your business cash flow. I have always found the entire team at Freestyle very helpful if I had a query or needed some assistance with the portal. I highly recommend Freestyle for contractors.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2016

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Kathryn

She didn't respond to my request so I don't know anything about her services

Review from verified client

November, 2015

Overall

Advice

Service

Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was setting up a new limited company and wanted an accountant that could support me. The team Freestyle Accounting matched my expectations.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn have been very helpful whenever I have had a query. Recently Kathryn arranged for my personal portal to be updated the same day as I forgotten to do it. This meant that I could draw from my company's funds and pay myself.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

:-).

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2015

Overall

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Kathryn

Received call back from someone other than Kathryn. Advised she would call later and she did. Explained that I had a 14 day deadline to submit Accts to Co. Hse. She said they were for PLC's with a higher turnover etc so sister company would call me back. STILL waiting. I have 4 days to go so have no option but to look elsewhere. They are also based in COVENTRY ! ? !

Review from verified client

October, 2015

Overall

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Value

Based in Leicestershire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

After a good number of years operating through the same accountant, I was looking for change to the services provided; I wanted something more modern, who could appreciative my personal circumstances and provide an overall better quality of service. In 2012 I made the change to Freestyle Accounting after some 18 years of operation with my previous accountant. Since then I have worked closely with Kathryn and found her to be open, honest and extremely reliable; a significant change for me having received a service to the contrary in previous years.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn is always helpful and understanding and is skilled in simplifying accountancy matters so that they can be easily comprehended by the client. Kathryn helped with a difficult migration from my previous accountant and has worked with me to adopt ways of working to meet my particular circumstances; this is constantly reviewed and changes applied where necessary.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I continue to operate through Freestyle Accounting and feel safe and secure in my working relationship with Kathryn. I would definitely recommend Kathryn to anyone looking for an accountant who can be trusted and one always works with the client’s best interests at the front of all affairs.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Setting up and running of a limited company.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn was able to answer all queries and difficulties I had, always effectively and swiftly. She became a first port of call for any accountancy issues, as well as more-standard tasks that were needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The limited company has ceased to exist, but Kathryn was still able to assist with tax returns and the insolvency process of the firm. She has been as helpful now as she was when the company was trading.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

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Value

Based in Hampshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Formation of a Limited company through which to provide consultancy services to my clients.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn provided invaluable clear, concise and comprehensible advice regarding my company's tax liabilities and my own self assessment obligations. She produced my company's end-of-year accounts and my own self assessment return leaving me to concentrate fully on running my business.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Director.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in North Yorkshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We started a new business and needed accountancy services. We also needed someone to complete our tax returns for us.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn efficiently set us up and got us running with a new system within a new business. She also took on our personal tax. My situation was quite complex with foreign income, joint property rentals and limited company income. Kathryn is also very proactive at requesting documents for completion of the tax return to save us all from last minute panic!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, 2014 tax completed. Kathryn was able to deal with all the complexity and produce the tax return in a short space of time. Any questions quickly answered and the process moved on.

What could they have done better?

More suggestions on how to improve our tax situation would be welcome. I often wonder if we are doing things tax efficiently as possible.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Norfolk

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

For personal tax advise as part of both self assessment and company taxation.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Assisting in completion and submissions of tax returns and providing advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. All things up to date.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Hampshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was returning to contracting after several years away from it. My previous accountant had been dreadful and I was looking for one that knew what they were doing, could talk in English, and could help me understand the things I needed too.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn and her team have unceasingly provided great service and advice on the best & most tax efficient methods of working.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Kathryn and her team have not only saved me money from a company perspective, but also from a personal one too. Their advice has been sound and well thought out.

What could they have done better?

Other than a couple of enhancements to the portal they provide, there is little else they could do to improve an already great service.

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

Value

Service

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Self employed.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Advice re tax issues. General business advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still self employed. Paying as little tax SS poss.

What could they have done better?

A bit quicker

Review from verified client

September, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in West Midlands

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I went from being an employee to working as a freelancer so I needed an accountant.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn helped me setup a limited company so I could operate as tax efficiently as possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The service has been great from Karhryn and the team and I'm really happy with the all-inclusive service, it makes my life a lot easier.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Middlesex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

To file accounts for my Limited Company.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I have been with Kathryn at Freestyle Accounting for the past 18 months or so and I’m completely satisfied with the service. The team is very friendly, quick, knowledgeable and professional. I had no knowledge of the business financials when I first opened the company. Kathryn helped me right from the opening of my business and the team is always available to answer any questions related to tax. I now have a better understanding of everything, thanks to Kathryn and her team. The service seems to be a bit expensive, but it’s all worth it. I highly recommend Freestyle as all you have to do is make a phone call.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

For now, company do not have any transactions.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I am an IT Contractor and Kathryn handles all my accounts and tax affairs both professionally and personally. I often go to her for help and advice and she has never let me down.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn was a great help to me as I made the transition to contracting. Providing advice and guidance at every step, overseeing my affairs and ensuring that I did not fall foul of the numerous pitfalls that ensnare the unwary. Friendly and knowledgeable, nothing is too much trouble for her. Kathryn and the team helped me to setup my company, organise bank accounts and tax affairs, working through each step with the minimum of fuss. Now that my business is established, the online portal provides everything I need to manage my affairs on a day-to-day basis. It takes away the uncertainty of tax affairs and provides simple-to-follow advice on salaries, dividends and expenses. For me, Kathryn and the whole Freestyle service removes any nagging doubts that I may be “overlooking something” or missing out on the “best possible deal”. They know their stuff and I would not hesitate to recommend their services.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My Ltd company has been running for some years and the services that Kathryn has provided have helped me every step of the way.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Essex

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

As an independent contractor, I had decided that the use of an Umbrella Company was no longer the best option and needed to set up a Limited Company to administer my freelancing activity.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn provided advice and guidance from setting up the business on "day one", and throughout the company's seven years of trading. My day to day bookkeeping was managed through an easy-to-use web portal which simply required me to enter invoices, payments and expense items etc. Kathryn looked after the Accounts preparation, submissions, VAT returns and Payroll. She also helped in the preparation of my own Self Assessment and with personal Tax Advice. This has continued until earlier this year when the Company ceased trading following my decision to accept a permanent position. Kathryn has continued to help with the winding up of the company.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am no longer trading and have taken up permanent employment instead. The company traded successfully for seven years and I am satisfied with what was achieved with the help and advice of Kathryn and her colleagues.

What could they have done better?

I was very happy that the service provided, exactly met my needs.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Lanarkshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was setting up my own company with a view to taking on consultancy work.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I have always found the service from Kathryn and her team to be excellent. Any queries I have had have been dealt with very quickly. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at Freestyle. My tax affairs have been dealt with in a clear and understandable manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kathryn and her team at Freestyle Accounting to other Contractors.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My current situation is that I am no longer actively seeking or carrying out any work and am now in the process of closing the company. i have certainly achieved the goals that I set myself when doing this much due to the help given by Kathryn and her team.

What could they have done better?

I do not think that there any areas where my accountant have done any better. Her work has always been excellent and easy to understand

Review from verified client

July, 2015

Overall

Advice

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Value

Based in Leicestershire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Starting my own limited company for contracting purposes.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Very impressed. I can sleep soundly at night knowing that I will not incur any penalties from HMRC. That is all I ask for. Kathryn is always there when I need her for help and advise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Happily running my own contracting business, I leave the worry of my accountancy work to the professionals and get on with what I am good at.

What could they have done better?

I seem to get a few phone calls from random people offering me a better service with new tax break incentives. Would like to see some proactive explanations of these from my accountants. I have not actually asked them these questions so probably should, I tend to just say no thank you and carry on in the knowledge that I am operating within the law.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

Overall

Value

Advice

Service

Based in Berkshire

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Required an accountant who was reliable and would help me run my limited company correctly from incorporation to present time.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Sincere thanks for all your help over the last week. John and Kathryn have delivered as they said and I am extremely pleased with the service I have received from Freestyle Accounting. I will of course be referring others to Freestyle as they offer 101% when it matters.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am extremely satisfied with the service I have received from Kathryn Houliston. She was instrumental when completing my company accounts at very short notice ahead of the filing date, so I could obtain a mortgage on my house. I would be at a loss if she was not there to help and answer all my queries in a timely fashion.

What could they have done better?

Be handy to have a regular quarterly chat concerning all my financials and review things.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Set up a limited company for my consultancy business.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

Kathryn and her team have provided excellent advice and support from creating my limited company right through to managing my VAT affairs. The team are always polite, professional and happy to help. The online portal is user friendly and provides easy to understand financial information. Kathryn has always made time to answer my questions. I would recommend Kathryn and the Freestyle team to any IT professional thinking to enter the contractor market.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm current working with a large banking institutional client in central London. Working closely with Kathryn has allowed me to achieve my desired financial outcomes.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

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Based in London

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I set up a Limited Company as I was starting as a Contractor in Financial Services.

How has Kathryn Houliston helped you?

I’ve been a customer of Kathryn's since 2011, and cannot recommend her and Freestyle highly enough. Excellent service, excellent advice, always available and helpful regardless how stupid my questions are. Their financial portal is a very good way of tracking invoices, income, liabilities and dividends. Easy to use and very helpful. Definite recommendation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. Still a contractor after near on 4 years.

What could they have done better?

Not much to be honest, always had excellent advice and service