About Lightbulb

Our Mission

To make accountancy effortless and intelligent - combining automation with expert tax planning so you can focus on growth, not admin.

Our Story

Lightbulb was founded to bridge the gap between traditional accounting and tomorrow’s technology.

We saw too many businesses bogged down in spreadsheets and late-night reconciliations.

Today, we build systems that talk to each other - linking your bookkeeping, CRM, and reporting tools to deliver real-time insight.

Our Values

• Simplicity: Clear, jargon-free advice.

• Innovation: Technology that saves time and money.

• Integrity: Honest, transparent, and fair.

• Partnership: We grow when you do.

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About Sam Chapman

​Sam Chapman is a proud Southampton local with a strong academic and professional background.

He holds:

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Merit – University of Winchester

• A Master of Science in Leadership and Management (MSc) with Merit – University of Southampton

• A BA (Hons) in Archaeology – University of Southampton (a Russell Group university)

Before founding Lightbulb Financial Services, Sam spent more than a decade in senior roles within the NHS, developing extensive experience in transformation, performance, and business growth. He later retrained in accountancy, combining leadership insight with technical financial expertise.

This unique blend of strategy, management, and finance underpins Lightbulb’s philosophy: that great accounting isn’t just about numbers — it’s about systems, structure, and smart decisions.

Beyond his professional work, Sam is deeply engaged in his community.

In May 2023, he was elected as a Southampton City Councillor for Bassett Ward, where he lives with his family. He is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping Southampton thrive as a city of innovation and opportunity.

At Lightbulb, Sam leads a team dedicated to delivering essential financial services that add value beyond traditional accounting — empowering every client to operate more efficiently and grow more profitably.

Read his full CV here

A Modern Accountancy Firm Built for the AI Age

Pictured:

Sam Chapman MBA, MSc, BA (Hons)

Founder & CEO