About Lumin Accountancy - Local Accountants Swansea

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Who we are and what we do?

Lumin Accountancy began in 2014, under the experienced direction of Ashley Farrell. James joined the business in 2018, bringing his wealth of experience to the firm. James became a director in 2019. They had the forward thinking vision of creating an accountancy practice that harnesses technology to make accounting simpler, more accurate and efficient. This enables them to provide advisory services to their clients by utilising the accurate, real-time information to add genuine value. Ashley & James have both spent time working in accountancy practice and also as accountants within businesses so they understand the difficulties business owners are faced with on a daily basis. They currently work from two offices based in Swansea City Centre and Ystradgynlais.

Ashley Farrell FCCA

Ashley started Lumin Accountancy in 2014, following a decade of experience in both practice-based and large, industry-based businesses. The vision of the firm was always to embrace technologies, streamline the clients processes and most importantly, add genuine value to clients’ businesses. Ashley qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in 2010 and obtained a practising certificate in 2014.

Ashley gained experience, working for Parkdean Holidays as a Regional Financial Controller, a national holiday park operator with over 28 sites. He was responsible for the Wales and South East England region, which accounted for 40% of the group. Roles included working closely with the Regional Director and Site Managers to increase profitability and financial reporting. Ashley then joined a large motor dealer franchise, with a turnover in excess of £75m. The role largely involved efficiency gains and a new management accounts model, providing the board greater visibility with a focus on Key Performance Indicators.

In his spare time, Ashley likes to watch football, spend time with his family and try to keep fit (work in progress). Ashley is also trying to get into gardening but is failing miserably at present.

James Miles FCCA

James joined Lumin Accountancy in January 2018, obtaining his practicing certificate in 2019. He is responsible for a portfolio of clients, providing accountancy services and business advice. James spent almost 12 years working for two firms of chartered certified accountants in Swansea and Bridgend with clients ranging from sole traders to independently owned businesses with a turnover in excess of £80m.

Prior to joining Lumin Accountancy, James spent time working as a group accountant of a Publicly Listed Company with UK and overseas operations, gaining international experience. James is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and enjoys working with a wide range of clients, providing both the necessary services such as accounting and tax compliance, together with providing practical advice to assist clients with the running of their businesses and all aspects of tax planning. James’ client portfolio is highly geared towards small and medium-sized clients, preparing financial statements and management accounts, including providing strategic and commercial advice. He also has experience with corporate finance work including forecasting, management buy-outs, and company valuations.

In his spare time, James likes to spend time with his young family, keeping active, cycling or playing golf. James dislikes doing any DIY around the house.

Ryan

Ryan joined the team in March 2020, having previously worked at a local accountancy practise where he started his apprenticeship back in September 2015. Ryan has a passion to quicken processes and make things more accurate, making him a great fit for how we work.

In his spare time, he enjoys keeping active in a range of different sports. At present, he is working towards competing in triathlons over various different distances and ultimately has an end goal of completing an Ironman (though he says it seems a million miles away).

He also plays for a local football club Rock spur.

Being the resident amateur singer of the office, any absence leaves an audible void.

As you can tell, Ryan is into his sports big time and also enjoys keeping up to date with a variety of sports from American Football to cricket and is a fan of Liverpool FC.

Ryan is ultimately involved with cloud accounting set-up and training, end of year accounts preparation and tax returns.

Dewi

Dewi joined the team in January 2021 from a well-established accountancy practice in South Wales.

He attended Cardiff University to study BSc Accounting & Finance, where he graduated with a 2:1 in 2016.

Dewi then took a 2-year gap, working as a lifeguard for a summer camp in the USA and travelling around New Zealand (to the envy of everyone else in the office).

He started his studies in 2018 and is currently sitting his final ACCA exam.

In his spare time, he plays rugby for Loughor. He likes to keep fit by hitting the gym to let off steam and go for the odd run.

From his own admission, he’s a massive foodie and spends 99% of my time thinking about what meal to have next. Any choice of food venue for team meals has to pass his stringent approval.

Natasha

Natasha joined the business in February 2021 to help run the payroll function and provide some administrative support.

Natasha has a background with construction businesses, mainly bookkeeping, payroll and CIS. Natasha will continue her professional development around payroll, which is where her passion lies.

She enjoys socialising with friends and family, but especially likes long walks with her (not so little) dog Gus and taking him for puppuccino’s

Demi

Demi joined the team in September 2021 straight from college and we will be supporting her through her studies towards AAT level 4 and onward to the ACCA professional exams.

Outside accountancy Demi excels at a range of sports, she represented the Swansea city girls football team, achieved a brown belt in kickboxing and enjoys cycling and long walks. If there is any time left after all that she enjoys the odd night out with friends.

Aleisha

Aleisha joined the business in December 2021, starting off her accountancy career at a local firm in 2017. She joins us having experience with small owner-managed businesses and preparation of tax returns. She is an ACCA student, currently working towards a professional qualification.

Outside of work, Aleisha enjoys travelling and socialising with friends. She also has two dogs that can be heard ‘enjoying their sleep’ whilst on a team’s call.