Hi Sarah

Welcome to the forum, there has been loads of similar posts regarding S/E start ups, have a search through the site and and I am sure you will find loads of valuable advice.

When I first started I sent out letters to all local builders (construction is the field I have most experience in) explaining that I have just set up a small local practice and stating the services i offered, also included was a card which gave a discount on fees, I hand wrote the envelope as I believe there is more chance of someone actually opening the letter and reading it rather than just getting a flyer or some cards through the letter box, this approach worked for me not just for the initial response after the first few months but also the recommendations that have followed, I think the main thing is to be patient and keep trying as all start ups are going to take time to get off the ground especially in bookkeeping and accountancy where the market seems to be getting more and more saturated.

Also what services are you offering? you are going to find that most small businesses are going to want a 'one stop shop' of not just the bookkeeping but also tax returns, VAT and tax advice so if you can not offer this then you may struggle to gain clients in my opinion.

Good Luck with the venture