About Us
Our Story So Far
We’re here to empower you to grow with integrity, balancing purpose AND profit at every step
We are award-winning chartered accountants in Cornwall, who believe in business as a force for good. With the triple bottom line principles at the heart of everything we do, we are passionate about empowering other companies to create a better future for all. We don’t just want to profit individuals, we want to sustainably grow businesses to benefit a greater good – be it their employees, charitable causes, community projects or the environment. Read more about our values here.
A long-established history
Harland Accountants is headed up by three directors: David Harland, Deborah Edwards and Martyn Olver, having originally been established in 1979 by David’s father, Michael Harland. Today we are a progressive, modern firm who embrace digital technology to support ambitious businesses across the UK. Based in beautiful coastal Cornwall, with offices in St Austell, Falmouth, Newquay and Helston, we are directly influenced by our stunning natural surroundings and take looking after our environment seriously. We are currently embarking on the journey to B Corp accreditation, and are aiming to be plastic free in the near future too.
A passion for purpose-led organisations
Our directors have a deep-rooted commitment to socially-minded and purpose-driven work. David previously served as a senior leader at the Eden Project and is now CEO of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Deborah is Finance Director (and Non‑Executive) at Crowdfunder UK, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform. She is also a qualified business mentor. Not your average accountants! Read more about our individual team members here.
Having built a team who share these core values, we deliver a full range of accounting services from day‑to‑day and long‑term, to supporting your business goals and purpose.
Quality control
We take quality control extremely seriously, and to uphold the consistent high level of advice we deliver to you, we ensure 3 things:
Qualifications
All our team are qualified or working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Alarmingly, it is not a legal requirement to call yourself an accountant! But at Harland Accountants, you’re in safe hands.
Regulation
As members of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), we are regulated by the highest possible standards. If something in the accounting world changes, you can rest assured we will know about it first.
Experience
Many members of our team are business owners themselves, bringing an informed perspective acquired through first-hand business experience. This means we truly understand the challenges you face and are perfectly positioned to offer tailored advice and proactive solutions that drive real results.
“You can’t succeed in business by standing on the side-lines, you have to completely understand the blood that flows through a company and be prepared to immerse yourself in it.”
Deborah Edwards
Director
How We Live Our Values Every Day
We believe businesses who act with kindness are simply better businesses. That’s why we’ve developed own ‘Force-for-good’ programme, where every member of our team devotes a portion of their time to developing projects with a good causes. Projects in our F4G programme currently include fundraising for our Charity of the Year, Cornwall Mind, embarking on the B Corp accreditation journey, and launching a very special community impact initiative (watch this space!).
Why Choose a Chartered Accountant?
Accountant vs Chartered Accountant
Did you know that legally anyone can call themselves an accountant? Yes, frightening isn’t it!? You put your livelihood and financial trust into the guidance of someone who doesn’t actually hold any qualifications.
But to be a chartered accountant that person must spend a minimum 3 years completing in-depth training, examinations and hold a practice certificate. Chartered accountants are committed to continued professional development and regularly keep their skills up to date and relevant. If the law changes, your chartered accountant will know about it! As well as abiding to a strict code of ethics and disciplinary procedures upheld by the governing body, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The letters ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant), ACCA (Associate Certified Chartered Accountant), or FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant) do not come lightly.
Here at Harland we are extremely proud be registered with both the ICAEW and the ACCA and to have a team where everyone is either qualified, or working towards their qualifications.
You wouldn’t trust an unqualified doctor to look after your health, so why would you let an unqualified accountant look after your business?
How we work
We build strong relationships, ask smart questions, and get to the heart of what matters to you. Our approach is hands-on, collaborative, and always shaped around your goals, because great advice only works when it’s built on understanding and trust.
Fixed Fees
(no surprises)
We agree your fees up front — no ticking clocks, no hidden costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for, with clear value at every step.
Cloud technology that saves time, not adds stress
We’ll set you up with smart, simple cloud tools that give you real-time visibility and free up your headspace so you can focus on running your business, not chasing receipts.
Advice that’s personal and proactive
We get to know what matters to you, not just the numbers! That means tailored support, thoughtful growth planning, and conversations that go beyond spreadsheets.
A partnership built to last
You’ll have a dedicated team who stay close, check in often, and guide you through each stage of your business journey. We’re here for the long haul, not just the year-end.
Ready to move beyond basic accounting?
If you’re new to Harland, book a free discovery call to explore how we can support you with values-aligned financial strategy, growth planning to fuel your impact, and advisory support that helps you make confident, well-timed decisions.
