Choosing Training Link

Laura began her ICB training journey with another provider, but soon realised she needed stronger support.

“When I moved to Training Link, I couldn’t believe the difference. The support was there when I needed it. The staff were amazing — so helpful, so responsive. It made everything feel achievable.”

She particularly praised the team members who supported her along the way:

“Bev, Jo and Zoe were absolutely brilliant. I can’t praise them enough.”

Professional Progress — Fast

Once she found a rhythm, Laura moved quickly through her qualifications:

Within 24 weeks she had completed the following courses

Her pace was impressive, as were her grades — but more importantly, she completed her training with confidence and passed the requirements to receive her ICB Practice Licence.

“I got my practice license last week — that was a big moment.”

Introducing Burge Bookkeeping

With her qualifications and practice licence in place, Laura formed: Burge Bookkeeping

Supporting local sole traders and small businesses — with a specialist focus on the Construction Industry.

Laura’s years of experience mean she understands the daily pressures faced by tradespeople and independent business owners. She wants her practice to be personal, dependable, and grounded in real-world understanding.

But Laura does not plan to grow for growth’s sake.

“I don’t want to chase big numbers or work around the clock. I want a small amount of clients I can support properly. I want time for my family, time for myself. That balance matters to me.”

Since opening her practice, Laura’s client list has grown steadily — entirely through word of mouth and recommendations from other accountants, without a single advert or even a LinkedIn profile. One enquiry even found her through the ICB website, from a client based in London.

“I was initially unsure whether this was a client I would want to take on, as they were not local, were outside the construction industry, and dealt with international currencies. However, once I had a chat with him about what he needed, it felt quite comfortable to take on. The courses I completed were crucial in giving me the confidence and knowledge to support this client. Although I had 28 years of experience in construction bookkeeping, the courses covered everything required to work across a much broader range of bookkeeping services.”

A Full-Service Practice

Laura’s payroll qualification has proven its worth in practice, allowing her to offer clients bookkeeping, payroll and self-assessment as a single, complete package rather than turning work away.

“I needed payroll to offer the full package. I didn’t want to take on a client’s bookkeeping and their self-assessment, then have to say, ‘you’ll need someone else for payroll.’ Now I can offer everything.”

She works alongside her clients’ existing accountants where needed — managing the books and payroll for numerous limited companies throughout the year and handing over cleanly at year end — and has recently added QuickBooks Pro Advisor Level 2 to her skill set.

The Balance She Set Out to Find

Months into running Burge Bookkeeping, Laura is financially secure, working around 25 to 30 hours a week entirely on her own terms — and enjoying the flexibility that drew her to self-employment in the first place.

“I’m comfortable now, financially. I’ve got enough money coming in, I’m paying my bills, and I can afford to do the odd thing. I’ve got time on my hands — I’ve been able to look after my grandkids, do the school run, go to sports days.”

“I love working from home. I can come down in the morning and start whenever I like, finish whenever I like. No one to answer to. I’ve got a really good work-life balance now.”

That flexibility extends to time away too — something that felt out of reach when she was employed.

“I’ve had two breakaways this year, and I’ve booked another for Christmas, up at a cottage in Scotland. I can take my laptop and a spare screen, deal with anything urgent, and not come back to a mountain of work waiting for me.”

Staying True to Her Vision

Laura has deliberately kept her client list small, choosing quality over scale — and has no plans to change that.

“At the moment I’m quite happy. I don’t want to take on any more work than I can manage properly. I’ve been fortunate that it’s come to me through word of mouth and working alongside different accountants — and if I ever wanted more, I know I could.”

For Laura, Burge Bookkeeping is proof that the future she set out to build has become a reality.

“This was a dream I always wanted — to work for myself, to have that work-life balance, to spend more time with my family. I went and got all the training so I could be qualified and get my practice licence. It was a dream, and it’s come true.”

Laura’s Advice for Others Starting Out

“Be prepared to work hard, the courses can be complex and challenging at times, but the rewards are worth it. With commitment and dedication, you can succeed and build the future you truly desire.”