Business Details
7 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting & Tax Services in Southend
Established in 2019, Practical Bookkeeping, Accounting and Taxation Services (PBATS) delivers innovative, client-centric accounting, tax, and advisory solutions from Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Founded by Martin Beales, with Kerry Williams joining as co-director in 2024, the firm combines over four decades of collective expertise in public practice and industry. Our team of chartered accountants and specialists provides tailored services including outsourced financial director support, tax planning, management accounts, and compliance solutions. We prioritise technical excellence, ethical standards, and proactive client engagement, serving businesses from startups to large enterprises across sectors like technology, healthcare, and real estate.Recognised for our transparent communication and strategic approach, we help clients optimise financial performance, navigate tax complexities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by client testimonials highlighting our responsiveness, technical knowledge, and ability to deliver cost-saving solutions, such as reducing capital gains tax liabilities by 40% in one case. With partnerships in software training and a focus on digital innovation, we empower businesses to streamline financial operations and make data-driven decisions.
Services
Accounting Services
Tax Planning
Bookkeeping
Payroll Processing
CIS Returns
Management Accounts
Software Training
Company Secretarial
VAT Returns
Financial Advisory
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years' experience in accounting and tax advisory services.
- Our team includes chartered accountants with expertise in forensic accounting and insolvency.
- We provide tailored financial director support for business growth strategies.
- Our clients benefit from proactive tax planning and compliance management.
- We combine technical excellence with responsive, personalised client service.
What people say
Exceptional tax planning
Responsive and knowledgeable
Proactive financial support
Cost-saving expertise
Reliable compliance management
Services
Accounting Services
We prepare and submit annual accounts to Companies House while ensuring compliance with company law. Our services include statutory reporting, corporation tax returns, and VAT submissions. Clients benefit from accurate financial records that meet legal requirements and support informed business decisions.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services cover personal and corporate tax minimisation strategies. We assist with capital gains tax reliefs, profit extraction planning, and resolving HMRC disputes. Clients receive tailored advice to legally reduce tax liabilities while maintaining full compliance with UK tax legislation.
Bookkeeping
We offer clean-up and ongoing bookkeeping services using QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage. This includes transaction reconciliation, invoice management, and VAT return preparation. Our systems ensure accurate financial data to support timely reporting and strategic decision-making.
Payroll Processing
We manage payroll processing with HMRC real-time submissions and pension auto-enrolment compliance. Services include payslip distribution, PAYE calculations, and CIS return preparation. Clients benefit from accurate employee payments and adherence to evolving payroll regulations.
CIS Returns
We handle Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) compliance, including subcontractor verification and monthly return submissions. Our expertise ensures correct tax deductions and compliance with HMRC requirements, helping construction businesses avoid penalties and maintain gross payment status.
People
Martin Beales
Managing Director
Martin has 20 years' experience in practice, specialising in outsourced financial director roles, tax planning, and business advisory. He supports clients in sectors including technology, healthcare, and real estate, with expertise in company restructuring and strategic growth planning.
Kerry Williams
Managing Director
Kerry brings 20+ years of experience from top 10 and boutique accounting firms, specialising in forensic accounting and insolvency. She focuses on business growth strategies and expanding PBATS' client network through her industry connections and technical expertise.
Laura Sutton
Management Accountant
Laura has 25+ years' experience as a chartered accountant, overseeing management accounts for diverse clients from SMEs to PLCs. Her expertise includes financial reporting and strategic analysis to support business decision-making across multiple sectors.
Kristen Sadler
Bookkeeping and VAT Manager
Kristen has 9 years' experience managing bookkeeping functions, with expertise in agriculture, retail, and leisure sectors. She implements efficient financial systems and ensures VAT compliance for clients using various accounting software platforms.
Charis Sulman
Tax Manager
Charis has 25+ years' experience specialising in personal tax matters, including complex CGT planning, property tax, and overseas residency advice. She provides strategic tax planning solutions and represents clients in HMRC disputes and tax tribunal preparations.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide company accounts, corporation tax returns, VAT submissions, bookkeeping, payroll, and CIS returns. Our services ensure compliance while supporting business growth through tailored financial management.
How can tax planning benefit my business?
Our tax planning identifies legal opportunities to reduce liabilities through profit extraction strategies, capital gains reliefs, and compliance optimisation, ensuring more funds remain available for business growth.
Do you support businesses outside Essex?
Yes, we serve clients nationwide with digital solutions for accounting, tax, and advisory services, adapting to specific industry needs across the UK.
What makes your advisory services unique?
Our advisory team combines outsourced financial director roles with strategic growth planning, offering hands-on support for business expansion, funding acquisition, and operational efficiency improvements.
How do you handle HMRC disputes?
We represent clients in tax disputes, including penalty appeals and tribunal preparations, leveraging our technical expertise to resolve issues while minimising financial impact.
Can you help with software migration?
Yes, we assist with transitioning to new accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage, providing training and system optimisation to ensure smooth implementation and efficient financial management.
