Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Chartered Accountants in Preston
Established in 1988, A. I. Cherry, Chartered Accountants has built a reputation for delivering expert forensic accounting, probate services, and traditional accountancy solutions. With over 30 years of experience, our firm specialises in forensic accountancy, having handled thousands of cases in collaboration with legal professionals, insurance companies, and private individuals. We are registered auditors in the UK and Ireland, authorised to carry out probate work nationally, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of client confidentiality and service excellence. Our team, led by industry-recognised experts like Ian Cherry, combines deep technical knowledge with practical commercial insight to address complex financial disputes, litigation support, and estate administration needs.We prioritise client relationships, offering tailored advice, transparent fee structures, and timely responses to meet statutory deadlines. Our accreditations, including ICAEW and ACCA recognition, underscore our commitment to professional excellence. Headquartered in Preston, we serve clients across the UK and internationally, leveraging our expertise in arbitration, fraud investigations, tax compliance, and business valuations to deliver actionable solutions that drive client success.
Services
Forensic Accounting
Probate Services
Audit and Tax
Arbitration and Mediation
Fraud Investigations
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in forensic accounting and probate services.
- Our team includes ICAEW-accredited forensic accountants and expert witnesses.
- We are authorised to carry out non-contentious probate work nationally.
- Our audit registration ensures compliance with UK and Irish regulatory standards.
- We offer tailored solutions for legal professionals, businesses, and private clients.
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
- ACCA
Services
Forensic Accounting
Our forensic accounting services provide expert analysis of financial data for legal disputes, fraud investigations, and litigation support. We assist solicitors, insurers, and private clients by quantifying losses, tracing assets, and preparing court-admissible reports. With over 50 combined years of experience, our team delivers precise, legally compliant insights to resolve complex financial matters efficiently.
Probate Services
We offer sensitive, efficient probate services to manage estate administration during difficult times. Our team guides executors through tax compliance, asset distribution, and legal requirements, ensuring minimal delays and costs. Specialising in non-contentious probate, we streamline processes to reduce stress for beneficiaries while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory standards.
Audit and Tax
Our audit and tax solutions ensure businesses meet regulatory obligations while optimising financial strategies. As registered auditors, we provide statutory audits, tax planning, and compliance reviews tailored to UK and Irish regulations. Our approach combines technical expertise with proactive advice to enhance financial transparency and operational efficiency.
Arbitration and Mediation
We deliver independent arbitration and mediation services for contractual and commercial disputes. Our accredited arbitrators facilitate fair resolutions under the Arbitration Act 1996, minimising litigation risks. By focusing on collaborative problem-solving, we help clients achieve cost-effective outcomes aligned with legal and business objectives.
Fraud Investigations
Specialising in fraud detection and regulatory compliance, our investigations uncover financial misconduct through detailed audits and evidence analysis. We support legal teams and organisations in recovering assets, mitigating risks, and strengthening internal controls. Our reports are regularly used in criminal and civil proceedings to establish accountability.
People
Anthony (Ian) Cherry
Founder and Chief Executive
Ian Cherry is a Fellow of ICAEW, accredited forensic accountant, and licensed probate practitioner with over 30 years' experience. He established A. I. Cherry in 1988 and specialises in litigation support and expert witness testimony.
Richard Crowther
Senior Consultant
Richard Crowther is a chartered accountant with expertise in fraud investigations and anti-money laundering. He previously worked with KPMG and AXA UK, leading high-profile forensic cases and earning industry awards for fraud detection excellence.
Susan Cherry
Marketing Director
Susan Cherry oversees marketing strategy and client relations. With a background in corporate relationship management at ICAEW and global alcohol industry roles, she drives the firm's outreach and client engagement initiatives.
Tracey Martland
Practice Manager
Tracey Martland manages day-to-day operations, client communications, and GDPR compliance. With 22 years at the firm, she ensures seamless service delivery and maintains the firm's administrative and financial systems.
Questions
What areas do your forensic accounting services cover?
We handle fraud investigations, litigation support, asset tracing, business valuations, and expert witness testimony for legal disputes and regulatory compliance.
Can you assist with probate if there's no will?
Yes, we administer estates under intestacy laws, guiding executors through asset distribution and tax obligations even when a will is absent.
How long does the probate process typically take?
Probate usually takes 6 months to a year, depending on estate complexity, inheritance tax requirements, and asset liquidation timelines.
Are your audit services regulated?
Yes, we are registered auditors regulated by ICAEW, adhering to UK and Irish audit standards for statutory and compliance reviews.
Do you offer fixed-fee probate services?
Yes, we provide tailored fixed-fee quotes after assessing estate specifics, ensuring transparency and cost predictability.
What makes your firm different from other accountants?
Our niche focus on forensic accounting, probate expertise, and ICAEW accreditation ensures specialised, legally robust solutions for complex financial matters.
