Business Details
Trusted Accounting and Business Advisory Services in the North West
At N R Barton, we are a people-focused accountancy and business advisory firm dedicated to empowering businesses with insights that drive growth. Our integrated approach combines sector-specific knowledge with proven financial expertise, ensuring tailored solutions for entrepreneurial businesses. As part of the Sumer Group, a top 13 accountancy firm, we leverage extensive resources to deliver comprehensive support, from compliance to strategic growth planning.With over 250 dedicated professionals, we prioritise building long-term relationships, offering partner-led services that align with our clients' evolving needs. Our commitment to innovation, combined with a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes, positions us as trusted advisors for businesses seeking sustainable success across the North West and beyond.
Services
Accounts
Audit
Business Recovery
Deal Advisory
Tax
Payroll
Company Secretarial
Business Growth Advisory
Internal Audit
Statutory Audit
Highlights and features
- We offer over 250 dedicated professionals with sector-specific expertise.
- Our partner-led approach ensures tailored, strategic financial guidance.
- Integration with the Sumer Group provides access to top-tier resources.
- We prioritise long-term client relationships built on trust and transparency.
- Proven track record in supporting businesses through complex financial challenges.
What people say
Peace of mind
Expertise
Supportive
Professionalism
Tailored solutions
Services
Accounts
Our accounts service streamlines financial operations, enhances reporting frameworks, and ensures compliance. We provide strategic insights to improve profitability while maintaining accurate records. Clients benefit from proactive support tailored to their business lifecycle, leveraging advanced tools for real-time financial visibility and decision-making.
Audit
N R Barton delivers statutory and internal audit services with a focus on transparency and risk management. Our team ensures compliance with regulatory standards while offering actionable insights to strengthen financial controls. Partner-led audits minimise disruption, combining technical expertise with sector-specific knowledge for robust assurance.
Business Recovery
We provide pragmatic solutions for financially distressed businesses, including administration, liquidation, and restructuring. Our 30+ strong team offers creditor protection, debt advisory, and personal insolvency support, prioritising stability and stakeholder value through transparent, commercial strategies.
Deal Advisory
Our Deal Advisory team supports clients through mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising. Services include transaction due diligence, debt structuring, and strategic planning. Partner-led expertise ensures value maximisation, compliance, and seamless execution across private equity and corporate transactions.
Tax
N R Barton offers comprehensive tax compliance, planning, and advisory services. We specialise in corporate and personal tax, VAT, R&D reliefs, and international trade tax. Our proactive approach identifies savings, ensures compliance, and mitigates risks through tailored, forward-thinking strategies.
People
Paul Stringer
Managing Partner
Paul Stringer leads N R Barton with over 25 years of accountancy experience. He focuses on strategic growth and client relationships, ensuring high-quality service delivery across sectors. His expertise spans audit, compliance, and business advisory.
Lisa Kershaw
Head of People
Lisa Kershaw oversees HR and team development at N R Barton. With a background in organisational leadership, she drives employee engagement and fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration within the firm.
Stuart Stead
Head of Property & Construction
Stuart Stead specialises in property and construction finance, offering strategic advice to developers and contractors. His 20+ years in the sector ensure clients receive expert guidance on tax, compliance, and growth.
Lisa Wilson
Head of Tax
Lisa Wilson leads N R Barton' tax team, providing expert advice on corporate and personal tax matters. Her focus on compliance, reliefs, and international tax planning helps businesses optimise liabilities and navigate complex regulations.
Sam Davies
Head of Deal Advisory
Sam Davies directs M&A and corporate finance initiatives, leveraging extensive transaction experience. He advises on valuations, due diligence, and funding strategies, supporting clients through complex deals and growth phases.
Questions
What services does Cowgills offer?
Cowgills provides accountancy, audit, tax advisory, business recovery, deal advisory, payroll, and company secretarial services tailored to business needs.
How can Cowgills support business growth?
We offer strategic financial insights, compliance support, and partner-led advisory services to help businesses navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.
Are Cowgills part of a larger network?
Yes, we are part of the Sumer Group, a top 13 accountancy firm, enhancing our resources and expertise for client benefit.
What sectors does Cowgills specialise in?
We serve diverse sectors including healthcare, business services, property, and construction, with tailored financial expertise for each industry.
Reviews (7)
Anthony Knox
Jun 20, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Adrian dealt with my company and self assessment issues promptly and professionally
Adrian dealt with my company and self assessment issues promptly and professionally
Stuart McBride
Feb 26, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness,Value
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!
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!
Samuel Tomkins
Feb 05, 2021
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Samuel James Events Ltd have been using NR Barton for a number of years, in which they take care of all our accounting, taxation and payroll, as well as advising us on a range of other issues. Their knowledge and expertise in dealing with hospitality and leisure sector was a key reason for our appointing of them. Paul, Matt and all the team are a pleasure to work with, always there when we need them and very hands-on. We would thoroughly recommend them, without question.
Barry Almond
Feb 03, 2021
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Positive:Quality
very forward thinking, professional, helpful & supportive accountants that are constantly evolving, they cover an array of different sectors and being Xero specialists also helps sync with our business operations. i would highly recommend any small or large business who fancies a change to get in touch and see how they can help
very forward thinking, professional, helpful & supportive accountants that are constantly evolving, they cover an array of different sectors and being Xero specialists also helps sync with our business operations. i would highly recommend any small or large business who fancies a change to get in touch and see how they can help
Carl Kenyon
Jan 30, 2021
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Whenever I call and for whatever reason my problems are always sorted promptly, Stephanie is always pleasant and helpful and I trust her 100% in all our financial affairs, I would also like to mention Nona who sorts the PAYE out every month and is always spot on with the wages. I could not think of a negative thing to say about NR Barton. Thank you for all your efforts.
Malcolm Graham
Jan 27, 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.
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.
Tesni Buddug
Jan 19, 2021
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I worked with Paul Murphy last year on my tax return and can honestly say that he was so incredibly helpful and always so professional and reliable. He was always more than happy to pick up the phone if I ever needed to speak with him urgently and was always able to respond to my emails very quickly. I would highly recommend NR Barton especially Paul Murphy to anyone as they offer such a great service and are always so friendly and very trustworthy.