About us

Partners

Gary Raven - Managing Partner garyr@barrons-bds.com

Gary is charged with overall responsibility for the strategic growth of the Practice and for ensuring that we drive to meet and exceed customer expectations in all the services that we provide.

Gary originally qualified in the former Practice, Barron Rowles Bass, in 1989.

Gary left the Practice in 1994 to work as a Financial Director in industry for six years, before working in a consultancy capacity for five years, during which time Gary gained invaluable experience through the delivery of interim management assignments, independent business review reporting to the Clearing Banks and numerous business turnaround and restructuring operations in addition to day to day financial consultancy services provided directly to SME businesses.

Gary returned to the Practice in 2005 and has been instrumental in developing our Business Advisory Services which extend to the delivery of accurate management accounts, working with management to deliver business forecasts and cashflow projections through to representation at Board level and business benchmarking and turnaround advice as tailored to the specific needs of the client.

Socially, Gary is an avid follower of most sports particuarly rugby - and is proud to have been present at each of England's last two World Cup Final appearance - and boxing, attending promotions on a regular basis.

Richard Mumford - Partner richardm@barrons-bds.com

Richard, who lives in Leigh, has been in practice since 1985 and has worked with the other partners of Barrons since 1986. He is ACCA qualified and is very positive about Barrons future, "Barrons is positioning itself as the firm for the future. Whilst continuing to improve upon the traditional services that we offer our clients, we are introducing additional value added services to work with our clients to grow their business. Our aim is to achieve greater success for both ourselves and our clients and to have fun getting there." He specialises in audit and also IT. Away from work he enjoys golf and a variety of sports.

Russell Tillbrook - Partner russellt@barrons-bds.com

Russell joined the accountancy profession in 1996 and is ACCA and AAT qualified. He has been with Barrons since 2001 and having now achieved Audit RI status and been appointed as a Partner of Barrons is keen to be a part of the continued development of the Practice. Russell is a keen sportsman playing football and golf in his spare time.

Practice Manager

hris Bray - Senior Administrator chrisb@barrons-bds.com

Chris lives in Westcliff and has been with the practice since its inception.

Consultants

Lyn Watson - Consultant lynw@barrons-bds.com

Lyn qualified in 1979 having worked with Barron Rowles Bass, the predecessor to Barrons from 1974. Lyn has a number of shareholding and directorship involvements with substantial trading businesses, which not only keep him very busy but also help in sharpening the commercial acumen needed to advise growing businesses. Lyn's primary interest is within the Bus and Coach sector, although his experience is of value to a wide range of businesses.

Sue Scott - Tax Consultant sues@barrons-bds.com

Sue, a qualified ACA, bringing her considerable expertise to assist with specialist tax assignments. Outside of work Sue enjoys ocean going yachting.

Managers

Lee Styles - Tax Service Manager lees@barrons-bds.com

Lee joined the profession working with the partners of Barrons, and is a founder member of the practice. He now manages all aspects of the tax department. Lee is a keen sportsman in his spare time away from the office. He has played Hockey for Southend HC 1st XI for the past five years and is also a level 1 Coach. To relax he plays Golf at The Essex off an official handicap of 12.

Jason "Mich" Michelow - Client Services Manager jasonm@barrons-bds.com

Jason lives in Langdon Hills and joined Barrons in July 2010 having worked for 20 years in practice with two other local firms accumulating a wealth of experience. Jason has been involved in rugby union for 30 years and played for Basildon RFU 1st XV since 1995 until retiring as a player in 2007. He holds a CCRFU Level 2 coaching certificate and is assistant coach for Basildon 1st XV and head coach of the U13 team.

Karen Gelsthorpe - Payroll Service Manager kareng@barrons-bds.com

Karen joined Barrons in 2010 with considerable experience in operating payroll bureaus within the profession. In her spare time she enjoys riding classic motorcycles.

Audit, Accounts & Statutory Compliance Team

Julia Keeble - Client Services Manager juliah@barrons-bds.com

Julia lives in Rayleigh and returns to Barrons following a stint in London where she developed her management accounting skills. She is ACCA qualified. In her spare time Julia enjoys yoga.

Lisa Garfinkle - Client Services Assistant lisag@barrons-bds.com

Lisa joined Barrons in 2008 after spending a year in practice with another firm and will soon commence study for the ACCA. She has lived in Runwell all her life and outside of work enjoys show jumping and spending time with her horses, as well as going for the odd run.

Martin Beales - Client Services Assistant martinb@barrons-bds.com

Martin lives in Leigh. Martin has successfully completed his AAT examinations and is now commencing study with the ACCA. Interests outside of work include watching all sports and playing football, golf and poker.

Sean Tierney - Client Services Assistant seant@barrons-bds.com

Sean's life revolves around West Ham, running, bread and butter pudding with custard and Barrons.

Business Advisory Team

Jo Travis - Management Services Manager joj@barrons-bds.com

Jo who lives in Canvey joined Barrons in February 2005. Jo has worked in practice for five & a half years and has successfully completed the ACCA qualification. In her spare time, Jo enjoys building and racing custom cars. Please feel free to browse her website at the following link www.thenightmares.co.uk

Dale Tucknott - Management Services Manager dalet@barrons-bds.com

Dale re-joined Barrons in 2011 after gaining considerable experience in a commercial environment. In his spare time he has a keen interest in sport, in particular following Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Gemma Capper - Client Services Assistant gemmac@barrons-bds.com

Gemma joined Barrons in June 2010 having worked for two years in practice with another firm. In her spare time Gemma enjoys dance and attending Zumba class. She is also planning for a parachute jump in aid of charity.

Support Team

Jane Drewery - Personal Assistant mail@barrons-bds.com

Jane supports the Practice Manager directly, assisting with all manner of administrative tasks.

Socially Jane is a keen theatre goer, possibly holding the world record for the most visits to We Will Rock You and Les Miserables, in addition to being a keen shopper.

Lisa Kerr - Director of First Impressions lisak@barrons-bds.com

Lisa, who lives in Southend on Sea, is the welcoming face of Barrons. She is looking forward to meeting and greeting our clients and gradually imposing her own personality on the reception area. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys cake baking and embroidery.