Crunch alternative for UK agencies
If your agency has outgrown Crunch's online platform model, this is the honest comparison of what a specialist agency accountant offers instead. Both have their place; the right answer depends on the complexity of your agency.
Crunch is a popular online accounting platform serving freelancers, contractors, and small limited companies. They've built a strong product and serve a real need at lower price points. We are a specialist firm working only with agency founders, focused on the strategic and tax decisions that come up as agencies scale. We're not Crunch's direct competitor at the entry level, we're where some Crunch customers go when they've outgrown the platform model.
Side-by-side
| Feature | Crunch | Agency Founder Finance |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | From ~£44/mo fixed | Fixed fee £1,200-£8,000/year by complexity |
| Online accounting software included | We work with your existing Xero/QB/FreeAgent | |
| Annual accounts + CT600 | ||
| Self-assessment | ||
| VAT returns | ||
| Payroll | Add-on | Add-on |
| Specialist agency focus | ||
| Monthly management accounts (by client, project) | ||
| R&D tax credit claim preparation | ||
| IR35 advisory + SDS preparation | Generic | Agency-specific |
| Exit planning (BADR, MBO, earn-out) | ||
| Multi-shareholder salary/dividend modelling | Basic | Annual, per-shareholder |
| Direct named accountant | Shared team | Same ICAEW accountant |
| Response time | Standard SLA | 24 hours, usually same day |
Crunch is the right choice if
Solo founders and small limited companies prioritising platform convenience.
- Sole director with simple structure
- Revenue under £150k, low complexity
- You want everything in one online platform
- You don't need strategic advice or specialist tax work
- You're comfortable doing your own bookkeeping with their tools
We're the right choice if
Agency founders who need specialist advice that genuinely pays back the fee.
- Revenue £150k+ and growing
- Multiple shareholders, freelancers, or employees
- Custom tech / development work (R&D credit eligible)
- Planning exit, MBO, or significant equity event
- International element (UAE, US clients, cross-border)
- You want strategic advice, not just compliance
Common questions
Can I keep using Crunch's software with you as my accountant?
Crunch's platform is bundled with their service, moving to us typically means switching to Xero, QuickBooks, or FreeAgent. We handle the migration. Most agencies find Xero a better long-term fit for management accounts and growth.
What's the typical cost difference?
Crunch's headline price is £44/mo plus add-ons (~£600-£1,000/year). Our fees start at £1,200/year for simple structures and rise to £8,000+ for complex multi-entity setups with R&D and exit planning. The right comparison isn't price, it's value per pound. If we save you £15k in tax through R&D credits alone, the £3k fee is paid back 5×.
How easy is it to switch from Crunch?
Straightforward. We handle the professional clearance, the authorisation codes (64-8 form), and the data export from Crunch's platform into Xero or your chosen software. Typical transition takes 2-3 weeks. We've moved many agency founders off Crunch as they've scaled.
When does it make sense to switch?
Three signals: (1) you're regularly hitting limits of what Crunch's platform handles (e.g. multi-shareholder extraction modelling, R&D claims, group structures), (2) you're spending more time managing your accounts than running your agency, or (3) you have a significant decision coming up (incorporation of a holding co, planning a sale, large hiring round) that needs specialist advice.
Not sure which is right for you?
Book a free 60-minute call. We'll honestly tell you whether we're a good fit. If we're not, we'll point you somewhere that is.
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