Our Team

Adam joined Townends in 1998 qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Based in the Tax and Strategic Planning Department Adam works with clients to achieve their personal and business objectives using the Townends Philosophy approach.

Adam has an interest in all aspects of Tax Planning but with a particular emphasis on the use of pension funds and the development of Family Plans. He also specialises in Doctors’ practices working closely with the practice managers.

His loyalty knows no bounds as he is a lifelong Bradford City fan. He is a regular visitor to the terraces of Valley Parade and travels the length and breadth of the country to watch their away games. He is currently in the process of indoctrinating his children in all things Bradford City.

Adam is a keen runner and cyclist and loves to spend his weekends attending park run events and going on bike rides with his wife and children. He is a keen participant of the Hull 10K as part of the Townends team and has successfully completed the London Marathon.  Adam also loves to plan his next long-distance cycling route as he attempts to leave no local road unexplored.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: acooper@townends.com

Adrian has been with Townends throughout his career having trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm. He has been a partner since 1991.

Since then Adrian has developed a wide ranging and diverse client portfolio providing a full range of compliance and advisory services to companies and larger businesses.

Adrian has a keen interest in tax mitigation and developing Family Plans for owner managed businesses using the Townends Philosophy approach.

In his time away from the office Adrian likes to travel with his wife and family and keeps fit by chasing around after his four grandchildren!

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: acfca@townends.com

Becky joined Townends in 2002 after graduating from Aberystwyth University and subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm.

Based at our Goole office, Becky started out as a trainee and worked her way up to becoming a Senior Audit Manager then Partner in the Corporate Department.

Becky looks after some of the firm’s larger limited company clients, partnerships and LLPs, providing a full range of compliance and advisory services.

Outside of work Becky’s interests include rugby (watching not playing!) and socialising with friends and family.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: beckyd@townends.com

Bryan joined Townends in 1980 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1984.

With a focus on owner managed businesses, Bryan has many years experience of dealing with the accountancy and taxation needs of a small to medium sized business.

Bryan has a wide client base covering a variety of business sectors including farming, haulage, construction, IT services and the motor industry.

Outside of office hours Bryan likes to get out on the open road as he engages in his passion for motorcycles. He also enjoys a spot of culture catching the latest production at one of the local theatres.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: bjbarker@townends.com

Dave joined Townends in 2024 having already qualified as a Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA).

As a Senior Manager based in the Corporate Department at the Goole office, Dave works with some of the firm’s larger limited company clients and also oversees annual audits.

Outside of work, Dave spends most of his time with his family, usually chasing after his two young children.  When he gets the chance, he enjoys fitting in a round of golf—though says the results can be unpredictable!

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: dnorton@townends.com

Fred has been a Partner since 1974 having trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Hull at what was a predecessor firm to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Fred has worked throughout his career in a very tax driven environment and represented many high net worth families.

Fred is involved in various aspects of tax planning targeted to meet the personal and business objectives of the firm’s clients and their families through the Townends Philosophy approach and development of Family Plans. Fred is well known for his sometimes off the wall outside of the box thinking and likes nothing more than spending a few hours in conference with Tax Counsel.

In his leisure time Fred can be found working on his handicap on the golf course, tending to his tomato plants and hanging baskets or having afternoon tea with his grandchildren.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: fcverney@townends.com

Hayley joined Townends in 2008 and with Townends support started progressing through her studies.

Hayley has said that qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at the end of 2015 felt like a huge achievement personally and gave her valuable knowledge to advise her clients, going on to say that “Townends helped guide me through my studies whilst also giving me priceless opportunities to build business relationships, gain experience on a wide range of clients and be part of a great team.”

With that experience Hayley progressed to become a Partner of the firm in 2019 based in the firms York office.  Hayley has been instrumental in growing the PFM Townends dental specialist joint venture which brings exciting new challenges week in week out.

Outside the office Hayley enjoys spending time with her young family, out shopping or attempting to train her dog.

Call: 01904 687500 | Email: hhudson@townends.com

Jayne joined Townends in 1988 and qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor.

For the last fifteen plus years Jayne has worked in the Tax and Strategic Planning Department assisting clients in achieving their personal and business objectives using the Townends Philosophy approach.

Jayne has a particular interest in Trusts and Landed Estates as well as Inheritance Tax and Will Planning.

Away from the office Jayne is a regular visitor to the theatre, can often be found in the gym or with her head in a book and likes jetting off to far away shores.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: jbryars@townends.com

Jeff joined Townends soon after graduation and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994. Initially based at the Pontefract office Jeff became a Partner in 1999 and now heads up the office in York.

With a wide range of experience of issues facing owner-managed and family businesses covering the whole business life cycle from start up to succession and exit planning, Jeff has worked closely with his clients for many years developing his role as trusted advisor. His objective is to deliver timely, proactive advice that improves profitability and minimises tax for his clients.

Jeff has also been a key member of the team behind the PFM Townends joint venture and has become a specialist in providing compliance and taxation services to the dental profession.

In the summer months you are likely to find Jeff and his family relaxing on the beach of some far flung shore soaking up the sun. While back at home he can be seen out and about on the roads clocking up the miles in his car.

Call: 01904 687500 | Email: jeff@townends.com

Jennifer joined Townends in 2025 to work in the Accounts Department in Goole having gained experience at other practices dealing with a variety of SME clients with a few years in industry.

Jennifer helps the new trainees with their development and works closely primarily with farming clients to complete their year end accounts and tax returns.

She is the go-to person for excel queries in the department.

Outside of work Jennifer spends her time completing puzzle books, visiting local cafes for a slice of cake, or browsing for the next holiday destination.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: jblackburn@townends.com

Jon trained with Townends and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011.

Starting out at our Pontefract office, Jon then spent some time working in our Corporate Department in Goole before returning to the Pontefract office in early 2014 to take up the position of Manager.  Jon subsequently became a Partner on 1 July 2016.

Now based back in Goole Jon heads up the Accounts Department and has experience across a wide range of sectors and sizes of business with a particular interest in limited companies and farming.

Outside of work Jon enjoys spending time with his family, in the gym or watching rugby league (because he says he is too old/injured to play!) – although he does get involved coaching at a junior level.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: jcooper@townends.com

Kevin joined Townends in 2000 as a trainee accountant following completion of his A-Levels at Selby College and is now a Senior Manager in the Corporate Department.

As well as being responsible for the compliance, statutory accounts and monthly management reports for a number of clients, Kevin also gets involved with personal and corporate tax planning.

Kevin acts for a wide range of small, medium and large limited company clients including farmers, hauliers, restaurateurs and manufacturers.

At weekends, Kevin can often be found on the cricket field, is a keen Sheffield Wednesday football fan and enjoys going to watch horse racing amongst other sports!  Kevin is also a keen runner having completed several marathons including the London Marathon in 2025.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: kmurphy@townends.com

Lewis originally joined Townends in 2020 whilst on a placement year from university. After the successful completion of his degree he rejoined the firm in 2022 to further his studies.

Lewis qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2025 becoming a Manager at the York office the same year.

The majority of his time in the office is spent supporting our ever-growing dental client base, providing proactive advice while also preparing both personal and corporate accounts.

Although primarily focused on the dental sector, Lewis also works with a wide range of clients across various industries, ensuring that no two days are ever the same.

Outside of the office you will typically find Lewis on the golf course attempting to play to his handicap.

Call: 01904 687500 | Email: lstead@townends.com

Lyndsey joined Townends in 2004 to work in the Accounts Department in Goole.

Having subsequently been promoted to the role of Senior VAT Manager, Lyndsey oversees the preparation of Accounts and Tax Returns for sole traders, partnerships and owner managed limited companies.

Lyndsey also manages the provision of VAT and bookkeeping services for clients, including training and assistance with bookkeeping systems. She is the ‘go to person’ for many staff and clients in helping to resolve system issues.

When off duty, Lyndsey enjoys watching sports, reading and spending time with her family.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: lhobson@townends.com

Nicola joined Townends in 2010 and qualified as a chartered accountant in 2017.

Initially based at the Pontefract office, Nicola then spent time in the Corporate Department in Goole gaining experience across a wide range of sectors and sizes of business. Whilst based in this department Nicola took up the position of Manager and is now a Manager in the Accounts Department in Goole overseeing the preparation of accounts and tax returns for partnerships and small limited companies.

Outside of work Nicola likes to spend time with her family, watching sport and going to music concerts.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: nbarnaby@townends.com

Nikki joined Townends in 2006 qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Based in the Tax and Strategic Planning Department Nikki works with a wide portfolio of clients including personal tax, Trusts, Landed Estates, Doctors’ practices and farmers.

Outside of work Nikki enjoys open water swimming all year round and has even swum in Loch Ness.  She also enjoys travelling, reading and baking.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: njewison@townends.com

Phil trained with Townends, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1977 and he became a partner in 1983.

Phil trained with Townends, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1977 and he became a partner in 1983.

Since April 2017 Phil has worked in a part time role primarily focused on working closely with the team in Townends Wealth Management Limited whilst still maintaining some client work.

Phil has considerable experience in all aspects of accounting and tax related issues. He is well known for delivering proactive tax and strategic planning solutions to owner managed businesses.

A former rugby player himself, Phil, continues to have a keen interest in the game and is actively involved with Goole RUFC and Yorkshire. He also enjoys travel and has visited a variety of places across the globe.

Call: 01977 703357 | Email: jps@townends.com

Call: 01904 687500 | Email: ralmond@townends.com

Shirley has been with Townends as the Payroll Bureau Manager since April 2009.

Her team of 4 process over 250 payrolls on a weekly, fortnightly, four weekly and monthly basis as well as keeping up to date with the latest developments including Real Time Information, Auto Enrolment Pensions and most recently payrolling benefits in kind.

Shirley brings a wealth of experience to the firm gained during her 30 plus years working in payroll for various companies.

Away from the office Shirley enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: shirleyw@townends.com

Steph joined Townends in July 2022. Prior to this she spent 9 years at a top 10 accountancy firm, training and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, progressing to Manager level. Her experience at a top 10 accountancy firm has been invaluable to Steph and her clients at Townends.

Steph became a partner at Townends in April 2026 in our Corporate Department. Steph works on a wide range of small, medium and large limited company clients, offering a range of compliance and advisory services.

Outside of work Steph enjoys spending time with her family and her children, you will usually find her at one of her children’s sport hobbies, at the side of a football pitch being a football mum!

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: steph@townends.com

Sue has been with Townends for over thirty years after starting her career working for a high street bank.

Initially working in our busy Accounts and Corporate Departments in Goole, Sue then joined the Tax Department, where she has been now for around twenty years.

Sue draws on a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with the personal tax affairs of a portfolio of clients ensuring their Tax Returns and other compliance matters are kept up to date.

When not at work Sue spends her time trying to improve her gardening skills and other creative pursuits.

Call: 01405 763341 | Email: sgrant@townends.com

After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a First Class Degree in Accounting and Finance, Will joined Townends in 2019.

Will started as a junior accountant working on client records to prepare accounts and tax returns and worked his way through his professional exams qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2023.

Will works in the York office and specialises in assisting dental clients with their accounts and tax returns. Will enjoys preparing accounts and tax returns and providing timely information to clients to allow them to make future business decisions.

When Will is not in the office, he can be found with his wife taking their dog for a long walk in the countryside, trying out new recipes or watching Formula 1.

Call: 01904 687500 | Email: wjohnson@townends.com