FORENSIC ACCOUNTING &
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

We are a firm of Chartered Accountants with a 125-year history of service to our clients locally, nationally and internationally.

We help our clients in four key ways:

Freedom from financial responsibility.
Control over your business and personal life by enabling you to make the choices you want.
More time to spend on the things that matter to you.
More money by reducing your tax burden and increasing your business growth.

Our forensic accounting department helps both legal representatives and clients by giving you solid, clear, objective and independent advice in language everyone can understand.

The department is headed up by one of our Senior Partners, Richard Stonier and covers all aspects of financial investigation and financial crime including a business valuation specialism. Areas covered include:

Business valuations
Tax reports and remuneration assessments
Loss of profit claims
Forensic data analysis
Financial crime and fraud

Richard is a member of The Academy of Experts and acts as an expert witness on a single joint or party-appointed basis or as a shadow expert. All of our analysis and reports are written in a clear, well-structured court-approved format unique to us.

When you employ us you get a highly professional, experienced team who work to your timescales and can make court appearances as expert witnesses. We even provide technical back-up and support to ensure you are fully supported and briefed prior to court-day.

We are a member of NIFA (Network of Independent Forensic Accountants), whose membership consists of independent accountancy practices throughout the UK who specialise in forensic accountancy, and are able to provide a cost effective alternative to the national firms of accountants. Membership of NIFA provides safeguards to instructing parties because it sets quality standards and monitors them by an annual review of each firm's working files.

OUR TEAM

Deans Forensics with Layers (clear backg

Richard Stonier

BSc (Econ) FCA ATT (Fellow) MAE

Partner

Tel: 01785 258311

Mobile: 07885 686214

I lead the Deans Forensic Department and have over 15 years’ experience preparing business valuations and forensic and taxation reports for a wide range of purposes. My work includes acting as an expert witness in family, civil, and criminal cases, whether as a single joint expert, a party-appointed expert, or a shadow expert.

While I am based in the Midlands, my work takes me across the UK, and I’ve given evidence in court on numerous occasions. I have acted on behalf of clients in virtually every sector, including retail, manufacturing, professional services, property, construction, agriculture, hospitality, leisure, and transport.

My earlier career in audit, tax, and business advisory services - supporting individuals, partnerships, and corporate clients - has provided a solid foundation for my forensic work. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a pragmatic, solution-focused approach to every case. I am also well-versed in both UK tax law and UK and International accounting standards.

Outside of work, I am an avid nature and landscape photographer, with a particular focus on wild birds. You can see my photography at www.birdsonline.co.uk—it keeps me creatively inspired and busy in my spare time!

Download Richard's CV

Rachael Smith

BA (Hons) FCA

Associate Director

Tel: 01785 258311

I am a seasoned accounting professional with over two decades of experience, including a focused specialisation in forensic accountancy since 2020. I graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Business Studies and then started my career in accountancy practice in 2003. Working within practice I have built up a strong foundation in financial reporting, audit, and business advisory services, working with a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from SMEs, GP Practices to medium size corporations.

In 2020, I transitioned into forensic accounting, applying my extensive industry knowledge and analytical skills to complex financial investigations. My work now centres on fraud detection, financial misconduct, litigation support, and preparation of business valuations and taxation reports. As associate director, I co-ordinate the cases alongside Richard to ensure that work is prepared to the highest of standards and within the required time frames. I bring both technical proficiency and investigative acumen to every case. Whether analysing financial anomalies or preparing court-ready reports, I provide clients with insight, precision, and reliable results.

Outside of work I love to spend my time with my family walking and skiing. I also enjoy keeping healthy and active. I regularly go to the gym and meet friends for runs, having run a number of half marathons.

Sam King

ACA

Senior

Tel: 01785 238170

After graduating with First Class Honours in Accounting and Finance from De Montfort University in 2018, I joined Deans and went on to qualify as a chartered accountant.

Since 2022, I have been part of the Deans Forensic team, where I work on a wide range of cases across family, civil, and criminal matters. I specialise in Excel and data analysis and have supported many complex forensic investigations, often involving large datasets and advanced statistical and valuation techniques - including Black-Scholes modelling and Monte Carlo simulations.

My background in accounts includes working with a diverse client base, from sole traders to large companies, delivering both accounts preparation and audit services. I take pride in my methodical and detailed approach to financial analysis, which underpins all of my work.

Outside the office, I’m a keen cricket player and fan, and I also enjoy reading and spending time in the garden.

Olivia Broadhurst

ACA

Senior

Tel: 01785 238185

I joined Deans in 2017 and qualified first as an AAT accountant before continuing my training to become a chartered accountant.

Since joining the forensic team in 2021, I’ve worked across a broad range of cases in family, civil, and criminal law. I regularly prepare business valuations and tax reports for family matters, and over time, I’ve valued businesses across virtually every sector you can think of. My general accounting background allows me to quickly get to grips with how a business operates, so I can tailor each valuation to reflect the unique factors that influence its value.

I bring a meticulous, analytical approach to all aspects of financial and data analysis. I’m trained in both UK and International accounting standards and have experience handling the accounts and tax affairs of individuals, partnerships, and companies.

When I’m not working, I enjoy countryside walks and spending time in the garden.

Lauren Spillard

Junior

Tel: 01785 238174

I began my career at Deans, where I qualified in AAT and am now continuing my professional journey by studying towards my ACCA qualification.

In 2023, I joined the Deans Forensic team as an assistant and have since been building hands-on experience in preparing business valuations and tax reports. I’ve already been involved in several high-profile cases, including HMRC disputes, suspected fraud investigations, and work related to the Horizon Post Office scandal.

I bring a highly analytical mindset to my work and enjoy carefully thinking through each case to find the most effective path to a successful outcome.

Outside of work, I love weekend getaways and discovering new countries - travel is one of my favourite ways to unwind and explore different cultures.

Lindsey Bellamy

Junior

Tel: 01785 238163

I qualified as an AAT accountant before joining Deans and am now studying towards my ACCA qualification.

I recently joined the forensic team, drawn by my passion for problem-solving and investigative work. My background in accounting has given me a strong eye for detail, which helps me spot issues in financial records and data and work through them methodically.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking and getting lost in a good book - both great ways to unwind and recharge.