Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in Sheffield
Allen West & Foster has been serving the business communities of Sheffield, Chesterfield, and the Peak District since 1968. Our firm unites the expertise of two respected Sheffield-based practices, Stephen Allen & Co. and West and Foster, which merged in 2017 to create a proactive, client-focused chartered accountancy service. We specialise in audit and accounts preparation, personal and corporate taxation, VAT, payroll, and bookkeeping, catering to sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, LLPs, and corporate groups.Our team of experienced professionals delivers tailored solutions across diverse sectors including manufacturing, medical, charity, gaming, and professional services. We prioritise timely, cost-effective service and offer free initial consultations to prospective clients. Our commitment to excellence is reinforced by our registration as auditors and authorisation by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Services
Accountancy
Audit
Bookkeeping
Tax Planning
Payroll Services
Business Advisory
R&D Tax Relief
Patent Box Schemes
Corporate Compliance
HMRC Representation
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving businesses in Sheffield and the Peak District.
- Our team includes ICAEW-accredited professionals with sector-specific expertise.
- We offer free initial consultations with no obligation.
- We specialise in R&D tax relief, patent box schemes, and HMRC compliance.
- Our services span audit, tax planning, payroll, and business advisory for all business sizes.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
What people say
Personalised service
Proactive approach
Sector expertise
Timely responses
Cost-effective solutions
Services
Accountancy
We provide comprehensive accountancy services, including monthly, quarterly, and annual accounts preparation. Our team ensures statutory filings with Companies House and HMRC are completed accurately and on time. Catering to sole traders, LLPs, and corporate groups, we deliver tailored financial reporting solutions that align with your business needs and regulatory requirements.
Audit
As registered auditors with ICAEW, we conduct statutory audits and independent examinations for charities and SMEs. Our audit files undergo quality reviews by the Mercia Group to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. We provide assurance on financial statements, helping clients maintain transparency and meet legal obligations with confidence.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services cover corporate and personal taxation, VAT, and capital gains tax. We assist with HMRC compliance, dispute resolution, and strategic tax-saving opportunities, including R&D tax relief and patent box schemes. Our goal is to minimise liabilities while ensuring adherence to evolving tax legislation for individuals and businesses.
Payroll Services
We manage payroll processing for businesses, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Our services include monthly or weekly payroll calculations, payslip generation, and submission of statutory payments. As Sage software experts, we streamline payroll workflows and reduce administrative burdens, allowing clients to focus on core operations without compliance risks.
Business Advisory
Our business advisory services include company incorporation, corporate governance, and compliance support. We guide clients through structuring decisions, prepare annual returns, maintain statutory registers, and provide strategic advice for business growth. Our 'complete compliance' service ensures adherence to regulatory requirements while promoting best practices.
People
Stephen Allen
Managing Partner
Stephen has over 12 years of partnership experience, founding Stephen Allen & Co. He specialises in manufacturing, engineering, and medical sectors, prioritising personalised client relationships as a cornerstone of the firm's values.
Stuart Croft
Partner
Stuart joined in 2019 with expertise in audit and charity accounts. A qualified ACA and financial adviser, he assists clients with Sage software and compliance, combining technical knowledge with hands-on client support.
Sara Dunkley
Partner
Sara brings 20 years of audit experience, having worked with major Sheffield firms. Her industry background in manufacturing enhances her ability to deliver audit and compliance solutions tailored to corporate clients' operational needs.
Gemma Lightfoot
Partner
Gemma has over a decade of experience managing corporate clients. She oversees accounts production, taxation, and audit, leveraging cross-departmental expertise to train junior staff and deliver comprehensive financial services.
Julie Curtis
Partner
Julie joined in 2022 after 12 years at a Sheffield practice. She specialises in audit and accountancy for solicitors, charities, and financial services, combining technical proficiency with a client-centric approach to advisory work.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide accounts preparation, audit, bookkeeping, payroll, tax compliance, and strategic advisory services for businesses and individuals across multiple sectors.
Are you regulated by a professional body?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for audit and investment business activities.
Do you assist with HMRC compliance?
Yes, we handle tax returns, VAT filings, and representation during HMRC investigations, including fee protection packages to cover professional costs.
Can you help with R&D tax relief claims?
Yes, we prepare R&D tax relief claims and establish systems to track qualifying expenditures, ensuring compliance and maximising financial benefits for eligible businesses.
What sectors do you specialise in?
We have expertise in manufacturing, healthcare, charity, gaming, and professional services, offering tailored solutions to meet sector-specific regulatory and financial needs.
How do you support business growth?
We provide incorporation guidance, corporate governance, compliance services, and strategic tax planning to help businesses scale while maintaining regulatory adherence.
