A newly qualified bookkeeper has impressed examiners and now set up her own book keeping business with the help of a £750 Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Looking after the books
A newly qualified bookkeeper has impressed examiners and now set up her own book keeping business with the help of a £750 Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council.
Julia Hill enjoyed a long career with a large Andover employer but like many mothers, took time off to have children. After her second child started school she felt ready to return to work - but decided on a new career and joined the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. After gaining a distinction in her first exams she moved up to the next level and got an incredible 92%!
Julia’s new venture, Julia Hill Bookkeeping, which is based at her home in Andover, enables her to combine family responsibilities with earning a living. She is now qualified to carry out bookkeeping for sole traders, partnerships, not-for-profit organisations and limited companies, and can process year end accounts for all but the limited companies. As well as having her own clients, Julia has teamed up with several existing accountants and bookkeepers and has joined a number of business networking groups.
Julia has teamed up with several existing accountants and joined a number of business networking groups. Julia said: “Andover has a thriving business scene with new businesses like mine starting all the time, which is great for me and for the town. I am grateful for the Council’s support in helping me get going and offering some useful tips on how to grow my business.”
Ward member for Winton, Councillor Jan Lovell, said: “Julia has worked incredibly hard to launch her own business and I am very impressed by her fantastic exam results. I am delighted to present the financial award and I wish her the best of luck in the future.”
The Council’s Business Incentive Grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive a grant of £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.
For more information about the Council’s Business Incentive Grants, visit www.testvalley.gov.uk.