JFS Torbitt - Accountants & Business Advisors - Chester-le-Street

Martin B.

We were clients of Derrick Hutchinson at JFS Torbitt for over 14 years. Looking back, staying that long was a costly mistake — both financially and professionally.

Despite paying significantly above the going rate, we were repeatedly let down. Derrick made numerous serious errors that we had to catch and correct ourselves. Most notably, he failed to properly record a £405,000 director’s loan — a mistake that would’ve led to a huge and entirely avoidable tax bill. When we raised it, we weren’t met with accountability — we were met with excuses and deflection.

That became a pattern. We gave clear written instructions months in advance, yet they were ignored. When questioned, Derrick routinely defaulted to emotional responses — breaking down in meetings, crying on more than one occasion, and describing it as “feeling like he was being told off by a mate.” He constantly referred to us as friends rather than clients, using that as justification for why things were late, ignored, or incorrect — as though we should overlook poor service because of some unspoken personal loyalty. In reality, we never socialised and had simply employed him as our accountant. The boundaries were entirely one-sided.

Even now, after leaving, he’s refused to provide our new accountants with basic handover documents — claiming the files “no longer exist.” Our new advisor has confirmed this is not normal practice and has already flagged other worrying issues with the way our accounts were managed.

It’s hard to ignore the sense that Derrick resents successful clients. His tone often felt tinged with bitterness, and he consistently steered us toward less tax-efficient outcomes unless challenged. Perhaps this reflects his own background as a repeatedly failed business owner — but it has no place in a client relationship.

We’ve since moved to a professional firm, and the difference is night and day. If you value clear communication, financial accuracy, and a professional attitude, I strongly suggest you avoid JFS Torbitt. You deserve better — and so did we.

Woodland C.

Derick is massively unprofessional and quite simply not very good at his job. Avoid at all costs, zero stars.

Marcus D.

Very professional accountants would highly recommend this company for all your tax and business advice

david Y.

Great Staff they have always given Me a speedy response, with the correct infomation.

Lynsey B.

Great as always jane and jacquie id be lost without there help and input

Mark G.

Knowledgeable staff who do great work, at a competitive rate.

Susan M.

Fantastic accountants always on hand to give advice .

Malcolm N.