"Philip Barnes & Co have looked after my accounts and tax affairs for more than 7 years, and during that period, I have saved a significant amount of tax, thanks to the restructuring and tax planning advice I have received. I find John Clark's approach very refreshing, and easy to understand, and would highly recommend him."
Tamworth & Uttoxeter · Chartered Accountants
Accounting for your success — Staffordshire's trusted advisers since the 1970s
Philip Barnes & Co has been advising local businesses across Tamworth and Uttoxeter for over 50 years. Two offices in Staffordshire. One team that knows your business.
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Our services
Tamworth — The Old Council Chambers, Halford Street, B79 7RB · 01827 60033
Uttoxeter — 40 Carter Street, ST14 8EU
Uttoxeter — 40 Carter Street, ST14 8EU
Regulated & recognised
Professional body
ICAEW
Regulated
50+
Years advising Staffordshire businesses
2 offices
Tamworth & Uttoxeter
Who we are
A Staffordshire firm with roots going back to the 1970s
Philip Barnes & Co has been part of the Tamworth business community for over 50 years — long enough to have advised the same families and firms across multiple generations.
We are ICAEW-regulated chartered accountants with offices in Tamworth and Uttoxeter. Our work spans everything from year-end accounts and corporation tax to strategic advisory, R&D claims, and Finance Director services for growing businesses.
We work with SMEs, farming families, sports professionals, medical practices, engineering firms, and property investors — all across Staffordshire and beyond. The same partners who take on your work stay with you for the long term.
What we do
Services built around your business
From compliance essentials to strategic growth support — we cover the full range, in-house.
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01
Year-end accounts & corporation taxStatutory accounts and corporation tax returns prepared accurately and on time. We file for companies of all sizes across Staffordshire, keeping you compliant and minimising your liability.Learn more →
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02
Bookkeeping, VAT & payrollDay-to-day financial management handled properly — so your numbers are always current and your VAT returns and payroll run without surprises.Learn more →
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03
Self-assessment & personal taxPersonal tax returns, inheritance tax planning, and tax-efficient structuring for individuals — including high-wealth clients and sports professionals.Learn more →
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04
Audit & assuranceStatutory and voluntary audits carried out by our qualified team. We work with companies that require audit under the Companies Act as well as those seeking independent assurance for lenders or investors.Learn more →
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Management accounts & Finance Director serviceMonthly or quarterly management accounts, forecasting, and planning — plus a part-time Finance Director service for businesses that need strategic financial leadership without a full-time hire.Learn more →
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R&D tax credits & due diligenceR&D claims prepared and submitted by our specialist team, alongside due diligence reports for acquisitions and raising finance — supporting businesses at every stage of growth.Learn more →
Sector specialists
Real depth across six sectors
We don't treat every client the same — because every sector has its own pressures, regulations, and opportunities.
- SME Businesses Building and construction, logistics, telecoms, vehicle sales — we work with businesses across many sectors every day. Your sector, covered
- Sports Professionals We act as accountants for a number of top-flight sports professionals, handling income restructuring and tax planning. Top-flight clients
- Farming Over 50 years of experience supporting farming families — from sole traders to diversified contracting businesses. 50+ years' experience
- Medical Accounts and business advice for doctors, medical practices, and pharmacies across the Midlands. Practices & pharmacies
- Engineering & Manufacturing Specialist expertise for manufacturers turning over £500k to £50m — from management accounts to R&D claims. £500k–£50m turnover
- Property & Investment From buy-to-let landlords to multi-million pound property groups — tax-efficient planning for every scale of portfolio. Every scale of portfolio
Client voices
"I have been a client of Philip Barnes & Co for several years, during which time my business affairs have been restructured to help maximise my income levels. John Clark and his team have advised on, and managed all areas of this transition. I would highly recommend Philip Barnes & Co."
"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."
How we work
From first call to long-term partnership
Free 30-minute consultation
Tell us about your business — its size, sector, and what's keeping you up at night. There's no charge and no obligation. Call our Tamworth office on 01827 60033 or drop into either branch.
We meet your team and learn the numbers
One of our partners — not a junior — sits down with you to understand your accounts, your goals, and the pressures specific to your sector, whether that's farming, manufacturing, or professional sport.
First deliverable within an agreed timetable
Year-end accounts, a tax planning review, or a set of management accounts — whichever is most pressing. We agree the scope and timeline upfront so there are no surprises.
Ongoing partnership — advice when you need it
Quarterly reviews, year-end compliance, R&D claims, IHT planning — your partner stays with you for the long term. Many of our clients have been with us for decades, some since the firm's earliest years.
The partners
The people behind your accounts
Four partners, each with deep specialism — and each committed to staying with their clients for the long term.
Chris Humphreys FCA
Partner — Tax Planning & Audit
Chris began his career at a top-twenty accountancy firm, specialising in auditing, acquisitions, and corporate finance. He joined Philip Barnes & Co in 1987 and became a partner in 1990 at the age of 31.
He specialises in tax planning and auditing, and leads the firm's approach to compliance, systems, and IT. His commercial knowledge means clients can discuss every aspect of their business with him directly.
Faith Bates FCA FCCA
Partner & Director — Audit, Tax & Client Services
Faith started at Philip Barnes & Co as an 18-year-old trainee and has spent her career working with Tamworth businesses of every size and sector. She manages a 12-strong team with over 150 clients.
Her specialities include audits, tax planning, and conflict resolution. She acts as an invisible board member to most of her clients — and organises events and seminars open to the wider business community.
John Clark FCA FCCA
Partner — Tax Planning for High-Wealth Individuals
John joined Philip Barnes & Co at 16, qualified in 1998, and was mentored by founder Philip Barnes for over a decade before becoming a full partner in 2004. He specialises in tax planning for high-wealth individuals and businesses — including a number of top-flight sports professionals.
He has saved his clients £millions during his career at the firm, finding legitimate solutions to minimise tax at every turn.
Dean Ackrill FCCA
Partner — New Business & R&D Tax Credits
Dean spent 13 years helping SMEs grow before becoming Financial Director of a telecoms business at 32. During his 11-year tenure he managed growth, restructuring, and multi-million pound savings — and in 2002, the telecoms business he led as Financial Director was recognised as one of Deloitte's Top 50 Fastest Growing Businesses.
At Philip Barnes & Co, Dean is the named contact for R&D tax credit claims and leads on introducing new clients to the firm.
Meet the full team →
Ready to work with Staffordshire's longest-established chartered accountants?
Whether you're a sole trader in Uttoxeter or a manufacturing group in Tamworth, we'll give you a free 30-minute consultation — no charge, no obligation.
Book your free consultation
Explore our services