[windows_chepstow]

Hi,

At present I pay any cheques I receive into my own current account and have not felt the need to open a business account.  They don't charge me a penny for cashing the cheques.

However, as my humble business is expanding by the day I'm considering opening a business account and getting as many of my customers as I can to pay by Standing Order. 

To begin with, I think I could advertise this payment option on the chits I push through their door when they're out; and by explaining the benifits to them when I call to collect during Corrie or East Enders; and they're running round the house to  find their wallet/purse/cheque book. 

A calender monthly payment for a calender montly clean.

Of course I couldn't get them to do it 100%, but even 20% would be good to begin with. 

No doubt I could get these standing orders into my personal bank account (but would prefer not to - possible tax investigation reasons you understand - just to keep it simple - I declare everything ).

So my questions are:

     What's the best business account?

     And how did YOU get your customers to sign up for Standing Orders?

     Would the tax man know I have a business account? - (I'm probably in for
     a slagging with this question).
 

[Duke]

I use NatWest Direct Business Banking. In ny Company name...cheques etc go to a P O Box....and then get Online Banking to monitor it all.....simple and efficient.

[Duke]

PS....get a cheque paying in book...(not the ordinary type, which you should fill in as well !)    supplied on request, to keep a record of Name, cheque number and amount......saves arguments later......ie: 'I did send a cheque, and it was cashed according to my statement'.....yeah right !.....but at least this way you have proof (the bank stamps the page as proof of reciepts !)

[Reflective Property Services]

I use Abbey Business Account, they dont charge you for everyday transactions as long as you keep within certain limits, and even once you exceed these the charges are still quite small.

The only downside is that you cant go into the branch, all your transactions are made via post, ATM, telephone or internet banking. Maybe not so good if you have a larger turnover, i.e more than £3-4k per month, but it suits my needs at any rate.

http://www.anbusiness.com