Questions glazing business owners ask us most
Answered plainly, without the jargon. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, call or email us directly – we’ll answer it ourselves.
about clever bean
Do you work with businesses outside the glazing industry?
No – glazing, window, door, and home improvement businesses only. We made a deliberate decision to specialise rather than take on clients from every sector. It means our advice is based on real experience of how your industry works, not adapted from something generic.
Who will actually be looking after my accounts?
You’ll have a named accountant who handles your books and a senior advisor who understands your business. You won’t be passed around a call centre or handed to a junior every time you have a question.
Do you understand what it's like to run a glazing business?
Yes – Simon Jarman founded Clever Bean after 30 years working inside the glazing industry, including 10 years as CEO and Finance Director of Everest. We don’t just understand the accounting. We understand your margins, your cashflow pressures, and how the industry actually works.
GETTING STARTED
How quickly can you get started?
Most clients are fully onboarded within two to three weeks. We handle the switch from your previous accountant – including contacting them, arranging the transfer of records, and notifying HMRC and Companies House.
How easy is it to switch from my current accountant?
Very straightforward. We manage the entire switching process on your behalf. Your previous accountant won’t normally charge for the handover information, and most clients find the transition takes less effort than they expected.
Do I need to change my existing software to work with you?
We work in Xero. If you’re already on Xero, we’ll connect seamlessly. If you’re on something else, we’ll migrate you – and we’ll handle the setup so you don’t have to figure it out yourself.
Do you work with sole traders as well as limited companies?
Yes – both. Whether you’re a sole trader, a partnership, or a limited company, we work with glazing businesses at every stage and structure.
SERVICES AND PACKAGES
What's the difference between your three packages?
Core covers the essentials – bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, and quarterly management accounts. Grow adds deeper analysis, bi-monthly reviews, and forecasting. Perform is full monthly management accounts and strategic financial partnership. You can compare all three in detail on our packages page.
Can you handle CIS for my subcontractors?
Yes – CIS returns and subcontractor verification are included as standard. We make sure deductions are calculated correctly and submissions are filed on time so you don’t face penalties.
What is your pricing model?
We operate on a fixed monthly fee – everything agreed upfront so you know exactly what you’re paying. No surprise bills, no hourly charges for quick questions.
How do I pay?
All fees are collected by monthly direct debit.
BUSINESS HEALTH CHECK
What happens in the health check — do I have to commit to anything?
No obligation at all. The health check is a standalone, fixed-fee review. Some clients use it once to get clarity and that’s the end of it. Others choose to move forward with Clever Bean afterwards. Either is completely fine – we’ll never pressure you either way.
Do I need to be a Clever Bean client to book a health check?
No – the health check is specifically designed for business owners who aren’t yet clients and want an independent view of their numbers before committing to anything.