Chris Humphreys
FCA
Partner
Starting his career with a top twenty accountancy firm, Chris cut his accounting teeth in auditing, acquisitions and corporate finance. He joined Philip Barnes & Co. in 1987 and became a partner in 1990 at the age of 31.
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Sectors
we specialise in
Over 50 years
Accounting for your success — Tamworth's leading accountants for over 50 years
firm name, tagline 'Accounting for your success', two office locations (Tamworth and Uttoxeter), phone numbers.
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Partner
Xero Gold Partner
Established 1976 Over 50 years advising local businesses 3 chartered partners 2 offices in Tamworth ICAEW (Chartered Accountants) regulated ACCA regulated Tamworth · Uttoxeter Established 1976 Over 50 years advising local businesses 3 chartered partners 2 offices in Tamworth ICAEW (Chartered Accountants) regulated ACCA regulated Tamworth · Uttoxeter
01 — OUR APPROACH
We make your business our business.
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Longevity by design
Over 50 years of supporting local businesses, Philip Barnes & Co's staying power is no accident. It is built on an unwavering commitment to understanding clients' needs and delivering practical, timely and often inspired business and accounting solutions.
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Your own accountant, inside out
Every client has their own Philip Barnes accountant who gets to know their business inside out — with specialist expertise from colleagues available whenever it's needed.
02 — HOW WE WORK
Four steps from first conversation to long-term partnership.
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Free consultation
Philip Barnes & Co offer an initial free consultation to understand your needs.
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Dedicated accountant
You are assigned your own Philip Barnes accountant who gets to know your business inside out.
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Ongoing advice
The firm provides continuous accountancy, compliance and strategic business advice throughout the life of your company.
03 — WHAT WE DO
Our services
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Year End Company Accounts
Preparation of annual accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.
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Corporate Tax
Corporate tax compliance and planning.
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Bookkeeping
Complete back-office bookkeeping service including payroll, VAT returns and management accounts. Supports simple spreadsheets…
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Audits
Statutory audit services.
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Setting up a Business
Advice on company structure (sole trader, partnership, limited company, LLP), VAT registration, record keeping, accounting…
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Inheritance Tax Planning
IHT planning to protect income and assets and provide for family into the future.
04 — SECTORS
Sectors we serve
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Sports Professionals
We act as accountants for a number of top flight sports professionals.
Lead partner: John Clark FCA, FCCA
Read more about sports professionals -
SME Businesses
We help companies like yours every day. We work with business clients in many sectors including building and construction, engineering and manufacturing, farming, logistics…
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Farming
With over 50 years experience of providing accountancy support and advice for farmers we are well-versed in the issues that you face.
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Medical
With extensive experience in the medical sector, preparing accounts and providing business advice for doctors, medical practices and pharmacies.
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Engineering and Manufacturing
At Philip Barnes & Co. we have specialist accounting expertise in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. You are probably turning over anything between £500k p.a. and £50m p.a.
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Property and Investment Companies
With our specialist expertise in this area, we help you to select and manage the right investments for you. We act as a central support point, liaising with solicitors, HMRC…
05 — THE PARTNERS
The partners
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Faith Bates
FCA, FCCA
Partner
A partner and director, Faith started work at Philip Barnes & Co. as an 18 year old trainee accountant. She has lived in Tamworth for almost all her life and has worked with local businesses and organisations of all sizes and in pretty much every sector.
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John Clark
FCA, FCCA
Partner
John started with Philip Barnes & Co. at the age of 16, qualifying in 1998. He was mentored by the founder partner, Mr Philip Barnes, for more than 10 years and became a full partner in 2004. John specialises in tax planning, particularly for high wealth individuals and businesses.
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Dean Ackrill
FCCA
New Business
At Philip Barnes & Co. Dean Ackrill is a chartered accountant with responsibility for introducing new clients. Dean has a strong commercial background and worked for 13 years as an accountant helping SMEs to grow and prosper, before becoming financial director of a telecoms firm at the age of 32.
LATEST · Spring Statement 2026 response
06 — INSIGHTS
Beyond the basics
FROM THE PARTNERS · SPRING STATEMENT 2026
Spring Statement 2026 — read the partners' response
Our analysis of what the Chancellor's Spring Statement means for owner-managed businesses and individuals across Staffordshire. Published the week the Statement landed.
Read full response-
Online calculators
For tax, PAYE, mortgage, capital gains, dividend allowances and more. Built to make sense of the numbers without needing a meeting.
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Factsheets & downloads
Plain-English summaries of HMRC guidance, sector-specific tax notes, and the forms most often asked for.
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Tax calendar
Key dates for self-assessment, PAYE, VAT and corporation tax — and the firm's latest commentary on what matters for SMEs.
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. John could do with some work on his squash game, but his accountancy skills are pretty good! Thanks for your help! I would highly recommend Philip Barnes & Co.