was started up by Sean in July 2004. With only three loyal clients at first (all of them still with us!), the practice started on that long road we call building a business and grew over the next few years almost entirely through existing client recommendations. For the first few years it was a work from home operation, with Sean doing all of the work himself. In 2009 the business moved into a "proper office" based in North Shields.
By the time August 2010 came, Sean had realised that the business could not grow any further without having other people to help. It was at this point he approached Chris Barnfather, an old work colleague from days gone by to discuss the possibility of Chris becoming a partner in the firm. Chris had no hesitation in accepting, and both have never looked back.
Since August 2010 the practice has gone from strength to strength and has firmly placed itself on the map within North Shields and the surrounding area.
In 1991 upon leaving school at the age of 16 Sean began a national diploma in business studies at the local college. After two years he gained the diploma and went on to university to do a degree in business studies for the next four years specialising in accountancy & finance. During this time he spent a year working in finance and living in Edinburgh. Then in 1997 armed with a degree he started as a trainee accountant at a respected local firm where he spent the next three years. After moving to another local firm in 2000 to take up a more senior position he qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2002. Upon passing his exams he then moved on again to a more senior position at the same firm Chris was working at. After two years and realising that his prospects for advancement were limited Sean thought about setting up his own practice, knowing that there was a gap in the market for a firm dedicated to customer service. In 2004 Sean Hannah+Co was born and the rest as they say is history.
At the age of 16 Chris started his accountancy career working as an AAT apprentice for a well known firm of chartered accountants in Gateshead, which is where he met Sean. He quickly progressed through his apprenticeship gaining his AAT qualifications and gaining valuable experience in accounts preparation, value added tax, payroll and how to make the perfect cup of tea (a skill which has never left him). After gaining his AAT qualification he then progressed to study towards the ACCA qualification under the watchful eye of Sean.
After 5 years Chris then moved on to one of the regions top firms of chartered accountants in order to gain valuable experience in audit and taxation. Chris spent 5 years in a senior position and qualified in June 2007 as a Chartered Certified Accountant.
Chris has gained experience in auditing medium sized limited company's financial statements in the transport and logistics, manufacturing, IT services and construction industries. Over the last twelve years he has gained a broad accounting knowledge due to working with smaller companies advising on tax, payroll, audit and accounts preparation.
During the three years I’ve worked with Sean Hannah+Co I've found them to be professional, accurate and insightful into the needs of small to medium size businesses. I have, and will continue to, happily recommend them to my business contacts.
We are a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants which means we are regulated by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). This is our quality assurance.
We deliver a high quality accountancy and taxation service to small & medium sized businesses, with the emphasis being on value for money for our clients.
Our clients are from a wide range of industries, including practically every type of business you could think of. Geographically we cover the whole of the UK but generally our clients are based in Tyne & Wear.
We are a small firm that understands the needs of small businesses, and we provide a first class personal service to our clients. Our flexibility means we can perform work either at our office or at your premises, whichever suits you.
Our work is carried out to a very high standard with the utmost efficiency and we are happy to work to deadlines. Our services are performed using the latest in accountancy software technology, which allows us to be more efficient in the work we do.
Due to our vast experience we are the ideal choice whether you are a limited company, sole trader, partnership or an individual.
