About the firm
Tamworth's chartered accountants since the 1970s
Philip Barnes & Co has been serving businesses across Staffordshire for over 50 years — from our offices in Tamworth and Uttoxeter, with the same commitment to qualified, personal advice that the firm was founded on.
Our story
Built on continuity and local knowledge
Philip Barnes & Co Chartered Accountants was founded by Philip Barnes himself and has grown steadily over more than five decades. Today the firm operates from two offices — The Old Council Chambers on Halford Street in Tamworth, and 40 Carter Street in Uttoxeter — serving local businesses, sole traders, and individuals across Staffordshire. The partners who lead the firm today were shaped by it from the very beginning: John Clark joined at 16 and was mentored by Philip Barnes for more than ten years before becoming a full partner. That continuity is not incidental — it is the firm's defining characteristic.
The team
Meet the partners
Chris Humphreys FCA
Partner
Chris began his career at a top-twenty accountancy firm, gaining experience in auditing, acquisitions and corporate finance before joining Philip Barnes & Co in 1987. He became a partner in 1990 at the age of 31. Chris specialises in tax planning and auditing, and has transformed the firm's business systems — he is the go-to partner for compliance, IT and staff matters.
Faith Bates FCA FCCA
Partner & Director
Faith joined Philip Barnes & Co as an 18-year-old trainee and has spent her career here. A lifelong Tamworth resident, she has worked with local businesses and organisations of all sizes and in almost every sector. Her specialities include audits, tax planning and conflict resolution. She manages a 12-strong team with over 150 clients, and organises events and seminars open to all — a signal of the firm's commitment to ongoing client education rather than purely transactional advice.
John Clark FCA FCCA
Partner
John started with Philip Barnes & Co at 16, qualified in 1998, and became a full partner in 2004 — having been mentored by the founder, Philip Barnes, for more than ten years. He specialises in tax planning, particularly for high-wealth individuals and businesses, and has saved his clients millions of pounds during his career at the firm.
Dean Ackrill FCCA
New Business
Dean spent 13 years as an accountant helping SMEs to grow before becoming Financial Director of a telecoms firm — one recognised in 2002 as one of Deloitte's Top 50 Fastest Growing Businesses. At Philip Barnes & Co he leads on new client relationships and is the firm's named contact for R&D tax credit enquiries.
The firm's partners hold qualifications from the two leading UK accountancy bodies — meaning clients are served by regulated, examined professionals who are held to the highest standards of conduct and competence.
Community
Rooted in Tamworth
Philip Barnes & Co is not a national firm with a local branch — it is a Tamworth firm, full stop. Many of the town's well-known businesses are long-standing clients, and the firm's partners are active participants in the local community. That proximity matters: it means advice is grounded in an understanding of the local economy, not applied from a distance.
Ready to work with accountants who know Tamworth?
Get in touch with the team at our Tamworth or Uttoxeter office — we'd be glad to talk through how we can help your business.