Michael Filiou

Business Details

39 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Chartered Accountants Supporting Independent Businesses

Michael Filiou is a relationship-driven accountancy practice established to support independent and family-run businesses through tailored financial advice. Since 1987, we have prioritised understanding clients' unique goals, offering strategic guidance across accounting, taxation, and crisis management. Our team combines technical expertise with a commitment to long-term partnerships, ensuring compliance while proactively addressing evolving business needs. We operate as a cohesive team, fostering trust through transparency and integrity. With experience spanning business lifecyclesfrom startups to succession planningwe deliver actionable insights through regular management accounts and tax-efficient strategies.

Our approach integrates digital accounting solutions and HMRC compliance, supported by two qualified accountants per client relationship. We specialise in inheritance tax planning, trust structures, and crisis resolution, maintaining a client-centric focus that has sustained 27-year professional relationships. Our services are underpinned by ACCA accreditation and a philosophy of treating clients' financial matters with the same care as our own.

Services

Accounting Taxation Business Advisory Inheritance Tax Planning Crisis Management

Details

Year established: 1987

Highlights and features

Established in 1987 with deep expertise in business tax and compliance
Personalised approach combining technical knowledge with strategic insight
Crisis management support from experienced chartered accountants
Two qualified accountants assigned to each client relationship
Proven track record supporting businesses through all growth phases

Associations and certifications

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

What people say

Trusted adviser Instrumental to growth Proactive tax planning Lifelong business partner Exceptional crisis support

Website

Update Listing

Services

Accounting

Comprehensive accounting services covering annual accounts, payroll, VAT returns, and tax filings. Our team ensures compliance while providing quarterly management accounts for informed decision-making. We specialise in HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements, offering cloud accounting solutions like Xero to streamline financial processes. With 37 years of experience, we deliver accurate reporting tailored to sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.

Taxation

End-to-end tax services addressing personal, business, and inheritance tax needs. We provide proactive planning to optimise tax positions, handle HMRC investigations, and offer specialist advice on complex structures. Our approach combines technical expertise with strategic foresight, ensuring compliance while minimising liabilities. We prepare hundreds of tax returns annually, maintaining early submission to prevent last-minute pressures for clients.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Tailored inheritance tax solutions preserving family wealth through trust structures and strategic gifting. We assess business and agricultural property reliefs while ensuring wills align with tax-efficient objectives. Our empathetic approach balances legal requirements with personal circumstances, offering ongoing reviews to adapt to legislative changes. We specialise in complex estate planning that safeguards legacies while maintaining compliance with evolving tax frameworks.

Crisis Management

Specialist support for business crises including financial settlements, commercial disputes, and contested wills. Our chartered accountants diagnose root causes, implement recovery strategies, and provide expert testimony when required. We offer confidential guidance during divorce proceedings, partnership dissolutions, and HMRC investigations. Our services focus on restoring stability while implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

Business Advisory

Growth-oriented advisory services from startup guidance to exit strategies. We develop cash flow forecasts, business plans, and digital accounting systems for new ventures while advising established firms on succession planning. Our team provides real-time financial insights through management accounts, enabling data-driven decisions. We specialise in helping family businesses navigate transitions while maintaining operational continuity.

People

Michael Filiou

Managing Director

Qualified accountant since 1987 with extensive experience in business advisory and tax planning. Specialises in long-term client relationships, crisis management, and inheritance tax strategies. Leads a team of chartered accountants committed to relationship-based consulting.

Robin Sykes

Specialist Tax Adviser

Expert in complex tax structures and HMRC investigations. Provides strategic advice on business tax compliance and dispute resolution. Recognised for proactive client advocacy during tax authority audits and compliance checks.

Questions

What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?

We provide full accounting services including bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, annual accounts, and tax compliance. Our digital accounting solutions integrate with HMRC's Making Tax Digital requirements using platforms like Xero.

How do you approach inheritance tax planning?

We create tailored strategies using trusts, strategic gifting, and business property reliefs. Our approach combines technical expertise with empathetic planning to preserve family wealth while maintaining compliance.

Can you assist with HMRC tax investigations?

Yes, we specialise in managing HMRC compliance checks, VAT investigations, and tax disputes. Our team handles all communication while implementing resolution strategies to minimise client burden.

What business advisory support do you provide?

We offer strategic advice from startup planning to exit strategies, including cash flow forecasting, business structure selection, and digital accounting implementation for growing enterprises.

How do you handle business crises?

Our crisis management team specialises in financial settlements, commercial disputes, and contested wills. We diagnose root causes, implement recovery plans, and provide expert testimony when required.

What makes your practice different from larger firms?

We combine the technical expertise of a large firm with personal service, assigning two qualified accountants to each client. Our relationship-based approach prioritises understanding client needs over transactional interactions.