EXPANSION into new premises in Northampton, as well as the opening of an office in London, has set Cottons Chartered Accountants up for continued success and growth as we head into 2018.
The firm, which moved its headquarters into town centre offices on the corner of Billing Road and York Road in April this year, and which also has offices in Daventry and Rugby, is gearing up to take its service offering to a new level.
With a team of around 70 people, including eight partners, the firm is focusing on supporting its core base – mainly owner-managed businesses – as well as developing its tax, accounting and audit services to businesses in the capital.
Managing Partner, Nick Warne, said: “We had outgrown our previous premises, but I was determined we should stay in the town centre as I think it’s important to have a presence here. The building on Billing Road is on a prominent corner site, so people are seeing the name regularly as they go past, and that fits with our move to really take the firm forward.
“Our core business has always been centred around our regional offices, in and around Northamptonshire, and that remains the case. Our clients can expect the same level of service they have always enjoyed. All of our offices operate independently, drawing on expert local knowledge of the area and the local economy.”
Technology is playing the same important role in the accountancy sector as it is in so many walks of life and Cottons Chartered Accountants are ready for change – particularly the roll out of Making Tax Digital, which will eventually require all businesses to file information to HMRC via their own digital tax account.
“We’re ready for MTD aided by software that will make it straightforward for our clients to file regularly and easily,” said Nick. “It’s a major change to the way accountants work because there will be no annual tax return, chasing that January 31 deadline, and eventually everything will be calculated automatically over the year.
“At the same time, we that’s only a small part of what we do and our clients still know that they can rely on us for all the additional services they need, and the advice that a good accountant can provide to a business to help them stay abreast of changes, ensure they manage their tax liabilities and remain fully compliant with legal requirements.”
Headed up by Oliver Warne, Cottons Chartered Accountants London will offer support to a variety of industries and companies of all sizes, providing small business in London with tax and accountancy services while also extending corporate finance services to help clients achieve the funding they require to start-up or grow their businesses.
Nick Warne added: “The London office is an important move in increasing people’s awareness of the Cottons name within the financial sector. We are dealing with international clients on a regular basis and a London base seemed the right move. We feel our top level corporate finance section will be particularly vital in this area.
“We’re excited and optimistic about the future of Cottons – building long-term relationships with clients and providing the comprehensive and reasonably priced service they want, something we have strived to do over our 35 years in practice.”