Just you? Then every hour counts.
You're the boss, the worker, the receptionist and the accounts department. Most of that admin happens after dark. Let's move it into the background, so the evenings are yours again.
More than half of UK businesses are one person working alone. You're in good company.
- In the van
Today's route is already in a text: four jobs, 23 miles, home by five.
- Missed call, up a ladder
The assistant books a quote visit for Thursday, on the way to another job.
- Lunch: a 30-second voice note
The quote's drafted and waiting for your OK.
- Monday's invoice paid
Chased politely, paid by card. You didn't lift a finger.
- Talking on the drive home
Today's invoices, tomorrow's materials and a receipt, all sorted.
- Home for tea.
Calls answered, jobs booked, invoices chased, receipts logged.
Talk to it in the van. Home for tea.
Two minutes of talking on the drive home becomes the quote, the invoice, the calendar entry and the customer's text. Pick a trade and press play.
Made-up examples. Anything that goes to a customer can wait for your OK until you trust it.
Six time-savers. Pick the three you need most.
All of it runs from your phone. No new apps to learn, no laptop at the kitchen table.
Missed calls answered
When you can't pick up, the assistant answers, takes the details and texts you a summary.
Talk your admin
A voice note on the drive home becomes the quote, the invoice, the calendar entry and the customer's text.
Quotes and invoices
Drafted from a voice note or photos, sent when you say so, and chased politely until they're paid.
Receipts, ready for tax
Photograph a receipt and it's logged and categorised in software that's ready for Making Tax Digital.
Smart booking
On the road? New jobs go where you'll already be, so you drive less and fit more in.
Reviews after every job
A thank-you with your review link, so good work brings in new work.
Quarterly updates are coming. Be ready early.
HMRC is moving sole traders onto digital records and quarterly updates in stages, based on your income from self-employment and property (before expenses).
I set up the record-keeping on your phone. Your accountant, or you, does the tax. This is general information, not tax advice: check your own position with HMRC or an accountant.
- Over £50,000
Already started.
- Over £30,000
The big one for local trades.
- Over £20,000
Most full-time sole traders.
One visit. Looked after every month.
Built from proven parts, so it's quick to set up and cheap to run, but still set up for you by a real person, in person.
- A visit of around two hours to see how your week works
- Three time-savers from the list above, set up and tested with you
- Everything in your own accounts, and your own number
- A monthly check, fixes and a short "time back" report
- Calls and texts at cost, with a monthly limit you choose
- 30-day rolling. No contract to get stuck in
What sole traders ask.
Is it worth it for one person?
Usually more than for anyone. If you miss five calls a week or spend six hours on evening admin, the calculator shows what that's costing you. The Solo package is priced so one extra job a month covers it.
I'm not good with tech. Will I cope?
Yes. Everything works from your phone by text, voice note or a tap. I set it up, show you once, and I'm a phone call away.
Do you do my tax return?
No. I'm not an accountant. I set up simple record-keeping that's ready for Making Tax Digital, and I work alongside your accountant, or you, if you do your own.
Do I have to change my phone number?
No. Calls only go to the assistant when you don't pick up, using normal call forwarding on your own number.
I'm quiet in winter. Can I pause?
Talk to me. Care plans are month to month, and we'll find something that works for a seasonal business.
What does it cost to run?
The care plan is from £49 a month. Phone calls and texts are passed on at cost, with a monthly limit you choose, so there are no nasty surprises.
Home for tea. Every day.
Book a free 20-minute chat. Tell me how your week goes, and I'll tell you honestly whether AI can help. No jargon, no hard sell.
Book a free chatcharlie@backbyteatime.co.ukLocal 01206 number coming soon