Manchester

Communications & PR Agencies Accountants in Manchester

Chartered accountants specializing in communications & pr agencies. Serving Manchester and the surrounding region.

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Manchester is the UK's second-largest tech and media hub.

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Home to 3,000+ digital agencies, major ad networks, and creative studios.

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Strong business community and thriving market.

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We specialize in serving Manchester agencies.

Market Insight

Manchester has over 3,000 digital and creative agencies, making it the second-largest agency hub in the UK after London.

The Challenges Communications & PR Agencies in Manchester Face

These accounting challenges are especially relevant in Manchester:

Retainer vs Project Work Volatility

Mix of retainers (predictable) and crisis work (unpredictable). Revenues spike during crisis periods then drop. Cash flow planning is impossible.

Media Spend Pass-Through Complexity

You manage media buying on behalf of clients. Is that revenue? Cost? How do you account for it? VAT treatment?

Subcontractor/Specialist Payments

Use freelance journalists, designers, media buyers for client work. Managing invoices and tax compliance is complex.

Our Services for Communications & PR Agencies

Tailored accounting solutions designed specifically for your vertical in Manchester:

Retainer vs Crisis Work Tracking

Separate recurring retainer revenue from project/crisis work. Forecast base revenue and identify spikes.

Media Spend Pass-Through Accounting

Properly account for media buying you manage on client behalf. Correct VAT treatment and accounting classification.

Subcontractor & Specialist Management

Invoicing, payments, IR35 compliance for freelance journalists, designers, and media specialists.

Client Profitability Analysis

Monthly P&L per client. See which are profitable retainers and which are project losses.

Tax Deductions for PR Services

Media monitoring tools, PR software, press release services, research tools—all deductible.

Cash Flow Forecasting

Forecast base retainer revenue and model crisis work impact on cash flow.

Why Communications & PR Agencies in Manchester Choose Alto

Forecast base retainer revenue

With crisis work visibility

Correctly account for media spend pass-through

Proper VAT treatment and classification

Manage subcontractor network

With compliance

See which clients are profitable

Each month

Maximize PR-related tax deductions

Media monitoring, software, research tools

Alto vs. Generalist Accountants

Specialized accounting for communications & pr agencies differs significantly from generalist approaches:

FeatureAlto (Specialist)Generalist Accountants
Industry KnowledgeDeep expertise in communications & pr agenciesGeneric accounting approach
Tax OptimizationIndustry-specific tax planning strategiesStandard tax advice only
ReportingKPIs and metrics relevant to your sectorBasic financial statements
SupportProactive guidance and strategic adviceReactive support only

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about accounting for communications & pr agencies in Manchester

How do I forecast revenue when crisis work is unpredictable?
Separate retainer revenue (predictable base) from crisis/project work (variable). Forecast base retainer conservatively, then model crisis work as upside. This gives you a realistic cash flow range.
Do I charge VAT on media spending I manage for clients?
If you're acting as an agent buying media on the client's behalf, you typically don't charge VAT (the client charges VAT to their end customer). If you're reselling media services, VAT applies. We review your contracts.
What PR-related expenses are tax-deductible?
Media monitoring (Mention, Talkwalker), PR software (Muck Rack, Cision), press release services, research tools, media databases—all deductible. Same with subscriptions to industry publications.
How do I handle IR35 for freelance PR specialists?
Freelance journalists and PR specialists you control (hours, methods, ongoing) = likely inside IR35 (should be employees). True independent contractors = contractors. We assess your mix.

Ready for Specialist Accounting in Manchester?

Get a free consultation tailored to communications & pr agencies in your area. Let's discuss how we can help your agency grow.