Business Details
Trusted Accountants in Derby for Business Growth
Bates Weston is a trusted accounting firm in Derby with a team of 80 experienced professionals. We provide proactive, down-to-earth advisory services focused on solving business challenges, from tax compliance to asset protection and future planning. Our expertise spans financial accounts, audit, corporate finance, payroll, and strategic tax planning. We combine specialist knowledge with practical business sense, offering a seamless approach to meet daily financial needs while supporting long-term growth. With a heritage of client-centric service, we prioritise transparency, continuity, and tailored solutions to help businesses navigate complexities with confidence. 
Services
Accounts
Audit
Corporate finance
Payroll
Tax planning
Management accounts
Insolvency
Family office services
Wills and probate
Highlights and features
- We have 80 experienced professionals with specialist tax and audit expertise
- Our team provides proactive, jargon-free advisory services tailored to business needs
- Transparent pricing with clear communication from initial consultation
- We handle complex compliance requirements while prioritising business growth strategies
- Longstanding client relationships built on trust, continuity and sector-specific knowledge
Associations and certifications
- ICAEW
- FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)
What people say
Great at what they do
Best in the business
Awesome support
Prompt and insightful service
Engaging team chemistry
Services
Accounts
We prepare statutory financial accounts for Companies House submission while providing ongoing financial insights. Our digital record-keeping meets HMRC requirements and enables real-time business performance monitoring. Services include bookkeeping, management accounts, and year-end filings for sole traders and companies of all sizes.
Audit
Our ICAEW-registered audit team delivers seamless compliance audits for charities, schools, and businesses. We provide risk assessments, regulatory compliance with Companies Act 2006, and actionable recommendations. Specialisms include charity audits, grant audits, and client money inspections with minimal business disruption.
Corporate finance
We support business sales, acquisitions, and management buyouts with valuation, due diligence, and deal negotiation. Recent transactions include healthcare, logistics, and veterinary sector deals. Our FCA-regulated team ensures tax-efficient structuring and connects buyers/sellers with strategic fit opportunities across the UK.
Payroll
Fully compliant payroll bureau services handle PAYE, NI, pensions auto-enrolment, and statutory payments. We issue custom payslips, manage year-end returns, and provide BACS integration. CIPP-certified specialists ensure adherence to evolving legislation while offering unlimited payroll support and tax advisory integration.
Tax planning
Specialist tax advisors provide inheritance tax mitigation, business investment reliefs, and family office structuring. Services cover corporate tax compliance, VAT strategies, and succession planning. We assist high-net-worth individuals with asset protection, trust formations, and intergenerational wealth transfer strategies aligned with regulatory changes.
People
Kay Brookes
Partner
Experienced accounting professional specialising in business advisory services. Provides strategic financial guidance to owner-managed businesses while leading the firm's technical accounting standards compliance. Actively involved in client relationship management and team development.
Nicola Bullock
Corporate Finance Partner
FCA-authorised corporate finance specialist with extensive M&A experience. Leads transaction teams in business sales and acquisitions, focusing on healthcare, logistics, and professional services sectors. Recognised for delivering complex deals with strategic value and tax efficiency.
Craig Simpson
Tax Partner
Chartered tax advisor specialising in inheritance tax planning and family office services. Develops wealth preservation strategies for high-net-worth individuals and advises on legislative changes affecting business succession planning.
Michelle Lawrence
Payroll Manager
CIPP-certified payroll specialist managing compliance for diverse client businesses. Ensures accurate statutory deductions, pension auto-enrolment, and timely HMRC submissions while providing tailored payroll reporting solutions.
Megan Wallis
Licensed Insolvency Practitioner
Specialises in corporate and personal insolvency solutions. Advises businesses facing financial distress, negotiating with creditors and implementing rescue strategies or structured liquidations while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide complete accounting solutions including bookkeeping, financial statements, tax compliance, VAT returns, and management accounts tailored to small businesses in Derby and surrounding areas.
Do you handle payroll processing for companies of all sizes?
Yes, our payroll bureau services support businesses from single employees to large enterprises, including auto-enrolment pensions, statutory payments, and full HMRC compliance.
Can you assist with business succession planning?
Our specialists provide comprehensive succession planning, including management buyouts, share schemes, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies for owner-managed businesses.
Are you qualified to perform statutory audits?
Yes, our audit team is ICAEW-registered and conducts statutory audits for charities, schools, and companies requiring independent examinations in accordance with regulatory standards.
How do you support family office wealth management?
We offer integrated family office services covering tax planning, trust formations, asset protection, and intergenerational wealth strategies with discretion and specialist tax expertise.
What insolvency services are available?
Our licensed insolvency practitioners provide corporate rescue strategies, solvent liquidations, and personal insolvency solutions with empathetic guidance through financial difficulties.
