Is there any online platform that..

[SamHamdan]

Hello everyone,

Just want to ask, is there any online platform that connects businesses and individuals to Accounting services providers and freelancers in the UK?

Assuming that am someone who is running a business and needs someone to do some bookkeeping for me, can i access a specialized accounting platform to look for a bookkeeper in or near my area?? or my only option is the classifieds and word of mouth?

I want to create something very much like ZOCDOC.com in concept, but with accountancy as a profession not medicine. I have tried something similar in a different country and it was a success, i want to expand and i have the UK on my radar, but want to understand my competition first..Do u think it worth a shot?

 

[Mr D]

Hello everyone,

Just want to ask, is there any online platform that connects businesses and individuals to Accounting services providers and freelancers in the UK? QUOTE]

Google.
Or indeed other search engines.

 

[Scalloway]

Find an accountant

https://www.findanaccountant.co.uk/

 

[TomJ83]

You're up against findanaccountant, which has been suggested by @Scalloway. They don't seem to have the features that you're talking about. And that's good for you. Findanaccountant is more or less a directory where you can find local accountants. If I understand you right, you want to start an app where people can see accountants based on their location, browse reviews by real customers and book appointments with a tap or two. I think it's worth a shot but you should do further market research to see if the business idea is viable or not. Would you mind telling us in what country this business idea went well?

 

[SamHamdan]

@Scalloway Thanks for the link. That looks super dull with minimum functionality, as stated by @TomJ83 , its more or less a very simple directory.

 

[TomJ83]

There is also another site that you could take a look at @SamHamdan. It's called Unbiased (www.unbiased.co.uk). Their services extend beyond just accounting services, but still worth mentioning. They haven't got the functionalities that you're referring to. You can choose to be matched with an accountant (it means that you have little say and know nothing about the accountant as you cannot read reviews beforehand). You can also browse yourself or call them. But once again, they have none of the functionalities that you want to offer to the UK market.

 

[Clearaccy]

A site like peopleperhour?

Lots of freelancers use this website but seem very cheap.

 

[SamHamdan]

Thanks a million @TomJ83 , even here we had plenty of websites similar to the one you mentioned or the one mentioned by @Clearaccy ,but they did not represent any competition really, that leave me with 2 challenges, understanding the mindset of the service providers and their clients, plus the budget required to invest in the marketing area which will be a lot.

 

[fisicx]

I needed a new accountant/bookkeeper so just did a Google search. It's not exactly rocket science and I can't see the need for a platform to do what Google already does for me.

 

[TomJ83]

I try to understand how you think. If I want to find for example a doctor, then I can do a Google search. But still Pushdoctor, ZOCDOC and the like are doing well. Why wouldn't it work for an accounting platform?

 

[fisicx]

Maybe it would but you need to know the accounting directory thing exists in order to use it. If I search for a local service google provides me with a list and a map and even a rating system. What I wouldn't be looking for is another directory (because that's really all it is).

Have you ever used Pushdoctor or ZOCDOC? Until today I didn't even know they existed.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Just entering into Google "Bookkeepers London" brought up 1,260,000 entries so imagine the area is well covered and a hell of a lot of input if you went that route

 

[TomJ83]

Maybe it would but you need to know the accounting directory thing exists in order to use it. If I search for a local service google provides me with a list and a map and even a rating system. What I wouldn't be looking for is another directory (because that's really all it is).

Have you ever used Pushdoctor or ZOCDOC? Until today I didn't even know they existed.

There are many things that I didn't know existed, but still they exist and are doing well. I have tried Pushdoctor. It's a convenient way to get access to a doctor. I can talk face to face to a doctor from my laptop, mobile or tablet. The best part is that I don't have to travel or worry about long waiting time. This is something modern. Just like Uber modernized the taxi industry. I can't see why the same technology couldn't be used for the purpose described by OP.

 

[fisicx]

Because it's not a doctor. It's an accountant/bookkeeper. If I want someone to do my books I'll do a Google search or ask my mate who he uses. What I don't need to do is use a directory to find someone.

The may be some who would use this sort of platform but the majority won't.

How did you find your bookkeeper/accountant?

 

[Mr D]

Because it's not a doctor. It's an accountant/bookkeeper. If I want someone to do my books I'll do a Google search or ask my mate who he uses. What I don't need to do is use a directory to find someone.

The may be some who would use this sort of platform but the majority won't.

How did you find your bookkeeper/accountant?

Agreed.
The times I have wanted a professional - including looking for a bookkeeper or accountant - I have used google.
Next time I move areas and want a new doctor - google.

There may be specialist sites I can find to use - however I will probably be unaware of them except through google.

 

[SamHamdan]

@fisicx You have a valid point, no doubt about that, but if u ask someone now how did you find an accountant the answer will be based on the options available Now..as u stated, it might be google, word of mouth or any other technique, surely its not rocket science, but the same can be applied to any other industry that uses such platofrms like zocdoc, uber, hungryhouse etc.., its more about a convenient way with more flexibility and variety to choose from so you can meet ur needs with ur allocated budget all in one place. This is from a client prospective who is looking to hire, on the other hand, accountancy firms or freelancers can use this platform to approach bigger audience, stand out from the crowd by offering a great response time, announcing of any limited time offers, understanding their competition within a given area and many other benefits for the right mindset. To do all that, one has to invest heavily in the marketing area so we can use google to our advantage, instead of having google as an alternative it will be an ally, increase the awareness & solidify the brand among the users..

 

[fisicx]

Well then, if you have the marketing budget to promote your platform then go for it. If it's going to be a free service, provides better results than Google then it may work. But unlike hungryhorse et al, a bookkeeper isn't someone you change everyday. Most people tend to stick with the same one.