Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in the West Midlands
HB&O is a chartered accounting firm with offices in Leamington Spa, Coventry, and Birmingham. We specialise in providing tailored financial solutions, combining technical expertise with a client-centric approach. Our services include audit, tax advisory, compliance, payroll, and strategic business growth consultancy. With decades of collective experience, our team prioritises proactive advice, technological integration, and personalised support to help businesses navigate complex financial landscapes. We pride ourselves on long-standing client relationships, demonstrated by testimonials highlighting our responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to demystify financial processes.Our audit services focus on adding operational value, while our tax specialists offer strategic planning to optimise liabilities. The firm's Virtual Finance Office provides outsourced accounting solutions, enabling clients to streamline operations. HB&O's team of certified experts, including specialists in VAT, inheritance tax, and international expansion, serves businesses across the UK, with particular expertise in education sector accounting. We maintain accreditations as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and adhere to rigorous compliance standards.
Services
Audit Services
Tax Advisory
Payroll Processing
Compliance Services
VAT Registration
Inheritance Tax Planning
International Expansion
R&D Tax Relief
Corporate Finance
Education Sector Accounting
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years' combined experience across audit, tax, and business advisory services
- Our Virtual Finance Office provides scalable outsourced accounting solutions
- Specialist VAT and international tax expertise with HMRC-compliant strategies
- Proactive compliance monitoring to prevent financial risks and penalties
- Sector-specific knowledge supporting education providers and growing businesses
Associations and certifications
- Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
What people say
Outstanding team
Proactive solutions
Exceptional audit support
Tax planning expertise
Responsive service
Services
Audit Services
Our audit process provides comprehensive financial scrutiny while delivering actionable operational improvements. We combine statutory compliance with strategic insights to enhance internal controls and business efficiency. Clients benefit from sector-specific expertise, particularly in education and charity sectors, with audits designed to add value beyond mere regulatory compliance.
Tax Advisory
We offer strategic tax solutions covering corporate, personal, and international tax requirements. Our specialists provide HMRC-compliant strategies for capital gains, inheritance tax, and cross-border transactions. Services include tax health checks, dispute resolution, and optimisation of tax reliefs for business growth.
Payroll Processing
Our CIPP-certified payroll team manages full-cycle payroll operations for businesses of all sizes. We ensure compliance with Real Time Information (RTI) requirements while offering auto-enrolment pension administration and payroll software integration. Clients receive timely, accurate processing with expert support for complex payroll scenarios.
Compliance Services
We handle year-end accounts, tax returns, and company secretarial duties to maintain HMRC and Companies House compliance. Our services include identity verification under new registration rules, statutory filings, and penalty avoidance strategies. Clients receive proactive reminders and documentation management to prevent compliance breaches.
VAT Services
Our HMRC-recognised VAT specialists provide registration guidance, scheme optimisation, and cross-border VAT compliance. We conduct VAT health checks, manage HMRC enquiries, and advise on property transactions and international operations. Services include scheme selection and cashflow optimisation through deferred payment strategies.
People
Mark Ashfield
Managing Director
Leading HB&O's strategic direction with 25+ years in accountancy. Specialises in business growth and audit services. Holds ACCA fellowship and oversees client relationships across the West Midlands.
Helen Coombes
Head of Tax
VAT and corporate tax expert with 20 years' experience. Manages complex tax planning for multinational clients. Regular contributor to tax policy discussions and HMRC negotiations.
Vanessa Glenn
Senior Tax Manager
Specialist in inheritance tax and trust planning. Advises high-net-worth individuals on estate preservation. Holds STEP certification and regularly publishes tax strategy articles.
Jessica Mason
Head of VAT
Leading VAT consultant with expertise in property transactions and international compliance. Manages HMRC disputes and provides expert testimony in complex tax cases.
Neil Allcroft
Tax Director
Corporate tax specialist focusing on international expansion and R&D tax reliefs. Advises SMEs on cross-border transactions and compliance frameworks.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for education providers?
We provide tailored audit, VAT, and compliance services for schools, academies, and higher education institutions. Our specialists understand sector-specific regulations and funding requirements.
How can your audit services benefit my business?
Our audits identify operational efficiencies while ensuring compliance. We provide actionable recommendations to improve financial controls and business processes.
Do you handle international tax compliance?
Yes, our specialists manage cross-border tax requirements including VAT registration, transfer pricing, and international expansion strategies.
What payroll services do you offer?
Full payroll processing with auto-enrolment pension administration, RTI compliance, and software integration support for businesses of all sizes.
How do you handle HMRC disputes?
Our tax specialists provide representation and resolution services for HMRC enquiries, leveraging extensive experience with audits and compliance investigations.
What VAT services do you provide?
Comprehensive VAT services including registration, scheme selection, cross-border compliance, and HMRC dispute resolution for businesses and property transactions.
