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I have enough savings to buy a car instead of HP - should I?
better to put down a larger deposit with some of your savings and thus reduce monthly repayments while keeping money by for a rainy day and unforeseen problems, EG Slack times, Loss of Earnings through ill Health Etc.
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Should it be a hybrid which everyone is buying?
I'm not convinced Hybrids are any cheaper in the long term, they tend to be less spacious and that lack of space may cost you work and they cost more initially than modern diesels which are catching up on real MPG fuel economy.
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Do I need an accountant for the first few years until I know what I'm doing?
I suggest yes, they can save you more than they cost if you get a reliable one and also free up more of your time from doing the Year End Accounts.
By all means Fill in your own Books on Income and Outgoings, but then Submit them to an accountant for finalising at the years end.
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Are there any (serious) really helpful tips or hints that you wish you knew when you started out? (I can deal with the hours and boredom)
Take out of the Business as few Drawings as you can survive on for the first couple of years until you can build up a Financial buffer Zone, Repay the HP off sooner if possible, Don't get flash with the Cash as around every corner there is a potential Pothole to drive into.
OR simply put...just be Canny with the Cash.