Adam
Woodward

Business Advisory Partner

LinkedIn

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Who I help

Owner-managed businesses. Sole traders. Partnerships

How I help

Tax advisory. Tax compliance. Strategic decision making. Ad-hoc tax enquiries.

“I take pride in finding the best solution for each client.”

Adam Woodward is a Business Advisory Partner based in our Bolton office. Beyond his own ongoing client portfolio, he specialises in tax planning, advisory services, and compliance for clients across the Bolton portfolio. With over a decade at the firm, Adam has built strong, long-term relationships with businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate the complexities of tax with clear, practical advice. His expertise spans everything from routine tax compliance to strategic planning, ensuring clients make informed financial decisions that support their growth.

Adam also handles specialist tax projects and one-off engagements, including negotiations and disputes with HMRC. Having progressed from a junior role to Partner, he’s passionate about developing others within the firm, offering guidance and support to colleagues on their own career journeys. Known for his plain-talking approach and commitment to building genuine relationships, Adam ensures that every client receives the highest level of service, tailored to their unique needs.

Building real relationships, not just balancing the books

“A great client relationship isn’t just about delivering accounts on time—it’s about genuine collaboration. I don’t believe in the ‘once-a-year’ accountant approach. My clients should feel comfortable picking up the phone whenever they need advice, not just when deadlines are looming. Real relationships take time and effort, and that’s exactly what I put in. Yes, the numbers matter, but understanding my clients’ businesses, ambitions, and challenges is just as important. At the end of the day, all accountants follow the same tax rules—it’s the way we build relationships and truly care about our clients that makes the difference.”

Problem-solving at the core

“One of the things I enjoy most about my role is problem-solving. There’s always more than one way to tackle a challenge, and I take pride in finding the best solution for each client rather than defaulting to the way things have always been done. Whether it’s helping a business become more tax-efficient, streamlining processes, or supporting a client’s growth plans, my focus is always on helping them achieve their goals in the most effective way possible.”

Supporting colleagues on their journey

“Helping colleagues develop is just as rewarding as helping clients. When I started here over a decade ago, I was in a junior role, learning the ropes. Now, as a partner, I have the opportunity to guide others through their own career progression. Seeing colleagues grow, gain confidence, and eventually solve their own challenges is incredibly satisfying. I had people supporting me on my journey, and now I want to do the same for the next generation.”

A balance between tech and human connection

“Technology has transformed our industry, making things more efficient and accessible. But while tech is great for simplifying processes, it can’t replace the value of face-to-face interaction. When you’re in a room with someone, you pick up on things that a Zoom call just can’t capture. You can read body language, bounce ideas around more naturally, and build trust in a way that’s much harder to replicate online. The best approach is a balance—using tech where it makes sense, but never at the expense of meaningful client relationships.”

Keeping up with change

“One of the biggest challenges in this industry is the constant evolution of tax legislation. Rules can change in an instant, and what worked yesterday might not be the best approach tomorrow. My job isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about making sure my clients understand these changes and what they mean for them. Managing expectations is key. Clients can do anything they want in business, but every decision comes with financial implications. My role is to help them navigate those complexities, anticipate challenges, and make informed choices.”

People are everything

“No business succeeds without great people. It’s as simple as that. You can have the best systems and processes in place, but if your team isn’t supported, engaged, and up to date with the latest knowledge, you’ll quickly fall behind. That’s why I’m so passionate about investing in people. Whether it’s through training, mentorship, or just being there to offer guidance, I believe that when we prioritise our people, everything else falls into place. At the end of the day, clients don’t just buy services—they buy into the people delivering them.”

Advice that makes sense

“One of the best compliments I’ve ever received from a client was that I make things easy to understand. Accounting and tax can be complicated, but my job is to strip away the jargon and explain things in a way that makes sense to each client. It’s not about showing off technical knowledge—it’s about ensuring clients feel confident and in control of their finances. Every client is different, and I adapt my approach to suit them. After all, advice is only valuable if the person receiving it truly understands it.”