Robert Herbert (FCA, CTA) - Partner

I work from the Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle offices and specialise in farming and all things tax.

On a day-to-day basis I can be dealing with anything from VAT to capital gains to inheritance tax. One of the most important areas of tax is planning. It is always better to consider the tax consequences of an action before doing it and that is where I come in. I can also help with estate planning, inheritance tax matters and trusts.

If I weren’t an accountant my colleagues reckon I could be a travel agent. I enhanced my reputation by organising a staff weekend away in Amsterdam! With my family I enjoy skiing as well as holidays in warmer climes.

David Stanwix (FCA, CTA, DipPFS)  - Partner

As well as being an accountant I’m also a financial adviser and recently found myself having to obtain more qualifications just to keep doing the things I’m already doing.

In this line of work nothing stands still for long. I deal with a wide range of clients – everything from small one-man businesses to audits of large companies and even an international sports star – and divide my time between the Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle offices.

In the summer I am very busy playing cricket for Barnard Castle and Durham (sadly, not the first team) and in the winter months I can sometimes be seen at the Darlington Arena.

Jill Hindmarsh (BSc, FCA, DipPFS) - Partner

I enjoy helping business start-ups and taking away the anxieties for clients taking this big step into the unknown. It is important that clients know I am at the end of the phone and that no problem is trivial.

I specialise in charities and audit. I am an independent financial adviser which means I can look at the whole financial picture for clients, develop an understanding of their long term plans and ambitions and help them on their way.

Having a young son keeps me busy and by way of relaxation (?) I have had a season ticket at Sunderland AFC for 20 years (no wonder I have so many grey hairs).

Philip Lamb (ACA) - Partner

With a large number of clients involved in farming and rural enterprise, and an involvement in the family business, this is my main area of specialism.

I have also helped many new businesses over the years including preparing cash flows and business plans to help them raise finance. Dividing my time between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope, my clients are spread over a wide geographical area.

After the madness of the January self-assessment deadline I like to go skiing with friends. I also like to try to keep fit and can be seen on stage each winter with the Teesdale Players, usually dressed in something embarrassing.

Beverley Wood  (ACA) - Partner

I qualified with Allen Sykes and I work at the Bishop Auckland office. I have regular contact with my clients, specialising in management accounts and Sage software for small- and medium- sized businesses.

I find that I am a Sage support helpline for clients who have a particular problem with their accounts package.

Away from the office, I am involved in the family businesses and every March I spend some of my holidays helping with lambing. I have a busy social life and enjoy skiing and travelling.

Jon-Dean Grayson (ATT)

I prepare tax returns for the clients at the Bishop Auckland office having worked for HM Revenue & Customs in a previous life.

I deal with many of the tax queries which come in to the office, whether it‘s advice that is needed, help in dealing with HMRC, notices of coding which need to be checked or a reminder of how much tax is due and when.

I have “green fingers” and enjoy gardening, cooking some of the produce that I grow. My office sometimes acts as an extension of my greenhouse with thriving tomato and pepper plants.

John Yarrow (BSc, ACA)

I have a great deal of experience in auditing private companies and work a lot with charities.

The charity sector is highly regulated and I ensure I keep up to date with this constantly evolving area of work so that I can assist clients in meeting their obligations.

I enjoy the variety of working at the Bishop Auckland office and at clients’ premises.

I am a big sports fan and a supporter of the Red Devils. This gives me lots of opportunity for some friendly (?) banter in the office.