About Us
Solid. Straight Talking. By your side.
We’re more than accountants—we’re a friendly team dedicated to your success. With extensive experience across industries, we provide pragmatic advice and personalised support. We simplify finance, build lasting relationships, and earn your trust through exceptional service. Whether you’re an individual or a business, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Story
At Practical Business Solutions (PBS), our journey has been marked by dedication, growth, and a commitment to delivering unparalleled service. The business was founded by Mike Hickman, who has worked tirelessly to grow the business organically to where it is today. Here’s a glimpse into our story, illustrating significant milestones:
2010
Our humble beginnings trace back to when Mike, while working as a consultant, envisioned a firm that would simplify complex financial processes. With this vision, he laid the foundation of Practical Business Solutions right from his spare bedroom at his home in Wigan. After establishing some solid business arrangements, PBS found it's first home at Hewitt House in Orrell, marking our first milestone.
2016
As part of our journey to serve niche markets, we launched ‘Practical Sporting Solutions’—a dedicated division for the unique financial needs of sporting professionals. After establishing successful relationships within the sports industry, we recognised the demand for expert guidance in tax, financial planning, and career management. Practical Sporting Solutions empowers athletes to focus on performance while we handle their finances with precision and care.
2020
A decade since our inception, our growth story reached another pivotal moment. To accommodate our expanding clientele and services, we moved to a larger office and welcomed new team members. This wasn’t just about more space—it symbolised our dedication to growing alongside our clients and reinforced our commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and a thriving team environment.
2023
Practical Business Solutions merged with DNS Accountants, Wigan, forming a dynamic partnership that elevates our ability to deliver top-tier services. This strategic union not only enhances the client experience but also expands our expertise and resources, allowing us to serve a broader range of needs with even greater efficiency. Together, as a unified entity, we are committed to driving innovation, fostering strong client relationships, and delivering tailored solutions that support growth and success at every stage.
Meet The Team
Mike Hickman
Founder & Managing Director
Steph Silcock
Senior Accountant
John Taylor
Senior Accountant
Karen Mundy
Practice Manager
Masood Safdar
Consultant
Bethan Wane
Customer Experience Manager
See more
Software & Technology
At Practical Business Solutions, we leverage cutting-edge software and technology to simplify complex financial processes and deliver exceptional service to our clients. From leading cloud-based platforms like Xero and BrightPay to specialist tools such as Capitalise and BrightManager, our technology ensures accuracy, efficiency, and real-time insights. These tools enable seamless collaboration, robust compliance, and informed decision-making, empowering our clients to stay ahead in an ever-changing financial landscape. By combining innovative technology with our expertise, we provide solutions that are as dynamic as the businesses we serve.
Collaborators
At Practical Business Solutions, we collaborate with a trusted network of specialists to enhance the services we provide. From legal experts to financial planners and insurance advisors, our collaborators are carefully chosen for their expertise and shared commitment to excellence. These partnerships allow us to offer comprehensive, tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by our clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of support and advice across every aspect of their financial journey.
Privacy & Security
At Practical Business Solutions, safeguarding your data is our top priority. Our partnerships with industry-leading platforms such as BrightPay, Xero, Sage, and Hubdoc, have all been selected because they are all renowned for their stringent security measures, including data encryption and secure cloud storage. Collaborating with IT specialists like TwentyFour IT, we implement advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect against potential threats. Our commitment to privacy and security ensures that your financial information remains confidential and protected at all times.
