Pierce is a business advisory and accountancy group based in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Pierce has been in existence for more than 90 years and, having built its reputation on solid foundations, has over the years successfully combined the best of tradition with the dynamics required to meet the challenges of the future.

Philip Fletcher Pierce founded the first office in Accrington in 1929 before becoming a two partner firm in 1947. The practice was one of the first to introduce the electronic adding machine during the fifties and in 1993 was the first to introduce a dedicated forensic department providing litigation support to solicitors. Today our business and commercial centre in Blackburn is at the forefront of technology and contains state of the art computer and telecommunication systems.

In June 2004 the practice incorporated to a Limited Company. The strong traditions set by Mr Pierce continue to be nurtured by the Firm.

Our firm now offers a “one-stop-shop” service in all areas of running a business. With a reputation for combining high standards of service, pro-active advice and a wide range of expertise Pierce is accepted as a major player in the market place and as such is best placed to meet the needs of both private and corporate clients.

Since 1929 we have successfully combined the best of tradition with the dynamics required to meet the challenges of the future. Our focus has been and still is the success of our clients.

We are honoured to have represented thousands of businesses of all shapes and sizes. We are here to support you as much as needed, taking the pressure off you whilst giving the quality advice and guidance. Our core services help you meet those day to day requirements whilst our added value solutions assist with more strategic business decisions.

We work in partnership with many other professional services across the North West, bringing trusted advice to you. Having these relationships helps us combine all expertise providing a tailored solution to suit.

We provide a full range of accountancy and business advisory services covering a wide range of specialist disciplines.Our experienced team provide quality proactive advice to businesses and individuals throughout the North West and beyond.

Accounting Services

We deliver a pro-active approach to accounting services. Getting to know your business inside out, to help set and meet your short, medium and long terms goals. It is more than just compliance that matters.

We take the time to understand the nature of your business, and get to know your professional and personal goals. This enables us to align our services and solutions to precisely reflect your needs.

Based in Blackburn, Lancashire, we offer accounting services to a diverse range of clients from fast-growing start-ups to large established businesses, combining commercial insight with technical expertise.

Auditing Services

At Pierce we perceive an audit as an opportunity, rather than a necessity or a threat to your business.

We have a dedicated audit team with wide-ranging experience in statutory audit work with an emphasis on a "value-added" approach.

We will make the audit process a positive one for your business in addition to ensuring that you meet the required regulatory requirements.

Tax Services

There are times when only a true specialist will do. In the complex and ever-changing world of tax, your adviser needs to be up-to-date, knowledgeable, widely experienced – and focused on the issues which matter.

Our Lancashire-based team of specialist tax accountants offers a wide range of tax services, covering everything from corporation tax, to small business tax services, to personal taxes.

Corporate Finance

We are a leading regional provider of corporate finance services. The help and advice we give clients is based upon a depth of experience obtained over many years. All of the assignments we undertake are director-led, with the client’s requirements at the forefront of the advice given.

We understand that every transaction is unique and that it may be the only time when clients are involved in such matters. We make great efforts to ensure our clients fully understand the process from the outset.

Company Secretarial Services

All limited companies must meet the statutory requirements of the Companies Act. However, we appreciate that ensuring that you remain compliant with company secretarial duties can be complex and time consuming for business owners.

Our dedicated Lancashire based company secretarial team can assist you with all matters. We will ensure that the required information is submitted to Companies House in the correct format, and in a timely manner.

Our company secretary services give you the peace of mind to concentrate on the other areas of running and growing your business.

Forensic Accounting Services

As the first firm in Lancashire to establish a dedicated forensic accountancy department, we provide solicitors, and their clients with incisive, timely advice geared to the commercial reality of the matter.

Our highly experienced forensic accountants offer a range of expert services, including forensic audits and forensic accounting and investigation services. 

Online Accounting Services

Having the right online accounting package in place has never been more crucial, businesses should now be looking for accurate information available in real-time to make key decisions and manage the tough economic challenges you are faced with. 

Our dedicated online accounting services team can help your business select the most appropriate software package, whilst tailoring it to your exact requirements and providing the training to get you going.

Payroll Services

We offer a complete, time-efficient and compliant payroll and auto-enrolment service for businesses of all types & sizes. Whether you are a new business paying employees for the first time, or an established company with complex policies & procedures, our specialist team have the knowledge & resources to provide you with a first-class service.

Outsourcing your payroll to our expert advisors will guarantee compliance regardless of what new legislation arises. We offer proactive advice to optimise your payroll function and propose solutions that help build and retain employee confidence.

R&D Tax Credits

Many businesses are unaware that their activities are Research & Development (R&D) qualifying for tax purposes which can lead to significant corporation tax savings or cash repayable credits from HM Revenue & Customs. Such activities can include making bespoke products, product development and changes to production techniques and processes.

It is staggering how many eligible businesses there are out there who are not making a claim for R&D tax credits. Part of this is due to poor or non-existent professional advice, but a key factor is that of the awareness of the legislation with is much broader than many realise. HMRC still believe that most eligible businesses are still not making a claim for R&D.

VAT Accountants

We can solve any VAT issues you may have. We have in-depth in house knowledge in respect of property and construction and its interaction with VAT which is often a headache for those in that industry.

Whether you are looking to reduce costs or use VAT to achieve a competitive advantage, Pierce can provide the technical insights and skills you need to realise your business ambitions.

VAT represents a key factor in a business’s cash flow and potentially a real bottom-line cost. Constantly evolving legislation and HMRC guidance make compliance a continuous challenge.

Less than superb record keeping can result in penalties, damaged reputation and/or missed opportunities.

In today’s economy where competition is fierce and cash flow management is of paramount importance, effectively managing both the risks and opportunities surrounding indirect tax is key.

Auto Enrolment

As an employer, you must by law offer a workplace pension to all eligible workers. You have auto enrolment responsibilities from the day you take on your first employee, our payroll team can assist with the setup of a qualifying pension scheme and the management of your ongoing duties.