Ascott Blake

Business Details

14 Years

experience

Expert Accounting Services in Bishop's Stortford

Ascott Blake is a dynamic, client-focused accountancy practice dedicated to delivering innovative financial solutions. Established in 2012, we specialise in providing tailored accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and business advisory services to small and medium enterprises, startups, and individuals. Our team of Chartered Certified Accountants combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of our clients' operational challenges, offering clear, jargon-free guidance. Based in Bishop's Stortford, we serve businesses nationwide, leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline financial processes and ensure compliance.

With a commitment to transparency, we prioritise building long-term relationships by consistently delivering value-driven support that empowers clients to focus on growth. Our services extend beyond traditional accounting, encompassing strategic financial planning, cash flow management, and HR consultancy, positioning us as a holistic partner for sustainable business success.

Services

Bookkeeping Payroll Services Tax Compliance Company Secretarial Cash Flow Forecasting Management Accounts CIS Payroll Xero Accounting HR Consultancy Financial Strategy

Details

Year established: 2012

Highlights and features

We offer 15+ years of combined experience in accounting and financial strategy.
Our cloud-based solutions ensure real-time financial visibility and compliance.
Dedicated client support with proactive tax planning and cash flow management.
Specialised services for construction industry payroll (CIS) and recruitment agencies.
Award-winning client satisfaction with transparent, jargon-free communication.

Associations and certifications

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

What people say

Timely completion of accounts Excellent cash flow management Proactive compliance support Personalised service approach Reliable payroll processing

Website

Update Listing

Services

Bookkeeping

Our bookkeeping services ensure accurate, up-to-date financial records for businesses of all sizes. We handle daily transactions, bank reconciliations, and regulatory filings, using cloud-based software for real-time access. Clients benefit from reduced administrative burdens, improved cash flow visibility, and compliance with HMRC requirements. Our team provides monthly reports to support informed decision-making.

CIS Payroll

Specialised payroll services for construction industry contractors and subcontractors under the CIS scheme. We manage tax deductions, HMRC submissions, and payslip generation, ensuring compliance with CIS regulations. Our support includes registration, verification, and year-end documentation, allowing clients to focus on project delivery without compliance risks.

Management Accounts

Monthly or quarterly management accounts to track business performance. We analyse revenue, expenses, and KPIs, providing actionable insights for strategic decisions. Services include profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analysis, tailored to clients' operational needs and growth objectives.

Company Secretarial

Comprehensive secretarial services to maintain corporate governance compliance. We handle Companies House filings, statutory registers, director appointments, and shareholder communications. Our support ensures adherence to the Companies Act 2006, reducing legal risks and administrative workloads for directors.

Cash Flow Forecasting

Strategic cash flow forecasting to anticipate financial needs and mitigate risks. We create detailed projections using historical data and market trends, identifying potential shortfalls and optimising liquidity. Clients receive tailored models to support investment decisions, loan applications, and long-term financial stability.

People

Adam Aziz

Director

With extensive experience in financial leadership, Adam oversees strategic advisory services, focusing on business growth and compliance. He specialises in cash flow management and lender relations for SMEs.

Leila Osborne

HR Director

Leila leads HR consultancy, delivering tailored strategies to enhance workplace productivity and employee engagement. Her expertise includes policy development and DISC training for business teams.

Emily Melville-Taylor

Practice Manager

Emily coordinates client services, ensuring seamless delivery of accounting and secretarial solutions. She focuses on operational efficiency and client relationship management across diverse industry sectors.

Questions

What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?

We provide bookkeeping, tax returns, payroll, management accounts, and financial strategy tailored to SMEs, using cloud software for real-time financial oversight.

Are you specialists in construction industry payroll?

Yes, we offer CIS-compliant payroll services for contractors and subcontractors, including tax deductions, HMRC submissions, and year-end documentation.

How do you ensure compliance with tax regulations?

Our Chartered Accountants stay updated on legislation changes, ensuring accurate filings for HMRC and Companies House, with proactive advice on compliance obligations.

Can you assist with company secretarial duties?

Yes, we handle director appointments, statutory filings, shareholder communications, and corporate governance to reduce administrative burdens for directors.

What areas do you serve?

Based in Bishop's Stortford, we support clients nationwide, with particular expertise in Hertfordshire, Essex, and London commuter zones.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Aj Stringfellow

Apr 15, 2021 Report

Ascott Blake remove a lot of hassle and worry from being self employed. Their speed of service and willingness to go above and beyond is incredible. They don't just see you as a business to process they treat you like a person who they value. Can't recommend them enough. They enable me to get on with what I'm good at while they take care of what they are good at.

Kevin Miller

Jan 01, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Ascott Blake are always professional and they are always there to respond to questions. Friendly and approachable, they stand out from your Usual accountancy firm. I Highly rate and recommend.

Hakim Ej

Dec 22, 2020 Report

It makes a big difference to work with an accountant who has extensive experience in the recruitment sector. The other great thing is that, beyond accounting matters, Adam can also help my recruitment venture on a strategic advisory level. Difficult to ask for better on that level. I would love to get more insights, tips, updates, training on accounting and finance applied to recruitment agencies. This could be available on a knowledge base platform, which could save time to everyone. I understood that something like this is already in Ascott Blakes pipeline. So I am very much looking forward

Sian Harvey Stress Management

Dec 17, 2020 Report

The whole Ascott Blake team are absolutely fantastic, when I went self employed I didn't know where to start and had information and advice coming out of my ears. Adam and Emily took me through everything and helped me make sense of it all, now I'm all digital and streamlined and loving it! The support you receive here is just brilliant, and they have an awesome sense of humour too!!!

Vicky Tate

Nov 17, 2020 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I would highly recommend anyone that is looking for an accountant to get in touch with Ascott Blake! I have personally dealt with Adam and Emily for a few years now, their service is amazing and they are always on the end of the phone/email if i need any help or advice!

Alice Molloy

Oct 05, 2020 Report

Positive:Professionalism
I moved over to Ascott Blake just over a year ago now, and it was one of the best business decisions I have ever made. They are professional yet with a personal touch, you're not just another number to them! Great Team!!