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.
55+
Years
advising Staffordshire firms
Over 50 years
Accounting for your success in Tamworth and Uttoxeter
Philip Barnes & Co are chartered accountants serving Tamworth and Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, for over 50 years.
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0 Years -
0 Partners -
0 Offices - ICAEW Regulated
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Regulated by
ICAEW Chartered Accountants
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Partner
Xero Gold Partner
Established 1970 4 chartered partners 2 offices in Staffordshire Over 50 years advising local businesses ICAEW regulated Xero Gold Partner Tamworth · Uttoxeter Established 1970 4 chartered partners 2 offices in Staffordshire Over 50 years advising local businesses ICAEW regulated Xero Gold Partner Tamworth · Uttoxeter
01 — OUR APPROACH
We make your business our business.
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Built on partnership
A partnership approach to managing the financial well-being of your company — we take time to understand your business and stay alongside it.
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Practical, timely, often inspired
Solutions that fit your situation, delivered when you need them. Pragmatic where it matters, creative where it counts.
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Built to last
Fifty years of Staffordshire roots. Our longevity is by design, not accident — and we bring that same long-view thinking to your business.
02 — HOW WE WORK
Four steps from first conversation to long-term partnership.
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Discovery
We listen to your business, your numbers, and the questions you haven't asked yet.
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Plan
Together we map out the right approach — practical, timely, and shaped to your situation.
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Implement
We deliver the work, handle the compliance, and keep you informed at every step.
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Review
Ongoing partnership — adjusting, planning ahead, and ready when you need us.
03 — WHAT WE DO
Services to suit your business
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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 Services
Complete back-office bookkeeping service including payroll, VAT returns and management information. Supports systems from simple…
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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, business plan…
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Inheritance Tax Planning
IHT planning to protect assets and provide for family into the future, including use of trusts.
04 — SECTORS
Sector specialists across Staffordshire
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Sports Professionals
We act as accountants for a number of top flight sports professionals. Services include tax minimising strategies, accounting for overseas income, sponsorship and image rights contracts, and support with professional bodies such as the PGA.
Lead partner: John Clark FCA, FCCA
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SME Businesses
Having been established accountants in Tamworth for over 50 years we have worked with clients in every business sector you can think of. We work with business clients in many…
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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. Services cover livestock, crop management…
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Medical
With extensive experience in the medical sector, preparing accounts and providing business advice for doctors, medical practices and pharmacies. Services include accounting for…
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Engineering and Manufacturing
At Philip Barnes & Co. we have specialist accounting expertise in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Clients are typically in the automotive, telecoms, engineering…
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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.