Chris
Looking like you will have no choice. If you have done 60000 so far this year then you've got till March to earn no more than 7000.
When you go VAT registered get your accountant to set up cash accounting - that way you only have to pay the VAT that you have been paid and not any outstanding!!!!.
I cannot see a downside to VAT, other than that you have to collect it for them and then send them a payment every quarter!!!. Don't spend it!!!!
Companies like dealing with other VAT registered businesses, it is like a club.
Rob
