Looking after our clients’ interests is a priority.

Optimal Accountancy's Story

Optimal Accountancy was formed in 2007 by Paul White. Paul had worked within the SME sector for a number of years before deciding to set up a practice of his own. Using previous experiences Paul realised that there seemed to be a lack of communication and information between clients and the accountant. Paul’s vision for the company was that each client no matter how big or small would be kept in regular contact whilst providing a tax efficient and cost effective service and always putting the client first, the core value of the company today.

Starting in a small office in South Shields, the years have seen Optimal Accountancy greatly increase its client base by sector and geographical location. It is because of this that the company now has sub offices in Newcastle and Watford to compliment its increasing client base.

Due to continued growth and the constant drive to put clients first Optimal Accountancy now has a loyal, professional and dedicated team, that has grown over the years with new staff expected to join the company in future.

Optimal Accountancy Staff - Freda

South Tyneside Accountancy

Optimal Accountancy Limited has been in business since 2007. We're based in South Tyneside, with offices in South Shields,  Newcastle and Watford.

We are Practicing Certified Public Accountants (CPAA) and also Practicing Members of the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA).

Optimal Accountancy Client Meeting

How we meet your needs

All our team are client facing, we strive to build a strong business relationship with all our clients by working closely to ascertain as much about their business as possible and offering support on an individual case basis.

Our staff are directly contactable thus ensuring access to a professional is available to our clients at all times.

We are able to facilitate clients across a wide geographical area and across a diverse portfolio of business sectors.

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Meet the Team

7-min

Denise Barrass

Accounts Manager

Denise Barrass

Hi I am Denise, I wear many hats within the company such as running a very busy office, overseeing staff, work deadlines and many more..... the job is very demanding but also very rewarding due to our lovely clients who are always grateful for the help we offer them on a daily basis.

Due to the job being stressful, I obviously need to wind down.  So, a few things to get me there are walking my cockapoo Millie twice a day (who is the love of my life), going to the gym with my youngest daughter and spending that quality time with her.  I hate shopping, but this is a hobby of my oldest daughter so it has to be done.  I enjoy socialising with fat club friends either trips away or sitting in garden having a few drinks and a lot of laughs. 

But my favourite hobby of all that I love the most, which is very rare in my life, is sitting chilling in a chair reading a good crime book with a bit of Motown music playing in the background, obviously with a gin and tonic and my husband at my beck and call (believe me this is very rare ha ha ha).

About me
1-min

Paul White

Managing Partner

Paul White

Optimal Accountancy was formed by myself, originally to provide support for small and medium sized businesses whether an existing business or new start up. My passion is to see a business reach its full potential by actively working on a one to one basis with clients to achieve this.

Away from the business I enjoy watching rugby at club level and my children who both actively play, mountain biking, walking my dogs and spending time with my family. I have recently taken up surfing which at this time is certainly a work in progress.

About me
6-min

Simon Ayre

Partner

Simon Ayre

Simon joined Optimal Accountancy Limited in October 2022 having ran a successful practice in the licence and hospitality sector. Simon has over 30 years accountancy practice experience, with a keen eye for detail and infrastructure. 

Outside the office Simon's big passion is rugby union, having played to a decent standard Simon enjoys coaching teams at all levels as well as helping to develop players on an individual basis. 

About me
2-min

Karen Burgess

Accounts Assistant / P.A.

Karen Burgess

I love to travel, especially city breaks to Europe, Italy being my favourite place. I love to read up before I go to find out the history as this is another passion. Once there I love to source really good places to eat recommended by the locals. Once home I love nothing better than to invite my travel buddy friends round to try dishes I have recreated that we have eaten when travelling.

As I mentioned, I love history and get really excited about art and architecture, especially from 1400 -1600. I am an avid reader and love thriller and crime books as well as crime dramas. Since getting my little dog I have also discovered some great walks right on my doorstep.

About me
3-min

Freda Whitfield

Accounts Assistant

Freda Whitfield

Hi, I’m Freda Whitfield, I have been happily working at Optimal Accountancy Limited as an Accounts Assistant since 2008.

When I am not in the office, I spend most of my time with my family and friends.

I enjoy days out and visiting new places, tootling around villages and walking in the countryside. I love hiking, and I am hoping to re-join my rambling club in the future. I like biking, one of my most enjoyable holidays was biking in Holland. I enjoy a variety of holidays, mostly camping and caravanning in the UK.

I like to visit cafes and tea room where I always look forward to a latte! On an evening I like to socialise at bars and restaurants.

At home I am always pottering in my garden and enjoy relaxing on the garden swing.

I have a keen interest in spirituality and paganism and like to visit Glastonbury town for the Goddesses festival, where I can revel in its spiritual ambiance.

About me
5-min

Alex Burgess

Accounts Assistant

Alex Burgess

I’m Alex – South Shields born and bred and a nineties baby.

I originally started at Optimal Accountancy to help a few hours a week with archiving and filing whilst I was doing my Masters in Public Relations. I really enjoyed working with the team and realised that accountancy was a route that I’d like to explore, so after a few conversations with Paul and Denise, I was taken on as a trainee accountant. I absolutely love working here and learning all about payroll and accounts as I go.

When I’m not in the office you’ll most likely find me brunching with the girls, watching wrestling, moshing at a gig or at the cinema.

About me
4-min

Abigael Carr

Accounts Assistant

Abigael Carr

I'm Abigael and I'm an accounts assistant here at Optimal. 

Prior to working here at Optimal I have spent 11 years accountancy practice experience specialising in the licence trade. 

When I'm not working you will find me either working in the gym doing workouts or you can find me on the netball court playing and coaching at my local club. 

About me
Michael Waugh

Michael Waugh

Accounts Assistant

Michael Waugh

I'm Michael, Born and raised in South Shields.

I have recently started working at Optimal but very excited about my future here. The team here are amazing and I can tell I will fit in well.

When I'm not working, I love spending time with my daughter.

I also enjoy watching most sports including playing pool/snooker.

About me
Josh

Josh Stokes

Accounts Apprentice

Josh Stokes

Hi, I’m Josh, an Accounts Assistant currently working towards my AAT qualification, with the goal of achieving Level 4. I’m ambitious and driven, thanks to the support and guidance of experienced colleagues.

My interest in the financial sector began during my time at EY, where I gained valuable experience in accounts and financial crime analytics.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching football and spending quality time with my family.

About me

Real benefits through full circle accountancy support

We look forward to you reaching out and speaking to one of our friendly team above. Click the button to get in touch today.

Get in touch today
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