Our Local Expert (East Devon) East Devon 19-20 | Page 2

Tips for planning home maintenance Don’t wait until an emergency! Make maintenance plans, and schedule these around tradespeople’s busy times. Some tradespeople are very busy at certain times of the year – which can be very frustrating when you’re trying to get hold of one! It’s no surprise that good quality roofers are in demand after a storm, and that central heating engineers are in short supply during freezing spells. These are the emergency times when everyone in their trade is busy, and you can be sure that roofers and central heating engineers who care about customer service will be looking after their regular customers first. Some tasks require dry, mild weather to be completed – particularly exterior painting. Decorators may have jobs stacked up in advance. Plan ahead! Get your central heating serviced over the summer, and get your roof examined and maintained every few years – ideally during the summer. If you have an open fireplace or hearth, get your chimney swept before the autumn rush – sweeps tend to be busy right through until after Christmas, likewise for woodburner installations. If you know your fencing is unstable, call in an expert before it gets blown down in a storm. The frequency of these tasks will vary according to usage (chimneys, boilers), or the age, condition and materials of your roof. Gutters and drains should be checked and cleared twice a year (spring and autumn) to prevent clogging. Blocked gutters can lead to damp problems and damaged brickwork, potentially costing thousands. A seasonal gutter clean of tree debris and moss helps prevent this problem. While clearing your gutters, why not also check the condition of your exterior paintwork, and your rendering (exterior plasterwork). Exterior painting or plastering will be much easier for your chosen contractor to schedule over the summer when (hopefully) there is less rain to disrupt progress. Cold weather in the winter means slow progress for external work on your buildings, particularly when condensation forms on walls. Where do the recommendations come from? The businesses featured here have been recommended by local people like YOU! Readers of this guide, Parish magazines, local newsletters, friends and colleagues at places of work. People from the local community who appreciate good quality, trustworthy service. We need your feedback (good and bad) about businesses we feature and businesses we don’t, to ensure the high standards of those listed in our publication. No business is accepted without prior recommendations or adequate references, and we exclude businesses when we are aware of malpractice or bad workmanship. Accessibility See Mobility. Accountancy, Tax and Self-Assessment Accounting On Us Bookkeeping and Admin Services 01395 273587 / 07736 297848 [email protected] www.accounting-on-us.co.uk Bookkeeping, VAT, Payroll, CIS, cloud accounting and new business advice as-and-when you need it by friendly, experienced FiCB-qualified bookkeeper. They take care of your bookkeeping and keep you up to date with HMRC. This allows you to get on with running your business. Call now for a free consultation. ‘Very professional and helpful, great value for money.’ 1. All featured businesses have been recommended. Easterbrook Eaton Ltd. Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Old Fore Street, Sidmouth 01395 516658 8 Jesu St, Ottery St Mary 01404 812555 [email protected] www.easterbrooks.co.uk Easterbrooks aim to provide the very best accounting, taxation, and associated services in a friendly and efficient manner, ensuring that you are able to understand the complexities of today’s modern business environment. They are Chartered Accountants who help with business start-up structure and development, Company, partnership and personal self-assessment tax returns, payroll, and retirement and inheritance planning. Speak to accountants who are approachable and understand business and personal requirements with NO charge for the initial meeting. 3. Exe Bookkeeping and Payroll Services 01395 320316 [email protected] www.exebookkeeping.com Complete solutions tailored for your small business. Including: bookkeeping; VAT returns; self assessment; payroll; auto enrollment; CIS; cloud software; cloud accounting; training and support; GDPR audits and advice; Real Time PAYE and more. QuickBooks and Xero partner, experienced with Sage and Kashflow. ‘I would recommend her services to anybody. She’s so flexible, and she’s a lovely girl. Finalist of ICB New Practice of The Year 2018. ICB Certified bookkeeper, CIPP Affiliate Member, HMRC Agent Authorised. 2. The difference between ‘value for money’ and ‘cheap’ Businesses featured here are not necessarily the cheapest around. They have been recommended for providing high standards of customer service and for using good quality products. Saving money in the short-term might cost you more in the long-term, especially if you have to pay for the same job to be done twice because your chosen supplier cuts corners to keep the price down. Have you ever bought cheap bin liners? If you use a smartphone or a tablet to access the internet, we recommend that you save Our Local Expert as a bookmark NOW. There is a dedicated page for ‘Emergency Trade Services’ such as local recommended 24 hour plumbers, electricians and locksmiths – you never know when you might need them. Redwoods Chartered Certified Accountants 2 Clyst Works, Clyst Road, Topsham, EX3 0DB 01392 877200 [email protected] www.redwoods-accountants.co.uk Friendly, professional advice for businesses and individuals on all areas of tax, accounting and self- assessment. Their excellent website offers free-to-access, helpful advice, tools and calculators, with monthly bite-sized updates on tax changes that might affect you or your businesses. Free initial consultations, easy access from the M5, free parking. ‘They understood my needs quickly, saving me money, at a good price’. 5. Ian Roper 37 Fore Street, Sidmouth, EX10 8AQ 01395 515828 / 07970 791795 [email protected] www.ianroper.com A personalised service ideal for small businesses, retired and semi-retired individuals, and a specialist service for landlords. Personal tax, tax returns, VAT, year end, tax planning. You are treated personally – Ian takes the time to understand your needs, offers out of hours appointments and is available on his mobile. 4. The businesses in Our Local Expert have been recommended, so you can be sure of a high quality service. Call, write or email with comments on businesses featured, or recommend others you think should be included