Meet the team

Barry Shields

Barry became senior partner at Harold Smith in 2004. He joined the partnership in 1979 after qualifying in 1977. Among his many clients he has particularly strong experience of professional practices, overseas taxation and non UK residents.

Barry is married with two grown up children, enjoys collecting rare first edition books and has a keen interest in the Greek Islands which he visits whenever time permits.

Nick Ashton

Nick qualified as a pharmacist and worked for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals for a number of years before moving into accountancy and became a chartered accountant in 1981. He became a partner in the firm in 1985. He has a wealth of experience with particular emphasis in the property and construction sectors.

Within the firm he maintains an active interest in I.T. and training matters.

Simon Murray Williams

After qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1986, Simon became a partner in 1990. He is a Welsh speaker and divides his work between the firm’s St Asaph and Criccieth offices.

Nick Hulson

Nick qualified as a chartered accountant in 1989 and entered the partnership in 1992. He has a wide client base with particular emphasis on farming, leisure and building businesses.

Nick has plenty of outside interests and particularly enjoys following his beloved Manchester City with his two daughters.

Lawrence Archer

Lawrence has over fifteen years experience in general practice dealing with a variety of clients. Since he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1992 Lawrence has gained expertise in numerous areas of the accounting spectrum, with specific knowledge in personal and corporate tax planning, management accounts and assisting in business development and growth.

Lawrence divides his spare time between his wife and three young children and his sporting interests.

Ian qualified in 1987 as a chartered accountant and in 1990 as a chartered tax advisor. Ian also heads the firm’s audit department.