” A little knowledge is a dangerous thing”     “Jack of all trades and master of none”

The above, well known sayings do seem to typify some modern day professional practice. Harris and Clarke do not and cannot claim to be experts in all areas of commercial life. It would indeed be a dangerous thing……..

Consequently, the partners and practice only attempt to specialise within a relatively narrow band of expertise. Given the level of resources available and aided by their natural interest and enjoyment of the sectors, the practice would modestly claim to specialise in the three areas of Agriculture, Estates and Private Client work.

All staff members enjoy farming and the countryside and are interested by its many facets.

The practice has built up a large farming base over the years and now acts for farms covering well in excess of 75,000 acres over 10 counties.

We like to think that our backgrounds and experience enable us to communicate efficiently with the clients in terms that they understand. We cannot advise how to farm, that is not our role. We can however challenge the farmer given the results produced.

In addition to the routine compliance role we are consulted on an ad hoc basis, covering issues such as insurance claims, asset finance and equipment purchase timings. Commencements, disputes, divorce and death are also regularly dealt with and we have good relationships with all the leading solicitors, brokers and land agents.

Northamptonshire, the home county of Harris & Clarke has long been known as the ‘ County of Spires and Squires.’

Consequently, virtually every village has (or had) its large house and majority land holding. On the face of it there is nothing unusual, it is a legal entity which needs to ensure that its income exceeds its expenditure. However, often there are quirks and anomalies that require a degree of experience and expertise to deal with efficiently and diplomatically. Whether to preserve capital, or to preserve a degree of 3rd party control, many Estates are not simply vested in one fortunate individual.

John Harris and Paul Osborn have a long record of dealing with such estates, whether created by Deed, Will or Settled Land Act. Often the accountant has to work with other professionals such as solicitors and land agents and both partners are well known to most local fellow professionals. Often a team approach is required and that is an approach which we as a practice welcome.

We currently act for estates from 4 acres to 5,000 acres and find this type of work both challenging and testing. Often there is no easy answer and so an objective outlook remains critical at all times.

The term Private Client is used when dealing with the financial affairs of High Net Worth individuals.

Again , there is really no secret. Income has to exceed expenditure, but it is not uncommon for specific advice to be requested as to specific Capital and Income Tax mitigation. Harris & Clarke do not offer Investment advice and are not authorised to do so. They do however have close links with the major stockbrokers and IFA’s in the area and find that a division of duty is often preferable. (Jack of all trades master of ……….)

We also act as Powers of Attorneys in concert with local Solicitors and would like to think that we offer an approachable, competent service to this important sector.

With experience comes the ability to provide a competent all round advisory service in addition to the basic need for fiscal compliance.