Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Accountancy & Tax Solutions
Established in 2004, Mark Stanley Accountants has been dedicated to providing tailored accountancy and tax advisory services to small owner-managed businesses. Our founder, Alison Smith, brings over 25 years of professional experience, having worked across diverse regions including London, North Yorkshire, and County Durham. As certified practitioners for QuickBooks and Xero, we combine technical expertise with a client-centric approach, ensuring compliance and clarity in all financial matters. Our team specialises in payroll, VAT returns, bookkeeping, and business start-up support, serving both local and national clients. We prioritise building long-term relationships, offering proactive advice and regular updates through newsletters and consultations.Our commitment to transparency is reflected in competitive pricing with no hidden fees, alongside full readiness for Making Tax Digital. With a focus on understanding the unique needs of tradespeople, contractors, and professionals, we aim to simplify financial management so clients can concentrate on growing their businesses. Our office in Consett, County Durham, serves as a hub for nationwide operations, blending local accessibility with broad expertise. As members of the Association of Taxation Technicians, we uphold rigorous professional standards while maintaining a friendly, approachable ethos. By staying engaged throughout the year, we ensure our clients receive timely guidance that aligns with their evolving business goals.
Services
Accountancy Services
Taxation Services
Bookkeeping
Payroll Services
Business Start-Up Support
VAT Returns
Management Accounts
Personal Tax Returns
Corporation Tax
CIS Registrations
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in accountancy practice.
- We are certified practitioners for QuickBooks and Xero online software.
- We provide tailored packages to meet specific business needs.
- We operate nationally while maintaining local accessibility in County Durham.
- We offer competitive rates with full transparency and no hidden fees.
Associations and certifications
- Association of Taxation Technicians
- QuickBooks
- Xero
What people say
Very professional
Knowledgeable
Reasonably priced
Friendly
Offer advice
Services
Accountancy Services
We provide comprehensive accountancy services tailored to small businesses, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Our expertise covers annual accounts preparation, compliance with Companies House and HMRC requirements, and financial review consultations. With certified proficiency in QuickBooks and Xero software, we ensure accurate, efficient management of your financial records while adhering to the latest regulatory standards.
Taxation Services
Our taxation services encompass personal and corporation tax computations, self-assessment returns, and strategic tax planning. We ensure compliance with HMRC regulations while identifying legitimate opportunities to optimise tax liabilities. Clients receive proactive guidance on deadlines, record-keeping requirements, and legislative changes affecting their business operations throughout the year.
Bookkeeping
We offer complete bookkeeping solutions using certified QuickBooks and Xero platforms, maintaining accurate day-to-day financial records for businesses of all sizes. Services include transaction categorisation, bank reconciliation, and preparation of management accounts to provide clear insights into business performance, enabling informed decision-making and financial control.
Payroll Services
Our payroll services ensure full compliance with current employment legislation, including accurate calculation of wages, tax deductions, and statutory payments. We handle PAYE submissions, year-end procedures, and real-time reporting requirements, allowing businesses to focus on operations while maintaining employee payment accuracy and HMRC compliance.
Business Start-Up Support
We support new businesses with essential accounting foundations, including company registration, VAT/CIS registrations, and selection of appropriate accounting methods. Our guidance covers structural considerations, record-keeping requirements, and ongoing compliance obligations, providing entrepreneurs with confidence in their financial management from inception.
People
Alison Smith
Founder
Alison Smith established Mark Stanley Accountants in 2004 after 25 years working in accountancy practice across London and the North East. A qualified ATT member, she specialises in providing tailored financial solutions for small businesses while maintaining a client-focused approach that prioritises long-term relationships.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide accounts preparation, VAT returns, payroll management, bookkeeping, personal/corporation tax services, and business start-up support tailored to small businesses.
How do you support new business owners?
We assist with company registration, VAT/CIS registrations, accounting method selection, structural advice, and compliance guidance to ensure new businesses establish strong financial foundations.
Are your services available outside County Durham?
Yes, while based in Consett, we operate nationally and support clients across the UK through remote consultations and digital accounting solutions.
What software do you use for accounting services?
We are certified practitioners for QuickBooks and Xero online accounting software, ensuring efficient, cloud-based financial management solutions for our clients.
How do you ensure transparency in pricing?
We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees, providing clear cost breakdowns for all services including our specialised fixed-fee package for contractor businesses.
Videos
Reviews (4)
K. Maddison
Oct 31, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
The BEST decision we've made recently, after spending around 3+ years with an accountant that didn't communicate - Alison is a breath of fresh air. Excellent communicator & very friendly. We highly recommend!
The BEST decision we've made recently, after spending around 3+ years with an accountant that didn't communicate - Alison is a breath of fresh air. Excellent communicator & very friendly. We highly recommend!
Patrick Brannan
Sep 16, 2020
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I decided to change accountants after 20 years with the same accountancy firm. First impression of Alison, professional, knowledgeable & down to earth. Alison is amazing, if your unsure of anything just pick up the phone. I have had more communication with Alison in a few weeks than I have had from my previous accountants over a 20 year period. The transition was so simple & straight forward. My accounts were completed so quickly, I couldn't believe it. Accountancy fee's are very reasonable. I have no hesitation in recommending Mark Stanley Accountants
David Bain
Sep 25, 2019
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I have used Mark Stanley Accountants for the last 10 years. I cannot fault them and I highly recommend!
Helen Oswald
May 05, 2019
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I can't thank Alison enough for her advice, patience and support over the past 6 years on all things bookkeeping, tax and returns. It felt like she was a part of our business being proactive and keeping us right. Alison is experienced, personable and ensured we didn't need to worry about a thing in relation to tax. I recommend her highly to all small business owners in Durham. Thank you so much Alison :)
