About Us
HLB – the Past
HLB – the Future
HLB Culture
HLB Philosophy
HLB Clients
HLB Testimonials
HLB People
Strategic Network
HLB – the Past
1924….this year in history
- Volatile period results in voters changing their minds – a term for the Conservative Government.
- Death of Lenin marks the beginning of a power struggle between Stalin and Trotsky for control over the Soviet State.
- The Johnson-Reed act cuts back on the total number of immigrants to the United States of America.
- Two American aircrafts complete the first round-the-world flight taking 175 days.
Back in the U.K. a young aspiring accountancy firm, Hall & Co., starts its journey, providing clients with a range of business services.
Founded by Mr Leonard Hall in the heart of Manchester, the firm enjoyed the challenges of a new business. Seeking to grow and enter new markets, Mr Hall expanded the firm deep into Cheshire and its surround. Here he helped agricultural businesses that had just been brought into the Income Tax net. The firm grew at a steady pace admitting specialist and highly experienced partners to provide a wide-ranging portfolio of services.
Mr Hall retired some 47 years later in 1971, which also saw the closure of the Manchester office. Consolidating and refocusing the business the remaining partners continued to expand the network organically.
HLB – The Future
Pulling together for your business
Today, Hall Livesey Brown is one of the largest independent Chartered Accountancy and Business Advisory Practices in the North West, Midlands and North Wales. With offices in four key locations, it accommodates 10 partners and 50 staff with a range of specialist skills and expertise. Clients are given immediate access to specialist skills across the practice - never limited by geographical location.
We expect to play an active and constructive role in our relationships with clients, guiding and assisting them through the business minefield. Every client large or small deserves the right to prompt personal attention. That is why, in spite of our extensive resources, we still manage to maintain the creditable characteristics of a small firm.
Our systems and procedures have evolved to meet the changing needs of our clients and are subject to constant review and improvement. Many opportunities have been developed through a willingness to embrace new technologies and new ways of working. The future is exciting and challenging for Hall Livesey Brown with growing opportunities within technology.
HLB Culture
Exceeding Expectations
Beliefs, attitudes and values guide the way we behave. To be successful we need to think successful throughout the firm, from partner to office junior. We must take a critical look within the firm building upon our strengths and taking advantage of opportunities. By engendering this behaviour, we can achieve our business objectives and that of our clients and our team.
At Hall Livesey Brown we have a strong foundation based upon our well-established accounting and business experience, which enhances our broad bank of knowledge and expertise.
Our open management style encourages all team members, partners and staff to be open and honest and provides a platform for people to express their opinions and make suggestions for internal and external systems and procedures.
HLB Philosophy
Prompt and efficient service tailored specifically to the needs of each individual client
We work in partnership with our clients. Our philosophy has always been to provide a prompt and efficient service tailored specifically to the needs of each individual client. We are dedicated to adding value to our business relationships and ensuring that clients maximise their business potential from our advice and services.
At Hall Livesey Brown we take a planned approach to each client situation, developing clear strategies for improving performance and maximising income, and reducing tax and minimising costs. Deadline dates are incorporated into our plans and we encourage clients to submit relevant information well in advance of agreed dates.
All members of the Hall Livesey Brown team assist in strengthening the service we provide. Our commitment to staff is to provide them with excellent opportunities for personal career development through their training, work experience and exposure to the market.
HLB Clients
A strong partnership forms the core of successful business
A personal partner led approach ensures that Hall Livesey Brown becomes part of your team, working together for the future success of your business. Your principal contact will always be a partner who has overall responsibility for your affairs. Partners are backed by a strong team of professionals, which ensures that your business is well looked after.
It is impossible to estimate the value of well-informed advice from someone who is not blinded by the day-to-day problems of management. Hall Livesey Brown clients benefit from the services of a highly trained team of professionals who can take an objective view of your business and provide a realistic plan for your company’s future development.
The strength of our partnership with clients is based on the combination of your in-depth knowledge and our objectivity, strategic thinking and financial expertise. By understanding your business and reflecting on previous experience within a diverse range of situations, we can provide you with tailor made solutions and cost-effective ideas that would move your business forward.
Our clients range from private individuals requiring tax advice to companies exceeding £10 million in turnover – covering all market sectors. Almost all of our client relationships are long standing. The vast majority of those who come to us for one-off projects tend to stay with us because of the quality of advice and service they receive.
Accessibility and flexibility is of paramount importance, which means we are available when you need us. We encourage clients to review their business objectives and milestones on a regular basis. In addition, we keep a close eye on industry developments so that we are well placed to identify opportunities and threats that may affect our clients. Regular newsletters and mailers provide clients with an insight into Hall Livesey Brown and the world of Business, Accountancy and Financial Services.
Our Tarporley office piloted a client care programme last year with HLB Talkback – an opportunity for clients to provide feedback on our partners, services and communication. The feedback was enlightening and extremely positive. The client care programme will be used as a platform to assist in formulating additional services that clients need and want.
Our client base is wide ranging including:
- Sole Traders
- Owner Managed Businesses
- Partnerships
- Charities
- Trusts
- Private Limited Companies
- High Net Worth Individuals – UK and Overseas
- Company Directors
Client Testimonials
Listening to our clients
"I have no doubt as stated earlier, that there are accountants who tender lower charges but my personal experience denotes that you get what you pay for. In my case that means confidence that the rebate that can be obtained will be obtained."
Mr GW Anderson, Anderson Transport
Business Owner – Ready Mix Lorry Driver
"As an ex-employee of the Inland Revenue, I know how valuable a good accountant is to any business. The partner who looks after me is excellent. The main thing with accounts is to have the years’ results processed as soon as possible after I take in the paperwork, etc. This is done in a very efficient manner and I am pleased with the service, which I receive from HLB."
E Pritchard, Twin Rivers Caravan Park
Business Owner – Caravan Park
"I have always found that accessibility is of tremendous importance."
His Honour Roy Woolley
Personal Taxation
"HLB is run the way I try to run my business: Quiet - but effective… Good Listeners…Friendly – easy to approach at all levels…Create an environment where customers can ask any questions without feeling foolish…Customers should always look forward to visiting you. I do…"
Peter Jones
"The service provided enables me to do my work and feel comfortable placing my accounting in the hands of professionals. I’m busy, not an accountant, and to do my own financial work would not be cost effective in so far as it would take me forever!"
Susan Russam, Susan Russam Consultancy
Business Owner – Education Inspector
"I like working with HLB: The people are very pleasant, competent and reliable. In a business where personal relationships are important, I feel I have a good personal relationship with the partners, and that makes me feel comfortable in coming to and dealing with HLB. Of course the service has to be good too."
John Martin, Grey Wulff Limited
Director – Purchase and Resale of Chemical Products
"When selecting an accountant we spoke with several organisations and had personal meetings with three. HLB was the most impressive."
Tony O’Herlihy, Bundara UK Limited
Managing Director – Training Dog Trainers
"Mine is only a small account but I feel that I am given as much attention as I would be if I was the director of a large firm. I appreciate the service provided, the quality of it and the friendly way it is delivered."
E Simpson
Business Owner – Archivist
"I could have my return completed cheaper but you were so good last year and the practice think so highly of you, I do not want to go anywhere else."
Dr K Bashir
Locum Doctor
"Once again, thanks for all your help and advice during the past year – very much appreciated."
Mrs E Klemvig, Ferroperm UK Limited
Company Secretary – Electronics
HLB People
A perfect partnership
All our partners have a great depth of experience in a wide variety of industries and professions.
Partner Profiles
Adrian Crank
A.T.I.I.
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| Adrian became Tax Partner in the Tarporley office in May 1993. His experience covers all aspects of taxation. Adrian has forged an excellent relationship with our strategic providers, working alongside them to ensure that our clients receive the very best advice and schemes available. He works closely with the Marketing department and takes an active role in professional networking. Prior to joining Hall Livesey Brown, Adrian gained 17 years of invaluable experience at a number of firms, including Barclays Trust Company, where his key responsibility was to minimise tax liability for both personal and corporate tax clients. |
Barbara Dunbavand
BA, F.C.A.
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| Barbara became a Partner in April 1995, having joined the firm five years earlier as Manager. She is a general practitioner and deals with a range of clients and businesses, assisting many with their management and computer systems. She qualified with Arthur Young, now Ernst & Young, progressing to manager level and gaining valuable skills, expertise and experience in many market sectors. |
Bob Evans
BSc, F.C.A.
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| Bob became Partner in the Tarporley office in May 1987. As our specialist in Audit and Information Technology (I.T.), Bob ensures that both the firm and our clients comply with all audit regulations. I.T. is an area of constant change, with a challenge of keeping up-to-date with the development of systems and financial applications. Prior to joining Hall Livesey Brown Bob worked for Peat Marwick Mitchell, now known as KPMG. Bob is married with 3 children. |
Charles Parsons
BA, F.C.A.
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| Charles manages our Chester office, having become a Partner in January 1986. He possesses a vast breadth of experience in general practice work having advised various market sectors on accountancy, taxation and consultancy matters. He originally trained at Ernst & Whinney, now Ernst & Young gaining further experience at Wilson de Zouche & Mackenzie before joining Hall Livesey Brown. |
Cliff Reddington
F.C.C.A.
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| Cliff manages our Wrexham office and was admitted as Partner in May 1994. He has established an excellent working relationship within the medical sector and is a member of Aisma. Cliff is a general practitioner and specialises in Management Information Systems. Prior to joining Hall Livesey Brown, Cliff worked for Ernst & Young and Tusda (UK) Limited. Cliff is married with 2 daughters and 6 grandchildren. His ambition is to reduce his golf handicap. |
Neville Carr
BSc, F.C.A.
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Neville became a Partner in May 1983, launching our Malpas office. He then moved on to the Middlewich office, which later merged with Tarporley. He has a vast amount of experience and specialises in the Farming Industry and Business Start-up and Development.
Prior to joining Hall Livesey Brown, Neville gained experience working for Price Waterhouse, now known as PWC and ICI Pharmaceuticals Limited, now known as Zeneca PLC. Neville qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1976 with all first time passes. Neville enjoys networking and has an active role in the Business Network International Organisation (BNI) Tarporley Chapter- a breakfast club for eager networkers. He also attends several smaller networking groups and recently joined Keystone - a professional business forum. Neville is married with 2 daughters. His ambition is to achieve a single figure golf handicap. |
Simon Jeffrey
BA, F.C.A.
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Simon became the firm’s youngest partner in April 2001. He started his career with Hall Livesey Brown in 1994 and by 1997 successfully qualified as a Chartered Accountant, gaining a first overall in the ICAEW Intermediate exams in the Chester and North Wales region.
Simon is a general practitioner and has built up a portfolio of predominantly owner managed businesses since becoming a partner. He enjoys watching all forms of motorsport and is looking forward to a trip to the Nurburgring in Germany later this year in his Subaru Impreza. Simon is married with 2 sons and 1 daughter.
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Simon Welsh
F.C.A.
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| Simon was the third partner to be admitted in May 1987. He is based at our Tarporley office and is the managing partner for the office. Simon is a general practitioner and works with a wide range of clients and businesses. He gained invaluable experience within the industry working for a local firm. Amongst Simon’s many achievements he qualified as Chartered Accountant in 1977 and took up horse riding at the age of 40. His ambition is to complete all DIY jobs at home. Simon is married with 2 stepchildren and 4 grandchildren. |
Steve Mckee
F.C.C.A.
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| Steve became a partner in April 2007. He started his career with Hall Livesey Brown in 1994 and by 1998 successfully qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant.
Steve is a general practitioner. He has three children and his hobbies include football, theatre and attending his local Gym. |
Elizabeth Pritchard
F.C.C.A .
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| Libby became a Partner in April 2010, having joined the firm in 2006. She qualified as a Certified Chartered Accountant in 2001 and completed her Association of Taxation Technician examinations in November 2008. She has spent many years in general practice gaining a wide range of experience working mainly with owner managed businesses. She now works alongside Cliff at our Wrexham office specialising in medical accountancy.
Libby is married with two daughters. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her ever increasing number of ponies. |
Consultant Profiles
David Brown
F.C.A.
David established his own practice in April 1969 in Tarporley. Two years later he merged with Hall Healey & Co to form Hall Healey Brown & Co. After 25 years of service, David retired as partner and took on the role of consultant providing services to the Tarporley office. His areas of expertise include: family and estate tax and investment planning, share valuations and company sales. David continues to provide a high quality service to HLB clients.
The Teams
Respect, commitment and striving for excellence are the ingredients of a successful relationship. At Hall Livesey Brown, our people are the key to our success. Teamwork is integral to our approach. Success comes from involving our team members in our business, encouraging them to contribute and supporting them to achieve their potential. To exceed their expectations, we encourage growth through training and development.
We have dedicated teams within each business function (accountancy, audit, tax, payroll, administration, marketing, and personnel) to provide a solid base for the firm. Each department works as a team to achieve their goals and with other departments to meet the needs of clients.
We have a well-balanced range of personalities that creates a professional environment that is enjoyable to work within.
Strategic Network
Hall Livesey Brown have built a strong network of connections with other service providers to give complimentary skills, expertise and services.
Greystone Financial Services Limited
Greystone Financial Services Limited began trading in the spring of 1989 as a provider of independent financial advice to companies and the more discerning private client. Today they are one of the largest privately owned Independent Financial Advisory (IFA) practices in the North West, providing a comprehensive corporate and personal financial planning service, including off shore investments and tax planning.
A great deal of emphasis is placed on staff training and development, with many consultants achieving qualifications well above the industry minimum. In 1999 Greystone became one of a very few IFA practices in the UK to be awarded the investors in people. This was in recognition of their commitment to excellence. Their professionalism has resulted in rapid growth, whilst continuing to meet clients ever increasing needs with in-depth advice designed to stand the test of time.
Hall Livesey Brown and Greystone Financial Services Limited have worked together for 6 years, dealing with a range of schemes for clients, including any type of pension scheme, sophisticated Inheritance Tax Planning or Investment Strategies.
Independent Financial Advice…designed to stand the test of time
We work with a number of banks, business link offices, solicitors and other professional services to provide our clients with assistance from all sources. In addition, we are also part of a number of networking groups that help small businesses to grow and develop.
Should you require further information about our strategic network please contact
Bob Evans, Partner on 01829 733 333 or e-mail
bob.evans@hlbtarp.co.uk
Audit registration
We are registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C007264471. The Audit Regulations and Guidance and APB Ethical Standards that we are required to adhere to can be found at www.icaew.com/auditnews and www.frc.org.uk/apb/publications/ethical.cfm
