Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accountants in Essex and London
Clay Ratnage has been delivering audit, taxation, and accountancy services to businesses and individuals for over 90 years. Our practice combines extensive experience with cutting-edge technology to provide user-friendly solutions tailored to clients across Essex, London, and surrounding areas. We maintain a general practice approach, ensuring all staff possess comprehensive expertise in accounts, tax, and audit to address day-to-day client needs effectively. Our growth has been driven by client satisfaction and referrals, with a proven track record of supporting businesses from start-ups to established enterprises. We specialise in audit compliance, tax planning, inheritance tax strategies, small business accounts, and corporate restructuring, alongside niche services for construction firms, solicitors, and charities.Our team includes chartered accountants and tax advisors with deep sector knowledge, including agricultural, hospitality, and property development industries. We prioritise long-term client relationships, offering probate services, will writing, and power of attorney assistance as part of our holistic financial guidance. Our probate team, licensed by ICAEW, provides sensitive estate administration support with transparent fee structures. With offices in Wickford, Romford, and Grays, we combine local expertise with national regulatory compliance, serving clients ranging from family businesses to academy schools.
Services
Audit & Assurance
Tax Planning
Probate Services
Company Formation
Payroll Administration
VAT Compliance
Business Restructuring
Will Writing
Charity Accounting
Academy School Support
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- 90+ years of combined audit and tax expertise with chartered professionals
- Tailored advice for construction, charity, and solicitor sectors
- Transparent probate administration with ICAEW licensing
- Proven track record supporting businesses from start-up to succession
- Local knowledge with compliance expertise in HMRC and SRA regulations
Associations and certifications
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- ICAEW (probate services)
What people say
Professional accountancy service
Invaluable guidance
Exceptional assistance
First class service
Diligent advice
Services
Audit & Assurance
Our audit services provide confidence in financial reporting accuracy while identifying risk areas. We specialise in statutory audits for medium to large companies, including construction firms and solicitors under SRA Accounts Rules. Our team ensures compliance with regulatory requirements while delivering actionable insights to improve business operations and internal controls.
Tax Planning
We offer bespoke tax planning strategies to optimise financial positions for individuals and businesses. Our services include inheritance tax mitigation, capital gains planning, and corporate tax structuring. With chartered tax advisors on staff, we help clients utilise allowances effectively and navigate complex tax legislation to minimise liabilities while maintaining full compliance.
Probate Services
Our ICAEW-licensed probate team provides comprehensive estate administration support. We handle will validation, asset valuation, tax calculations, and grant applications with transparent pricing. Specialising in complex estates involving property, shareholdings, and international assets, we offer sensitive guidance during difficult times while ensuring HMRC compliance and efficient asset distribution.
Company Formation
We assist entrepreneurs with business incorporation and structural planning. Our services include company registration, selection of optimal legal structures, and initial compliance setup. We provide ongoing support for new businesses including payroll implementation, VAT registration, and advisory services to navigate early-stage challenges and growth opportunities.
Payroll Administration
Our payroll services ensure accurate and timely employee payments while maintaining compliance with HMRC requirements. We manage CIS schemes, incentive payments, and statutory deductions, handling RTI submissions and year-end reporting. This service removes administrative burdens, allowing business owners to focus on core operations while ensuring complete payroll compliance.
People
Lorraine Purdy
Partner
Qualified ACCA accountant with 15+ years' experience in audit, specialising in construction companies and SRA audits. Promoted to partner in 2019 for her client-focused approach and technical expertise.
Steven Garrod
Partner
Chartered accountant since 2008 with expertise in start-ups, agricultural sector taxation, and business restructuring. Leads Wickford office with focus on entrepreneurial support and community engagement.
Laura Mallion
Partner
Chartered and tax-qualified accountant specialising in farming, hospitality, and property sectors. Developed probate department while maintaining focus on tailored client relationships and business growth strategies.
Sharon Watkins
Partner
STEP-qualified expert in will writing and estate planning. Led probate department's growth and manages HMRC trust registration compliance. Recognised for empathetic client support and technical excellence.
Yusuf Dedat
Partner
Chartered accountant with 30+ years' experience building client relationships. Oversees Romford office growth and specialises in family businesses, charities, and solicitor clients through personalised financial guidance.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for construction companies?
We specialise in construction industry audits, CIS payroll, and tax planning tailored to contractors' unique requirements.
Can you assist with academy school financial compliance?
Yes, we provide specialist services including academy conversion support, financial system implementation, and ESFA compliance.
Do you offer probate services for complex estates?
Our ICAEW-licensed team handles estates with property, shareholdings, and international assets with transparent pricing.
What tax planning services are available for individuals?
We offer inheritance tax mitigation, capital gains planning, and strategic allowance utilisation for personal tax efficiency.
How do you support business start-ups?
We provide company formation, structural advice, payroll setup, and ongoing compliance support for new businesses.
Are your audit services regulated?
Yes, we're registered auditors regulated by ACCA for statutory audit engagements across multiple sectors.
