The accounting profession were reunited last month at Accountex Summit North, which took place on 20-21 September 2021 at Manchester Central. Raring to get back to face-to-face business and networking – the long-awaited summit welcomed 1,352 senior accountancy and finance professionals.
They were there to meet over 85 global brands and cutting-edge start-ups demoing their latest services and software programmes – helping to streamline accountancy practices across the UK.
The two-day event was heralded a major success with visiting accounting professionals. Margaret Middlemass senior manager at Sagars Accountants says: “I really appreciated the chance to meet and speak to so many of our suppliers in one day and explore potential new solutions, especially after such a long period with only remote access.”
“I really appreciated the chance to meet and speak to so many of our suppliers in one day and explore potential new solutions, especially after such a long period with only remote access.”
Heather Palmer, director at Ascot Bookkeeping & Accounting Ltd says: “This was my first time visiting Accountex Summit North, but I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The atmosphere was incredible, and the quality of exhibitors was first class. Can’t wait for 2022!”
World-class Keynotes
Alongside the buzzing exhibition floor, the conference ran a world-class keynote programme with talks that covered pertinent topics in the world of accounting – including Making Tax Digital, starting up a practice, flexible working, and the future of accounting.
Chartered accountant Sharon Turner says: “It was great to see other business leaders sharing their successes (and failures!) and providing insights into the accounting world. It’s so useful to network and see how other firms are managing upcoming changes.”
“It’s vital for accountants to be at Accountex Summit North and to talk with people about the new developments in the industry.”
Accountex speaker, author and trainer at Profit First Professionals, Femke Hogema says: “It’s vital for accountants to be at Accountex Summit North and to talk with people about the new developments in the industry – because you can only be a profit advisor if the fundamentals and basics are done by effective systems, so you have more time to help your clients. And that’s why this event is so important!”
‘Highlight of the year’
Exhibitors were also excited to get back to meeting potential clients away from a virtual setting, made evident by the glowing testimonials across the show-floor.
Jenny Fogarty, director of marketing and sales operations at AutoEntry says: “Accountex Summit North has been a great show, it always is. It’s one of the highlights of the year for us and our team. It’s great to be back here, especially after Covid! We’ve missed meeting our customers face-to-face and also meeting other suppliers to find out what’s going on in the industry.”
“Accountex is one of the most important events in the accounting industry.”
Verifying the value of the show, Sage’s senior marketing manager, David Watson says: “Accountex is one of the most important events in the accounting industry. It’s important for Sage, one of the market leaders, to be present here as we’re committed to our clients, accountants and bookkeepers in the UK. Plus, we’ve had lots of traffic and a big increase on the number of leads since 2019 from being here.”
11% more attendees
Event organisers Diversified Communications UK were thrilled to see the industry have a strong appetite for face-to-face events yet again, and plans are now well underway for the London edition of Accountex.
Accountex Portfolio Director, Caroline Hobden commented: “Arguably the most important event in many years, Accountex Summit North 2021 delivered an almighty punch when it returned to its Manchester Central home last month. Attendees gladly said goodbye to the virtual world for the first time in over two years when they were finally able to come together to celebrate not only the accounting and finance profession, but also their shared love of in person, face-to-face events.
“Arguably the most important event in many years, Accountex Summit North 2021 delivered an almighty punch when it returned to its Manchester Central home last month.”
We must extend a huge thank you to all the exhibitors and visitors who, along with our committed team, took the plunge back into the physical world of events. This united front has helped to shape an incredible event that welcomed 11% more attendees than 2019, which in the current climate is incredible. With a visible light at the end of the tunnel, and an overwhelming need for live events, the next one to look forward to is Accountex London 2022, taking place on 11-12 May at ExCeL London.”
Accountex Summit North 2022
Accountex Summit North will return to Manchester Central on 12 October 2022. For more information and to keep up with the latest news about the event, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/summitnorth.
Accountex will take place on 11-12 May 2022 at Excel, London. To register for a free trade ticket, please visit www.accountex.co.uk.