Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in Sheffield
Allen West & Foster has been serving the business communities of Sheffield, Chesterfield, and the Peak District since 1968. Our firm was formed through the 2017 merger of two respected local practices, Stephen Allen & Co. and West and Foster, combining decades of expertise with modern accounting practices. We specialise in audit and accounts preparation, personal and corporate taxation, VAT, payroll, and bookkeeping services, catering to sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and corporate groups. Our team of chartered accountants and specialists brings extensive experience across manufacturing, medical, charity, gaming, and professional services sectors. We are registered auditors regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and committed to delivering timely, value-for-money services.We offer initial consultations free of charge and maintain offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, and Bakewell to better serve our clients. Our proactive approach ensures clients receive tailored advice aligned with their specific business needs. We invest in continuous professional development for our team and utilise advanced accounting software to enhance service delivery. Our commitment to transparency and client relationships has made us a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable financial expertise. We actively support local communities through initiatives like our annual Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning.
Services
Accountancy
Audit
Bookkeeping
Tax Planning
Payroll
Business Services
Value Added Services
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Established in 1968 with combined expertise from two respected local practices
- Registered auditors regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
- Specialists in manufacturing, medical, charity, and professional services sectors
- Offer free initial consultations with no obligation
- Maintain offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, and Bakewell for local accessibility
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Services
Accountancy
We provide comprehensive accountancy services including monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts preparation. Our team prepares statutory annual accounts for Companies House and HMRC filings. We serve businesses of all sizes from sole traders to corporate groups, ensuring compliance with current regulations while maximising financial benefits for our clients.
Audit
As registered auditors with ICAEW, we conduct thorough audits for various organisations. Our audit files undergo quality reviews by the Mercia Group to ensure compliance with audit standards. We specialise in statutory audits for charities, limited companies, and corporate groups, providing assurance on financial statements and regulatory compliance.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services cover individuals, partnerships, and companies. We offer capital gains tax planning, business tax optimisation, VAT compliance, and inheritance tax strategies. Our specialists help clients navigate complex tax regulations, maximise available reliefs, and provide representation during HMRC investigations to protect client interests.
Bookkeeping
We provide expert bookkeeping services using various accounting software packages. Our team can restructure existing systems or manage bookkeeping entirely, with specialist expertise in Sage software. We ensure accurate financial records that support business growth and decision-making while maintaining compliance with accounting standards.
Payroll
Our dedicated payroll team handles all aspects of payroll management, including monthly and weekly payrolls. We ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, handle tax deductions, and provide accurate wage processing. Our services help businesses save time while maintaining complete regulatory compliance for their payroll operations.
People
Stephen Allen
Managing Partner
With over 12 years as a partner and ACCA/ICAEW membership, Stephen brings extensive experience across manufacturing, engineering, and medical sectors. He established Stephen Allen & Co. and focuses on building strong client relationships through proactive service.
Stuart Croft
Partner
Qualified ACA in 2009 with first-time passes, Stuart specialises in audits and statutory accounts for charities and SMEs. He also holds a PhD in genetics and provides IT support for accounting software, combining technical expertise with financial services.
Sara Dunkley
Partner
With nearly 20 years' experience, Sara specialises in audit and compliance. She qualified with ICAEW in 2001 and gained industry experience in manufacturing before joining Allen West & Foster to lead audit operations for corporate clients.
Gemma Lightfoot
Partner
Having joined in 2003, Gemma manages larger corporate clients and trains junior staff. She qualified with ACCA and has extensive experience in accounts production, corporate taxation, and audit, providing comprehensive financial services to business clients.
Fiona Rawson
Administrator
Fiona manages day-to-day administration and serves as primary client contact. With a geography degree and diverse career background, she brings organisational expertise and a client-focused approach to support the firm's operations efficiently.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide full accounting services including monthly/annual accounts, statutory filings, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and business advisory services for sole traders, partnerships, and corporate groups.
Are you qualified chartered accountants?
Yes, we are registered auditors regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) with multiple ACA and ACCA qualified professionals on our team.
Do you offer tax planning assistance?
We specialise in comprehensive tax planning including capital gains, business tax optimisation, VAT compliance, inheritance tax, and representation during HMRC investigations to protect client interests.
What sectors do you specialise in?
We have particular expertise in manufacturing, medical services, charity organisations, gaming, and professional services sectors, with decades of combined experience serving these industries.
Can you help with payroll processing?
Our dedicated payroll team handles monthly/weekly payrolls, ensures HMRC compliance, and provides accurate wage processing while maintaining complete regulatory adherence for business operations.
Do you offer initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations with no obligation, allowing prospective clients to discuss their needs and understand how we can support their financial requirements.
