Our Story | WNJ past and present, our core values and management team

WNJ Past & Present

Our story as trusted Advisors supporting UK business for over 55 years

Our Practice

Our story starts when the practice was founded by William Wallwork, Douglas Nelson and Michael Johnson in 1960 from the merger of a number of smaller regional practices whose origins went back over 100 years.

Having initially started in practice at Theatre Street in Preston City Centre, our main office was relocated to Derby House in Fulwood in 1988 and then to Chandler House on Preston’s Riversway in 2003.

Core values

Whilst our firm has grown significantly since its inception, WNJ’s core values have remained unchanged. We are not ‘just accountants’ to our Clients, reporting tax owed and ensuring compliance annually. We actively look to maximise our Clients’ financial and business affairs.

We are proud of our long standing relationships with our Clients, some of whom we have represented since our practice was founded at the start of our story.

WNJ now employs over 40 staff covering all aspects of accountancy, audit, taxation, payroll and other business advisory services.

Client Profile

As a general practice firm, our story centres round the Client. Clients range from multi million pound turnover public limited companies and substantial family controlled businesses to charities, professional practices, partnerships, sole traders and high net worth individuals.

WNJ serves many UK business sectors including manufacturing, distribution, agribusiness, creative industries, technical services, leisure and tourism and professional services.

National Coverage

Geographically, our Client base is predominantly centred throughout Lancashire and the North West of England.

National Clients in North East England, Cumbria, the Midlands, Southern Counties, London, Wales and Scotland are also supported. Additionally, we have overseas Clients based in Isle of Man, Jersey and mainland Europe.

WNJ Management

Meet our senior management team

Ian Johnson – BA Hons, FCCA

Partner

I adopt a proactive approach working with owner managers to assist them achieve their business plans and medium to long term objectives.

By close involvement with my Clients I play a strategic planning role and act as a key advisor in corporate assignments involving acquisitions, disposals, mergers and restructuring of businesses.

Specialisms

Business development
Corporate finance and restructuring
Acquisitions, disposals, mergers
Retirement planning
Preparing businesses for sale
Strategic and Succession planning

36 years with WNJ

Paul Woodburn – BCom Hons, FCA

Partner

I enjoy the involvement with a wide variety of organisations and individuals to better understand their goals and objectives.

My advice brings accountancy and commercial awareness together.

Specialisms

Advising a wide range of Clients from start-up businesses to large privately owned companies
Responsible for specialised audit and assurance engagements, including not-for-profit organisations, charities including Academies, pension schemes and solicitors
Corporate and business finance including acquisitions and disposals
Strategic business advice, including tax planning

35 years with WNJ

Michael Barker – BA Hons, FCCA

Partner

I manage the affairs of a portfolio of Clients in a wide range of industries.

In managing the audit and accounts department of WNJ, I always keep abreast of the latest technical information and legislative changes. Clients receive advice based on commercial awareness not simply historical reporting.

Specialisms

Audit and assurance services for large range of Clients, including charitable companies and pension schemes
Internal audit and systems reviews
Assisting and development of business start-ups

19 years with WNJ

Matthew Johnson – BA Hons, ACA

Associate Partner

I enjoy working closely with owner managers in order to identify opportunities for them from both a taxation and commercial perspective.

My approach ensures Clients are provided with proactive strategic advice in order to achieve their business objectives, as well as maximising their personal wealth.

Specialisms

Business development
Strategic growth planning
Combined business advisory and corporate/personal tax advice
Audit and accounts specialisms, including assistance with the preparation of management information

10 years with WNJ

Stuart Iddon – FCCA

Associate Partner

I work closely alongside clients in a wide range of industries providing support and assistance in order to meet their financial reporting requirements including statutory accounts, audit and internal management information.

I now play a key role in advising in corporate finance transactions and strategic business planning involving mergers, acquisitions, disposals and restructuring.

Specialisms

Financial reporting support and assistance
Corporate finance advisory
Strategic business planning

13 years with WNJ

Steve Towler

Senior Tax Consultant

I joined WNJ last year after carrying out various tax compliance and advisory roles at local and regional practices.

My work includes advising privately owned limited companies and their directors on many different taxation issues. I support and guide clients in a wide variety of tax matters including inheritance tax, capital gains tax and employee share schemes.

Specialisms

Tax consultancy and compliance
Income tax
Inheritance tax
Corporate reconstructions
HM Revenue and Custom enquiries and Investigations

WNJ Past & Present

Our Practice

Core values

Client Profile

National Coverage

WNJ Management

Meet our senior management team

Ian Johnson – BA Hons, FCCA

Specialisms

Paul Woodburn – BCom Hons, FCA

Specialisms

Michael Barker – BA Hons, FCCA

Specialisms

Matthew Johnson – BA Hons, ACA

Specialisms

Stuart Iddon – FCCA

Specialisms

Steve Towler

Specialisms

WNJ Chartered Accountants

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