Mayor opens University’s Pro Bono Accountancy, Tax and Business Clinic for the local community

The University of Bolton’s new free Accountancy, Tax and Business Clinic to support the local community has been opened by the borough’s mayor.

Councillor Linda Thomas attended the opening ceremony of the pro bono clinic, which will be student-led and supervised by a qualified practising Chartered Management Accountant.

It will be based in the Institute of Management building in Newport Street, Bolton town centre, and offer advice and support to businesses and individuals on a wide range of accountancy, tax and business issues.

The clinic will operate as a drop-in facility and by an appointment system.

Cllr Thomas said: “The clinic is a timely and great initiative that supports the business community of Bolton. Entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity are essential ingredients for the prosperity of the region.”

Dr Mohammed Sadiq, Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Bolton, said: “We are very grateful to the Mayor of Bolton for coming along especially to help launch this important new initiative.

“We are excited to be able to offer this free service to the people of Bolton, especially in these challenging times.

“The University is playing its part in the socio-economic recovery of Bolton as well as supporting our students.”

Dr Sadiq added: “This will also give our students the chance to deal with real issues, apply their knowledge and provide the best advice and guidance which will help to prepare them for employment when they graduate.”

The clinic will offer the following accountancy and tax services free of charge:

- Advice and guidance on book-keeping and computerised accounting; the preparation of year-end financial accounts; financial business planning; tax advice on establishing and registering a business with Companies House and HMRC; completing self-assessment tax returns and Making Tax Digital (MTD)

It will also provide advice and guidance on PAYE as well as preparing corporation tax and VAT returns.

Dr Sadiq said: “This new free service does not replace the services of an accountant.

“The clinic supports local business as a drop-in, as a general first stop advice centre. We are very much working with local practitioners – cases will be referred to local practitioners as appropriate.”

An online portal, where members of the public can make an appointment with someone from the clinic, can be found at:

Accounting, Tax and Business Clinic (ATBC) | University Of Bolton