Digital Marketing Agencies Accountants in Brighton
Chartered accountants for digital marketing agencies in North Laine & Preston Circus. We understand the local challenges: Brighton agencies often compete with London remotely while paying above-average local salaries.

Brighton's North Laine, the heart of the city's creative scene
Brighton at a Glance
Strong digital and creative concentration
High agency density per capita
Why Brighton Agencies Choose Specialist Accountants
Brighton has established itself as London's creative overflow, attracting agencies that want the lifestyle without the capital's costs. The city punches above its weight in digital and creative industries, with many agencies serving London clients remotely. However, the transient nature of the scene creates staff retention challenges. Brighton agencies often compete with London remotely while paying above-average local salaries. The lifestyle-focused culture can also mean talent prioritises flexibility over growth, creating scaling challenges.
TL;DR
- Monthly management accounts with client profitability analysis
- Tax planning and optimisation for agency-specific structures
- Cash flow forecasting aligned with your revenue patterns
- R&D tax credit assessment for qualifying development work
💡Quick reference summary. Continue reading for comprehensive analysis and context.
Also serving agencies in:
The Challenges Digital Marketing Agencies Face
These accounting challenges are especially relevant for agencies in Brighton:
Mixed Revenue Models Complexity
Services (70% retainer, 30% project), software resale (10% margin), productized packages—mixed pricing creates chaos in profit calculation.
Subcontractor Management
You use freelance specialists (copywriters, designers, developers) for capacity. Invoicing them, paying them, staying compliant with IR35—it's administrative burden.
Client Project Profitability Unknown
You manage 20-50 clients with different services, retainers, and project fees. Which clients are actually profitable? You don't know.
How We Help Digital Marketing Agencies
Tailored accounting solutions designed specifically for your agency type in Brighton:
Multi-Revenue Model P&L
Services revenue, project revenue, software resale all tracked separately. See gross margin by revenue stream. Identify which is most profitable.
Subcontractor & Freelancer Management
Invoicing, payment processing, IR35 status checks, tax compliance. We handle the administrative burden of your freelancer network.
Client Profitability Dashboard
Monthly P&L per client. See service delivery margins, project margins, software resale margins. Reprice unprofitable clients or drop them.
Monthly Cash Flow Forecasting
Project pipeline + retainer contracts = cash forecast. You see cash crunches 4-6 weeks ahead.
Payroll & Tax Planning
Employee and contractor mix creates tax complexity. We optimize salary/dividend splits and ensure compliance.
Bookkeeping & VAT Compliance
High transaction volume (retainers, projects, freelancer payments, software purchases). Automated reconciliation and clean records.
Why Digital Marketing Agencies Choose Alto
See profit by revenue stream
Services vs projects vs resale
Eliminate administrative burden
Of freelancer management
Know which clients are profitable
Each month
Forecast cash based on pipeline
And retainers
Tax-optimized payroll and contractor strategy
Minimize tax liability
Alto vs. Generalist Accountants
Specialised accounting for digital marketing agencies differs significantly from generalist approaches:
| Feature | Alto (Specialist) | Generalist Accountants |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Knowledge | Deep expertise in digital marketing agencies | Generic accounting approach |
| Tax Optimisation | Industry-specific tax planning strategies | Standard tax advice only |
| Reporting | KPIs and metrics relevant to your sector | Basic financial statements |
| Support | Proactive guidance and strategic advice | Reactive support only |
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about accounting for digital marketing agencies in Brighton
How do you handle mixed revenue (retainers + projects + resale)?
What are the IR35 rules for using freelancers?
How do I know which clients are profitable?
Should I pay freelancers as employees or contractors?
Tools & Guides for Digital Marketing Agencies
Free calculators and articles to help you make better financial decisions
Free Calculators
Related Articles
Agency Profitability Guide: How to Calculate & Improve Your Margins
Learn how to calculate and improve your agency's profitability. Free calculator compares your utilization, margins, and profit per head against UK benchmarks. Expert advice from chartered accountants.
Move to Dubai from UK: Complete Tax Guide for Business Owners
How to move to Dubai from UK as a business owner. Pay 9% tax instead of 45%. Statutory Residence Test, free zone setup, Golden Visa, HMRC requirements. Complete 2026 guide.
Selling Your Marketing Agency: Valuation Methods and Exit Planning
Comprehensive guide to valuing and selling your UK marketing agency. EBITDA multiples (3-8x), buyer types, M&A process, EOT tax benefits, earnout negotiation, and post-sale life.
Ready for Specialist Accounting in Brighton?
Get a free consultation tailored to digital marketing agencies in Brighton. Let's discuss how we can help your agency grow.
We onboard a limited number of new agency clients each quarter to ensure quality.
Digital Marketing Agencies in Other UK Cities
We also help digital marketing agencies across these locations