If you are setting up cloud accounting for your Brighton business, the choice usually comes down to two platforms: Xero or QuickBooks. Both are excellent, both are Making Tax Digital compliant, and both will do the job. The question is which one suits how you work.
Xero is the platform we see most of our Brighton clients using successfully. It has an extremely clean interface, strong bank feed connections, and excellent tools for sharing access with us as your accountants. The reporting is flexible, the app marketplace is extensive, and it handles multi-currency well if you trade internationally.
The main drawback is cost — Xero is slightly more expensive than QuickBooks at the equivalent feature level, and some features that should be standard are locked behind higher tiers.
QuickBooks is generally more affordable than Xero and its self-employed plan is particularly good for sole traders and freelancers who need simple income and expense tracking with automatic mileage and tax estimates. It is also slightly easier for non-accountants to navigate at a basic level.
For more complex businesses — those with inventory, multiple users, or complex reporting needs — Xero typically has the edge.
For most Brighton limited companies, agencies, and growing businesses: Xero. For sole traders, freelancers, and very small businesses keeping it simple: QuickBooks Self-Employed or QuickBooks Simple Start.
Both platforms are Making Tax Digital compliant and both integrate with HMRC for VAT submissions. Whichever you choose, we will set it up properly, migrate your existing records, and make sure it is working correctly from day one.
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