Business Details
43 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting Services in Northampton
Cottons Group was founded in 1983 by John Cotton as a small practice in Daventry, Northamptonshire. Through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, we have evolved into one of the leading accountancy firms in the Midlands, with recent expansion into London. With over 100 staff across six offices, our expertise spans accounting, tax advisory, and business consultancy. Our values of attentiveness, analytical thinking, assurance, ambition, and accountability underpin every client relationship. We prioritise understanding individual client needs, offering tailored solutions beyond basic compliance. Our team includes former Finance Directors and CFOs, ensuring deep financial expertise.We embrace digital innovation through partnerships with Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks. Recognised as Xero's Large Firm of the Year 2025, we combine technical excellence with a client-centric approach. Our 40-year heritage demonstrates commitment to adapting with industry changes while maintaining personal service. We focus on long-term partnerships, helping clients navigate tax complexities, business growth, and financial planning. Our track record includes supporting businesses through crises like the pandemic, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Services
Management Accounts
Payroll Solutions
Bookkeeping Services
Software Solutions
VAT Services
Tax Services
Corporate Finance
Business Planning
Audit Assurance
Digital Advisory
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- 40 years of accountancy expertise since 1983
- Tailored financial solutions for diverse industries
- Digital accounting specialists with Xero Platinum status
- Award-winning tax advisory team (2025 Accounting Excellence Awards)
- Proven crisis management experience from pandemic support
What people say
Knowledgeable and approachable
Held my hand through pandemic
Understand my business challenges
Valuable guidance when needed
No task too big or small
Services
Management Accounts
We provide real-time financial reporting to support business decision-making. Our services include preparing detailed balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow analyses. Clients receive timely, accurate data formatted to meet specific reporting requirements, enabling proactive financial management and strategic planning.
Payroll Solutions
Our comprehensive payroll service ensures compliance with employment laws and tax regulations. We handle salary calculations, pension auto-enrolment, payslip generation, and BACS payments. Digital systems guarantee accurate record-keeping while freeing clients to focus on core business activities through efficient payroll management.
Bookkeeping Services
We maintain precise computerised financial records for businesses of all sizes. Our services include transaction recording, ledger management, and debtor/creditor tracking. Cloud-based systems provide real-time access to financial data, ensuring accurate reporting while allowing clients to concentrate on business growth through reliable bookkeeping support.
Software Solutions
As Xero Platinum Partners, we implement cloud accounting solutions tailored to business needs. Our services include software setup, staff training, and system migration. We support Sage and QuickBooks users while offering discounted training courses, ensuring clients maximise digital tools for improved financial management and real-time business insights.
VAT Services
We manage complex VAT compliance requirements for registered businesses. Services include return preparation, partial exemption calculations, and HMRC liaison. Our expertise minimises compliance risks while optimising VAT recovery opportunities, ensuring accurate submissions and strategic VAT planning for businesses operating in regulated environments.
People
John Cotton
Founder
Established Cottons Group in 1983 as a Daventry practice. Led initial growth through strategic acquisitions. Recognised for pioneering accountancy services in the Midlands region before retiring from active management.
Will Smart
Managing Partner
Re-joined Cottons Group in 2017 with his client portfolio. Became Managing Partner in 2021. Brings extensive corporate finance experience. Oversees strategic direction and professional service delivery across all offices.
Ollie Warne
Partner
Promoted to Partner in 2021. Specialises in business advisory services. Focuses on helping SMEs with growth strategies and financial planning. Leads client relationship development in key market sectors.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide management accounts, payroll solutions, bookkeeping, VAT compliance, tax planning, corporate finance, and business advisory services tailored to business needs.
Are you qualified accountants?
Our team includes chartered accountants and former CFOs with decades of combined experience across diverse industries and business sizes.
What is Making Tax Digital?
MTD requires digital record-keeping and quarterly tax updates for self-employed individuals and landlords with income over £50k, mandatory from April 2026.
Do you work with small businesses?
We support SMEs across sectors with tailored accounting solutions. Our services scale from startups to established businesses requiring complex financial management.
Reviews (5)
Paul Liggins
May 29, 2021
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I changed from my previous accountants to Cottons about ten years ago and have never looked back. Nick Warne and his excellent team have proven time and again to me that I definitely made the right choice! Thoroughly recommended without reservation!
Joanne Crockford
Apr 22, 2021
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I approached Cottons Northampton having recently set up as self employed. I found them to be extremely professional and knowledgeable and would highly recommend. Thank you Will Smart for all your help, it is greatly appreciated.
James Gardner
Jan 16, 2021
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Our Company moved across to Cottons 18 months ago and we have to say it has proved to be an excellent decision. Luckely I moved my personal accounts across to them at the same time with similarly great results. Thank you guys.
Collins
Dec 23, 2020
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value They'll charge you an arm and a leg while doing the bare minimum. They will also ask you to do a lot of bookkeeping work and will then blame you in case of any accounting mistake/delay on top of charging 50/hour bookkeeping fee. I don't think there is anything worse. Stay well away.
Miles Stuart
May 05, 2018
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I have been using Will Smart and his team at Cottons for many years now and can vouch for their professional and friendly approach. My current business is a start up and thus funds are precious. Cottons have been cost effective whilst providing the accounting services we need to grow. Highly recommended.
