Setting up new company

I am looking at starting some contract work, to do this i need to set myself up as a limited company and register for VAT, has anyone done something similar, and is it difficult. (i am persuming i will need an accountant to do this)

Also would anyone be able to reccomend an accountant in Greystones area ?

Thanks

Have a read thought the Askaboutbusiness forum for posts re: sole trader vs. Ltd. company and make sure that setting up a company is the right thing to do before you do so. You don't need to be a company to register for VAT.