Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Accountants in Essex Since 1927
Clay Ratnage has been delivering audit, taxation, and accountancy services to businesses and individuals since 1927. Our philosophy centres on maintaining a general practice approach, ensuring all staff possess extensive experience in accounts, tax, and audit to provide tailored assistance with day-to-day queries. We serve clients across Essex, London, and surrounding areas, leveraging cutting-edge technology to offer a user-friendly service. Our growth has been driven by client recommendations, reflecting our commitment to professional excellence and personalised support.With over 90 years of experience, we prioritise building strong relationships and delivering reliable, transparent advice. Our team includes specialists in probate, will writing, business advisory, and corporate restructuring, ensuring comprehensive solutions for diverse client needs. We are regulated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and licensed by ICAEW for probate services, underscoring our adherence to rigorous professional standards.
Services
Audit & Assurance
Tax Planning
Probate Services
Will Writing
Payroll Management
Business Advisory
Corporate Restructuring
Inheritance Tax Planning
Company Formation
Charity Accounting
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We offer over 90 years of experience in audit, tax, and accountancy services.
- Our team includes Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors with sector-specific expertise.
- We provide tailored financial solutions for businesses and individuals across Essex.
- Our probate and will writing services are licensed by ICAEW, ensuring professional standards.
- We prioritise client relationships, with 95% of business from recommendations.
Associations and certifications
- ACCA
- ICAEW
What people say
Professional service
First class service
Highly professional
Trusted advisor
Prompt and efficient
Services
Audit & Assurance
We conduct comprehensive audits for businesses, pension schemes, charities, and solicitors. Our services ensure financial accuracy, compliance with regulations, and identification of risk areas. Clients benefit from tailored reporting and confidence in their financial statements.
Tax Planning
Our specialists provide bespoke tax planning strategies to optimise allowances and reduce liabilities. We advise on inheritance tax, business incorporation, and off-payroll working rules, ensuring compliance while maximising savings for individuals and companies.
Probate Services
We manage probate applications, estate valuations, and tax calculations with sensitivity and efficiency. Our team handles asset transfers, debt settlements, and trust creation, supporting executors through complex administrative processes.
Will Writing
Our will writing service ensures clients' wishes are legally documented. We offer codicil amendments, executor appointments, and secure storage, providing peace of mind for asset distribution and family provisions.
Business Advisory
We support business growth through financial analysis, restructuring advice, and incentive scheme design. Our consultants help clients navigate mergers, acquisitions, and compliance requirements for sustainable development.
People
Lorraine Purdy
Partner
Qualified Chartered Accountant with expertise in construction audits and SRA compliance. Promoted to partner in 2019, known for approachable service and community engagement.
Steven Garrod
Partner
Chartered Accountant specialising in start-ups and agricultural sector taxation. Partner since 2011, offering business restructuring and incentive scheme consultancy.
Laura Mallion
Partner & Tax Advisor
Chartered Tax Advisor with 15+ years' experience in farming and property sectors. Developed the firm's probate department while maintaining a client-focused advisory approach.
Sharon Watkins
Partner
STEP-certified expert in trust and estate planning. Led probate department growth since 2009, combining technical expertise with empathetic client support.
Yusuf Dedat
Partner
Chartered Accountant with 30+ years' experience. Specialises in family businesses and charity audits, known for building long-term client relationships and office management expertise.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide accounts preparation, tax returns, payroll management, and business advisory services tailored to small businesses, with a focus on compliance and growth strategy.
Do you handle probate and will writing services?
Yes, we offer probate administration, will writing, and power of attorney services, licensed by ICAEW for non-contentious probate matters.
How do your audit services differ for charities?
Our charity audits ensure SORP compliance, internal control improvements, and tailored financial reporting to meet sector-specific regulatory requirements.
Can you assist with business restructuring?
We provide corporate restructuring advice including demergers, holding company formations, and HMRC clearance for complex reorganisations.
What tax planning services are available?
We offer inheritance tax mitigation, business incorporation strategies, and compliance with IR35 regulations, focusing on maximising allowable reliefs.
How are probate fees calculated?
Fees are bespoke based on estate complexity, ranging from £650 to £7,300 plus VAT, with transparent pricing agreed before commencement.
