Creative Design & Production Studios have unique accounting challenges. Unlike generalist accountants, we understand your business model, your cash flow patterns, and your growth trajectory. We work with agencies across the entire United Kingdom, from London to Edinburgh. Our team is fully remote and works with clients nationwide.
Accounting Challenges for Creative Design & Production Studios
Unique challenges that most generalist accountants simply don't understand:
Studio Space & Equipment Costs
Rent, utilities, equipment depreciation. Studios are expensive. Cost structure is complex.
Mix of Staff and Freelancers
Creative team is mix of full-time staff and project-based freelancers. Payroll, contractor management, tax compliance.
Project Profitability Unknown
Does your £10k design project actually make money after staff costs, equipment, software, and overhead?
Tailored for Creative Design & Production Studios
Services designed specifically for your business model:
Studio Cost Allocation
Allocate rent, utilities, equipment depreciation to projects. See true project margins after overhead.
Project Time Tracking & Costing
Integrate time tracking. Allocate staff time, freelancer costs, software to projects. Calculate true profitability.
Freelancer & Staff Management
Payroll for employees, invoicing for contractors, IR35 compliance, tax deductions.
Equipment Capex & Depreciation
Optimize depreciation schedules for cameras, computers, and production gear.
Tax Deductions for Creative Work
Design software, stock imagery, creative tools, subscriptions—maximize deductions.
Cash Flow Forecasting
Project-based revenue forecasting based on pipeline and project duration.
Why choose Alto?
- See true project margin — After all studio costs and overhead
- Know which projects and clients are profitable — Per project profitability tracking
- Manage staff and freelancer network — With compliance
- Optimize equipment capex and depreciation — Strategic tax planning
- Predict cash flow — Based on project pipeline
Serving Creative Design & Production Studios Nationwide
We're remote-first, but have deep expertise in these key locations:
Common Questions
How do I allocate studio overhead (rent, utilities) to projects?
Studio overhead is allocated based on floor space used or project duration. If you have 1,000 sq ft studio at £2,000/month, cost per sq ft = £2/month. A project using 100 sq ft for a month absorbs £200 overhead.
What design equipment is tax-deductible?
Computers and cameras over £6k = capitalized and depreciated. Items under £6k = expensed immediately. Design software, stock imagery subscriptions, fonts—all fully deductible in the year incurred.
How do I track project profitability after overhead?
Time tracking + cost allocation. Direct costs (freelancers, software for that project) + allocated overhead (studio rent, utilities) + depreciation = total project cost. Revenue minus total cost = profit.
Should creative freelancers be employees or contractors?
Full-time designers in your studio = employees. Project-based freelance illustrators = contractors. Your mix determines payroll obligations. We ensure IR35 compliance.
Learn More
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