Agile advice for bright businesses
Cottons Chartered Accountants operates offices in Northampton, Daventry, Rugby, Milton Keynes, Lutterworth, and London, offering expert tax, audit, and business advisory services to SMEs, startups, and individuals. Founded in 1983, the company is recognized for its personal approach, straightforward advice without technical terminology, and committed client support.As a firm regulated by ICAEW, clients receive the benefit of the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and compliance. With years of experience and a focus on client needs, Cottons provides practical and proactive solutions that enable businesses to grow confidently.
Cottons has been nominated for the Xero Awards and Accounting Excellence Awards for two consecutive years, and the firm's excellent Google reviews demonstrate the trust that clients have in them. Whether clients require daily support or strategic guidance, Cottons provides clear understanding, confidence, and results.
Business details
- Year established: 1983
- Employees: 100
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Clear, actionable business insight beyond the numbers
- Complete accounting and tax solutions under one roof
- Expert business advice tailored to your growth
- Efficient, thorough audits with a practical approach
- Dedicated support for mergers and acquisitions
- Flexible, real-time management and payroll services
Associations and certifications
- ICAEW
Payment methods
- Cash, Checks, Debit cards, Credit cards, Mobile payments, Bank transfers
Services
At Cottons, we blend financial expertise with a people-first ethos to support businesses at every stage of their journey. From our founding in 1983 by John Cotton, we have grown strategically through acquisitions and expansion into major regions. Our team of over 100 professionals delivers tailored advice rooted in experience. We are proud to be a Top 100 UK firm. 
Our accounts outsourcing service enables businesses to delegate time-consuming financial tasks to a qualified, experienced team. We ensure accurate reporting, meticulous bookkeeping, and insightful financial data. Whether you require full finance function support or assistance with specific areas, we can adapt to your needs. Free your internal team to concentrate on strategic priorities. 
At the heart of our audit and assurance service lies a commitment to accuracy, insight, and partnership. We support clients through both mandatory and voluntary audits, providing a detailed review of financial health and operational systems. The result is enhanced trust among stakeholders and a stronger platform for future growth. Let us streamline the audit process for you. 
With a wealth of experience in tax matters, we guide clients through VAT, capital gains, inheritance tax, and R&D credits, ensuring all financial activities are optimally structured. We work closely with you to explain your tax position clearly, recommend strategies to reduce liabilities, and manage the associated administrative tasks effectively. 
At the heart of our Business Advisory offering is bespoke consultancy aimed at helping your business achieve growth and resilience. We engage in thorough discussions to understand your operations, assess financial metrics, and evaluate market competitors. Honest, direct advice is provided to address challenges and unlock your companys full potential. 
Our Corporate Finance professionals at Cottons dedicate themselves to supporting companies through all lifecycle stages, from start-up to succession. Whether youre developing a new idea, pursuing mergers or shared ownership, or preparing to retire, we provide timely, strategic advice. A complimentary workshop helps us understand your goals and how we can contribute to your success.
People
Adam Schofield
Corporate Finance Manager
Adam joined Cottons at the beginning of 2021 as Corporate Finance Executive after becoming a qualified accountant at his previous firm in 2019. After graduating from the University of the West of England in Bristol with a degree in Economics, Adam started his career as an Auditor before making the move into Corporate Finance. Having gained experience with owner-managed businesses while in the audit sector, Adam then wanted to continue working with SMEs, but on more interesting and exciting projects.
Now as the Corporate Finance Assistant Manager, his role at Cottons involved supporting Guy in all areas of the Corporate Finance Department as well as managing his own engagements. One of Adams favourite parts of the job is meeting clients and finding out about their businesses and ambitions for the future.
Now as the Corporate Finance Assistant Manager, his role at Cottons involved supporting Guy in all areas of the Corporate Finance Department as well as managing his own engagements. One of Adams favourite parts of the job is meeting clients and finding out about their businesses and ambitions for the future.
Emma Reid
Partner
Emma joined Cottons as a trainee in 2004 following the completion of an Accounting with Law degree at the University of East Anglia. Four years later she qualified as a Chartered Accountant whilst building experience working in general practice in our Daventry office. Since 2011 Emma has been based from our Rugby office working closely with owner-managed SMEs in a wide range of sectors to fulfil their accounting and taxation requirements, she made partner in 2018. Outside of work Emma enjoys spending time with her young family and cocker spaniel, Poppy.
Mark Palmer
Partner
Mark is a Partner in our Rugby office. He specialises in general tax planning advising both owner managed businesses and private individuals. Mark said:
My job is varied, I like to develop a relationship with my clients and find that I am often the first port of call on matters that have little to do with accountancy.
My job is varied, I like to develop a relationship with my clients and find that I am often the first port of call on matters that have little to do with accountancy.
Curtis Watson
Client Manager
Curtis joined Cottons in October 2023 and has been assisting with the transition of our recent acquisition of Astute Services Ltd. Curtis looks after a large portfolio of clients which continues to grow. He particularly enjoys meetings clients to talk through their accounts and tax returns and likes helping them to understand their financial position. Curtis also assists clients to plan for future growth and business sustainability.
A qualified chartered accountant, with the ACCA professional accreditation, Curtis works with a wide range of businesses, from sole traders through to larger businesses across a range of sectors.
A qualified chartered accountant, with the ACCA professional accreditation, Curtis works with a wide range of businesses, from sole traders through to larger businesses across a range of sectors.
Luke Prout
Tax Partner
Luke joined Cottons in June 2024 as a Tax Partner and has over 20 years experience in providing tax compliance and advisory services to all sizes of business, their owners, within the UK and also internationally. Prior to joining Cottons, Luke spent 6 years as a Partner of a Top 40 accounting practice and before then spent 13 years at a Top 15 practice. Lukes expertise spans a wide array of tax areas, including Company Tax, Income Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax, VAT, Inheritance Tax, and Employment Taxes.
Reviews (6)
Dan Martin
Jun 26, 2025
Peter Rollason
Feb 11, 2025
Ian Bowie
Jan 17, 2025
Kat Jocic
Dec 05, 2024
Vince Mcnulty
Jan 16, 2024
Cirrus Trading Limited have been working with Cottons since 2020.
We use both the Payroll & Accounting services. On both fronts the staff have always been incredibly helpful, courteous and professional. Daria Krzemien and Callum James who I currently work closely with require a special mention. I will continue to use Cottons, and I would highly recommend cottons services to everyone.
We use both the Payroll & Accounting services. On both fronts the staff have always been incredibly helpful, courteous and professional. Daria Krzemien and Callum James who I currently work closely with require a special mention. I will continue to use Cottons, and I would highly recommend cottons services to everyone.
Hannah Price
Jan 06, 2018