Business Details
Trusted Accountants and Business Advisors in Bolton
Cowgills is a leading independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisors based in the North West of England. With over 250 dedicated professionals, we combine sector-specific expertise with a partner-led approach to deliver tailored financial solutions. As part of the Sumer Group, a top 13 accountancy firm, we leverage extensive resources to support businesses of all sizes. Our team prioritises building long-term relationships, offering strategic insights across accounts, audit, tax, and business recovery. We specialise in understanding the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurial businesses, providing compliance support and growth-focused advice.Our commitment to innovation ensures clients benefit from advanced reporting tools and data-driven decision-making. With offices in Bolton, Liverpool, Manchester, and Wigan, we serve clients nationwide while maintaining a personal, accessible approach. Our expertise spans statutory audits, internal audits, and bespoke assurance services, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance. We also offer specialist support in business recovery, deal advisory, and tax planning, positioning ourselves as trusted partners for sustainable growth.
Services
Accounts
Audit
Tax Advisory
Business Recovery
Deal Advisory
Payroll Services
Company Secretarial
Property Tax
R&D Tax Relief
VAT Compliance
Highlights and features
- We offer over 250 dedicated professionals with sector-specific expertise
- Our partner-led approach ensures tailored financial solutions for every client
- We combine local accessibility with national resources through the Sumer Group
- We specialise in statutory audits and compliance for SMEs and growing businesses
- Our team provides proactive tax planning and business recovery strategies
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
What people say
Peace of mind
Straight talking advice
Proactive support
Expertise in tax planning
Reliable compliance
Services
Accounts
Our accounts service streamlines financial operations while ensuring compliance. We provide statutory accounts preparation, management reporting, and strategic business insights. With a partner-led approach, we deliver tailored solutions that enhance decision-making and profitability. Our team works closely with clients to understand their specific needs and challenges.
Audit
We offer statutory audits, internal audits, and bespoke assurance services. Our approach combines technical expertise with sector knowledge to provide valuable insights. We work collaboratively with finance teams to minimise disruption while delivering robust audit outcomes that enhance stakeholder confidence.
Tax Advisory
Our tax specialists provide compliance and strategic planning services covering corporate and personal tax, VAT, and international tax matters. We help businesses optimise tax positions while ensuring regulatory compliance through proactive, tailored advice.
Business Recovery
We support businesses facing financial difficulties with restructuring, administration, and insolvency solutions. Our team provides practical advice and creditor management services to help organisations navigate challenging situations and implement recovery strategies.
Deal Advisory
Our deal advisory team offers transaction services, debt advisory, and strategic support for business acquisitions and disposals. We provide due diligence, valuation, and financing solutions to maximise value throughout the deal lifecycle.
People
Paul Stringer
Managing Partner
Paul Stringer leads Cowgills with over 25 years of accountancy experience. He specialises in strategic business growth and has guided numerous companies through complex financial transitions while maintaining a strong client-focused approach.
Lisa Wilson
Head of Tax
Lisa Wilson heads our tax division with specialist expertise in corporate tax planning and international tax compliance. She has advised businesses on complex tax structures and reliefs for over 20 years.
Jason Elliott
Head of Business Recovery
Jason Elliott leads our business recovery team with extensive insolvency experience. He specialises in helping companies navigate financial distress through practical restructuring solutions and creditor negotiations.
Sam Davies
Head of Deal Advisory
Sam Davies directs our deal advisory services, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. With a background in corporate finance, he has facilitated numerous successful business transactions across various sectors.
Nicola Roby
Director, Audit
Nicola Roby leads audit engagements with particular expertise in statutory audits for SMEs. She has over 15 years' experience delivering audit services while maintaining strong client relationships.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive accounting services including financial statements, management reporting, payroll, and compliance support tailored to business needs.
How do your audit services differ from other firms?
Our audit services combine direct partner involvement with innovative technology for efficient processes and actionable business insights.
Do you specialise in any particular industry sectors?
We have dedicated expertise in business services, healthcare, property, and construction sectors while serving diverse industries.
What tax advisory services are available?
We offer tax compliance, planning, R&D relief, VAT strategies, and international tax advice with specialist sector knowledge.
How can you help with business recovery?
Our 30+ strong recovery team provides restructuring, insolvency solutions, and creditor services with practical, commercial advice.
Reviews (4)
Nicola Stevenson
Jun 17, 2021
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Link Contracting Services Ltd has been using the services of NR Barton since 2008. Their wide range of services and network support has supported our business through significant growth and some challenging periods. We have always found them to be incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and professional. As a business we feel extremely valued and important. We have developed a very strong relationship with NR Barton and they work exceptionally hard to maintain this. We have a choice in our accountancy services and we choose NR Barton.
Stuart McBride
May 30, 2021
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NR Barton helped us set up our company (property consultancy) in 2018 and have been providing us with a range of accountancy services ever since. Neil and Jonathan are great to deal with and always provide us with a prompt response to any questions. Highly recommended!
Andy Williams
May 18, 2021
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We have used NR Barton for advice and in completion of tax returns for a rental property. We have always liaised with Adrian and the service has always been exemplary. The process has been explained to us clearly and the whole process is undertaken quickly and effectively, often on-line, for our convenience. We have had everything explained at every step of the way and the additional advice we have received has been invaluable from pensions to child benefit. Can't recommend highly enough!
Malcolm Graham
Apr 28, 2021
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We have used NR Barton to look after our business accounts and annual audits for many years. During our time as a client we have always received very professional service and advice from David Shirley and more recently Paul Farrington. Sharon Boardman has always been our regular point of contact and her willingness to help and attention to detail is always immaculate. We enjoy the business relationship and friendship and long may it continue.
