Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in St. Austell
Established in 1926, Phillips Frith is a St. Austell-based firm of chartered accountants and registered auditors serving clients across Cornwall, Devon, and the Southwest. With over nine decades of experience, we specialise in providing tailored accountancy solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, including startups, while maintaining a personal approach rooted in understanding each client's unique needs. Our services encompass business advice, payroll management, bookkeeping, tax planning, and statutory audits, delivered by a team of qualified professionals committed to supporting long-term client success. We prioritise building genuine relationships, offering proactive guidance, and ensuring compliance with evolving financial regulations.Our technical expertise extends to digital accounting software support through Sage Champions and Xero Advisors, helping businesses transition smoothly to digital record-keeping. Client testimonials highlight our reliability, sector-specific knowledge, and the value of our strategic advice in achieving business growth. As a training office for leading accounting institutes, we maintain high standards of professional development while fostering a friendly, approachable culture that sets us apart in the industry.
Services
Business Advice
Payroll Bureau
Bookkeeping Services
Tax Planning
Statutory Audits
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of experience serving Cornish businesses
- Our team includes Sage Champions and Xero Advisors
- We provide free initial consultations with no obligation
- We offer tailored services for business startups and SMEs
- Our audit team maintains statutory compliance with discretion
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Accountants
- Registered Auditors
What people say
Excellent service
Indispensable part of my team
Exceptionally helpful
Genuine interest in business
Strong understanding of needs
Services
Business Advice
We provide tailored business advice to SMEs, combining sector-specific knowledge with strategic financial planning. Our team works closely with clients to understand their operational challenges and growth objectives. This service includes cashflow forecasting, risk assessment, and structural recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Payroll Bureau
Our payroll service handles all aspects of employee payments and tax compliance. We calculate wages, generate payslips, and submit PAYE returns to HMRC. Clients can choose between office-based processing or on-site support for seamless integration with existing systems.
Bookkeeping Services
We manage routine accounting tasks including VAT record maintenance and monthly management accounts. Our team ensures accurate financial records while offering guidance on digital transition. We also assist during HMRC compliance visits on behalf of our clients.
Tax Planning
Our tax specialists provide comprehensive planning for personal and corporate taxation. We prepare returns while offering proactive advice to optimise tax positions. The service covers corporation tax, self-assessment, and strategic planning for business owners.
Statutory Audits
As registered auditors, we conduct statutory and special-purpose audits for businesses and charities. Our approach identifies system improvements while maintaining discretion. We deliver high-standard audits that exceed compliance requirements through practical recommendations.
People
Jane Webb
Partner
With over 35 years at Phillips Frith, Jane specialises in complex charity audits. She prioritises on-site client visits to understand business operations, ensuring practical advice aligned with long-term goals.
Ian Chalmers
Partner
Ian focuses on family-owned businesses, offering tax planning expertise developed over decades. His approach considers both financial needs and family dynamics to deliver tailored solutions for multi-generational enterprises.
Amy Sole
Partner
Leading the Audit and Assurance department since 2020, Amy combines corporate audit expertise with strategic business advice. She works with major clients to deliver quality audits while supporting long-term growth initiatives.
Andrew Prouse
Senior Accountant
With over 25 years' experience, Andrew specialises in complex personal taxation. He demystifies accounting processes for new businesses, providing clear guidance to simplify financial compliance.
Ross Schooley-Frame
Chartered Tax Advisor
Qualified as both Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor, Ross manages personal tax matters and audits. He provides practical solutions to complex financial challenges while maintaining continuous professional development.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide business advice, payroll, bookkeeping, tax planning, and statutory audits. Our services cater to SMEs and startups across Cornwall and the Southwest.
Do you support business startups?
Yes, we help startups with company formation, cashflow forecasts, VAT registration, and payroll setup. We also advise on business structure and tax implications.
Can you assist with digital accounting software?
Our Sage Champions and Xero Advisors provide training and technical support to help businesses transition to digital record-keeping systems.
Are you qualified accountants?
We are chartered accountants and registered auditors, with team members holding qualifications from ICAEW and ACCA.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide a free initial meeting with no obligation, either at our St. Austell office or your business premises.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Cornwall and Devon, with clients throughout the Southwest region. We visit businesses on-site for better understanding of their operations.
