Accountants for the fashion industry
Specialist accountants for the fashion industry
WallsMan Creative handles stock and cost of sales, seasonal cash flow, import duty and the VAT rules that apply only to clothing.
What we do for fashion businesses
WallsMan Creative is an ICAEW-regulated chartered practice working exclusively with the creative industries, acting for independent labels, established brands, freelance designers, stylists and models across Kingston upon Thames, London and the UK.
- Stock and cost of sales accounting: so your margin is real rather than a guess
- VAT: including zero-rated children’s ranges, mixed supplies, and sales into the EU and beyond
- Import duty and customs support: landed cost, rules of origin, import VAT and returns coming back across a border
- Corporation Tax and year-end accounts: for brands and labels
- Self Assessment: for freelance designers, stylists, models and makers
- R&D tax relief: where you’re developing technical fabrics, performance materials or novel construction
- Payroll: studio staff, seasonal help and interns
- Cash-flow forecasting and management reporting: built around your production and delivery calendar
- Investment packs and financial forecasting: for brands raising money or approaching a buyer
Who we work with in the fashion industry
- Independent fashion labels: usually founder-led, usually cash-constrained, usually growing faster than the finance function
- Established brands: with wholesale accounts, a warehouse and a payroll
- Freelance designers and pattern cutters: often working across several brands at once
- Stylists: with a mix of editorial, commercial and personal client income
- Models and model agencies: where international income and withholding tax dominate the picture
- Accessories, footwear and jewellery brands: where stock, materials and hallmarking add their own questions
- Sustainable and technical apparel businesses: where R&D relief is often available and almost never claimed
- Textile makers and craft producers: where the picture looks closer to our makers clients
Reasons why we're the best accountants for the fashion industry
Knowing the game
The struggle is real but we can be a supporting partner to help manage the stressful side of the business - the finances. This will give you the opportunity to prepare for demanding times.
Cost structures
Our fees are competitive - we know your margins are already under pressure.
We ensure that your agency runs smooth and firm.
Keeping it simple
Most creatives in fashion have little or no business or accounting training. We act as that part of the business for you so that you can focus on the market. We simplify the process.
Tax savings
We know all the places where you could be saving tax, plus any schemes that crop up that may be relevant to saving you money or bring money in.
Which sounds like you?
Irregular income, multiple streams and quiet months. We build your numbers around how you actually earn.
- Personal tax
- Self Assessment
- First-time freelancer
- Thinking about going limited
Corporation tax, dividends, payroll & the full suite of creative-sector reliefs. Tailored for your business.
- VAT
- Payroll
- Year-end accounts
- R&D/creative reliefs and funding
“WallsMan Creative are always so helpful and responsive, it's a great service, highly recommend.”
Frequently Asked Questions about accounting for fashion
WallsMan Creative works exclusively with creative industries, including fashion designers, fashion brands, and fashion professionals. With over 10 years of experience, we understand seasonal collections, production cycles, and the financial realities of the fashion industry.
Absolutely! Fashion businesses often operate around seasonal launches and collections. We help manage cash flow, plan for quieter periods, and ensure income and costs are recorded correctly.
We can. We regularly advise on production costs, overseas manufacturing, sampling, shipping, and supplier payments, helping fashion businesses maintain clear cost control and profitability.
We help fashion brands manage inventory accounting, stock valuation, and the financial impact of unsold or discounted collections.
That's part of our services. We provide VAT advice covering retail sales, online stores, international customers, imports, exports, and mixed VAT rates common in fashion.
We regularly advise on freelancers, models, photographers, stylists, and other collaborators, ensuring compliant payments and correct tax treatment.
We support fashion brands as they scale, helping with pricing strategy, cash flow planning, hiring, and structuring the business for sustainable growth.
Because we exclusively work with creative industries. Our 10+ years of experience, deep understanding of fashion, and practical approach mean advice that fits the fast-paced, seasonal nature of the fashion industry.
Useful reading for the fashion industry
Guides and resources to help fashion brands and designers pay less tax and make smarter financial decisions.
Written by our team, for creative businesses like yours.
Related services
We know that as every business is different, it needs different support. All our services and fees can be adapted to make up the perfect package – just for you . So have a look around the site, at all the ways we can help you. Then, why not get in touch for a free consultation?