Our Partners

David Drain

A partner since 1982, David is well known for his dedicated, hands-on approach which enables him to give quality advice to clients.  This leads to better decision making and gives valuable support to clients as they develop their businesses.

“We are a long established independent practice with a hard working culture that is evident right throughout our firm.  We all like to maintain a close working relationship with our clients.  I believe that is crucial to helping them develop their business and to sustaining long term growth.  That is why, whenever and wherever help is needed, I give it.  If I am busy I will find time”.

Eric Williams

If Eric’s years as a general practice and audit partner have taught him one thing about his clients, it’s that they generally turn to him for far more than financial advice.

“I like to be closely involved with my clients.  My role is to listen, offer advice and assistance, and, wherever possible, imaginative solutions that will help them to develop their businesses.  Above all, I like to think that they will always contact me first when something crops up.”

Eric enjoys his profession because of the variety of work, the people he meets, and the issues he deals with on a daily basis.  His client portfolio consists primarily of family businesses, but he has particular expertise in the charitable sector, dental practices, trade associations and commercial radio stations.

“Variety is what makes the profession really enjoyable.  You never know what will come up during the course of a day.  We take a close interest in what our clients are doing, and care about them”.

Stewart Martin

Having enjoyed many years as a Registered Audit partner, Stewart has also become the firm’s IT specialist and assists a broad range of clients in developing their technical infrastructure through the installation of computerised accounting systems and the production of management accounts.  This compliments his particular expertise of working with large company clients, company pension schemes, FSA audits and fast food restaurants.

“Every day is different.  I really enjoy the new challenges of dealing with my clients’ unique issues.  It’s great to see them grow, and to really get to know their business needs so that I can help them every step of the way.  We are a very capable firm, and our blend of different talents contributes to the collective wealth of experience and expertise that we offer.”

Francis Whitbread

Since becoming Edmund Carr’s first specialist tax partner in 1991, Francis has seen significant growth in the practice.

“Edmund Carr has prospered over the years because of the excellent service we have provided to our clients, which has lead to recommendations by existing clients, new work, and growth in the company.”

Francis takes the lead role in the numerous estate planning assignments undertaken for individuals, and deals with complex tax issues affecting business clients, with a particular emphasis on the agricultural and medical sectors.

“The successful implementation of a planning strategy always gives me satisfaction, and my detailed knowledge of my clients’ affairs ensures that non-tax considerations, which are often even more important, are never ignored.”

Ray Crace

Ray, whose roots are firmly set in Chelmsford’s business community is a well-known and valued partner whose significant portfolio includes many long-standing clients.  A Registered Auditor, he acts on behalf of numerous businesses, including niche sectors such as agriculture, construction, as well as strategic planning for family companies.

“I have known and worked with many of my clients for years now.  It’s not just about tax and accounts, in a provincial practice such as ourselves you are a financial doctor, helping your clients in so many unexpected ways.  I have seen the practice develop significantly over the last decade or so, and this is reflected in the differing types of high quality services we now provide.  Irrespective of our growth we still offer a very personalised client care service, which has been embedded in our culture since we began in 1953.

Debbie Wakefield

Debbie’s expertise revolves around tax compliance work as well as more difficult tax planning issues for both personal and business clients.  One of the firm’s two tax partners, her portfolio consists primarily of individual tax cases and small businesses.  Although Debbie works in many different industry sectors, her specialist areas include doctor and dental practices.

“I enjoy getting to know my clients so that I can offer them the best advice specific to their individual needs.  For me,there’s nothing more satisfying than knowing I’ve given a client the best possible service and seeing their appreciation.  We are different at Edmund Carr.  Although our clientele is extremely varied we are very pro-active.  We approach every assignment in the same professional manner to ensure that all clients receive the attention necessary to achieve business success."