Business Advisors you can trust.

You may have noticed the BAS (Business Advice Service) logo on our website. The ICAEW launched the BAS in 2011 and the service can only be offered by ICAEW regulated firms. Both of the directors of Wood and Disney Ltd are recognised by the ICAEW to deliver business advice and are able to use the designation BFP meaning Business and Finance Professional. The BFP designation is an internationally recognised professional status.

The BAS service provides any UK business with a free initial consultation, of up to one hour, with an ICAEW regulated BAS firm. Chartered Accountants holding the BFP designation, have been rigorously trained in advising businesses and provide high quality, professional services providing the support and guidance you need to run and grow a successful business operation. Businesses can use this consultation to seek information on a wide range of topics, typically business finance, cash flow management, growth strategy, and restructuring/insolvency.

Whether you are just starting out or established and looking to grow, an ICAEW Business Advice Service firm can provide regular or one-off advice on:

• Setting up your business
• Obtaining finance for the business through loans, grants and investment
• Cashflow Management
• Taking on staff, payroll and employee benefits
• How to pay yourself as a business owner
• Managing customers who owe you money
• Agreeing contractual terms with suppliers
• Meeting company deadlines
• Tax and dealing with HMRC
• Software for accounting, receiving payments and stock
• How to grow your business
• Planning for a business sale or merger
• Exiting the business and retirement



• Business Advisory Service (BAS)  firms are regulated by the ICAEW and must comply with the ICAEW code of ethics and hold professional indemnity insurance.

• Chartered accountants are members of the ICAEW have been rigorously trained in advising businesses and provide high quality, professional services.

• Anyone can claim to be an accountant and set themselves up with a website and office. Some may have technical qualifications such as being members of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). AAT and ATT are level 4 qualifications, the same level as an HNC, i.e. one year of university, equivalent to a dental nurse for example. These are good technical qualifications but they are not Chartered Accountants. Chartered Accountants (ACA) are level 7 qualifications, equivalent to a masters degree. ACA holders have usually spent 3 years gaining an honours BSc or BA at university followed by a further 3 years of professional exams and training. AAT and ATT do not give the holders the same in depth and detailed level of knowledge; they do not convey full professional status.

• Wood and Disney are qualified Chartered Accountants, Members and Fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW) and accredited members of the ICAEW Business Advice Service. We are regulated by the ICAEW and have to undergo continuous professional development (CPD) training each and every year to ensure and prove that we are fully up to date with the latest changes in financial standards and laws.

The word ‘accountant’ is not a protected title so there are unregulated parts of the industry that may not uphold the same standards as ICAEW chartered accountants.