About the firm
Over 50 years advising
Tamworth and Uttoxeter businesses
Philip Barnes & Co is a close-knit team of ICAEW and ACCA-qualified chartered accountants with two offices in Staffordshire — and a habit of staying with clients for decades, not years.
Our story
A Staffordshire firm built on long-term relationships
Two offices. Two towns. One consistent approach: every client has their own Philip Barnes accountant who knows their business inside out.
The firm has been advising businesses across Tamworth and Uttoxeter for over 50 years. In that time the team has grown into a group of qualified chartered accountants — holding ICAEW FCA and ACCA FCCA designations — who combine technical depth with genuine commercial understanding.
The model is deliberately personal. You work with one accountant who carries your history, understands your sector, and knows when to bring in a specialist colleague. That colleague is down the corridor, not on a helpline.
Partner Chris Humphreys describes the firm's role plainly: the job is not just compliance — it is being a trusted sounding board for every aspect of a client's business, from tax planning to systems to growth decisions.
The people
Meet the team
Four partners and senior staff who between them span decades of Staffordshire accountancy — and in several cases, their entire careers.
Chris Humphreys FCA — Partner
Chris began his career at a top-20 accountancy firm, where he trained in auditing, acquisitions and corporate finance. He joined Philip Barnes & Co in 1987 and became a partner in 1990 at the age of 31.
His specialisms are tax planning and auditing. Over the years he has transformed the firm's business systems and is the go-to partner for compliance, IT and staff matters — as well as a trusted commercial adviser to his clients.
Faith Bates FCA FCCA — Partner & Director
Faith joined Philip Barnes & Co as an 18-year-old trainee accountant and has spent virtually her entire career here — and her entire life in Tamworth. She has worked with local businesses and organisations of every size and in almost every sector.
Her specialisms are audits, tax planning and conflict resolution. She acts as an invisible board member to most of her clients, managing a 12-strong team with over 150 clients. She also organises events and seminars open to all.
John Clark FCA FCCA — Partner
John started at Philip Barnes & Co at the age of 16, qualified in 1998, and was mentored by the firm's founder, Philip Barnes himself, for more than a decade. He became a full partner in 2004.
John specialises in tax planning for high-wealth individuals and businesses. Clients use him as a regular commercial sounding board — and his restructuring and tax planning advice has saved them £millions over his career. Touring golf professional Rob Rock is among those who credit John's advice with saving them a significant amount of tax.
Dean Ackrill FCCA — New Business
Dean spent 13 years helping SMEs grow before becoming Financial Director of a telecoms firm at the age of 32. During his 11-year tenure he managed growth, restructure, process improvement and austerity — delivering multi-million pound savings. In 2002, the telecoms firm where Dean served 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 — if you think your business may qualify, Dean is the right first call.
Jo Warburton Farming Specialist
Jo is the firm's specialist point of contact for farming clients. Long-standing client Helen Trivett describes Jo as someone who has "always gone the extra mile" — a reputation built over years of working closely with agricultural businesses across the region.
What we value
Four principles that shape how we work
These aren't aspirational statements — they describe how the team has operated for over 50 years in Staffordshire.
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1
Integrity
Open dealings, a professional approach, and relationships built to last. Clients who have been with the firm for decades are the norm, not the exception.
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2
Curiosity
Staying current on HMRC rules and interrogating every set of numbers to find opportunities others miss. Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling.
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3
Accountability
Personal responsibility for every piece of work. Your accountant owns your file — and the quality of what goes out under the firm's name.
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4
Community
Tamworth was once the capital of Mercia. The firm has been part of its commercial life for over half a century — supporting and sponsoring local events, teams and charities throughout the year.
Ready to work with a firm that
stays with you for the long term?
Call us on 01827 60033 or visit us at The Old Council Chambers, Halford Street, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7RB. We offer a free initial consultation — no obligation, no jargon.