PAUL SMITH - DIRECTOR, BA (hons), FCCA
Following University Paul joined a practice in 2001, training and qualifying in 2004, before becoming a partner in 2007. Paul has clients in many business sectors, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, haulage, IT and digital. Working out of our Stanley office Paul specialises in construction and digital, as well as focusing on taxation planning, SEIS/EIS and research and development credits.
He is an experienced business builder having being the majority shareholder in another accountancy practice prior to Smith & Co as well as being a finance director of a digital design agency in London. As such he has personal first hand experience of the trials and challenges that companies face from start-up to growth and ultimate owner sale.
He is keen to ensure that all businesses regardless of size or ownership receive quality financial advice from the very start. Paul works closely with many clients across the country providing CFO and non-exec services to the board.
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn
LAURA SMITH - MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT, BA (hons)
Laura graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Business where she specialised in finance. After graduating she worked within the finance departments of several blue chip companies operating regionally and nationally. Laura’s wealth of experience within management accounts have led to her holding internal roles in industry for over 12 years prior to moving into practice in 2016.
Laura provides Management Accountant and CFO services for clients across the UK and Europe, generating them month end reports on financial performance. She has a depth of knowledge of overseas parent companies and subsidiaries reporting requirements along with expertise in cashflows, budgets, departmental and business sector analysis.
She specialises in Recruitment, Engineering and Construction sectors. As co-founder of Smith & Co, Laura is also responsible for internal systems and accounting.
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.
GEMMA TURNER - ACCOUNTANT, FCCA
Gemma started working in practice in 2006 after graduating with a degree in Accounting at Northumbria University. She qualified with ACCA in 2009 after completing her final exams and practical experience requirements. Gemma now manages the Stanley office.
Gemma has experience dealing with a wide variety of clients ranging from sole traders to limited companies. She has a range of skills including preparing self assessment tax returns, standard, flat rate and partial exemption VAT returns, and preparing accounts for businesses of many different sizes and set ups. She has recently dealt with HMRC on a number of rental disclosure cases.
Outside of work Gemma enjoys spending time with her young family and is a member of her local golf and netball clubs. She has represented Durham County in two different sports.
Connect with Gemma on Linkedin
ANDREW NICHOLSON - ACCOUNTANT, FCCA
Andrew graduated in 1997 with a degree in Management from Sheffield University and moved into practice shortly thereafter. He qualified with ACCA in 2001 and has experience of the spectrum of accountancy and taxation roles in both practice and industry.
He is well versed in personal and corporate taxation and assists clients with technology solutions such as Making-tax-Digital (MTD) and streamlining accounting systems to ensure smooth processes and operation.
THE TEAM
Helen Robson
Grace Palmer
Joanne Errington
Sam Barber