South: Moore Stephens launches 'Hatched' programme for tech start-ups

Moore Stephens, the UK's ninth largest accountancy firm, is inviting applications for its new ‘Hatched’ programme, which provides tech start-ups with full-service business support and expertise for a fixed fee of £295 per month (ex VAT) to move to their next stage of growth. 

Moore Stephens, which has offices in Reading, says that the two-year programme will be open to 35 early-stage technology companies and will offer a unique blend of accountancy and tax services, combined with a structured programme of business support – to be delivered through a series of strategy workshops, finance and legal masterclasses and networking events – all aimed at alleviating the common barriers to growth that face early-stage businesses.

Mark Ayres, partner and head of technology at Moore Stephens, commented: “The demise of government-backed initiatives such as GrowthAccelerator and the Business Growth Service meant that tech start-ups have been left short of affordable advice and expertise – that’s where Hatched comes in.

“We’ve had an increase in demand from clients looking for an integrated accounting, tax and business support service that provides a solution for their scale-up needs – and ‘Hatched’ has been designed to provide this.

“Hatched will give early-stage tech businesses the tools they need to attract and retain customers, secure investment and take care of the compliance and legal issues that might be holding them back from spending time on what they do best – growing their business.

“Whilst accelerators and incubators play a vital role within the tech ecosystem, Hatched aims to provide further support – enabling early stage companies to continue to access vital financial and strategic support, establish key connections to customers and build the foundations required to ensure growth for many years to come.”

Hatched is the latest service provided by Moore Stephens as it continues to support early-stage and high-growth technology businesses across the UK.

Applications for Hatched are open from UK-based digital, software or technology companies who have been trading for under two years. Applications for the two-year programme close on October 27, 2017. For full details, including the eligibility criteria and application form, visit www.moorestephens.co.uk/hatched

As part of the monthly fee, the Hatched programme provides a range of core services, including:

• access and online support for Stream – Moore Stephens’ cloud-based finance and accounting solution;
• accounts preparation;
• corporate tax return;
• set-up or review of cloud accounting software;
• exclusive access to strategy and finance workshops and masterclasses;
• drop-in clinics with adviser.

Throughout their growth journey, Hatched participants will also be able to access bespoke (add-on) services, including:

• SEIS/EIS applications;
• R&D and grants;
• employee share schemes;
• fundraising and other corporate finance;
• Payroll and outsourced accounting services;
• VAT services;
• IP management.