Agile advice for bright businesses
Serving clients from six office locations across Northampton, Daventry, Rugby, Milton Keynes, Lutterworth and London, Cottons Chartered Accountants specialise in supporting startups, SMEs and individual clients with tailored accounting and business guidance. Since 1983, we have built our reputation on providing a personable approach, clear communication and unwavering client commitment. Our range of professional services includes tax, audit and strategic advisory solutions designed to meet both everyday needs and long-term goals.
As a firm regulated by the ICAEW, our clients benefit from a strong ethical framework and a commitment to confidentiality and best practices. We bring a wealth of experience to the table and prioritise a people-first philosophy in every client relationship. Our achievements include multiple award nominations, reflecting our continued excellence and innovation in the industry. At Cottons, our goal is to support our clients with practical, forward-thinking advice that fosters trust and drives business success.
Business details
- Year established: 1983
- Employees: 100
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Clear, actionable business insight beyond the numbers
- Complete accounting and tax solutions under one roof
- Expert business advice tailored to your growth
- Efficient, thorough audits with a practical approach
- Dedicated support for mergers and acquisitions
- Flexible, real-time management and payroll services
Associations and certifications
- ICAEW
Payment methods
- Cash, Checks, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
Services
At Cottons, we take pride in combining strong technical knowledge with a genuine interest in our clients success. Beginning with a single office in 1983, we have grown into a Top 100 firm through strategic development and acquisitions. Our five offices house a dedicated team offering insight and clarity across all accountancy disciplines. You are always our priority. 
Entrust your financial operations to our expert team through our accounts outsourcing service. We provide comprehensive management of your finance function, offering accurate information in a format that supports compliance and decision-making. Our detailed approach includes everything from costing to bookkeeping. Streamline your processes and regain valuable time with our support. 
Our audit and assurance service delivers expert oversight with minimal disruption, built around a collaborative approach tailored to your business. Whether audits are statutory or elective, we guide you through the process with clarity and efficiency. We ensure transparency, regulatory compliance, and provide strategic insights to enhance internal performance. Trust and accuracy remain our priority throughout. 
Our tax services offer expert guidance to individuals and businesses seeking clarity in VAT registration, inheritance tax planning, and other tax-related matters. We provide a thorough understanding of tax obligations and savings opportunities, assisting clients in both personal and professional contexts. With extensive experience, we aim to reduce your tax burden while ensuring compliance. 
We specialise in delivering personalised Business Advisory services that empower your organisation to thrive. By carefully analysing your business fundamentals and market position, we identify actionable strategies for improvement. Our commitment is to provide straightforward, no-nonsense advice that equips you to make informed decisions and drive success. 
Cottons Corporate Finance is devoted to assisting businesses throughout their development, from start-up to succession planning. We offer expert help with new initiatives, mergers, ownership transitions, and retirement preparation. Understanding the importance of meeting strategic objectives, we provide an initial free workshop to discuss your aims and how we might best support you.
People
Adam Schofield
Corporate Finance Manager
Adam joined Cottons at the beginning of 2021 as Corporate Finance Executive after becoming a qualified accountant at his previous firm in 2019. After graduating from the University of the West of England in Bristol with a degree in Economics, Adam started his career as an Auditor before making the move into Corporate Finance. Having gained experience with owner-managed businesses while in the audit sector, Adam then wanted to continue working with SMEs, but on more interesting and exciting projects.
Now as the Corporate Finance Assistant Manager, his role at Cottons involved supporting Guy in all areas of the Corporate Finance Department as well as managing his own engagements. One of Adams favourite parts of the job is meeting clients and finding out about their businesses and ambitions for the future.
Now as the Corporate Finance Assistant Manager, his role at Cottons involved supporting Guy in all areas of the Corporate Finance Department as well as managing his own engagements. One of Adams favourite parts of the job is meeting clients and finding out about their businesses and ambitions for the future.
Emma Reid
Partner
Emma joined Cottons as a trainee in 2004 following the completion of an Accounting with Law degree at the University of East Anglia. Four years later she qualified as a Chartered Accountant whilst building experience working in general practice in our Daventry office. Since 2011 Emma has been based from our Rugby office working closely with owner-managed SMEs in a wide range of sectors to fulfil their accounting and taxation requirements, she made partner in 2018. Outside of work Emma enjoys spending time with her young family and cocker spaniel, Poppy.
Mark Palmer
Partner
Mark is a Partner in our Rugby office. He specialises in general tax planning advising both owner managed businesses and private individuals. Mark said:
My job is varied, I like to develop a relationship with my clients and find that I am often the first port of call on matters that have little to do with accountancy.
My job is varied, I like to develop a relationship with my clients and find that I am often the first port of call on matters that have little to do with accountancy.
Curtis Watson
Client Manager
Curtis joined Cottons in October 2023 and has been assisting with the transition of our recent acquisition of Astute Services Ltd. Curtis looks after a large portfolio of clients which continues to grow. He particularly enjoys meetings clients to talk through their accounts and tax returns and likes helping them to understand their financial position. Curtis also assists clients to plan for future growth and business sustainability.
A qualified chartered accountant, with the ACCA professional accreditation, Curtis works with a wide range of businesses, from sole traders through to larger businesses across a range of sectors.
A qualified chartered accountant, with the ACCA professional accreditation, Curtis works with a wide range of businesses, from sole traders through to larger businesses across a range of sectors.
Luke Prout
Tax Partner
Luke joined Cottons in June 2024 as a Tax Partner and has over 20 years experience in providing tax compliance and advisory services to all sizes of business, their owners, within the UK and also internationally. Prior to joining Cottons, Luke spent 6 years as a Partner of a Top 40 accounting practice and before then spent 13 years at a Top 15 practice. Lukes expertise spans a wide array of tax areas, including Company Tax, Income Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, VAT, Inheritance Tax, and Employment Taxes.
Reviews (6)
Dan Martin
Jun 26, 2025
Peter Rollason
Feb 11, 2025
Ian Bowie
Jan 17, 2025
Kat Jocic
Dec 05, 2024
Andrew McGavin
Nov 08, 2024
Cottons Group accountants took over the business of the small local accountant we used some twenty - probably 25+ years ago. Our company has been with Cottons ever since. Effectively Cottons Team has provided our company with virtually flawless service in payroll and accounts for more than twenty years, during which time they have seamlessly grown from strength to strength without impacting current clients, indeed improving service. You could not ask for a more willing friendly pro-active accountancy team to work with. Long may they prosper.
Mandy Daniels
Jun 08, 2024