Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Accounting & Tax Services in Stoke-on-Trent
Established in 1943, we have built a reputation as trusted chartered accountants and business advisers in Stoke-on-Trent. Our approach centres on creating lasting relationships with clients, understanding their unique financial goals, and delivering tailored solutions. With a team of experienced professionals, we combine technical expertise with a commitment to innovation, utilising advanced technology to provide efficient, accurate financial services. Regulated by ICAEW, we maintain the highest standards of professionalism across audit, tax, payroll, and corporate finance services.Our heritage of continuous improvement, dating back to our founding by Edwin Downward, positions us as one of Staffordshire's largest accountancy practices. We serve diverse clients ranging from sole traders to corporate groups, offering holistic financial guidance that supports business growth and personal financial success.
Services
Audit Services
Tax Compliance
Payroll Management
Corporate Finance
Pension Solutions
Capital Allowances
VAT Advice
Company Formation
Management Information
R&D Tax Credits
Details
- Year established: 1943
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ years of combined experience in accounting and business advisory
- Our ICAEW-regulated services ensure the highest professional standards
- We provide technology-driven financial solutions tailored to client needs
- Our team specialises in holistic business and personal tax planning
- We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent communication
Associations and certifications
- ICAEW
What people say
Professional expertise
Genuine commitment
Friendly demeanour
Meticulous work
Fantastic team
Services
Audit Services
Our independent audit services examine financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. We identify key business risks while providing practical recommendations to enhance operational performance. Clients benefit from improved credibility with stakeholders and investors through our thorough verification process.
Tax Compliance
We provide comprehensive tax compliance solutions covering corporate and personal tax requirements. Our specialists stay current with legislation changes to ensure timely submissions while identifying legitimate tax-saving opportunities for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Payroll Management
Our outsourced payroll bureau handles all aspects of employee payment processing including PAYE reporting and pension auto-enrolment. We ensure HMRC compliance through real-time information submissions while maintaining strict confidentiality for businesses of all sizes.
Corporate Finance
We support business growth through strategic corporate finance solutions including mergers and acquisitions. Our team provides expert guidance on company reorganisations, share exchanges, and capital structure optimisation to maximise long-term value creation.
VAT Advice
Our specialist VAT services help businesses navigate complex tax regulations. We provide tailored advice on VAT registration, compliance, and restructuring to ensure businesses maintain proper records while optimising their tax position.
People
Nick Wright
Director
Nick leads our audit and assurance team with over 25 years of experience in statutory audits. He specialises in charity audits and maintains a strong focus on delivering practical business advice alongside technical excellence.
Rachel Hughes
People and Culture Manager
Rachel oversees our talent development strategy, managing recruitment and professional training programmes. She ensures our team maintains technical excellence while fostering a supportive workplace culture aligned with our growth objectives.
Esther Hancock
Tax Director
Esther heads our corporate tax team with specialist expertise in business reorganisations. She has successfully guided numerous clients through complex tax restructuring while maintaining strong HMRC relationships.
Michelle Coates
Senior Accountant
Michelle provides strategic financial guidance to growing businesses, specialising in start-up support and succession planning. Her client-focused approach has earned consistent praise for making complex accounting concepts accessible to business owners.
Simon Owen
Senior Partner
Simon oversees client relationships for our largest corporate clients. With 30+ years in practice, he combines technical expertise with industry knowledge to deliver tailored solutions that support long-term business sustainability.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for growing businesses?
We provide complete accounting solutions including bookkeeping, management reporting, and financial statement preparation tailored to support business growth and compliance requirements.
How do you ensure tax compliance for businesses?
Our tax specialists monitor legislative changes and implement proactive compliance strategies, covering corporation tax, payroll taxes, and international tax obligations for businesses of all sizes.
What makes your audit services different?
We combine technical excellence with business insight, delivering audits that identify operational improvements alongside financial assurance through our ICAEW-regulated audit practice.
Can you help with company formation?
Yes, we offer complete company formation services including registration with Companies House, setting up company records, and ongoing secretarial support for new businesses.
Do you provide payroll services for SMEs?
We offer comprehensive payroll bureau services tailored to SMEs, including payslip production, pension auto-enrolment, and HMRC reporting through our experienced payroll team.
How do you support business succession planning?
Our specialists provide strategic guidance on business exit strategies, share structuring, and inheritance tax planning to ensure smooth ownership transitions while maximising value.
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