Choosing the right accountant is vital for managing your finances, whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your business, or handling personal taxes. In Stoke-on-Trent, three firms stand out in my opinion: DJH, DPC, and Beaumonts. This guide compares their services, strengths, and considerations to help you decide which fits your needs (without claiming one is better than the others).
For transparency, I use Beaumonts for my accounting and have a professional and personal relationship with Ethan Logan, a mid-level manager within the firm. Despite the fact, I have aimed for an unbiased, objective focused comparison based on research from each firm’s website and industry sources.
DJH Mitten Clarke
DJH, a national firm with 11 UK offices, is part of the Top 40 accountancy groups (According to AccountancyAge). Based in Stoke-on-Trent, it offers a wide range of services, blending expert advice with technology. It is my understanding that they’ve had capital injections from investors Tenzing which will have taken them up a notch in corporate professionalism. Investors drive businesses with a heavy focus on profitability (ROI for them) – you can learn more on this in a guide to come where we intend to review the different levels of business; lifestyle, business, and corporate.
Services Offered:
- Business solutions: accounts, audit, tax planning, funding
- Personal solutions: wills, trusts, inheritance planning
- Specialisms: payroll, corporate finance, human resources
Unique Strengths:
- National Reach: Extensive resources across multiple offices.
- Tech-Driven: Uses technology for precise, efficient services.
- Award-Winning: Recognised for accounting excellence.
- Apprenticeships: Top SME Apprenticeship Employer, offering funded training.
Considerations:
- Its large size has likely led to standardised processes, so potentially less personalised than smaller firms.
DJH suits businesses needing comprehensive, streamlined services with national expertise. I suspect they support over 50% of Stoke-on-Trent businesses.
Beaumonts
Beaumonts, a family-run firm since 1992, is a small practice which I believe has fewer than 10 employees, offering personalised, jargon-free advice in Stoke-on-Trent. In my experience, they have acted much more like a partner rather than a service provider.
Services Offered:
- Accounts for companies, partnerships, sole traders, charities
- Personal and business tax, corporation tax, VAT, payroll
- Company formations, annual returns
Unique Strengths:
- Personalised Service: High attention to individual client needs.
- Local Focus: Deep understanding of Stoke-on-Trent’s market.
- Accessibility: Acts as a partner, available for ongoing support.
Considerations:
- Limited resources may challenge handling large, complex accounts.
- A past minor Companies House submission of mine was overlooked but quickly resolved.
Beaumonts is ideal for those seeking a close, tailored accounting relationship.
DPC
DPC, with over 80 years in Stoke-on-Trent, employs 60+ staff and is part of the Sumer Group. It balances experience with community and people focus.
Services Offered:
- Accounting, bookkeeping for businesses and individuals
- Audit, tax planning, payroll, business advice
Unique Strengths:
- Experience: Over eight decades of stability and expertise.
- Staff Development: Offers robust apprenticeship programs, recognised as SME Employer of the Year Regional Finalist.
- Community Ties: Supports local youth through training initiatives.
Considerations:
- Mid-sized, it may have fewer resources than national firms like DJH.
DPC is a versatile choice for those wanting experience and local engagement.
Choosing Your Accountant
Your choice will depend on your needs:
- Scope: DJH for multi-regional businesses, Beaumonts for personal/small-scale needs, DPC for a balance.
- Service Style: Beaumonts for total personalisation, DJH for efficiency, DPC for a mix.
- Specialisations: Confirm expertise in your required financial areas.
- Cost: Request quotes directly from the firms as pricing varies.
Recommended Bookkeeping Software
Pair your accountant with the right software to streamline finances. For small businesses, QuickBooks offers ease of use and essential features. Small to medium businesses may prefer Xero, which balances user-friendliness with advanced functionality. Larger businesses can opt for Sage, known for its comprehensive tools to handle complex needs. Keep your eyes peeled for a guide that explores these softwares in greater detail soon.
Final Remarks
This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process for selecting an accountant in Stoke-on-Trent. Finding the right accountant in Stoke-on-Trent can set your business or personal finances on the path to success. DJH, DPC, and Beaumonts each offer unique strengths, from national expertise to personalised care, ensuring there’s a fit for every need. Explore their services, weigh your priorities, and reach out to find the perfect partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Contact DJH, DPC, or Beaumonts to find your ideal partner – and make sure to tell them Ethan from StokeStartup.co.uk sent you.
Transparency Note: My connection to Beaumonts may influence my perspective, but this comparison is research-driven for fairness.
For more expert guides composed with the sole intention of empowering Stoke-on-Trent’s next generation of entrepreneurs, see here.
Ethan Wright
Founder, Stoke Startup
NB: This is not financial advice.
Stoke Startup 
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