About us
Who we are
The practice prides itself on providing a personal bespoke service designed to fit your needs, always in plain English and affordably priced. Taking the time to really get to know our clients is at the heart of the practice. The practice is based in Wheathampstead, however initial consultations can take place either over the phone or via video conferencing, or meetings can be arranged in our Harpenden office space at a time to suit you.
Meet the Team
Amy Gardiner FCA
Director / Chartered Accountant
Amy is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience across a wide range of industry sectors. Amy established the practice in 2013, with a desire to bring her expertise built through a long career in world-leading accountancy firms and large global corporates to a small local practice. After graduating with a masters degree in International Economics, Amy’s career started in 2001 with a prestigious training contract at leading global firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers, working as part of the Investment and Investment Managers Audit team. Amy became fully qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004. From there she went on to build a tax specialism, moving to the PwC Entrepreneurial Private Client tax team and then into industry where she developed technical expertise, running the European group finance function at publishers Conde Nast followed by a move to the group finance function at Burberry, developing specialist knowledge of share schemes, partnering the finance teams within the Asia market, and establishing financial systems for the Burberry Foundation. Following a short career break Amy established the practice in 2013 and shortly thereafter became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Amy’s endless enthusiasm for all things tax found an outlet when offered the opportunity to take part in tax and personal finance talk shows on BBC radio, and frequently contributing content for tax and finance BBC news stories. Amy lives with her family in Wheathampstead, and in her spare time enjoys seeing friends, walking the family dog Yoshi, and spending time with Anthony and their three children.
Nicole Cochrane AATQB
Associate Accountant
Nicole is a qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years’ experience working in small and large businesses. After leaving Sixth Form, Nicole first began her career in accountancy in 2005 working for the large accountancy firm, Grant Thornton. Working within The Fraud & Investigations Department, Nicole found a passion for accounting and problem solving. In 2009 Nicole took a career break to look after her twin daughters. Nicole joined the practice in 2014, and choose to continue her higher education whilst working as an assistant accountant. Nicole completed her AAT bookkeeper qualification in 2016. Having worked for the practice for several years, Nicole has developed expert knowledge of several accountancy and bookkeeping packages, including Sage and Quickbooks. Nicole spends her working days completing payroll, bookkeeping, tax returns and VAT returns for various businesses in all industries. Nicole is now working towards qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Nicole lives with her family in Wheathampstead and in her spare time enjoys hosting dinner parties for her friends and family. Nicole’s three gorgeous girls are her driving force and she loves nothing more than being able to spend time making memories with them.
Helen Markham
Practice Manager
Helen joined the practice after 26 years working in the London media industry, bringing with her a wealth of experience from busy, fast-paced corporate environments. Throughout her career she has built a reputation for being highly organised, calm under pressure and focused on delivering a positive client experience — qualities that now sit at the heart of her role as Practice Manager.
In November 2024, Helen stepped away from the corporate world and hasn’t looked back. Alongside running her own beauty business, she plays a key role in keeping the practice running smoothly day to day. From supporting the team to ensuring clients feel informed, reassured and well looked after, Helen thrives on creating an efficient and welcoming environment.
Having been Amy’s client for seven years before joining the firm, Helen brings a valuable client perspective to the team. She understands first-hand what matters most and is passionate about maintaining the friendly, professional service that defines the practice.
Helen lives in Harpenden and, outside of work, enjoys walking across the commons with her dog, booking travel for friends and family, and travelling with them whenever she gets the opportunity.
Anthony Gardiner ACMA
Director / Accountant
Anthony is a CIMA qualified accountant with over 20 years of post qualification experience across financial reporting, commercial analysis, and business partnering within FMCG, retail, grocery, R&D, and global corporate environments. His career is defined by a strong commercial mindset, deep financial performance expertise, and a commitment to helping organisations make informed, data driven decisions.
He began his finance career at PepsiCo, developing core skills in trading analytics, fixed asset accounting, statutory reporting, and performance commentary for senior stakeholders. He then advanced at Bupa, supporting head office cost centres, leading management accounting activity, and delivering project reporting across key business functions.
Anthony went on to build significant commercial finance expertise in roles at Moët Hennessy UK, Luxottica, Ocado, and Britvic, partnering with marketing, operations, product, and grocery commercial teams. Throughout these positions, he became known for turning financial insight into strategic action, leading forecasting cycles, evaluating pricing and promotional strategies, building KPI frameworks, and delivering clear, commercially focused reporting.
He later joined the Building Research Establishment (BRE), providing business partnering to research divisions and the executive team, strengthening FP&A capabilities, improving dashboard reporting, and supporting M&A assessments. More recently, Anthony has served as Business Controller at dormakaba, where he plays a central role in financial governance, Power BI driven performance reporting, and shaping commercial decision making across the UK business.
Anthony and Amy live in Wheathampstead where they are raising three young children, enjoying the countryside, and supporting the Wanderers youth football teams.
Years of experience
Over Happy Clients
Expert Team Members
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