Food and drink

Dedicated support for the whole supply chain

A woman stands at Poppy's Bakery, surrounded by an array of breads and cakes on display.

From up-and-coming artisans to beloved national brands, we’re proud to work with many of the UK’s finest food and drink businesses

Growers and producers. Processors and manufacturers. Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Secret ingredients and household names. Our food and drink clients achieve some wonderful things.

At PKF Francis Clark, our roots are deep in the soil of the South West. So of course, we have a century of experience helping food and drink companies to flourish and grow.

That constant focus is important because the challenges you face as a food producer are always on the move. Lately, we’ve helped clients handle labour shortages and rising ingredient costs, plan for climate change, and respond to changing consumer demand.

We support your growth ambitions too. If you’re planning an investment in technology or innovation, increasing your capacity, or diversifying, we can help you forecast cashflow, find the right finance, and make the most of tax reliefs.

And if you’re importing or exporting, our international team can keep you on track. They’re experts in complying with the different VAT regimes – not to mention indirect taxes on things like packaging. Plus, as part of PKF, we can provide you with local support worldwide.

Whatever you’re facing, whatever you’re planning, you can count on us. We’ll be at your side – with a listening ear, a clear view of your business, and the technical expertise to help.

Our clients say

“We’ve been working with PKF Francis Clark for several years and Justin is fantastic. We couldn’t ask for a better accountant. He’s always on the end of the phone if you need him for something. If he can’t answer it, there’s always somebody there that he’ll draw on to answer a question.” Adam and Laura Mounce, Strawberry Fields Farm Shop
“PKF Francis Clark has amazing food and drink sector experience, dealing with companies of all sizes. They’ve always been very interested in my business and have been a great source of advice even before I started working with them.” Amanda Stansfield, Granny Gothards Limited
“It’s been brilliant. PKF Francis Clark know our business and they come to us if they think we could benefit from something. It’s fantastic having someone who is proactive and looking out for us.” Annette Hunt, Hunt’s Cider Limited

Regular contact and ad-hoc support

It’s up to you how much contact and support you’d like. But we’re always keeping an eye out for you, and here to answer your questions and act as a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. Many of our clients find regular site visits are helpful, as they give you a chance to stop and check your progress against your strategic goals.

Whatever you’d prefer, two things won’t change. First, you’ll always find our communications clear, quick, and easy to understand. Second, you’ll be supported by the same core team – helping us to build an understanding of your business and what makes you tick.

Support for family businesses and succession planning

Often, food and drink companies are family businesses too. So, it’s worth knowing we take a special, holistic approach with all-round support to help you structure your company and your finances – giving you the best possible return for your hard work.

When it’s time to sell, retire, or hand the company on, we can help smooth that process. There are many ways to exit a business, and we’ll help you find the one that best suits your ethos and goals.

Staying ahead through listening and research

In food and drink, there’s always something new going on. And with clients and connections throughout the industry, we’re perfectly placed to spot issues and trends as they emerge. That gives us a great opportunity to keep you ahead.

We regularly conduct research into the sector and organise roundtable events with leading businesses. For instance, we recently discussed the move towards sustainable business models and what it means for the industry as a whole. We’re very happy for you to help guide that learning. So, if there’s a subject you’d like to see discussed, please let us know.

Food and drink accounting case studies

The owners of Hunts Cider are walking through their orchard chatting

Hunts Cider

A family business in South Devon, with 8 acres of apple trees and over 200 years of history.

Read story
Man and cow nose to nose with man laughing

Surfing Cow

Surfing Cow are Devon’s Best Farm Processor & Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023.

Read story

Our latest food and drink insights

Taxing tips: The tax treatments of tips, service charges and troncs

6 August 2024

Read
A current scone with jam and cream sits on a plate with the beach in the background.

The outlook of international trade for the food and drink sector

17 July 2024

Read
A group of friesian cows are standing in a field side by side

Trewithen Dairy acquired by German multinational Ehrmann

4 July 2024

Read
A vessel laden with shipping containers at port as the sun begins to rise.

The Common User Charge – new costs for imports of plants, plant products and products of animal origin (including food)

4 April 2024

Read
A close up picture two hands poised over a laptop with the blurred image of three colleagues stood in the background.

Uncertainty and directors personal risk

28 March 2024

Read
A close up of credit card being lifted off a keyboard by a fishing hook.

Cloning scam targets restaurant businesses

14 February 2024

Read
Waiter placing a cup on a table whilst carrying a tray with a tea pot on

Rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – Autumn Statement 2023

22 November 2023

Read
A farming family walking through their cow shed with cows eating either side of them

Challenges in the dairy industry

3 October 2023

Read
A couple with suitcases checking a map at a hotel reception desk.

How the hospitality industry can improve employee retention

27 September 2023

Read
Headshot of Mike Frost.

Selling to the world – current trends in international trade

19 July 2023

Read
A large country home covered in a blanket of wisteria and ivy.

Sustainable business models for food & drink

12 July 2023

Read
A shelf brimming with wine bottles

The new alcohol duty system: what you need to know

27 June 2023

Read

Meet our food and drink experts

Nick Farrant

Partner, audit and head of food & drink sector

View profile

Your company is unique. Let’s discuss what you need.

We’re amazed and inspired by what our food and drink clients achieve – and we can’t wait to support your journey too. But first, let’s have a chat about your business.