Blackpool Office

Partners:

Brian joined Rawcliffe & Co in 1990 and was admitted as a partner in 1996.

He specialises in franchisor and franchisee businesses, and also has over 30 years of experience in dealing with other general accountancy matters.

In his spare time, Brian enjoys Lake District pursuits and watching football.

David Harben BSc FCA

David obtained his BSc Degree in Computer Science from Birmingham University, before joining Rawcliffe & Co in 1989. He achieved his ACA qualification in 1992 and was admitted as a partner in 1996.

His specialist areas cover small business accounts, taxation planning, HMRC enquiries, Sage software implementation and advice, and financial services. He has previously worked in an insolvency department and has significant knowledge in this area. He also holds the key role of Audit Compliance Partner within the practice.

In his spare time David enjoys hill walking, hiking and spending time with his family.

Joseph Tantram BA (Hons) FCCA

Joseph moved to Blackpool from Manchester over 20 years ago, and attended Cardinal Allen School followed by Blackpool Sixth Form College. He obtained his BA (Hons) Degree in Accounting at the University of Central Lancashire, graduating in 2001 and has been with Rawcliffe & Co ever since. He qualified as an ACCA in 2006, and was welcomed as a partner in November 2008. He was pleased to become a Fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 2011.

Joseph’s specialist areas include new business start-ups, and he is able to give expert advice on the most appropriate legal framework for any type of business. He also specialises in business development and recovery.

In his spare time, Joseph enjoys squash, snowboarding, reading and walking his dog.

Ian Harrison BA (Hons) ACA

Ian has always lived on the Fylde Coast, attending Cardinal Allen School followed by Blackpool Sixth Form College. He graduated with a BA (Hons) Degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Central Lancashire in 2000, following which he commenced his professional training with Rawcliffe & Co. He qualified as an ACA in 2005, and became a partner in the practice in November 2008.

In addition to dealing with all general matters for SME’s, Ian specialises in business planning and cash flow projections, as well as the preparation of charity accounts. He is also one of the Audit partners within the practice.

Outside of work Ian is a keen squash player, and also enjoys watching Blackpool FC, skiing and spending time with his family. He is also an active member of various local finance committees and he enjoys keeping abreast of the latest tax and accounting issues and news.

Kirsten Shearer BA (Hons) ACA

Kirsten has always been a resident of the Fylde Coast, and attended Arnold School in Blackpool, before graduating with a first class BA (Hons) Degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Leeds in 2005. She joined Rawcliffe & Co as a graduate and achieved her ACA qualification in 2008. In November 2011 she became Rawcliffe & Co’s first ever female partner.

Kirsten deals with all general accountancy and taxation matters, and manages a portfolio of company and club audits. She also specialises in the audit of solicitors’ practices and other professional businesses.

In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys skiing, shopping and eating out.

Consultants and Chartered Accountants:

John Harrison FCA

A former partner of Rawcliffe & Co, John has been with the practice since 1964, becoming a partner in 1977. Over the years he has gained extensive knowledge in the fields of insolvency, business recovery, forensic accounting and off-shore taxation.

He spent many years as Chair of the Blackpool and Fylde Society of Chartered Accountants and led a successful team of Chartered Accountants to change the taxation laws on furnished holiday lettings.

Outside of the office, he is currently Treasurer to the North Fylde Rotary Club and is also the Chairman of Governors at St Wulstans and St Edmunds Primary RC School.

Michael Barnfather FCA

Michael joined us as a consultant in 2008, upon our acquisition of the established practice M. Barnfather & Co. He has over thirty years of experience in dealing with all general accountancy matters.

Accounts and Audit Team:

Paul Mason AAT – Audit Senior

Paul has worked with Rawcliffe & Co for over 20 years and supervises the audit staff within the practice and ensures that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. In performing his duties, he also closely liaises with the accounts team.

Accounts and Audit Staff:

Franchisee Department:

We have a dedicated franchisee department, consisting of an experienced manager and her five members of staff.

Their daily duties involve preparation of franchisee accounts, bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and Self Assessment tax returns.

Payroll and Bookkeeping Department:

We have a dedicated and experienced team of four staff dealing with all payroll, bookkeeping and VAT matters.

Administrative and support staff: