Sectors / Farming & Rural
Farming and Rural Businesses
Over 50 years of farming accountancy experience — Philip Barnes & Co has been working alongside farmers in Staffordshire and beyond since 1970.
Our farming practice
Accountancy services for farmers — improving your financial yield
Farming is a way of life, not just a business. We've understood that since we first took on farming clients more than five decades ago.
Philip Barnes & Co has provided accountancy support and advice to farming businesses since 1970. That longevity isn't accidental — it reflects a practice that knows the pressures of the agricultural calendar, the complexity of rural diversification, and the weight of succession decisions that span generations.
Our named farming specialist, Jo Warburton, works closely with farming clients across the full range of their financial needs — from day-to-day bookkeeping to long-term inheritance tax planning.
What we cover
Services for farming businesses
We apply our core accountancy and tax expertise to the specific demands of farming operations.
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01
Year end accounts & stock valuation
Annual accounts preparation for farming sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, including stock pricing and valuation to reflect the true position of your business at year end.
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02
Tax planning & self-assessment
Personal and partnership tax returns, income tax planning, and capital gains tax advice — structured around the farming year and the particular reliefs available to agricultural businesses.
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03
Sum-It farm software support
We support clients using Sum-It, the specialist farm accounting software, helping you get the most from your records and keeping your data in good order for year-end.
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04
Bookkeeping & farm secretary services
Complete back-office bookkeeping, VAT returns and administrative support for farming partnerships and sole traders — freeing you to focus on the land rather than the paperwork.
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05
Farm diversification
From holiday lets to contracting companies, we help farming families structure and account for diversification projects — as we have done for clients like R.W. & H.E.R. Trivett & Sons over many years.
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06
Succession & inheritance tax planning
Passing a farm to the next generation involves careful planning around Agricultural Property Relief, partnership structures, and inheritance tax. We address these issues early, so the transition is as smooth as possible.
What our farming clients say
Trusted by farming families across Staffordshire
"We have been a farming client of Philip Barnes since 1970 and we have always found them approachable, friendly and supportive. Jo Warburton has always 'gone the extra mile' for us. Our diversification projects and our contracting companies have grown over the years with the professional support of Philip Barnes. I would certainly recommend them to small or large businesses."
Helen Trivett — Partner, R.W. & H.E.R. Trivett & Sons
"Some years ago we moved to Philip Barnes & Co. and have always enjoyed a professional and happy relationship. Problems and queries are soon solved, as the staff are always quick to pick up the phone. Partnership and tax planning are key areas that have been addressed for us, in a very efficient manner. We hope to carry on working together for many years."
Andrew Cormack — Partner, D&C Cormack & Son Farming Partnership
How we work with farming clients
A relationship built around your farming year
An initial conversation
We start with a straightforward conversation about your farm, your current accountancy arrangements, and what you need from an adviser — whether that's succession planning, software support, or simply a more responsive service.
We learn your operation
Farming businesses vary enormously. We take time to understand your enterprise — livestock, arable, mixed, or diversified — before recommending how we can best support you.
Accounts, tax returns and year-end
We prepare your annual accounts and tax returns, handle stock valuations, and support your Sum-It records throughout the year — so year-end is straightforward rather than stressful.
Ongoing partnership
The farming clients who've been with us since 1970 are still with us because we stay close — available by phone, proactive on planning, and ready to help when circumstances change.
Talk to Jo Warburton about your farming business
Whether you're planning for succession, setting up a contracting company, or simply looking for an accountant who understands the farming year, we'd welcome a conversation. You can reach our Tamworth office on 01827 60033 (The Old Council Chambers, Halford Street, Tamworth, B79 7RB) or our Uttoxeter office on 01889 563550 (40 Carter Street, Uttoxeter, ST14 8EU), or get in touch below.