- BW Accountants streamlined their best practice proposal techniques using Socket.
- Socket replaced the existing tool with something that was more reliable, flexible, and user-friendly, for a third of the cost.
- Quick, hands-on, customer support was crucial to making the switch smooth.
- Socket’s integrations with Xero, GoCardless, and Zapier make it easy to manage proposals and billing in one place.
- The new proposal format can be built in front of the client, boosting transparency and opportunities to add more value.
We caught up with Bristol based practice, BW Business Accountants and Advisers, to discuss their move to Socket.
Founder Natalie, a Chartered Accountant and Tax Adviser, shares how they went beyond simply switching tools. Socket has helped Natalie create a scalable, best practice proposal system that’s more transparent, more engaging, and more cost-effective.
Running a tech-forward, paperless, and B Corp™ Certified accountancy practice means every tool matters, and, when unreliable service and unreasonable costs became a barrier to growth, Socket became the solution.
The Roadblock: Reliability and value for money
Natalie was previously using another tool, but faced issues with poor customer service and high fees:
“I think I heard about Socket in a couple of different ways,” Natalie explains. “From friends who also run accountancy practices, from Jonathan [Socket’s Co-Founder] on LinkedIn, and from a few early adopters in accountant support groups. It kept coming up, so I had to check it out.”
“I wanted something where I had flexibility, a proposal software that was reliable and value for money. That's what I was looking for, and Socket ticked all of those boxes. The onboarding team were amazing too.”
The Transition: Best practice proposals
Natalie had a clear vision for proposals: they needed to be reliable, personalised, and part of a seamless workflow.
The practice was already utilising best practice techniques to optimise proposal conversions, and Socket provided the features to bring this all together into a seamless client experience.
Natalie shared the transition was made easy with support from the Socket onboarding team:
“The quick responses from the support team have been great because sometimes my questions are just like: I just need to know, am I doing this right?”
“The team helped me to export all of the data from the previous system, and talked me through how to import it and make sure everything was set up correctly”
“They even helped me make sure my monthly fees were correct for existing clients which was really helpful”
Improving Natalie’s client experience
With a keen interest in designing her proposals to improve her client experience, Socket provided new functionality that improved how Natalie could personalise her proposal. Features like embedded videos and brochures, and integrated direct debit collections have helped Natalie create a seamless and engaging experience.
Natalie explained “I’ve always done videos of me going through the proposal, but I would have to send a separate email to the prospect and say, “I’ve recorded this video of me going through it.” I can also add my brochure for our practice, and the client can set up their direct debit. Everything’s all in one place which has been really good”
“Clients really like it as well because it’s personalised and tailored to what they need”
What challenge are you still working on?
Pricing conversations with clients can be a challenge, but, Socket helps take away the unnecessary admin so that Natalie can focus on gaining new business and presenting her best self: “Socket helps me present our services clearly, but I still need to convey the value of what we offer to clients.”
Natalie tells us she uses the system live on prospect calls, allowing her to really explain the value of her services and provide opportunities to add even more value. “I actually think it’s more user friendly for them to see the menu of services. It’s much easier for them to see what we offer, and spot something else that they want on the list.”
Natalie’s favourite features
- Xero Integration: “My whole practice runs through Xero, so the integration is critical, and it works really well.”
- Support Team Responsiveness: “I had a billing issue after a holiday, and they fixed it within 15 minutes. The old provider would've taken hours.”
- Embedded Video & Brochure: “I love that I can embed videos and add our brochure right in the proposal. Before, I had to send it all separately.”
- Client Experience: A branded digital proposal with e-signature, where clients can set up their direct debit and accept everything in one place: “It looks really user-friendly from a client perspective as well.”
- Live Proposal Walkthroughs: “I walk through the proposal live on calls, and one client spotted additional services that would more than double their spend.”
- Billing: “My billing takes me five minutes every month, especially with the new integration, where I just approve it and the invoices will get sent straight out to clients through Xero.”
- Cost Saving: “It’s probably costing me about a third of what I was paying before, for something better. So that’s a big win.”
The cost impact is clear, but the ease of set-up was an unexpected win:
“It was easier to use than I expected. And I love that I can compare billing changes month to month. It gives me peace of mind.”
Final thoughts
BW Accountants and Advisers see their proposal process not just as a task, but as a strategic advantage that they’ve actively improved through tech, design, and a client-first mindset.
“We pride ourselves on being technology-first. Everything is integrated and paperless. Socket gives clients a great first impression, and gives me the functionality I need without the cost or stress of my old system.”
“Socket is a really great way of streamlining and saving time on your pricing, your proposals and your billing. I know some accountants that are still doing everything manually, and Socket just saves so much time.”
