Meet the Team

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 tender age of 31. The move to a successful local firm has enabled Chris to work more closely with clients and to provide an all-round service to them.

Chris specialises in tax planning and auditing, and his sound commercial knowledge means he is able to discuss all aspects of his clients businesses with them. At Philip Barnes & Co. he has transformed the business systems and he is the go-to man for compliance, systems, IT and staff.

A friendly chap, Chris builds great relationships with his clients and he works tirelessly on their behalf. When hes away from the office he enjoys football, running, cars and speedway and he loves his holidays. A realist, his quote of choice, both at commercially and for life in general is:

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

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 she has worked with local businesses and organisations of all sizes and in pretty much every sector. Her specialities include audits, tax planning and conflict resolution.

Faith acts as an invisible board member to most of her clients, having worked alongside owners and directors throughout the life of their business. Her in-depth understanding of her clients businesses means that she is a trusted advisor whether they are making big strategic decisions or dealing with day to day problems.

As well as managing her 12-strong team with over 150 clients, Faith organises events and seminars which are open to everyone. When she packs her calculator away, she is to be found enjoying the great outdoors and particularly enjoys skiing. Her motto is “work to live, not live to work” and thats what she helps her clients to do.

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. He is commercially astute and is used as a regular sounding board by his clients. He thrives on finding legitimate solutions to minimise tax and he has saved his clients £millions during his career at Philip Barnes & Co.

John is focussed, decisive and ambitious for his clients. He is driven by the success he achieves on their behalf and he sees Philip Barnes & Co. as a major facilitator and supporter of local business people.

John spends his down time playing golf & badminton, driving fast cars, and watching his son play football. His pet hate is time wasting and his motto is:

“Success is simple; do what’s right, the right way, at the right time.”

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 adds value in every sense of the word. Dean worked for 13 years as an accountant, helping SMEs to grow and prosper, before being approached by a telecoms firm to become their financial director at the youthful age of 32.

During his 11 year tenure he managed growth, restructure, process improvement and austerity, with spectacular results and multi-million pound savings. In 2002 the firm was recognised as one of Deloittes Top 50 Fastest Growing Businesses.

Dean is an endlessly helpful, open and trustworthy professional. A family man, when he’s not hard at work he’s to be found cooking curries (and eating them), playing golf or enjoying his family holidays. His favourite quote is:

“Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”

Jo Warburton CTA ATT

Client Manager

Jo manages the farming department at Philip Barnes & Co. Perfectly suited to the job, Jo grew up on a farm and has been an accountant all her working life. Her early experience not only made her realise that farming accounts are a specialist area, but it also means she has great empathy with her clients.

A fully qualified chartered Tax Advisor, Jo runs an efficient department, putting the needs of her clients at the forefront of everything she does. She is treasurer for the East Midlands Farm Discussion Association and is a familiar face at farm-based talks, conferences at farms themselves.

Jo is hard working, highly efficient and fiercely loyal to her clients. When shes not up to the tops of her wellies in farming accounts she loves travel, dogs, cooking and reading. Jo’s maxim for life is:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing, motivation determines what you do, attitude determines how well you do it”

Stephen Eardley FCA

Director

Stephen has been involved in practice for more than 25 years, obtaining his qualifications, AAT, ACCA and then ACA. Stephen has been responsible for the Uttoxeter since 2010, becoming a Director when Uttoxeter joined forces with our Tamworth office in 2016.

The Uttoxeter office itself has been serving businesses and individuals for over 40 years, advising them in tax and business affairs.

Stephen has a range of experience in many areas, in particular specialising in the farming industry. He oversees a large portfolio of clients from a variety of businesses sectors/industries, including sole traders, Partnerships and Companies.

Stephen will work closely with clients advising in legitimate ways to reduce tax liabilities and will provide other business support, including cashflow/profit forecasts.

Away from the office Stephen spends time with his family and enjoys playing a social round of golf.