Hi, I'm back

Sorry I've started my reply to the above in as a new topic. For some reason every time I replied in the original post my PC froze and had to restart in safe mode. This happened three times so I used the restore point function and started a new topic to be on the safe side.

Anyway, back to the subject.

I have researched various software packages in the last few days, as I am getting to the point where my single company Sage Instant and my own simple Excel templates aren't enough for my slowly expanding client base.

Most of my clients are soletraders, with all the usual bad habits and incomplete records. I do have one partnership (with a probable second on the cards) and one simple Ltd company. I also do payroll for two of the clients.

With this in mind I considered Sage Bookkeepers Club with payroll add on but at £675 for a yearly subscription my situation doesn't warrant the expense. I even contacted Sage to try a bit of bartering but no luck (you have to try!) When I asked why the subscription for year two was no different the saleman struggled to justify , why there wasn't a reduction (in my view the Line 50 software would be upgraded rather than a new package). Funnily enough, just had him back on the phone asking if I'd was still interested. I also looked at the Quickbooks version of  a Bookkeepers club, which although considerably cheaper, the software has had some really bad reviews, compared to its predecessor versions and I wasn't keen on the monthly payroll subscription.

For me the best otion was VT+, Final Accounts version (plus 12pay for payroll) . At £233, it is by far the cheapest option, with optional annual upgrade at £176.
I was a bit wary of the product at first but after setting up my client, it was so much easier than Sage and once i had played with it for a while I found it much easier to use.
I have yet to play with the final accounts part, which is embedded in Excel as an add on but it looks very impressive, with differing layouts for full ltd co. audited accounts, abbrieviated accounts, Partnership accounts and simple soletrader accounts. It also has the ability to add numbered notes to the accounts and accounting policies (I think it has enough functions to make Shaun drool, with all sorts of references to FRS1, FRSSE etc).

The only thing I had against it was my resistance to change (having used Sage and Quickbooks) Once I found out more about it (there are some very positive comments on AccountingWeb) and used it a bit I am very happy I took a chance. For its price, its functions, and the fact that there is no restriction on the number of companies that can be set up, it represents the best value for money that I spent my hard earned cash on.

The  costs I have mentioned are VAT inclusive

Bill the unbiased

Just wanted to add, that the Sage Bookkeepers Club only licences five companies and more can be bought it blocks of five (I was quoted pro rata, more than Stephen to add just an addtional five??). Quickbooks allows multi company use (single user)

-- Edited by Wella on Monday 24th of May 2010 12:22:47 PM