About us

About Our Firm

We are a firm of chartered accountants, established in 2005 based in Staffordshire. We have over twenty five years of accounting, audit and taxation experience amongst our team. Richards Associates pride ourselves on tailoring our service to meet all the individual needs of our clients, representing clients from sole traders, small and medium sized limited companies through to large PLCs, we have expertise in all areas of accounting, taxation and audit nationwide.  

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide every client with a service tailored to their individual needs, and thereby ensuring their business is fully compliant, and operating in the most tax efficient manner. 

Our Team

Richards Associates Limited was incorporated in 2005. Our team have more than 25 years of experiencing serving our clients in all areas of accounting, taxation and auditing. 

Director - 
Anna Richards (ACA FCCA  BA (Hon )

Accounting Team
Chantel Basford (MAAT)
Chrissie Lawrance 
Debbie Cotton
Suzannah Zecca 

Anna Richards

I trained and qualified with a local firm of accountants before forming Richards Associates Ltd in 2005, where I began trading from our home.  Since employing my first member of staff and moving to our first offices we have grown in staff number, but still offer the personal service that our clients deserve. 

Richards Associates offers general accountancy advice, taxation and audit services, as well as other specialist accounting services, including due diligence and wealth statements. As the director of Richards Associates my aim is to ensure that all clients receive an excellent level of service, and that the company carries out its commitment to train our staff to a high level.

I am extremely fortunate to have an excellent team of staff working alongside me to make Richards Associates the great professional accountancy firm that it is today.


Chantel Basford

I joined Richards Associates in 2013 where I started as an Accounts Assistant completing the payroll and VAT returns for clients. During my time here, I have become MAAT qualified and currently studying towards my ACCA qualification and have gained experience in all accountancy areas. This includes completion of accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, payroll, VAT returns, CIS submissions, automatic enrolment, personal tax and corporation tax returns. 

Not many people can say they love their job but I certainly do.



Chrissie Hawkswood


My career in accountancy began in January 1998, and joined Richards Associates in 2014. I have experience in preparing accounts and management accounts for limited companies, partnerships, sole traders and charities. I also carry out the audit of companies and charities, and the preparation of Independent Examinations for smaller charities.


My role includes the preparation of both personal and corporate tax returns.


It’s a wonderful place to work and the team I work with are considerate and friendly. I couldn’t ask for more.




Debbie Cotton


I joined Richards Associates in 2019 whilst studying towards my AAT qualification which I have now completed. I hope to continue my studies with the ACCA. Over the past few years, I have gained a great deal of knowledge in many aspects of accountancy. My day-to-day duties include payroll, CIS and pension submissions and completing client’s VAT returns.


I enjoy working at Richards Associates as it is a great place to work. 




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