Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accountancy & Tax Services in Halstead
Established in 1970, Maurice Lake & Co & Co has built a reputation for delivering professional, client-focused accountancy services. Our practice, founded on core values of honesty and competitive pricing, has evolved through three generations of leadership while maintaining its commitment to tailored financial solutions. With expertise in tax consultancy, VAT returns, payroll services, and flat management accounts, we serve diverse business structures including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Our team, comprising ACCA-qualified professionals and experienced support staff, specialises in navigating HMRC compliance and investigations.We prioritise flexible service delivery, offering free initial consultations and accommodating appointments beyond standard office hours. As a long-standing member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, we combine technical excellence with a personal approach to client relationships. Our 50-year track record demonstrates our ability to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes while preserving the trust of our client base, which continues to grow through referrals from satisfied businesses.
Services
Accountancy
Tax Consultancy
VAT Returns
Payroll Services
Flat Management
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of combined experience in accountancy services
- Our team includes ACCA-certified professionals and qualified accountants
- We provide free initial consultations for all new clients
- We maintain competitive pricing without compromising service quality
- Our practice accommodates flexible appointment times outside normal hours
Associations and certifications
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Services
Accountancy
We provide comprehensive accountancy services for businesses of all sizes. Our expertise covers financial record-keeping, statutory reporting, and compliance with Companies House requirements. We prepare accounts for sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, and flat management corporations, ensuring accurate tax return submissions to HMRC.
Tax Consultancy
Our tax consultancy offers strategic guidance on transactional tax implications. We handle self-assessment returns, corporation tax, capital gains, and inheritance tax matters. With experience in HMRC investigations, we provide representation and compliance support to mitigate tax-related risks for businesses and individuals.
VAT Returns
We manage VAT return preparation and submission through digital channels. Our service covers cash, invoice, and flat-rate schemes while providing advisory support on VAT registration, eligibility, and form completion. We ensure compliance with Making Tax Digital obligations for all VAT-related filings.
Payroll Services
Our payroll solutions handle RTI reporting, CIS compliance, and year-end returns. We process weekly and monthly payroll cycles, manage auto-enrolment requirements, and produce statutory documents including P45s, P60s, and annual summaries to meet HMRC deadlines.
Flat Management
We specialise in flat management company accounts, preparing statutory and service charge accounts that comply with lease agreements and Companies Act requirements. With experience handling over 80 management companies, we ensure accurate financial reporting and regulatory submissions for property portfolios.
People
Christopher Lane
Director
ACCA-certified director with extensive experience in accountancy services. Leads tax consultancy and HMRC investigation support while maintaining the firm's founding values of professional integrity and client-focused service delivery.
Tracy Lake
Co-Owner
Co-managing partner with decades of experience in accountancy practice. Specialises in client relationship management and flat management account preparation, continuing the family tradition of accessible, transparent financial services.
Julie Lake
Senior Accountant
Qualified accountant with specialist expertise in payroll services and CIS reporting. Provides technical leadership for RTI compliance and statutory return submissions while mentoring junior team members.
Tanya Symonds
Qualified Accountant
MAAT-qualified professional handling tax consultancy and account preparation. Focuses on delivering tailored financial advice to small businesses while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Lisa Knight
Company Secretarial
Specialist in corporate compliance and company formation. Manages director appointments, share issues, and confirmation statements to maintain Companies House compliance for client businesses.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide full accountancy services including financial record-keeping, statutory reporting, tax return preparation, and HMRC compliance support for businesses of all structures.
Do you handle VAT registration and returns?
Yes, we complete VAT returns on cash, invoice, or flat-rate bases and provide advisory support on VAT registration and compliance requirements.
Can you assist with payroll management?
We offer comprehensive payroll services including RTI reporting, CIS compliance, year-end returns, and auto-enrolment responsibilities for businesses of all sizes.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your accountancy needs and recommend appropriate service packages tailored to your business requirements.
Are you qualified accountants?
Our team includes ACCA-certified professionals and qualified accountants with extensive experience in tax consultancy, payroll services, and corporate compliance.
How do you handle HMRC investigations?
We represent clients during HMRC investigations, providing documentation support and attending meetings to ensure compliance while protecting client interests through our specialist knowledge.
