Matter resolved — unclear terms and a surprise invoice
UPDATE: Following escalation, the firm cancelled the invoice, which suggested it may have been an isolated incident and that steps might be taken to prevent similar issues for others.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BEFORE RESOLUTION:
I asked if Beavis Morgan could support my new business — not for advice, just to check if they offered the service. They suggested a meeting to “talk it through,” but didn’t mention any fees.
Shortly after the meeting, they sent a quote — which confirmed my understanding that it was a scoping discussion. Then, over a month later, I received a surprise invoice for £720.
There was no signed engagement letter, no mention of fees beforehand, and this was clearly about a new business — unrelated to my previous personal tax work with them. When I raised it, they insisted it was chargeable under a historic engagement.
This felt misleading and aggressive — especially after over 15 years with their predecessor firm. If you deal with this firm, I strongly advise confirming in writing whether any meeting is billable.