TOWNENDS - Key Persons


Adam Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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, is currently hoping to run the London Marathon in 2022 and loves to plan his next long-distance cycling route as he attempts to leave no local road unexplored.

Adrian Carroll

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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!

Becky De Cobain

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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 has worked her way up to becoming a Senior Audit Manager. 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 skiing, rugby (watching not playing!) and socialising with friends and family.

Bryan Barker

Job Titles:
  • Associate
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.

David Raspin

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager
  • Member of the Firm
David joined Townends in 1990 and became a Manager in 1996, looking after a wide range of clients, including many in the agricultural sector. He has built a strong working relationship with his clients by adopting a friendly and approachable manner. He has developed a wide range of technical knowledge over the years, particularly relating to income tax planning and the issues affecting his farming clients. David is a member of the firm's Small Business and Agricultural focus groups, assisting the partners in ensuring his clients continue to receive our very best service. Outside the office, David enjoys spending time at home and abroad with his wife. It has been known for the bright lights of a certain US city to lure him away for short periods of time where he enjoys nothing more than utilising his mathematical brain against unsuspecting foes at the poker tables.

Fred Verney

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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. Now heading up the Tax and Strategic Planning Department Fred has worked throughout his career in a very tax driven environment and represents many high net worth families. Fred is very actively involved in all 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.

Hayley Hudson

Job Titles:
  • Partner
I joined Townends in 2008 and with Townends support started progressing through my studies.

Ian Taylor

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Ian joined Townends in 1990 and is a qualified Chartered Company Secretary. With a background in industry, notably agricultural land drainage, civil engineering, the large volume motor trade and other service industries, Ian has a wealth of experience to draw on. Ian heads up the Administration and Finance Department in Townends which also includes the internal Information Technology requirements of the firm - crucial to our day to day business activities. You will often find Ian on the golf course in his free time and he is also a keen follower of most sports, especially horse racing with Cheltenham week being a particular favourite.

Jayne Bryars

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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.

Jeff Williamson

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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.

Jenny Weston

Job Titles:
  • Manager
Jenny qualified as FMAAT in 1994 and ATT in 2009. Having worked previously with Robinson & Co she joined Townends in 2006 following the merger. Jenny has worked with a diverse portfolio of clients, including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies (both audit and non-audit). She draws on a wide knowledge and experience gained in many fields, especially agriculture, construction and VAT including Option to Tax. Jenny also has a thorough working knowledge of the Sage Line 50 and Payroll software packages.

Jon Cooper

Job Titles:
  • Partner
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. Jon has gained experience across a wide range of sectors and sizes of business with a particular interest in limited companies. Outside of work Jon enjoys spending time at home with his new family, in the gym or watching rugby league (because he says he is too old/injured to play!).

Kevin Murphy

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager
  • in 2000 As a Trainee Accountant
Kevin joined Townends in 2000 as a trainee accountant following completion of his A-Levels at Selby College and is now a Senior Manager.

Lyndsey Hobson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager
  • Senior VAT Manager
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.

Paul Sharpe

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Paul trained with Townends and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1982. He became a partner in the firm in 1999. Working with a wide portfolio of clients from many business sectors, Paul has developed his role as a trusted advisor through providing timely compliance and advisory services. Paul has particular expertise in the agricultural sector and has extensive experience of the issues affecting farmers. When not in the office Paul is a keen follower of cricket and football being a long serving supporter of Arsenal football club. He also likes to spend time in the Channel Islands and in the summer months can be seen striding out on the coastal paths in Jersey.

Phil Shand

Job Titles:
  • Partner
Phil trained with Townends, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1977 and he became a partner in 1983. From April 2017 Phil has taken up a part time role within the Partnership and will also be working more closely with the team in Townends Wealth Management Limited. Phil is still on hand to assist with the Pontefract office accountancy clients having 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 both Goole RUFC and Yorkshire. He also enjoys travel and has visited a variety of places across the globe.

Shirley Daniel

Job Titles:
  • Manager
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 Pension and the biggest challenge yet the Furlough Scheme. 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.

Sue Grant

Job Titles:
  • Manager
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.

Tracey Maeer

Job Titles:
  • Associate
Tracey joined Townends in 1989 and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Originally based in the Pontefract office, Tracey moved to York in 2019. She acts for a diverse portfolio of clients in industries from agriculture to retail and construction to catering. Tracey draws on a wealth of knowledge in accountancy and taxation matters enabling her to meet the needs of her clients. She also has considerable experience in dealing with HMRC enquiries and compliance checks. Outside work Tracey is a bit of an adrenalin junkie having taken part in both a reverse bungee and a tandem skydive in support of local charities. She is looking forward to her next challenge!