Running a beauty, hair or aesthetics business is demanding.
You’re managing clients, staff, stock, bookings, social media and growth — often all at once.
So it’s completely understandable that many business owners assume:
“As long as my accounts are done and HMRC is happy, that’s enough.”
But here’s the reality we see every day at Hammons & Co 👇
👉 Most accountants only tell beauty businesses what has already happened — not what’s coming next.
And that lack of forward-looking advice can be costly.
Below are the key things your accountant should be telling you — but most don’t.
1️⃣ Being Busy Doesn’t Always Mean You’re Profitable
A packed diary doesn’t automatically mean a profitable business.
Your accountant should be helping you understand:
- which treatments actually generate profit
- which services look busy but quietly drain margins
- how treatment length impacts profitability
- whether discounts and offers are eroding your bottom line
If you don’t know your profit per service, you’re guessing — not managing.
2️⃣ VAT in Beauty & Aesthetics Is Not Straightforward
VAT is one of the most misunderstood (and risky) areas in the beauty industry.
Your accountant should be proactively advising you on:
- differences between beauty services and advanced aesthetic treatments
- VAT on retail product sales vs services
- chair rental and room hire VAT implications
- how incorrect VAT treatment can create HMRC exposure
VAT errors often aren’t spotted until an inspection — and by then, they’re expensive to fix.
3️⃣ Your Tax Bill Should Never Be a Surprise
If your Corporation Tax bill catches you off guard each year, you’re not getting proactive advice.
Your accountant should be telling you:
- what your tax position looks like before year-end
- how to structure salary and dividends efficiently
- when to plan equipment or capital purchases
- how pension contributions can reduce tax
- how much cash to set aside in advance
Once the accounts are finalised, it’s too late for meaningful tax planning.
4️⃣ Payroll Costs Can Quietly Erode Profits
As salons and clinics grow, payroll often becomes the biggest cost — and one of the easiest to overlook.
Your accountant should help you monitor:
- staff costs as a percentage of turnover
- whether pricing supports your staffing model
- the impact of overtime or overstaffing
- how to plan recruitment sustainably
Without regular reviews, payroll costs can creep up unnoticed.
5️⃣ Once-a-Year Accounts Aren’t Enough for a Growing Beauty Business
Year-end accounts are a compliance requirement — not a growth tool.
Growing beauty businesses benefit from:
- quarterly management accounts
- regular cashflow forecasting
- proactive VAT reviews
- forward-looking profit analysis
Looking backwards once a year won’t support confident decision-making.
6️⃣ Your Numbers Should Reduce Stress — Not Add to It
If your finances feel confusing, stressful or overwhelming, something isn’t working.
Your accountant should be providing:
- clarity, not confusion
- advance warning, not surprises
- plain-English explanations
- a clear plan you can trust
Not just a set of figures and a filing deadline.
💜 How Hammons & Co Supports Beauty, Hair & Aesthetics Businesses
At Hammons & Co, we specialise in supporting growing beauty businesses with proactive, hands-on advice — not just compliance.
Our services include:
✔ quarterly management accounts
✔ tailored VAT support for beauty & aesthetics
✔ salary and dividend planning
✔ payroll and staffing cost reviews
✔ cashflow forecasting
✔ proactive tax planning meetings
✔ clear, jargon-free guidance
We believe your accountant should help you understand your numbers — and use them to grow.
🌟 Final Thought
If your accountant only contacts you once a year, tells you what you owe, and moves on — you’re missing out on the support your business deserves.
The right accountant doesn’t just keep you compliant.
They help you stay profitable, confident and in control.
If you’d like to understand what your numbers are really telling you, the team at Hammons & Co would be happy to help.