WLR Southwest

WLR Southwest

At WLR Southwest, we bring together essential professional services, including accounting, legal support, tax advice and business administration, to help South West businesses operate more effectively and achieve long‑term success. Our experienced team works closely with you to understand your priorities and deliver guidance that’s straightforward, practical and grounded in real‑world business experience.

 

Many business owners find that the day‑to‑day pressures of compliance, financial strategy and legal requirements can distract from growth and opportunity. We sit on your side of the table, acting as accessible advisers who simplify complexity and provide proactive support, whether that’s managing tax reliefs, strengthening your back‑office functions, arranging legal services, or connecting you with the right professionals for your needs

Services

Simplifying business, delivering results

We are a business support group dedicated to helping South West businesses thrive by bringing together the professional services that matter most. From accounting and legal advice to back-office support and funding guidance, we act as your trusted partner on the table, providing clarity, expertise, and practical divisions to help your business succeed.

 

We take the pressure off business owners by managing the detail, connecting you with local, approachable professionals, and translating complex requirements into straightforward guidance. Rather than offering generic advice, we tailor our support to your business needs, helping with compliance, strategic decisions, tax opportunities, and operational challenges. Our hands-on, relationship-led approach ensures you can focus on what you do best, growing your business, while we handle the rest.

Team

The people behind the work

Martin Collins

Chief Executive Officer

During my career, I’ve had successes in both the PLC world and the SME sector as an owner-manager.

 

I’ve enjoyed the cut and thrust of challenges on the front line and have sat in negotiations around boardroom tables in the City, but my passion lies firmly with the SME sector.

 

I enjoy supporting and growing my own businesses, helping clients succeed, even when they don’t yet realise how successful they are.

 

I understand the importance of structured, organised businesses, while ensuring the drive and passion of the owner isn’t held back.

 

Experience allows me to help teams play to their strengths and support the rest, because the quality of advisors and support always makes the difference.

Tracy Eaton

R&D Director

I started my commercial and financial career in 2002 at CVS, working with Martin on the management team and helping grow the business through to its sale to a FTSE 250 bank.

 

As General Manager of Finance and Operations, I oversaw the development of systems and processes, including implementing in-house IT systems to support efficient and profitable growth.

 

After the sale, I remained for several years, gaining senior-level experience within a banking PLC, including leading SAP Finance system implementations.

 

Since then, I have developed operational finance divisions for SMEs, balancing corporate controls, governance, and processes with flexibility, helping clients understand their business and celebrating their successes with them.

Jo Hancock

Chief of Staff

During my career, I have worked across multiple industries in both the SME sector and Corporate PLCs, focusing on organisational efficiency, strategic planning, and project and change management.

 

As a Hospitality Management graduate, I began in the hotel industry and discovered a passion for strategy, problem-solving, and delivering excellent customer service.

 

Over the next ten years, I developed these skills as Operations Manager and Director across hospitality, commercial vehicles, and pharmaceutical services.

 

I then moved into Project and Change Management, leading projects including office builds, business relocations, global finance system implementations, and CRM rollouts.

 

My heart lies with SMEs, where I now oversee operations, strategy, and team performance to deliver outstanding client service.

Emma Robison

Chief Operating Officer

As a Graduate in Economics, I worked in London’s financial industry for several years, developing a strong understanding of commercial finance.

 

This experience, alongside qualifications in HR and Business Turnaround, has equipped me to support my clients effectively.

 

I focus on providing commercial finance divisions nationally, regardless of company size or status.

 

Over the years, I have built strong relationships with well-known funders and many that are less familiar, creating a network of lenders who understand our strengths.

 

My experience allows me to assist with straightforward funding requirements or provide guidance and divisions for the unusual, the complex, and every challenge in between.

Alex Reynolds

Head of Accountancy & Tax

My career began training at a global accountancy practice, where I qualified as a chartered accountant and built a strong technical foundation across audit and advisory work.

 

I later managed a diverse client portfolio before being headhunted during an economic downturn into a Finance Director role within the construction sector.

 

Operating at board level through a recession gave me first-hand experience of cash flow pressure, funding constraints, and strategic decision-making under stress.

 

Today, I draw on both technical expertise and real-world commercial experience to advise SME and owner-managed businesses.

 

My work focuses on tax advisory, management buy-outs, group restructures, and tax-efficient planning, helping business owners make informed decisions with confidence.

Chelsea Stox

Business Services Manager

Starting out in manufacturing and growing into roles that champion operational excellence, I’ve always been rooted in the SME world.

 

I’m passionate about process improvement and efficiency, ensuring divisions are practical, realistic, and deliver real value.

 

In my current role, I work closely with the accounts team to manage statutory requirements and support projects that keep operations running smoothly.

 

I thrive under pressure, enjoy working to deadlines, and take pride in finding smart, effective divisions that make a genuine difference.

 

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me catching up with friends over a glass of wine, exploring new places on long dog walks, or tackling my latest home renovation project.

Jackie Howard

Group Compliance Manager

I am an experienced Compliance Officer and qualified Chartered Accountant with over 40 years in professional services.

 

I began my career at KPMG and have since gained expertise across accountancy, legal, financial advisory, and banking sectors.

 

My focus is always on reducing risk and ensuring regulatory compliance. As a leader, I guide teams through complex challenges, fostering integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

 

I am passionate about process improvement and mentoring others, helping to build strong, high-performing teams.

 

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, following both Arsenal football teams, and keeping fit, balancing my professional focus with personal interests.

Contact Us

Get in touch today to see how we can help

Please contact us by sending us an email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0333 4567 150.

Alternatively, fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as we can.






    Resources

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