DPC Accountants Stoke-on-Trent
WE ARE HIRING!
Discover career opportunities with DPC
DPC Business & Tax Advisers Stoke-on-Trent
Creating Relationships – Driving Success
Looking for an Accountants in Stoke-on-Trent? Wherever you are in your business journey, just starting out, established and running a successfully business, looking to retire to grow your business, or just need some help with meeting your tax obligations, DPC Accountants Stoke-on-Trent have all the skills to help you achieve your financial goals and keep you compliant.
Our aim is to build lasting relationships to understand your business and personal financial goals and help you achieve them.
We can provide you a professional, honest, and personal service from day-to-day business accounting and compliance, through to specialist tax or business advice, and auditing.
Our team have a wealth of experience to help individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to reach their full potential and grow and develop.
We help a wide range of businesses from corporate groups, owner managed businesses, sole traders and partnerships working across multiple business sectors and industries.
We use and embrace technology to enable us to deliver accurate and efficient information to you which enables us to provide advice that adds value to your business.
Our staff are trained to a high standard and our work is regulated by the ICAEW accountancy body, ensuring we deliver a high standard of service to all our clients.
Find out about the wide range of services offered by DPC Accountants
Launch of United Growth Briefing Paper
Working with you to ensure the success of your business relies on strong relationships, trust and integrity.
As a well-known Staffordshire firm of chartered accountants and business advisers, DPC Chartered Accountants Stoke-on-Trent use intelligent accounting solutions and expert advice to guide business and private clients.
Continual staff training and in-house skills are invested in to deliver the most up-to-date services compliant with HMRC, digital technology and data protection.
Whether you run a start-up company, a growing business, are looking to exit a business or require taxation advice, you can be assured of the highest quality guidance and tax solutions.
DPC Chartered Accountants are part of The Sumer Group Limited.
The people behind the company! Introducing the staff, our practices and our working culture.
The heritage of DPC Group Limited originated with Edwin Downward on February 9, 1943 who set up shop as a sole practitioner in Wellesley Street, Stoke-on-Trent.
Welcoming John Plumb in 1962 and Mike Colclough in 1963, the firm became known as Downward, Plumb and Colclough – later adopting the acronym DPC.
Over the course of its rich history as a firm of accountants in Stoke-on-Trent (80-years celebrated in July 2023) DPC has gone from strength to strength embracing many changes and a commitment to constant innovation.
When computers were a fledgling industry, DPC took a chance by investing into new technology by spending £3,500 on a revolutionary Logabax accounting machine in June 1967.
The investment enabled advanced accounting (at the time) for some of Staffordshire’s most prominent businesses. The efficiency in financial affairs resulted in many of these organisations achieving international success.
Since Edwin’s ‘accounting vision’ launched in 1943, the company has grown steadily to employ over 60 people today, making DPC one of Staffordshire’s largest accountancy practices.
Looking to work as an accountant in Stoke-on-Trent? We welcome people at all stages in their careers, from school leavers and recent graduates to experienced professionals.
We’re focused on attracting the best talent, putting people into the right roles and offering the best professional training and personal development to deliver a first class client service.
We offer fully funded and supported professional training at each stage of an accountancy/ audit/ tax career i.e. AAT, ACCA, ACA (ICAEW), ATT, or CTA. This is supplemented with an in-house mentor and Personal Development Plan.
We offer structured career paths across a range of roles within the practice
As a dynamic and proactive practice we continually expand and are always looking for high-calibre staff to join our busy team.
The Budget and what it means for you
Click to see our guide to the implications of the 2024 Budget for your finances.
We are hiring! Accountancy and Audit Roles in Stoke-on-Trent
Tax Manager
You will be reporting directly to the Tax Director predominantly, you will play a critical role in the review and completion of tax returns for a varied client portfolio. You will also identify opportunities to contribute towards the development of a larger advisory function.
Audit Senior
You will provide a wide range of audit services across a diverse range of clients, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a high calibre audit service. Our audit function is growing, and the successful candidate will have a defined pathway for personal and professional development along with opportunities for career progression.
Accounts and Audit Semi-Senior
You will work with multiple clients to complete full Accounts Preparation, Corporate Tax Returns and Management Accounts. You will have opportunities to work with a varied client portfolio including SME, Sole Trader and Limited Companies as well as larger clients where you have the option to develop skills within audit if you would like.
Accounts and Audit Senior
You will manage a varied portfolio of clients (SME, Sole Trader and Limited Companies as well as larger clients), acting as a first point of contact. You will be responsible for their end-to-end accounts. The nature of our clients and our approach will also give you the opportunity to work within audit if you would like.
Weekly Business News
January 20th Business News
Welcome to the DPC round up of some of important business news for our clients. Please contact us if you want to talk about how these updates affect your business. We are here to support you!
To view previous business newsletters, click here
Monthly Tax News
January 2025 Tax News
In the January edition of DPC Tax News -Scottish and Welsh Budgets; getting ready for making tax digital for income tax; the corporate tax roadmap; payrolling benefits in kind and an HMRC scam warning.
To view previous tax newsletters, click here
Practice News
NSCG welcome DPC staff to address their students
Sharing their experiences of working for the Stoke-on-Trent business who were recently awarded ‘SME Employer of the Year Regional Finalist’ in the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards, Rachel and Nathan helped the group to focus on the progression opportunities available to them within this in-demand profession.
DPC are part of the fastest growing accountancy firm in the UK!
Sumer has been recognised in this year’s Top 50+50 Accountancy Firms, by Accountancy Age! It’s official, we’re now the fastest growing accountancy firm in the UK! It’s not just about numbers or rankings; it’s about the incredible team that made it happen and the trust of the clients who believe in us.
Business Fives Football Fundraiser
Earlier this week, DPC’s five aside team braved the snowy cold weather to compete in a charity football tournament at the Powerleague in Stoke-on-Trent. Our team was playing to raise money for the aiM charity – this is a local charity that was set up by the parents of Mia who tragically passed away in December 2022 from sepsis. The charity works to raise awareness of Sepsis to save lives and hopefully stop others feeling the same pain as Mia’s family.
Business News from DPC Accountants Stoke-on-Trent
Inflation falls to 2.5%: What this means for your business
The latest figures reveal that UK inflation fell slightly in December, down to 2.5% from 2.6% in November. While the drop is marginal, however it has sparked discussion in the press as to whether this easing of inflation might prompt the Bank of England to consider cutting interest rates when it meets next month. However, there is also talk of many businesses raising prices over coming months due to payroll cost increases set for April.
Government pushes AI adoption as part of growth strategy
The government launched an AI opportunities action plan last Monday that aims to ramp up AI adoption across the UK. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Peter Kyle, believes that the plan shows how the application of AI can be shaped within a modern social market economy.
Import ban on cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany
Following confirmation of a case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany, a ban has been put on the import of cattle, pigs and sheep from there. It is hoped that this action will help to protect UK farmers and their livelihood. While FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, it is highly contagious to cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.
Renters’ Rights Bill continues to progress
The Renters’ Rights Bill returned to Parliament for debate last week and included some new changes. A new rule is proposed that will cap advance rent payments at one month’s rent. Currently, there is no limit on the upfront rent a landlord can ask for. This is being used to exploit potential tenants in some places and particularly disadvantages renters on lower incomes.
CMA launches first investigation under new powers
The new digital markets competition regime came into force on 1 January 2025 and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has now launched its first investigation on Google under its new powers. Under the new digital markets competition regime, the CMA can designate certain businesses as having strategic market status (SMS) in relation to a particular digital activity.
Government funding for AI Projects to boost small business productivity
The UK Government has announced a £7 million funding initiative aimed at helping small businesses enhance their productivity and efficiency through artificial intelligence (AI).
This funding, distributed across 120 projects, is part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Technology Missions Fund.
Showcasing export excellence: Enter the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards
Small businesses across the UK are invited to enter the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, which celebrate exceptional achievements in international trade. The awards are open for entries until 9 March and provide a platform for SMEs to showcase their success in exporting British goods and services across the globe.
Navigating pricing strategies amid rising wage costs: Insights from Next
Businesses are facing rising wage costs in 2025. As a result, many businesses are looking at whether price increases could help them manage the financial impact without losing customers. High Street retailer Next recently announced a price increase of 1% on some clothing items to help offset an anticipated £73 million rise in staff wages and taxes. Their strategy and decisions provide some useful lessons.
Tax return filing deadline looms
With the 31 January Self-Assessment tax return filing deadline fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs issued a press release last week noting that 5.4 million taxpayers are yet to complete their return. Apparently more than 24,800 people filed their return on New Year’s Day, while a further 38,000 had filed theirs on 31 December. 310 filed their returns between 11pm and midnight.
New digital markets competition regime now in force
Last week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) set out its initial plans for the new digital markets competition regime. The regime is designed to support the UK’s tech sector and has its legal footing in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The Act received royal assent in May 2024 but came into force on 1 January 2025.
Balancing AI’s promise and pitfalls
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to bring benefits across many industries, including healthcare diagnostics and consumer technology. However, as its applications expand, so do concerns about its accuracy and potential for misuse. Two recent examples—the use of AI in detecting ovarian cancer and its controversial implementation in summarising news—illustrate both the transformative potential and the risks of AI.
New Steel Council launched to rebuild the UK’s steel industry
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds co-chaired the first meeting of a new Steel Council last week. The Steel Council’s purpose is to help secure the long-term future of steelmaking in the UK. The new Council will feature regular meetings with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives, trade associations and steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel.
Two business rates agents suspended by VOA
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have announced the suspension of two business rates agents. These are Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK. The VOA have not specified the exact reasons for the suspension and have simply said that they are investigating a potentially serious breach of their agent standards.
Government announces £289 million investment to deliver faster broadband to remote areas
The UK government has announced contracts worth over £289 million to provide gigabit-capable broadband to 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the country’s most remote locations. The initiative is part of the government’s Project Gigabit program, which aims to modernise broadband infrastructure across the country.
HSE turns 50
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The HSE was created by the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and officially launched on 1 January 1975. In 1974, 651 employees were killed at work. HSE’s statistics for 2023/24 show 138 employees were killed at work and indicates the work that has been done to reduce workplace death and injury in England, Scotland and Wales over the last 50 years.
A fresh start: Reviewing your business goals for the New Year
The start of January marks a time of new beginnings, and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan ahead. After the whirlwind of the festive season, January offers a quieter moment to consider where your business is headed, how it’s performing, and whether you’re still on track to meet your goals.
Christmas tax filing: Getting ahead of the deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that 4,409 people chose Christmas Day to file their tax returns, ensuring their 2023-2024 tax affairs were in order well before the 31 January deadline. In total, 40,072 taxpayers submitted their returns over the Christmas break, proving that even amidst the festive cheer, there’s always time for a little financial housekeeping.
Greener flights in 2025
Flights leaving the UK will now be greener due to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate coming into force on January 1st. For all jet fuel used in flights taking off from the UK in 2025, 2% must be SAF. This percentage will increase by 2 percentage points each year so that it is 10% by 2030 and then 22% by 2040.
