Our Team | Lilley and Co

Trudi Lilley (ACMA, CGMA)

Founder

Founder Trudi is a qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience working with businesses of all sizes.

Trudi had several Finance Director roles before setting up Lilley and Co in 2014 with a clear objective to provide first-class accountancy and financial support to companies at every stage of their lifecycle.

LMJ Group acquired Lilley and Co in November 2024 – Trudi’s role is now as ambassador to support the future growth of the business.

Serena Humphrey FCMA – Strategic Finance Director

I’m a Commercial Finance Director to some of the smartest and fastest-growing award-winning SME marketing agencies in the UK, with over 30 years of experience working in & with hundreds of small companies. I’ve developed a passion and specialism for working with agencies & all the very particular issues they have.

I’m a straight talker, bold and experienced enough to challenge you & hold you to account. I help business owners get what they want from their business, building financial strength and resilience as standard, making sure every part of their business is performing at its peak.

I have a sharp commercial mind and a ferocious, relentless commitment to keep my clients’ businesses safe while helping them build value for their future.

https://fwordtraining.co.uk/

Michelle Watts – Associate Director

Michelle is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Associate Director at Lilley and Co, with 24 years of experience in accounting practices and industry.

Michelle has her own portfolio of clients and is responsible for all aspects of their accounting needs, including tax, year-end accounts and management accounts. She is very proactive and approachable and always goes the extra mile to become part of her client’s finance team.

In her spare time, Michelle enjoys family holidays, pottering in the garden and relaxing whilst crocheting, knitting or cross-stitching. She also undertakes several voluntary duties as a treasurer of a local charity.

Email: michelle@lilleyandco.net

Donna Broome – Guernsey Director

Donna is an experienced bookkeeper with over 15 years of experience working in practice. She is experienced in both Quickbooks Online and Xero.

She enjoys going to the beach and fishing with her husband and children in her spare time.

Email: donna@lilleyandco.net

Debbie Noon – Senior Accountant

Debbie is a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) with over 24 years of practice experience. Debbie joined us as a Senior Accountant in 2020 and prepares annual accounts and taxes for a diversified range of clients and regular management accounts.

Debbie loves reading, spending time with her husband and two children, camping and sewing in her spare time.

Email: debbie@lilleyandco.net

Judith Blackford FMAAT AATQB – Business Support Manager

Judith is a qualified accounting technician with over 25 years of experience in various business environments. She is proficient in using Xero and QuickBooks and provides training and support for our clients who do their own bookkeeping.

You will find Judith growing vegetables at her allotment in her spare time or spending time with her family.

Email: judith@lilleyandco.net

Laura Limbachya – Bookkeeper and Finance Administrator

Laura is part of our outsourcing team and is a 100% dedicated resource for one of our larger clients.

In her spare time, you will find Laura spending time with her husband, three young children and Toby, her chocolate labrador.

Email: laura@lilleyandco.net

Andre Bisson

Director of Climate Controls Ltd

What they say about us

“We have worked with Lilley and co since 2014 and find the team really easy to deal with. As well as keeping us up to date and compliant with deadlines, Trudi has been a valuable business advisor over the years, getting involved with strategy, pricing and even marketing.”

What we do for them

We provide a fully outsourced solution, including payroll, book-keeping, VAT returns, management accounts, advisory services, annual accounts and tax.

Background information

Climate Controls Ltd has been trading for over 50 years and is the sole UK manufacturer of rack & pinions and motor gearboxes for greenhouses. They are the market leader for the provision of environmental controls and associated systems for botanic installations and research institutions.

Find out more about Climate Controls Ltd

Pierre Bisson

Director

What they say about us

“Lilley and co have proved to be exactly the right choice of accountant. They are really responsive to queries and provide pro active advice and support”

"Agri Systems Ltd produce unique systems to help your business grow. We provide feed pans, drinkers, heat exchangers, rack & pinions, silos, augers and other innovative systems for your farm."

What we do for them

We provide a fully outsourced finance function, including payroll, book-keeping, VAT returns, management accounts, advisory services, annual accounts and tax.

Find out more about Agri-Systems Ltd

Darren Etasse

Managing Director

What Darren has to say about us

"The team at Lilley and Co are always there when we need them, quick to respond to our questions, facilitating a seamless and efficient business relationship.

By outsourcing our entire finance function to their capable hands, I am afforded the invaluable opportunity to focus on my core competencies in business management.

With Lilley and Co handling the financial side of things, I have the assurance that all financial responsibilities are diligently managed, deadlines are consistently met, and we receive judicious counsel precisely when required.”

How we help them

Lilley and co provide a fully outsourced finance function for the five fast-growing companies making up the Integrated group.

This includes all admin, payroll, bookkeeping, supplier reconciliations, cash flow forecasting, management accounts, budgets, and strategic planning.

Background information

The Integrated Group are a leading Channel Island business which invests in technical services and commercial interiors to provide long-term partnerships with our commercial client base

Find out more about Integrated Group

Laura Bodycot – Accountant

Laura is AAT level 3 qualified with over eight years of experience in the accounting industry.

She loves using the latest technologies and talking to clients in easy-to-understand language - no stuffy accountant talk here!

As well as being an expert on Intuit QuickBooks, Xero and Dext, she will be preparing legendary and insightful management reports using Fathom and helping our clients understand their figures and take action to improve their profit and cash flow.

Outside of work, Laura is kept busy with her 2 young boys, 2 dogs, and dance classes. She also manages to fit in as treasurer for her local scout club.

Email: laurab@lilleyandco.net

Sharon Cobley – Payroll Officer

Outside of work, she can be found spending time in the National Forest of Ibstock with her border terrier, Bracken and her Jackapoo (Jack Russell terrier cross poodle) Spider, and the three of them enjoy holidays around the UK together every year as well.

Most evenings, Sharon joins friends from all over Europe in the virtual fantasy universe that is World of Warcraft. She’s lost count of the number of times we’ve saved Azeroth, but someone has to do it!

Her other hobbies include leathercrafting – designing and creating bespoke handbags, purses, wallets and dog collars (all by hand); and textiles in the form of hand-spun wool from native breeds for loom and tablet weaving. Most of her work is historically inspired and based on medieval finds; quite the paradox when compared with her other, rather high-tech pastime!

Sharon likes working at Lilley and Co. because she really feels like part of a team where everyone has your back and helps you deliver great customer service.

You can contact Sharon today by emailing her at sharon@lilleyandco.net or calling 0116 365 5579 to learn more about our perfectly perfect payroll.

Jacinda Read

Finance Director

What Jacinda has to say about us

"The team at Lilley & Co is a trusted partner. They have taken time to understand our business and how it works, so we are able to rely on them to produce accurate accounts and provide informed advice. As a small, independent business, they understand our needs & challenges, and we have been able to build close working relationships with key members of the team.

We have been especially impressed by their attention to detail, integrity and commitment to getting things right. We are very proud of the accounts function in our business, which is in no small part due to the support of Lilley and Co.”

How we help them

We provide support, including regular book-keeping on Xero, VAT returns, monthly management accounts, annual accounts and tax. We also provide advisory services on an ad hoc basis to support senior management decisions.

Background information

Polestar Interactive is an Industrial IT company that designs and implements secure communications infrastructure to integrate IT & OT environments, helping customers to connect their people, processes and tech.

Find out more about Polestar Interactive Ltd

Kelly & Georgina

The Tonic Communications

What Kelly & Georgina had to say about us

"We truly value the support of the team at Lilley and Co. The insights they offer us allow us to focus on what we do best – communications – and gives us the tools we need to make key decisions about our business.

The team are always on hand to answer our (many!) questions, and guide us through figures to make sure we know exactly where we are, and help us get to where we want to be. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services.”

How we help them

Lilley and Co. have worked with leading healthcare PR agency The Tonic team since March 2020.

We provide a full finance solution including payroll, book-keeping, monthly management accounts, annual accounts, Corporation tax and Self-assessment tax.

We prepare a detailed monthly report with commentary highlighting their key issues and wins for the month. This report includes a detailed forecast and KPIs specific to their business so they can make key decisions and see their progress over time.

Background information

The Tonic Communications is an award-winning PR and communications agency with offices in Nottingham and Newcastle. It is ranked by industry bible PR Week as a Top 50 UK agency for healthcare, and in the Top 50 UK agencies based outside of London.

Find out more about The Tonic Communication

Vicky Stewart

Media Confidential

What Vicky had to say about us

"We have been working with Lilley & Co for over 10(how many?) years, and in today’s business environment, they are a breath of fresh air.

Not only are Trudi, Adam, and the team consummate professionals, but their customer service is second to none.

Responses to queries are quick yet well thought through, their charges have always been reasonable, and we trust them implicitly.

In my view, Lilley & Co are an exemplar of how a modern accountancy practice should operate.”

How we help them

We provide annual accounts and tax. We also provide advisory services on an ad hoc basis to support senior management decisions.

Background information

Your PA in the cloud: Media Confidential offers an extensive range of services, from travel and diary management to general administration and bookkeeping.

Find out more about Media Confidential

Management Team

C8 Limited

What C8 Limited had to say about us

"We have been working with Lilley and Co. since 2016 they have been assisting us with financial matters from day one of setting up and running the business. Trudi and the team are easy to deal with, all of them are professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. They can handle all our company’s financial needs efficiently and effectively.

The Level of expertise demonstrated by Trudi, Judith, Sharon, and Debbie and the team is useful, not only were they able to provide us with accurate and timely financial information, but they also offer valuable advice and guidance to make informed decisions for the business. We highly recommend Lilley and co to anyone in need of a reliable and trustworthy financial service.”

How we help them

Lilley and co have provided a complete accounting solution since 2016.

This includes all payroll, book-keeping, quarterly management accounts, annual accounts and tax. We also provide strategic support for various ad hoc strategic projects as and when needed.

Background information

C8 is Guernsey’s leading coordinated Mechanical and Electrical contractor, providing full mechanical and electrical services packages, from air conditioning to plumbing and electrics. C8 provides the complete delivery model of fully coordinated design capability, installation and maintenance/breakdown services. Dedicated to delivering the best technical service to its growing client portfolio, our team of experienced engineers can deliver Guernsey’s most complex and prestigious projects.

Find out more about C8 Limited

Serena Humphrey

The F Word

What Serena had to say about us

"I've been working with Lilley and Co for several years now. As well as being my accountant, they also act for many of my clients.

It's hard to find a truly great accountant and honestly Lilley and Co are the ONLY accountant I will ever recommend.

I've been in business since 2000 as a fractional finance director and finance coach, and Lilley and Co are quite simply the best accountants I have ever worked with.

They are, in a word, bombproof.

Their level of service is exceptionally high, they always go the extra mile, and unlike most accountants I've worked with, they are ALWAYS accurate. They never settle, they do whatever it takes to make sure their clients have what they need, and more.

I highly recommend Lilley and Co, and I can promise you that them on your side you'll never have to worry about your finances!”

How we help her

Lilley and co provide accountancy services to Serena and to many of Serena’s clients, where she works as Finance Director.

We support her by providing robust and detailed financials as well as a fully outsourced finance team to many of her clients.

Background information

Serena is a Commercial Finance Director to some of the smartest and fastest-growing award-winning SME marketing agencies in the UK, with over 30 years of experience working in & with hundreds of small companies.

I’m a straight talker, bold and experienced enough to challenge you & hold you to account. She helps business owners get what they want from their business, building financial strength and resilience as standard, making sure every part of their business is performing at its peak.

Find out more about The F Word

Javaria Sarmad (BFP FCA FCCA)

Managing Director

Javaria is the Managing Director of Lilley & Co. She is a FCA with over 27 years of experience in corporate finance, audit, accounting, tax, corporate governance and business advisory. Having served at senior management positions at a number of leading organisations including Deloitte LLP, Santander and Ernest & Young, she has a strong track record in assurance and advisory along with business strategic planning, restructuring, accountancy and tax planning.

She acted as a value added partner in a number of business development projects whilst her association with UK prominent financial service firms including Big 4s, where she was responsible for identifying and leading business development opportunities to grow and build the practice and provide valuable tax, audit and financial advisory solutions to clients in light of UK & International regulatory requirements. When working on transactions she has provided strategic advice, assistance with raising finance, financial due diligence and business valuations.

Another area of expertise is her ability to combine sound commercial advice with tax planning for businesses. In the case of owner-managed businesses, she is experienced in delivering the personal objectives of the individuals involved and in responding to the specific challenges of those who mix business with family life.

Meet the team

Javaria Sarmad BFP FCA FCCA

Michelle Watts

Donna Broome

Debbie Noon

Judith Blackford FMAAT AATQB

Laura Limbachya

Sharon Cobley

Strategic Partners

Trudi Lilley ACMA, CGMA

Serena Humphrey FCMA

Our offices

What we do