D. Martin Williams
Partner
Founder of Williams & Co in 1983, Martin has a wealth of experience in all aspects of accountancy. He is easy to talk to and is as comfortable with Directors of multi-million pound organisations as he is a painter and decorator. His drive is in tax planning and mitigating tax. He states regularly that our aim is to save clients tax not just to produce their accounts once a year. He works closely with clients who need or require this level of service and planning. Martin endeavours to develop long standing, professional relationships. A family man, married with two grown up children making their own way in life. If he’s not in the office, he’s usually on a golf course or a ski slope, passions he has enjoyed from a very early age.
Jane B Straw
Partner
Having started and grown her own practice in Ainsdale in 1990, Jane took (very!) early retirement in 2005 and moved to Spain. Missing being able to use the vast knowledge that she had gained over the years and helping the clients that she had built strong relationships with, she returned to Southport after only one year and joined Martin Williams thriving practice, bringing with her many of her former clients, which she still advises today after more than 25 years. If you are starting a new business and feeling daunted, Jane is the perfect person to dispel any fears you may have and set your venture off in the right direction. Jane still enjoys to spend her holidays in Spain but is now accompanied by her husband and young daughter.
Louise Griffin FCCA
Practice Manager
Louise has worked in the accountancy profession since leaving 6th form where she gained a distinction in NVQ Business & Finance. She worked at a practice one day per week whilst in 6th form then went onto full time employment when she AAT qualified. Louise then progressed to ACCA, and has now been ACCA qualified for over 5 years, becoming a fellow in 2016. Louise joined our team in February 2016 were her assistance with the work load has been invaluable whilst she simultaneously develops her own client portfolio within the practice. Louise has a young daughter, Luna, who keeps her fully occupied in her spare time
Suzanne Ashcroft MAAT
Accountant
Suzanne started working for Williams & Co in 2008, having previously worked for large corporate companies in London, where she gained many years’ experience within their accounts departments. Since starting with Williams & Co she decided to gain the AAT qualification, which she enjoyed studying for whilst working part time and bringing up her family. She qualified and is now MAAT. Whilst working for Williams & Co she has gained substantial experience preparing payroll, VAT, sole trader and limited company accounts, which she now passes on to our clients. Suzanne works with a large range of clients, all of which have very different needs. This makes her role very interesting and challenging, which she really enjoys, giving her job satisfaction. As Suzanne’s family are now older, she has had a little time to enjoy sporting pursuits, including golf.
Vicky Ward AAT
Accountant
Having gained the AAT qualification in 2005, Vicky Joined Jane’s accountancy practice in Ainsdale where she worked for 2 years until leaving to start a family. She followed Jane and joined Williams & Co in 2010 where she has gained valuable experience. Vicky has looked after her own portfolio of clients dealing with sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. Although she has many years’ experience as an accounts assistant, she is a great all-rounder and problem solver. In her spare time, she loves sewing when time allows and has also been renovating her home which she has recently completed. Her young family also keep her very busy.
Debbie Jones
Client Book-keeping
Being the longest serving member of the team, having joined Martin in 1984, Debbie continues to service many of the practices long standing clients, and as a consequence, has built long standing professional relationships. Another good all-rounder, with vast experience in not only accounts preparation but VAT, payroll and book-keeping. A valued senior member of the team with grown up children she now works part-time, enjoying some rest and relaxation after a career spanning in excess of 30 years in the profession.
Melanie Meak
Marketing Manager
Melanie manages the Marketing and social media for Williams and Co. With an extensive background in social media - web based platforms and SEO and online networking. A creative flare enables Melanie to design successful marketing campaigns online and in print - keeping us current and present in the virtual world in this ever increasing market place.
Cameron Williams
Accounts Trainee
Cameron is one of the more recent additions to our team. The practice supported Cameron during his education at York University, employing him as and when time allowed, enabling him to combine the theory with the practical. He has now completed his 3-year course and secured his degree in Business Management and Finance. Cameron is now committed to a path in the accountancy profession and his relaxed and friendly demeanour makes him popular with other members of the team and clients alike. Cameron will be found on a golf course at weekends and also manages a trip to the slopes annually with his girlfriend.
Peter Dixon
Lawyer
Peter has worked in general practice in the Legal Profession for over 30 years during which time he accumulated a wealth of experience in many areas of law. A graduate of Liverpool John Moores University, where he gained an honours degree in law and legal practice, Peter offers advice and assistance in areas of Law which are no longer the sole domain of the Legal Profession. He currently assists clients of the practice with legal matters identified by our Accountants in relation to their business and personal affairs including:- Advice relating to the nature and effect of Commercial Contracts and Leases. Company Formations and Acquisitions Commercial Dispute Resolution Advice relating to claims by or against Statutory and /or Regulatory Bodies e.g. HMRC Advice relating to Wills, Estates, and Inheritance Tax Planning. Peter is a member of Hillside Golf Club, is a season ticket holder at Blackburn Rovers Football Club and regularly attends at The Merseyrail Community Stadium to support his local team Southport FC who play in the Football Conference.
John Hampson
Para-Legal
John joined the Legal Team at Williams & Co in 2015. Prior to this he had spent thirty-one years in the police force. Twenty-seven years were spent in the Criminal Investigation Department where he dealt with many major enquiries and protracted fraud investigations. In 2004 he retired from the police and spent the next 10 years working in the legal profession during which time he qualified as a para-legal which enabled him to deal with a wide range of legal matters. John is married and spends his spare time with his grandchildren, walking his West Highland White and watching his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.