Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Accountants in Newtownards
Stanley Woods has been serving small businesses in Newtownards since 1937, establishing itself as a trusted local accountancy firm. Originally founded in Belfast before relocating to Newtownards in 1939, we specialise in providing tailored accountancy services including payroll, tax returns, business start-up support, and VAT advisory. Our team combines over 85 years of industry experience with modern technological solutions while maintaining a personal approach to client relationships. Led by William McAdam FCCA, a registered auditor with a career spanning decades, our team includes specialists like Bernie Scott FCA, Stephen Clarke, and Donna Davison who collectively serve diverse sectors. We prioritise compliance, financial efficiency, and strategic growth support for SMEs, registered clubs, and individual taxpayers.Our Sage Business Partner status enables streamlined payroll bureau services and HMRC liaison. Community engagement remains central to our ethos through local sponsorship initiatives. With a focus on accuracy, timely submissions, and tax optimisation, we help clients navigate complex financial obligations while minimising liabilities. Our services extend to business structure advice, cash flow projections, and inheritance tax planning, ensuring comprehensive support from start-up to long-term operations. This combination of expertise, technology, and local knowledge positions us as a reliable partner for businesses seeking sustainable growth.
Services
Payroll and VAT
Specialist Tax
Business Start-Up
Accounts and Taxation
Tax Returns
Details
- Year established: 1937
Highlights and features
- Over 85 years of local accounting expertise in Newtownards
- Tailored financial solutions for SMEs and registered clubs
- Sage-certified payroll bureau services with HMRC integration
- Team of ACCA and ICAEW chartered professionals
- Community-focused approach with local sponsorship initiatives
Associations and certifications
- ACCA
- Sage Business Partner
What people say
Extremely helpful
Explained clearly
Would recommend
Services
Payroll and VAT
We provide comprehensive payroll bureau services and VAT return management for SMEs. Our team ensures accurate HMRC submissions, optimises tax refunds, and handles PAYE calculations including National Insurance contributions. By maintaining compliance with evolving tax regulations, we reduce administrative burdens while guaranteeing timely employee payments and statutory filings. This service supports businesses in maintaining financial accuracy and regulatory adherence.
Specialist Tax
Our specialist tax services cater to sole traders, partnerships, and registered clubs. We manage self-assessment returns, corporation tax filings, and complex tax planning including Capital Gains and Inheritance Tax. Through strategic financial structuring and compliance monitoring, we help clients minimise liabilities while ensuring adherence to HMRC requirements. This service extends to audit support and tax-efficient asset management strategies.
Business Start-Up
We offer complete start-up support including business structure selection, tax registration, and financial forecasting. Our services cover company formation, cash flow projections, and bookkeeping system implementation. By advising on optimal legal structures and regulatory compliance, we help new ventures establish strong financial foundations while navigating initial tax obligations and growth planning.
Accounts and Taxation
Comprehensive accounts preparation and taxation services for businesses and individuals. We handle annual accounts, Companies House filings, and tax-efficient profit protection strategies. Our services include abbreviated accounts preparation, director's tax returns, and corporation tax submissions, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements while optimising financial outcomes.
Tax Returns
We provide complete tax return services for businesses and individuals, including online submissions and compliance advisory. Our expertise covers SA100 filings, SA800 completions, and complex tax scenarios involving property sales or share disposals. By maintaining up-to-date knowledge of tax legislation, we ensure accurate filings while identifying legitimate tax-saving opportunities for clients.
People
William McAdam
Sole Proprietor
FCCA-qualified auditor with over 45 years' experience. Joined firm in 1977, became partner in 1991, and sole proprietor in 2002. Specialises in audit compliance and strategic financial management for local businesses.
Bernie Scott
Chartered Accountant
FCA-qualified specialist in subcontractor accounting. Has served the firm since 1991, providing tax compliance solutions and business advisory services. Available for consultations on Mondays.
Stephen Clarke
Accountant
15+ years' experience in local tax and accounting services. Handles diverse client portfolios including individual tax returns and SME financial management. Recognised for clear client communication.
Donna Davison
Accountant
Since 2001, manages audit, accounts, and taxation for incorporated and unincorporated businesses. Specialises in statutory compliance and corporate tax reporting for varied industry sectors.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide payroll processing, VAT returns, business start-up support, tax compliance, annual accounts preparation, and strategic tax planning tailored to SMEs in Newtownards.
Are you qualified to handle corporate tax filings?
Yes, our team includes ACCA and ICAEW chartered professionals with expertise in corporation tax returns, Companies House filings, and tax-efficient profit management strategies.
Can you assist with new business registrations?
We offer complete start-up support including business structure selection, tax registration (VAT/PAYE), bookkeeping setup, and financial forecasting for new ventures.
Do you provide online accounting solutions?
As Sage Business Partners, we offer digital payroll services and HMRC online filing integration while maintaining personal client support through office consultations.
How do you handle complex tax situations?
We specialise in Capital Gains Tax planning, Inheritance Tax strategies, and business succession planning, combining regulatory compliance with tailored financial optimisation.
What makes your firm different from other accountants?
With 85+ years local experience, we combine ACCA-certified expertise with personal service, Sage technology integration, and community-focused business support unique to Newtownards SMEs.