At Pillow May, we believe in a better kind of accounting for business owners and sole traders.
Our mission is to free up valuable headspace for you, taking care of the detail while keeping your long-term goals in focus. Leaving you to concentrate on what matters most, and empowering you to make confident, well-informed choices for your business and the life you want outside it.
We’re known for being approachable, thoughtful and thorough. Our team works closely together to give you practical advice that feels relevant and manageable, not overwhelming.
Committed to giving you the bigger picture
At the heart of our service is a 360° purposeful financial review that brings your business and personal finances together. Each year, we look at both sides in one conversation, so the guidance you receive is practical and directly linked to your goals.
By looking at the full picture, we can show you how the decisions you make in your business life shape your wider financial landscape. Clients often tell us this joined-up view brings real clarity, giving them confidence in their choices and reassurance that everything important is beingcarefully considered.
Specialist advice and support when it matters
Running a business is exciting. It’s also challenging. We can work with you to devise a sensible strategy to keep your business resilient and ready for what’s ahead, without losing sight of your dreams. Here are some of the ways we can support you:
Structuring your business
Advising on how best to organise your company and remuneration, so your business and personal finances work smoothly together to support your wider goals.
Understanding the number
Keeping your finances running smoothly by managing your bookkeeping, payroll and regular reporting, giving you a clear view of where your business stands. Our team is on hand when you need us, helping you stay organised and in control without the stress.
Implementing digital systems
Streamlining your processes with paperless systems that reduce admin and make financial tasks easier. We can help you choose the right software, make best use of built-in automation features, and provide training and support to ensure your systems stay efficient and straightforward to use.
Planning for growth
Working with you to shape and test your plans for expansion. From preparing business plans to considering funding routes, we’ll help you weigh up your options and move forward with clarity.
Working in step with your advisers
Helping you navigate the complexities of HMRC and working collaboratively with your other business advisers – from IFAs to legal and IT – to give you coherent and cohesive guidance. Put simply, we’re on your team, easing the load wherever we can.
Succession and exit planning
When a new life beckons, we can help you plan your exit. Whether you want to step back gradually, pass the business on or sell, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure your plans are viable and tax efficient.
Speak to one of our expert team
Jessica Pillow
Managing Director & Chartered Tax Adviser
Jessica is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with over twenty years experience. Leading Pillow May with a tech-forward approach, she uses her passion for innovation to help clients grow through clear strategic advice and flexible digital solutions. Jessica also contributes to industry developments through working with the ICAEW and major software providers, she also contributes to industry developments.
Samantha Sollis
Operations Director and Client Relationship Manager
Sam is Operations Director and Client Relationship Manager, having started at Pillow May as a junior administrator. She oversees the daily running of the office and champions our internal systems. Her deep operational insight ensures efficient processes and strong, supportive relationships with clients.
Jenna Croker
Client Services Director / Practice Accountant
Jenna is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience, having begun her career as an accounting apprentice. Her passion lies in making finance clear and accessible for businesses of all sizes, and supporting them through challenges to help them thrive.
In 2024 Jenna became our Director of Client Services combining her team leadership expertise with her commitment to exceptional client care.
Catherine Hugo
Management Accountant
Catherine is a Chartered Management Accountant with many years experience working as a Financial Controller in the manufacturing sector. She works with Pillow May’s larger clients, preparing more complex management reports. She has a head for formulae, specialising in using Microsoft Excel to streamline processes and improve data analysis and accuracy.
Emma Allman
Company Accountant
Emma is a Chartered Certified Accountant with a MSc in Strategic Accounting. She has worked in practice for over 10 years, having begun her career at Pillow May and then returning. She oversees our sole traders, partnerships and smaller company clients, and is responsible for charity accounts and independent examinations. She also leads the finance management team.
Deborah Apps
Financial Accountant
Deborah prepares year end accounts for limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and LLPs, and prepares corporate tax returns. She also works with our accounts software providers to make improvements and beta test upcoming versions. She has over 30 years experience of working with SMEs and qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 2000.
Amanda Slade
Payroll Bookkeeper
Amanda is an Accounting Technician with over 25 years experience. She provides trusted payroll services, combining technical expertise with a friendly, down-to-earth approach; whilst supporting our bookkeeping team and all our FreeAgent clients.
Ruth Garrad
Payroll & Accounts Administrator
Ruth is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, providing support to the payroll team. She works as the company secretary for all our companies and LLPs.
Caroline Chard
Senior Bookkeeper
Caroline is responsible for bookkeeping, month end reports and VAT submissions. With over 35 years experience, she has qualified through the school of life and started out when ledgers had to be added up at the bottom of each page. The benefits from technology completely blows her mind!
Managing Director & Chartered Tax Adviser
Jessica is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with over twenty years experience. Leading Pillow May with a tech-forward approach, she uses her passion for innovation to help clients grow through clear strategic advice and flexible digital solutions. Jessica also contributes to industry developments through working with the ICAEW and major software providers, she also contributes to industry developments.
Operations Director and Client Relationship Manager
Sam is Operations Director and Client Relationship Manager, having started at Pillow May as a junior administrator. She oversees the daily running of the office and champions our internal systems. Her deep operational insight ensures efficient processes and strong, supportive relationships with clients.
Client Services Director / Practice Accountant
Jenna is a Chartered Accountant with over 10 years experience, having begun her career as an accounting apprentice. Her passion lies in making finance clear and accessible for businesses of all sizes, and supporting them through challenges to help them thrive.
In 2024 Jenna became our Director of Client Services combining her team leadership expertise with her commitment to exceptional client care.
Management Accountant
Catherine is a Chartered Management Accountant with many years experience working as a Financial Controller in the manufacturing sector. She works with Pillow May’s larger clients, preparing more complex management reports. She has a head for formulae, specialising in using Microsoft Excel to streamline processes and improve data analysis and accuracy.
Company Accountant
Emma is a Chartered Certified Accountant with a MSc in Strategic Accounting. She has worked in practice for over 10 years, having begun her career at Pillow May and then returning. She oversees our sole traders, partnerships and smaller company clients, and is responsible for charity accounts and independent examinations. She also leads the finance management team.
Financial Accountant
Deborah prepares year end accounts for limited companies, sole traders, partnerships and LLPs, and prepares corporate tax returns. She also works with our accounts software providers to make improvements and beta test upcoming versions. She has over 30 years experience of working with SMEs and qualified with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 2000.
Payroll Bookkeeper
Amanda is an Accounting Technician with over 25 years experience. She provides trusted payroll services, combining technical expertise with a friendly, down-to-earth approach; whilst supporting our bookkeeping team and all our FreeAgent clients.
Payroll & Accounts Administrator
Ruth is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, providing support to the payroll team. She works as the company secretary for all our companies and LLPs.
Senior Bookkeeper
Caroline is responsible for bookkeeping, month end reports and VAT submissions. With over 35 years experience, she has qualified through the school of life and started out when ledgers had to be added up at the bottom of each page. The benefits from technology completely blows her mind!
Don’t just take our word for it
It has been a delight to be able to talk through issues with the girls at Pillow May, they are always willing to listen.
Working with Pillow May has given me the confidence to handle my accounts correctly. They have already more than paid for themselves.
It’s like literally bookkeeping and accounting went from like being one of the biggest nightmares we had to something we don’t even think about and it’s like a huge shift.
Could we make your life easier?
To make your life just that bit easier, get in touch with us. We can set fresh eyes on your business and provide comprehensive tax and accountancy services tailored to your requirements.
