Meet the team

We’re a friendly bunch of accountants, tax experts, and advisors who actually enjoy numbers (and people). Between us, we’ve got plenty of experience- but what really matters is how we use it to make your life easier.

Meet the team

We work closely together, and with you, to give straightforward advice, smart solutions, and support that’s genuinely helpful—without the jargon.

Chris Brown FCA, ATT, AAT

Director

Chris is the founder and Managing Director, with over 25 years in the accounting world. After nearly 8 years at KPMG, he set out to create something different. A Chartered Accountant and tax expert, Chris advises clients on everything from business tax strategy to personal finances — always with a practical, jargon-free approach.

Jake Ashurst FCCA

Senior Client Manager

Jake is a Chartered Certified Accountant with over 13 years’ experience and leads the team at our Thornton office. He focuses on building great relationships with clients and partners, while also driving growth and improving how we do things behind the scenes. Jake’s all about keeping things running smoothly and helping the business grow.

Rachel Crawford

Operational Manager

Rachel is our go-to Operations Manager, bringing years of experience and a knack for making things run like clockwork. From improving internal processes to keeping the team on track, she’s all about finding smarter ways to work. Her calm, organised approach helps keep our business moving forward.

Melissa Farrington ACCA

Client Manager

Melissa is an ACCA-qualified accountant who supports a wide mix of clients with both compliance and advice. She’s a whiz with cloud-based platforms like Xero and Dext and enjoys helping clients streamline their accounting processes. Melissa also mentors junior team members, always ready to share her knowledge and keep things moving in the right direction.

David Hughes MAAT

Assistant Accountant

David is an experienced Assistant Accountant with over 15 years in the field. He specialises in payroll and also supports bookkeeping, VAT, and management accounts. David’s reliable, well-organised approach helps keep everything running smoothly for both clients and the team.

Louise Parrish MAAT

Assistant Accountant

Louise is both ICB and AAT qualified and joined the team in 2020. She works on bookkeeping and accounts prep for sole traders and limited companies, using tools like Xero and Dext. Louise enjoys putting her qualifications to good use and being part of a supportive team that helps clients thrive.

Emily Metcalfe Barnes

Assistant Accountant

Emily is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 2 with a growing passion for finance. She works on keeping financial records in order, processing transactions, and managing month-end reconciliations. Eager to learn and always helpful, Emily is on a solid path in her accounting career.

Sarah Barnes FCCA

Senior Accountant

Sarah is a Senior Accountant within the agricultural team and with a background in dairy farming. With over a decade of experience and a degree from Lancaster University, she brings together hands-on farming knowledge and solid financial skills. As part of the senior team, Sarah’s not only helping clients thrive but also supporting colleagues to grow in their roles.

Lauren Cannar

Assistant Accountant

Lauren is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 4 qualification. With two years of hands-on experience, she helps prepare VAT returns, accounts, and self-assessment tax returns. Lauren’s always happy to help clients with queries and keeps things ticking along behind the scenes with her positive attitude and attention to detail.

Jonathan Duckworth

Assistant Accountant

Jonathan is an Assistant Accountant working towards his AAT Level 3 qualification, who supports small businesses and agricultural clients with their day-to-day accounting needs. He prepares VAT reports, keeps financial records in order, and helps clients stay compliant. Known for his approachable style and eye for detail, Jonathan enjoys building strong relationships and making life easier for the people he works with.

David Fell FCA

Senior Accountant

David is a Senior Accountant with over 40 years’ experience, specialising in supporting agricultural clients. From full accountancy support to tax planning advice, he provides practical advice tailored to the farming industry. David is known for his friendly approach and always being one step ahead to help clients stay organised and confident.

Janet Fielding

Assistant Accountant

Janet has over 20 years’ of experience and is a key member of our accounts team. She focuses on preparing VAT returns and accounts, especially for clients in the farming sector. With her upbeat nature and eye for detail, Janet is a trusted go-to for clients and colleagues alike.

Sam Good MAAT

Accountant

Sam prepares year-end accounts, VAT returns, and self-assessment tax returns for a wide range of clients. He also handles bookkeeping and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) submissions. Reliable and thorough, Sam helps clients stay compliant without the stress.

Simon Habbershon FCA

Senior Accountant

Simon is a Senior Accountant with over 20 years’ of experience working with corporate clients. He specialises in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning. Simon combines deep technical know-how with a sharp eye for detail, helping businesses make smart, confident financial decisions.

Emma Hayes ATT, AAT

Senior Accountant

Emma is a Senior Accountant with 15 years of experience, working closely with agricultural and rural clients. She takes care of everything from accounts and VAT to budgeting and tax returns. Known for her cheerful and caring nature, Emma is all about making accounting stress-free and adding a little sparkle to her clients’ day.

Denise Lowther

Tax Assistant

Denise looks after personal and partnership tax returns, making sure everything is submitted correctly and on time. With her sharp eye for detail and calm, no-fuss attitude, she’s a reassuring presence for clients at tax time.

Megan Parsons CIPP

Payroll Senior

Megan is a Payroll Senior with a talent for tackling fast-paced, detail-heavy tasks. She is a CIPP qualified payroll technician and is working towards the CIPP Payroll Specialist Certificate. She’s great at solving payroll challenges and making sure everything runs on time and error-free. Her approachable style and calm under pressure make her a key contact for clients throughout the payroll cycle.

Lisa Prestage MAAT

Accountant

Lisa is a highly experienced AAT qualified Accountant, splitting her time between our Thornton and Kendal offices. With 25 years in the profession, she supports clients with everything from financial reporting to tax compliance. Lisa is known for her precision, professionalism, and friendly, client-first approach.

Paul Richardson

Assistant Accountant

Paul is an experienced Assistant Accountant with over 40 years in the industry. He handles accounts preparation, VAT, and bookkeeping with care and consistency. Clients and colleagues value his wealth of knowledge and steady, detail-focused work ethic.

Elaine Saxon

Secretary

Elaine is an experienced Secretary with more than 20 years of keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She manages admin, schedules, and client communications with care and efficiency. Elaine’s friendly approach and organisational skills make her a key part of the day-to-day team.

Lauren Topping

Senior Executive

Lauren is our Senior Executive, bringing a background in Business Administration and Management from a top 10 UK accountancy firm. She supports the senior team with planning, communications, and keeping things on track. Currently studying for her CIPD Level 5, Lauren is passionate about people, productivity, and keeping the wheels turning.

Josie Troy

Assistant Accountant

Josie is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 3 qualification. With a background in finance, marketing, and management, she brings a well-rounded view to her work. Josie also supports the team with tax returns, accounts, and a wide range of client services.

Gemma Walshaw MAAT

Senior Accountant

Gemma is an AAT qualified Senior Accountant, responsible for managing the corporate team. She prepares financial statements, tax returns, runs year-end and new client meetings, and delivers training and advice. Gemma also supports her team’s growth, bringing energy, expertise, and a hands-on approach to everything she does.

Chris Brown FCA, ATT, AAT

Director

Chris is the founder and Managing Director, with over 25 years in the accounting world. After nearly 8 years at KPMG, he set out to create something different. A Chartered Accountant and tax expert, Chris advises clients on everything from business tax strategy to personal finances — always with a practical, jargon-free approach.

Jake Ashurst FCCA

Senior Client Manager

Jake is a Chartered Certified Accountant with over 13 years’ experience and leads the team at our Thornton office. He focuses on building great relationships with clients and partners, while also driving growth and improving how we do things behind the scenes. Jake’s all about keeping things running smoothly and helping the business grow.

Lauren Topping

Senior Executive

Lauren is our Senior Executive, bringing a background in Business Administration and Management from a top 10 UK accountancy firm. She supports the senior team with planning, communications, and keeping things on track. Currently studying for her CIPD Level 5, Lauren is passionate about people, productivity, and keeping the wheels turning.

Sarah Barnes FCCA

Senior Accountant

Sarah is a Senior Accountant within the agricultural team and with a background in dairy farming. With over a decade of experience and a degree from Lancaster University, she brings together hands-on farming knowledge and solid financial skills. As part of the senior team, Sarah’s not only helping clients thrive but also supporting colleagues to grow in their roles.

Emma Hayes ATT, AAT

Senior Accountant

Emma is a Senior Accountant with 15 years of experience, working closely with agricultural and rural clients. She takes care of everything from accounts and VAT to budgeting and tax returns. Known for her cheerful and caring nature, Emma is all about making accounting stress-free and adding a little sparkle to her clients’ day.

Chris Brown FCA, ATT, AAT

Director

Chris is the founder and Managing Director, with over 25 years in the accounting world. After nearly 8 years at KPMG, he set out to create something different. A Chartered Accountant and tax expert, Chris advises clients on everything from business tax strategy to personal finances — always with a practical, jargon-free approach.

Rachel Crawford

Operational Manager

Rachel is our go-to Operations Manager, bringing years of experience and a knack for making things run like clockwork. From improving internal processes to keeping the team on track, she’s all about finding smarter ways to work. Her calm, organised approach helps keep our business moving forward.

Jake Ashurst FCCA

Senior Client Manager

Jake is a Chartered Certified Accountant with over 13 years’ experience and leads the team at our Thornton office. He focuses on building great relationships with clients and partners, while also driving growth and improving how we do things behind the scenes. Jake’s all about keeping things running smoothly and helping the business grow.

Melissa Farrington ACCA

Client Manager

Melissa is an ACCA-qualified accountant who supports a wide mix of clients with both compliance and advice. She’s a whiz with cloud-based platforms like Xero and Dext and enjoys helping clients streamline their accounting processes. Melissa also mentors junior team members, always ready to share her knowledge and keep things moving in the right direction.

David Hughes MAAT

Assistant Accountant

David is an experienced Assistant Accountant with over 15 years in the field. He specialises in payroll and also supports bookkeeping, VAT, and management accounts. David’s reliable, well-organised approach helps keep everything running smoothly for both clients and the team.

Louise Parrish MAAT

Assistant Accountant

Louise is both ICB and AAT qualified and joined the team in 2020. She works on bookkeeping and accounts prep for sole traders and limited companies, using tools like Xero and Dext. Louise enjoys putting her qualifications to good use and being part of a supportive team that helps clients thrive.

Megan Parsons CIPP

Payroll Senior

Megan is a Payroll Senior with a talent for tackling fast-paced, detail-heavy tasks. She is a CIPP qualified payroll technician and is working towards the CIPP Payroll Specialist Certificate. She’s great at solving payroll challenges and making sure everything runs on time and error-free. Her approachable style and calm under pressure make her a key contact for clients throughout the payroll cycle.

Lisa Prestage MAAT

Accountant

Lisa is a highly experienced AAT qualified Accountant, splitting her time between our Thornton and Kendal offices. With 25 years in the profession, she supports clients with everything from financial reporting to tax compliance. Lisa is known for her precision, professionalism, and friendly, client-first approach.

Lauren Topping

Senior Executive

Lauren is our Senior Executive, bringing a background in Business Administration and Management from a top 10 UK accountancy firm. She supports the senior team with planning, communications, and keeping things on track. Currently studying for her CIPD Level 5, Lauren is passionate about people, productivity, and keeping the wheels turning.

Josie Troy

Assistant Accountant

Josie is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 3 qualification. With a background in finance, marketing, and management, she brings a well-rounded view to her work. Josie also supports the team with tax returns, accounts, and a wide range of client services.

Chris Brown FCA, ATT, AAT

Director

Chris is the founder and Managing Director, with over 25 years in the accounting world. After nearly 8 years at KPMG, he set out to create something different. A Chartered Accountant and tax expert, Chris advises clients on everything from business tax strategy to personal finances — always with a practical, jargon-free approach.

Rachel Crawford

Operational Manager

Rachel is our go-to Operations Manager, bringing years of experience and a knack for making things run like clockwork. From improving internal processes to keeping the team on track, she’s all about finding smarter ways to work. Her calm, organised approach helps keep our business moving forward.

David Hughes MAAT

Assistant Accountant

David is an experienced Assistant Accountant with over 15 years in the field. He specialises in payroll and also supports bookkeeping, VAT, and management accounts. David’s reliable, well-organised approach helps keep everything running smoothly for both clients and the team.

Emily Metcalfe Barnes

Assistant Accountant

Emily is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 2 with a growing passion for finance. She works on keeping financial records in order, processing transactions, and managing month-end reconciliations. Eager to learn and always helpful, Emily is on a solid path in her accounting career.

Sarah Barnes FCCA

Senior Accountant

Sarah is a Senior Accountant within the agricultural team and with a background in dairy farming. With over a decade of experience and a degree from Lancaster University, she brings together hands-on farming knowledge and solid financial skills. As part of the senior team, Sarah’s not only helping clients thrive but also supporting colleagues to grow in their roles.

Lauren Cannar

Assistant Accountant

Lauren is an Assistant Accountant working towards her AAT Level 4 qualification. With two years of hands-on experience, she helps prepare VAT returns, accounts, and self-assessment tax returns. Lauren’s always happy to help clients with queries and keeps things ticking along behind the scenes with her positive attitude and attention to detail.

Jonathan Duckworth

Assistant Accountant

Jonathan is an Assistant Accountant working towards his AAT Level 3 qualification, who supports small businesses and agricultural clients with their day-to-day accounting needs. He prepares VAT reports, keeps financial records in order, and helps clients stay compliant. Known for his approachable style and eye for detail, Jonathan enjoys building strong relationships and making life easier for the people he works with.

David Fell FCA

Senior Accountant

David is a Senior Accountant with over 40 years’ experience, specialising in supporting agricultural clients. From full accountancy support to tax planning advice, he provides practical advice tailored to the farming industry. David is known for his friendly approach and always being one step ahead to help clients stay organised and confident.

Janet Fielding

Assistant Accountant

Janet has over 20 years’ of experience and is a key member of our accounts team. She focuses on preparing VAT returns and accounts, especially for clients in the farming sector. With her upbeat nature and eye for detail, Janet is a trusted go-to for clients and colleagues alike.

Sam Good MAAT

Accountant

Sam prepares year-end accounts, VAT returns, and self-assessment tax returns for a wide range of clients. He also handles bookkeeping and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) submissions. Reliable and thorough, Sam helps clients stay compliant without the stress.

Simon Habbershon FCA

Senior Accountant

Simon is a Senior Accountant with over 20 years’ of experience working with corporate clients. He specialises in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning. Simon combines deep technical know-how with a sharp eye for detail, helping businesses make smart, confident financial decisions.

Emma Hayes ATT, AAT

Senior Accountant

Emma is a Senior Accountant with 15 years of experience, working closely with agricultural and rural clients. She takes care of everything from accounts and VAT to budgeting and tax returns. Known for her cheerful and caring nature, Emma is all about making accounting stress-free and adding a little sparkle to her clients’ day.

Denise Lowther

Tax Assistant

Denise looks after personal and partnership tax returns, making sure everything is submitted correctly and on time. With her sharp eye for detail and calm, no-fuss attitude, she’s a reassuring presence for clients at tax time.

Megan Parsons CIPP

Payroll Senior

Megan is a Payroll Senior with a talent for tackling fast-paced, detail-heavy tasks. She is a CIPP qualified payroll technician and is working towards the CIPP Payroll Specialist Certificate. She’s great at solving payroll challenges and making sure everything runs on time and error-free. Her approachable style and calm under pressure make her a key contact for clients throughout the payroll cycle.

Lisa Prestage MAAT

Accountant

Lisa is a highly experienced AAT qualified Accountant, splitting her time between our Thornton and Kendal offices. With 25 years in the profession, she supports clients with everything from financial reporting to tax compliance. Lisa is known for her precision, professionalism, and friendly, client-first approach.

Paul Richardson

Assistant Accountant

Paul is an experienced Assistant Accountant with over 40 years in the industry. He handles accounts preparation, VAT, and bookkeeping with care and consistency. Clients and colleagues value his wealth of knowledge and steady, detail-focused work ethic.

Elaine Saxon

Secretary

Elaine is an experienced Secretary with more than 20 years of keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. She manages admin, schedules, and client communications with care and efficiency. Elaine’s friendly approach and organisational skills make her a key part of the day-to-day team.

Lauren Topping

Senior Executive

Lauren is our Senior Executive, bringing a background in Business Administration and Management from a top 10 UK accountancy firm. She supports the senior team with planning, communications, and keeping things on track. Currently studying for her CIPD Level 5, Lauren is passionate about people, productivity, and keeping the wheels turning.

Gemma Walshaw MAAT

Senior Accountant

Gemma is an AAT qualified Senior Accountant, responsible for managing the corporate team. She prepares financial statements, tax returns, runs year-end and new client meetings, and delivers training and advice. Gemma also supports her team’s growth, bringing energy, expertise, and a hands-on approach to everything she does.