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Teesside accountancy talent leads the region

TAX and financial planning are two of the most fearful subjects for most businesses, yet for one leading firm of Teesside accountants the growing complexities of these issues are providing an opportunity for growth.

Stockton-based firm, Anderson Barrowcliff, has recruited three highly experienced professionals into the business to provide enhanced tax planning, accountancy and payroll services.

And in the case of tax expert, Mhairi Charlton, the firm now boasts a talent unrivalled within the Tees Valley.

Nick Upton, partner in the firm said: “As the Treasury ploughs more and more cash into the banks and the economy, the Government is introducing new rules on tax and increasing National Insurance payments to help bolster revenue. As a result, we have experienced a real increase in demand for proactive tax planning.”

Before deciding to return to her native North East, Mhairi, who joins the team as senior tax manager, worked as a chartered accountant for a firm at the heart of the City of London’s financial district and as a chartered tax advisor for international firm, Ernst and Young.

Her knowledge and experiences mean that Mhairi is able to plan a way through complex business structures and tax processes, not only taking on a big burden for her clients, but saving them significant amounts of money – including an example where she was able to reduce a tax liability by £800,000 for one family owned business.

Mhairi said: “The legal requirements on businesses are never ending. Changes to employers National Insurance contributions, pensions legislation, employee benefits in kind – the list goes on and on.

For some, the system is just too much and with businesses facing financial pressures from all sides, prudent companies are now taking a proactive approach to their tax and financial planning. For some, this can have a huge impact – making the difference between survival or being forced to make cutbacks and redundancies.”

Mhairi’s appointment coincides with an expansion of the firm’s payroll and accounts department – again fuelled by increased demand following changes in government legislation.

Nick Upton added: “A new PAYE compliance structure – with corresponding penalties – is impacting on many small and medium sized businesses. Our payroll and accounts department operates as an extension to our client’s own internal teams, and again, demand for this service has grown significantly. We have therefore recruited two new members of staff to increase capacity. Jeanette Muir and Jean Springett recently joined us - enhancing and complementing the existing team.

“The recession has fundamentally changed the way many companies approach business. Prudent firms are now evaluating their processes and considering how tax planning and efficiently outsourced services can benefit the bottom line. By expanding our team and bringing in leading talent, we are responding to a real need while setting ourselves apart from other regional firms.”

Joining the Team: (from L to R) Jeanette Muir, Mhairi Charlton and Jean Springett