Accountex Summit North almost fully booked for 2019
A limited number of tickets are remaining for Manchester’s free one-day accounting conference
Tickets are going fast for Accountex Summit North – a free-to-attend accounting conference taking place on 10 September 2019 at Manchester Central.
Following its blisteringly successful launch last year, the one-day event is back for 2019. The cream of northern business – including more than 1,300 accountants, finance and business professionals – are expected to attend.
Hundreds of accountancy practices and finance professionals located across the Midlands and the north of England have already registered for the conference, where they will have the opportunity to network with other senior industry professionals, immerse themselves in accounting expertise via the expert-led conference programme, and meet and do business with more than 80 leading suppliers.
The stellar exhibitor line-up for this year’s event has already been revealed, and it boasts some of the biggest and newest names in accounting and finance innovation. Intuit QuickBooks, Xero, FreeAgent, Sage, IRIS, Wolters Kluwer, HMRC, ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Tolley, Fujitsu, Silverfin, Receipt Bank, FUTRLI, Gest Online, Riverdale Insurance, SmartVault, Access Pay, GoCardless, Myworkpapers, Nomisma, Quibic Tax, Senta, Rollpay, Prosper Chain, AutoEntry, Payfit, IWOCA, Soldo, Docusoft, and Arthur Online are just some of the industry-leading exhibitors who will be on hand to display and demo their latest products, services, software and solutions.
To view the full exhibitor list, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/summitnorth/exhibitor-list.
It's not just the central exhibition that’s proving a draw – the big names will be filling out the theatres too. The conference’s education programme is packed with over 20 seminars across three theatres, and includes sessions delivered by high profile thought-leaders covering topics from MTD to cyber-security and much more, plus a special guest Keynote in the main 800-seat auditorium. The full timetable is due to be announced later this month.
Organiser Diversified Communications UK, which also runs the flagship Accountex event in London, says the summit is already on course for another record edition.
“We received a glowing reception to the launch event last year, which attracted more than 1,000 attendees. We’re already well on track to surpass that success, with an even longer list of big names already lined up to exhibit and speak at the 2019 event,” says event director Zoe Lacey-Cooper.
“We’re incredibly proud to be bringing Accountex Summit North back to the northern powerhouse this year, and of the overwhelming industry support that the show continues to garner – from our visitors, speakers and exhibitors – as well as the backing from our important key associations, partners and organisations.”
As in its previous year, Accountex Summit North enjoys the support of a number of major industry associations, training bodies and charities, including ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; AIA – The Association of International Accountants; BASDA – Business Application Software Developers Association; CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; CPD Standards Office; ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales; ICB – The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers; ICPA – Institute of Certified Practice Accountants; and IFA – Institute of Financial Accountants.
Other organisations supporting the show include 2020 Innovation and MyFirmsApp, as well as media partners AccountancyAge, Economia, Elite Business, Mediaplanet, and XU Magazine.
Ms Lacey-Cooper concludes: “With limited places available and tickets already almost gone, accounting and finance professionals should register today to ensure they don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from top industry speakers, discover new products and services, and network with their peers.”
Accountex Summit North is free to attend for accounting and finance professionals only. Places are limited, and all registrations will be verified and confirmed. For further information, and to apply for a delegate ticket, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/summitnorth.
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Media enquiries and press pass requests:
Grace Donnelly, PR Executive
t: +44 (0)1273 916523
e: [email protected]
Video highlights from Accountex 2019
The accounting and finance industry descended on ExCeL London earlier this month on 1-2 May for two days of innovation and excellence at Accountex 2019. In case you missed it – or to recap – here's some video highlights from this year's show...
The next edition of Accountex will take place at ExCeL London on 13-14 May 2020.
Accountex 2019 smashes record with 9,000 attendees
Europe’s biggest accountancy event welcomed its largest ever audience, with an 18% increase for 2019
Accountex – Europe’s #1 conference and expo for the accounting and finance industry – has reported a record-busting 9,063 attendees flocked to its 2019 event, which took place at London ExCeL on 1-2 May. It’s a massive 18% increase on the previous year, reinforcing the show’s position as the annual meeting point for the accounting and finance world.
“This is only the third year that Accountex has been part of the Diversified Communications portfolio, and so far we have seen the show grow and grow – but this year surpassed all expectations,” says event director Zoe Lacey-Cooper.
The unprecedented number of accounting professionals who thronged to the capital for the two day industry showcase came together to enjoy unrivalled access to over 230 exhibitors, ranging from software suppliers to cashflow forecasters, and take advantage of the expansive content programme, featuring more than 200 expert-led, CPD-accredited seminars, Keynotes and panel discussion in 12 theatres.
Ms Lacey-Cooper continues: “The bustling aisles and energetic mood of the exhibition hall didn’t subside once, from the minute the doors opened on Wednesday morning to welcome a flood of visitors, until the reluctant exit of thousands of attendees when the show closed on Thursday afternoon. The scorching success of the event is a true testament to the passion and enthusiasm of this thriving industry and the individuals in it… and we’re delighted to be a part of it.”
“A must-see event” – visitors describe Accountex 2019
Glowing testimonials have been coming in thick and fast from across the show floor. Fantastic, informative, insightful, lively, buzzing, well-organised, motivating, must-see, an amazing opportunity, and exceeded all expectations, were just some of the phrases that visitors used to describe this year’s stand-out show.
“Accountex 2019 was a whirlwind of an event. It really was the best way to get to grips with the trends happening in the accounting industry and to network with software providers and fellow accounting firms – all with the joint aim of improving our services for clients! A fantastic experience,” says Sasha Hoey, national marketing & business development executive at UHY Hacker Young.
“Accountex provides the impetus, inspiration and fresh ingenuity to continue to drive forward the business year after year,” says Douglas Quinton, director of Quinton.
“A great way to take the pulse of the accounting world,” says Emilio Reyes, finance manager of Mercy Ships UK.
“A must-see event for any serious accountant wishing to keep abreast of developments in a world of continual change,” says Stephen Quay, senior partner at Stephen Quay Accountancy.
“This was the ultimate event for anything and everything to do with accounting and taxation. I was going to attend for an hour or two but ended up going on both days. Would have returned for a third,” says Phoenix Debola, accountant at Phoenix Debola Accountancy Practice.
The industry’s favourite show
Visitors weren’t the only ones wowed by the show. Exhibitors at Accountex 2019 were also quick to praise the quantity and quality of the interactions and new business leads at the event. The huge crowds offered unequaled networking opportunities – almost half of visitors to the show were first-time Accountex attendees and their numbers included representatives from top UK accounting firms, big brands, government departments, big name bookkeepers and leading tax bodies.
Reflecting their positive experience, nearly 65% of exhibitors have already rebooked stands for 2020, with big names such as Xero, Sage, Intuit QuickBooks, TaxCalc, Futrli, Receipt Bank, FreeAgent, Silverfin, Thomson Reuters and Wolters Kluwer among them.
“I've travelled the world exhibiting at accounting conferences and Accountex London is one of the best I've seen. A balance of quality attendees and great content has made Accountex a staple in our event marketing calendar,” says Trent McLaren, head of accounting at Practice Ignition.
“This was the first year Funding Circle has attended the show. The conference was packed throughout the two days and we hope to follow up on some great opportunities,” says Craig Jackson, regional partnerships manager at Funding Circle.
Illustrating Accountex’s strong industry backing, all the major accounting bodies and associations were in attendance for this year’s record-breaking show, including ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, ICAEW – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, HMRC, CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, IFA – Institute of Financial Accountants, AIA – The Association of International Accountants, ICB – The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, IAB – International Association of Bookkeepers, ICPA – Institute of Certified Practice Accountants, and many more.
“Without doubt this was the best Accountex yet! Our ACCA theatre focused on two key areas this year – tech and talent – and whilst we’d almost doubled our seating capacity, we were delighted that yet again it was standing room only,” says Jason Hinkle, head of member engagement for Europe & Americas at ACCA.
He continues: “We had hundreds of fantastic conversations with ACCA members, students, businesses and partners across both days. We’re already looking forward to Accountex North later this year and thinking about how we have even more impact at Accountex next year. It’s now firmly one of the main events in our calendar and the whole team are excited to work on it!”
Highlights from 2019
Pioneering new accounting trends, thought-provoking seminars and transformative innovations were all on the cards at this year’s Accountex. One fifth of visitors dedicated more than one day to the show, reflecting the caliber of the content on offer, from the exhibitor offerings on the show floor to the inspirational sessions packing out the theatres.
The show’s exceptional lineup of expert speakers continues to be a huge draw year after year – and 2019 was no different. Crowds spilled out into the aisles as attendees streamed to major Keynote sessions from industry leaders including Theresa Middleton (HMRC), Jennifer Warawa (Sage), Caroline Miskin (ICAEW), Nick Williams (Intuit QuickBooks), Steve Cox (IRIS Software), Mark Purdue (Thomson Reuters), Ed Molyneux (FreeAgent), Richard Asquith (Avalara), Neil Robertson (Compleat Software), Alex Falcon Huerta (Soaring Falcon Accountancy), Andrew Van De Beek (Illumin8), and Alastair Barlow (flinder).
“Every seminar I attended gave me new insights into how the accountancy and finance profession is evolving and how I can grow professionally with these developments,” says Lola de-Lima, director of LCA Book-Keeping Services.
“If you can't find time to be at the Accountex, you will never discover how much you are missing. No other conference will give you free access to such a variety of exhibitors, speakers and possibility of networking with people in the same industry whose sole aim is to share their best practice. Accountex is a place where you can recharge and reinvigorate yourself and your business in just two days,” says Lizzie Wojtkowska-Wright, business partner at Clarity First.
“Topping this year’s phenomenal show will be tough, but I’m confident we’re up to the challenge,” says Ms Lacey-Cooper. “We’re already discussing lots of ideas about how we can make Accountex 2020 measure up to and surpass this year’s event. The level of industry support is inspiring – there’s so much energy and excitement that we’re counting down the months until we can do it all again and take things to the next level.”
Save the date Accountex 2020 & Accountex Summit North
Accountex will return to London ExCeL on 13-14 May 2020. For further information, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/london.
Accountex Summit North is a free-to-attend, one day conference that will take place on 10 September 2019 at Manchester Central. To register your interest in attending, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/summitnorth and use priority code ASN104.
What do accountants think of Theresa May and Brexit?
Research reveals that a huge majority of accountants reject Theresa May’s Brexit strategy.
The survey, by Accountex, found that 96% of respondents favoured alternatives to the prime minister's proposed EU exit deal.
- Almost half (48%) of accountants want the UK to remain in the EU… but more than one fifth (21%) want a ‘no deal’ Brexit
- Only 4% of accounting professionals back the Prime Minister’s deal
- Three quarters (74%) of accountants are concerned about ‘no deal’ and 59% think it should be avoided at all costs
- 88% think they have inadequate information about Brexit to advise their clients
Almost half (48%) of the 260 UK accounting professionals surveyed stated that their preferred outcome of Brexit is to remain in the EU.
However, more than one fifth of respondents to the questions (21%) said they want the UK to leave the EU with ‘no deal’ and trade on WTO terms. Only 4% back the PM’s withdrawal agreement as their preferred EU exit route.
A Canada-style free trade deal was the preference of a further 9%, while a Norway plus option, with the UK joining the EEA and the addition of a customs union, was supported by 8% of respondents. Only 5% backed the call for a second referendum and just 4% favoured extending the Brexit deadline to give more time for negotiations.
With just over two weeks remaining until the UK is due to leave the EU and a deal yet to be agreed, the poll also revealed that almost three quarters (74%) of accounting professionals are concerned about a ‘no deal’ Brexit and a further 59% think that ‘no deal’ should be avoided at all costs.
Of those surveyed, 59% of accounting professionals think that a ‘no deal’ Brexit will have a negative impact on their business and 58% of accountants in practice believe ‘no deal’ will have a negative impact on their clients’ businesses.
Ian Moss, editor at Accounting Insight News, commented:
“We surveyed over 260 professionals from the accounting and finance sector and the sentiment was very clear: much like the MPs in parliament, an overwhelming majority reject Theresa May’s Brexit plan.
The sector also showed little support for a second referendum or delaying Brexit – it’s apparent that decisive action and clarity is what’s desired. What form that action should take is less clear cut, with almost half wanting the UK to remain in the EU and the rest split between ‘no deal’ and various trade deal options.”
The research also revealed that one third (33%) of accountants in practice have seen an increase in the number of clients turning to them to analyse the risk posed by Brexit and provide advice in recent months.
However, when asked whether the government and HMRC has provided sufficient information about Brexit to enable them to provide the desired strategic guidance to their clients or businesses, 88% of accounting professionals stated it has been inadequate.
Ian Moss continued:
“Technological advances mean that the role of accountants is moving from compliance towards advisory – and in 2019 that often takes the form of advising businesses regarding Brexit planning. With the 29th March deadline drawing ever closer, it’s no surprise that one third of respondents to our survey have reported an increase in the number of clients turning to them to provide guidance about Brexit in recent months. However, it’s concerning that a majority of accounting professionals felt that they had inadequate information to allow them to give their clients and businesses the desired support.
From March the UK could be facing changes to tariffs and quotas on EU imports and exports, as well as all the VAT implications, but it’s not yet clear what form these will take – or whether they will happen at all. Clarity is urgently needed to enable UK businesses and the finance professionals who advise them to put in place effective contingency plans.”
In terms of the impact that Brexit has had on businesses so far, 40% of respondents said that Brexit had already impacted their business’s financial planning decisions.
Of those, almost one fifth (19%) said that they had made less ambitious revenue forecasts for the year ahead and 17% said they had held off from investment. Only 16% reported that they had begun contingency planning for a ‘no deal’ scenario and 15% had assessed the risk for each potential outcome of Brexit.
The survey:
The survey was conducted in January 2019 and is based on responses from 264 accounting and finance professionals from businesses across the UK.
The research was undertaken by Accountex – the leading trade show in Europe for the accounting and finance profession – which will take place on 1-2 May 2019 at ExCeL London.
For further information about the event, or to register to attend, please visit: https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/
The results:
Which is your preferred outcome of Brexit?
- Remaining in the EU – 48.02%
- Leaving the EU with no deal and trading on WTO terms – 21.43%
- A Canada style free trade deal with the EU – 9.13%
- A Norway plus style deal, with the UK joining the EEA with the addition of a customs union – 7.54%
- A second referendum on the UK's membership of the EU – 5.16%
- Extending Article 50 and delaying Brexit to give more time for negotiations – 4.37%
- Renegotiating the terms of Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement – 4.37%
How concerned are you about a 'no deal' Brexit?
- Very concerned – 52.59%
- Somewhat concerned – 21.12%
- Not concerned at all – 26.29%
Do you believe that a 'no deal' Brexit should be avoided at all costs?
- Yes – 59.13%
- No – 40.87%
Do you think that a 'no deal' Brexit would have a positive or negative impact on your business?
- Positive – 9.96%
- Negative – 58.92%
- No impact – 31.12%
Do you think that a 'no deal' Brexit would have a positive or negative impact on your clients' businesses? (Accountants in practice only)
- Positive – 8.24%
- Negative – 58.24%
- No impact – 33.53%
In recent months, have you seen an increase in the number of clients turning to you to analyse the risk posed by Brexit and provide advice? (Accountants in practice only)
- Yes – 33.14%
- No – 66.86%
Do you feel that the government and HMRC have provided adequate information to enable you to give the desired strategic guidance?
- Yes – 12.45%
- No – 87.55%
Has Brexit impacted your business's financial planning decisions so far?
- Yes – 39.51%
- No – 60.49%
If yes: How has Brexit impacted your business's financial planning decisions so far? (Select all that apply)
- Less ambitious revenue forecasting for the year ahead – 18.09%
- Holding off from investment – 17.41%
- Contingency planning for a ‘no deal’ Brexit – 15.70%
- Risk assessing for each potential outcome of Brexit – 15.02%
- Shifting to short-term financial planning – 10.92%
- Moving business to locations outside of the UK – 9.90%
- Holding off from hiring new staff – 9.56%
In terms of job roles, 73% of participants are accountants in practice and 27% are accountants in business. Of the accountants in practice, 29% are directors, 27% are sole practitioners, 14% are senior managers, 13% are qualified accountants, 11% are partners, 4% are trainee accountants, 2% junior managers and 1% are bookkeepers. Of the accountants in business, 23% are finance directors, 19% are finance managers, 17% are consultants, 14% are financial controllers, 14% are CFOs, 10% are CEOs and 3% are IT directors.
Accounting leaders reveal industry challenges for 2019
Like many other industries, accounting is in the middle of a technological revolution. The pace of change in 2018 was rapid, and with MTD looming on the horizon and the sustained drive towards AI and automation, that trend looks set to continue in 2019.
Add that to the current political and social upheaval we’re experiencing, and it can feel like we’re standing on shifting sands. While all this change certainly brings plenty of exciting opportunities for the profession – it also comes with challenges.
We spoke to seven industry insiders to get their take on what are the biggest challenges that accountants face in 2019:
Alex Davis, business development and UK MTD lead at Intuit QuickBooks:
One of the main challenges faced by accountants is adapting to the changing technological advancements within the industry. Successful organisations will be those that can keep pace with needs and demands of modern services. This next generation of entrepreneurs and SME business owners have grown up technologically-savvy, and digital literacy will continue to have a profound effect on how they live and operate financially.
The accountancy firms that are thriving are those that work with their clients to deliver personalised digital services, freeing business owners to spend more time scaling-up their business and allowing advisers to focus on growing their clients’ revenue, rather than sorting through boxes of receipts.
By embracing MTD, accountants are not only future-proofing clients’ businesses, they’re boosting their own too.
Helen Thornley, technical officer at ATT:
The challenge in 2019 for tax will be managing expectations of technology. It takes time to test and develop robust programmes over a number of iterations when, as tax advisers, we need things to work straight out of the box for all of our clients.
That leaves a gap between HMRC’s agile, iterative approach in the development of IT projects, which should give the best results in the long term, and those frustrated because either a system doesn’t work for everyone right now or doesn’t do as much as they would like.
It’s a difficult balance to achieve, but suggests that digitalisation should be approached by attracting people in because of the inherent benefits of the new system, rather than forcing them to opt in before they are ready.
Chris Downing, director of product management at Sage:
When we’re talking to accountants, they all recognise that there is a skills gap – something that a recent report by TotalJobs (Solving the UK Skills Shortage – 2018) also found, with 60% of employers expecting to see a skills shortage in accountancy and finance. This is largely because of the delayed effects of a recession but also significant industry developments and sectoral changes, which have introduced new and specialist roles.
Accountants need to be able to interpret financial data as they traditionally always have but also – more so than ever before – be up to speed on the plethora of new compliance requirements and create meaning from the financial data to deliver advice and actionable insights for their clients.
Glenn Collins, head of technical advisory at ACCA UK:
It might sound clichéd, but a challenge brings with it opportunity. We see challenges around Making Tax Digital for VAT and digitisation, attracting talent into the profession, maintaining the reputation of the profession, client fee pressure, volume and timeliness of tax legislation and economic uncertainty.
In addressing these, there are a number of opportunities for accountants to re-boot their status as trusted advisers to business. Collectively, I hope the professional bodies and their members reinforce the value of using qualified accountants by demonstrating what a great profession this is and the value it brings to society.
Richard Brewin, co-owner of Progress BB:
I see the biggest challenge facing us this year as the inconsistency within. The firms and individuals striving to modernise the profession and gain benefit from the digital world are, in all honesty, hampered for now by the significant number of accountants not embracing change quickly enough.
The market place sees a conflict with so many firms still offering free and low-priced services, still allowing clients to dump their problems on them and still excusing those who pay little respect to their responsibilities as business owners. In the short term it is an uphill fight for the enlightened so maintaining focus and spirit to do the right thing in the face of competitors excusing the client is the challenge. The profession is heading for the light ... it needs to maintain that belief.
Rob Brown, founder and CEO of BD Academy:
The biggest challenge facing all accounting firms and the ecosystem that surrounds them is people. More specifically talent.
As the Baby Boomers are phased out of the workforce, accounting firms and their clients are increasingly comprised of Millennials. Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 23 to 38 in 2019) is considered a Millennial. Anyone born from 1997 onward is part of a new generation that are now 21 and entering the accounting world.
Growth, innovation and service are driven by people. The right people. Unless you can sell your vision, differentiate your brand and attract Millennials, you will not survive.
Amanda Watts, co-founder and managing director of TwentyTwo Agency:
I believe the biggest challenges facing the industry will be how accountants choose to approach new technology and the soft skills that they will need to develop to maximise their opportunities.
Every day a new piece of software is introduced. Whilst choosing and integrating the right technology will be their biggest challenge, the opportunity lies in having a clear focus for the firm and their clients. Those who crack this will stand out, scale up and have way more fun.
Accounting insiders share what’s next for the profession in 2019
It’s not easy to keep at the cutting edge of this ever-evolving industry, especially with the fast pace of technological change.
But, for any accountants and bookkeepers wishing to future-proof their practices and careers, it’s important to stay on top of the trends that are shaping and disrupting the profession.
To help you get ahead, we asked seven industry insiders what they think will be the next big thing in accounting:
Chris Downing, director of product management at Sage:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) still has so much to give – it’s only just the beginning especially within this sector. AI can reimagine processes and enhance the client and accountant relationship beyond what it is now – bringing untapped business insights and recourses to the fore, enabling the accountant to deliver greater value and advice than ever before.
Our own research (Practice of Now, Sage, 2018) has shown that the majority – 66% – of accountants would invest in AI if it automated time-consuming and repetitive tasks. But AI is so much more; from machine learning to natural language processing, such as voice-based AI – this allows machines to sense, comprehend, act and learn. It can give better access to and understanding of big data, help to boost productivity and give an enhanced customer experience.
Richard Brewin, co-owner of Progress BB:
With digital disruption driving much needed change in the profession I think it will be the new look and structure of accountancy firms that will be the most strikingly different when we look back in the future. Firms will have moved from the ‘silo’ thinking, deadline driven practices of the 20th century to a much more fluid, client focused model built around the client relationship and delivery.
Although far fewer than today in number, these firms will have significant online services delivery for the many running in tandem with a high quality, high value specialist personal service for the few and backed up by diversified range of wider business support services. Client need will be everything but a re-education of those clients will finally have brought fees into line with value and a much more balanced relationship.
Rob Brown, founder and CEO of BD Academy:
The war for talent is the next big thing in accounting. When I ask guests on my Accounting Influencers podcast what they see as the biggest issue for growing firms, it's finding the right people to drive growth. Recruiting and retaining good people will be at the heart of any growth strategies.
Firms will need specialists in niches, in technology, in advising and coaching, in leading and managing and in key technical areas. Data analytics and machine learning will be hot. Only the leaders who can set vision and attract the right people will gain a significant competitive advantage for their companies in 2019.
Alex Davis, business development and UK MTD lead at Intuit QuickBooks:
The fast-approaching Making Tax Digital (MTD) deadline on March 31 this year is a huge moment for accountants and their clients. The government has implemented the new system to modernise tax processes and improve businesses’ engagement with HMRC. As a result, many companies will start to make the jump to new technologies such as cloud accounting, AI and automation.
It is important that both accountants and software providers work together to communicate with business owners the options available to them to make the transition to MTD as smooth as possible. After all, compliance is one thing – but there are also countless advantages to managing accounts online, including access to current financial health and the ability to implement accurate tax forecasting.
Amanda Watts, co-founder and managing director of TwentyTwo Agency:
Many are talking about Automation and AI which will be scaring some firms even more so than MTD did. Whilst this will be the next big thing, I truly believe those firms who are leveraging automation and AI to enhance and build relationships will be the ones that thrive.
Let's not ignore the fact that the world is made up of humans. Once firms understand that technology is a tool and still needs the human touch... the profession will evolve and thrive.
Glenn Collins, head of technical advisory at ACCA UK:
There will be a big demand from businesses for ‘immediate’ solutions. We see firms harnessing technology and new tools to become more pro-active and rise to the challenge of meeting these expectations.
Many firms are finding new ways to use tech to both cut the time spent on compliance and also glean new insights into clients and their prospective client base. Such insights help entrench them as a vital – and trusted – adviser to their clients.
Helen Thornley, technical officer at Association of Tax Technicians:
2019 is a notable year as it marks one hundred years since the professions were opened to women with the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. While some more progressive accountancy bodies had already started to admit women before this date, it was not until this Act that the ICAEW finally allowed women to train to become Chartered Accountants. I’ve been researching the career of Ethel Watts, the first woman to pass the ICAEW’s exams, and am looking forward to speaking about her during 2019.
Accountex Summit North inspires launch of Women in Accountancy group
It's International Women's Day and it's also Women in Accountancy day. Because a new platform for female professionals launches today, inspired by the Accountex Summit North conference in Manchester this week.
There, Elaine Clark, of cheapaccounting, chaired a round-table hot-topic discussion called Women in Accountancy. She was joined by Accountex events director Zoe Lacey-Cooper and, afterwards, it was decided that it would be a good idea to set up an association for women in the profession.
Women in Accountancy
Zoe says: "After the session we swapped emails because everyone wanted to keep in touch. Elaine and me decided to take it a step further and we are going to head up the new group. We are going to start it off on LinkedIn and take it from there."
Elaine takes up the story: "Having called out Accountex over their lack of female speakers on the programme for the first Accountex North Summit I could hardly then refuse the challenge of running a session specifically aimed at women in accountancy.
Standing room only
"I had a minor panic shortly before the event wondering if anyone would actually be interested. But, thankfully, the session was oversubscribed with standing room only."
Attendees from industry and practice saw a diverse group discuss issues that women in the profession face daily. The view is that they want more women speakers at events. They want to hear about women who have succeeded in accountancy, the challenges they have faced and how they have overcome them.
Elaine adds: "They want sessions where they can join in, share experiences, have healthy debates and learn from others. They want to be inspired and given the confidence to succeed in the world of accountancy."
And that's how the Women in Accountancy (WIA) movement was born. Follow the progress of WIA on Accounting Insight News.
Accountex Summit North: keeping you in the picture
Accounting Insight News editor Ian Moss shares his take on Accountex Summit North 2018...
I could easily (well, probably not that easily) write thousands of words about my experience of Accountex Summit North, but I won't.
Instead, I'll jot down a few considered recollections and let you look through our photograph gallery of some quality moments from the event, which was held for the first time at Manchester Central on Tuesday 6 March. After all, 16 pictures is, proverbially, worth 16,000 words. So that sounds like a pretty good deal.
Judging by the smiles of the 1,000-plus attendees and the subsequent social media feedback, the Summit was a success.
Keynote was buzzing
The exhibitor pods were packed, the keynote auditorium was buzzing and the break-out theatres were 'standing room only'.
Former BBC business reporter Declan Curry set the tone with a thought-provoking keynote presentation on the commercial landscape, from Carillion to Brexit.
I was lucky enough to catch up with the energetic Damon Anderson from Xero who put me in the picture regarding the future. James Ashford of GoProposal was equally high energy, affable and engaging.
Scary flight into the future
Also in the new breed category was Ed Molyneux, of Edinburgh-based FreeAgent. He's a former RAF fighter pilot and you can tell. His breakout theatre presentation, 'Rise of the Robots, Accountancy at a Crossroads' was a thrilling and at times scary flight into the future.
But he brought his accountancy audience back to earth safely with an example, bizarrely, of travel agents. Despite prophets of gloom saying online holiday booking would drive them out of business, the opposite has in fact happened.
There are now just as many out there as 30 years ago, but they provide a more bespoke, advisory service. Sound familiar?
Expert in his field
With his trademark bow-tie, Andrew Hubbard of Tolley Tax had the appearance of a university lecturer from the 1950s. He's certainly an expert in his field and his packed session on Making Tax Digital had the audience riveted.
"There is concern that the tax pilot has not tested enough of the sector," he said with a hint of irony that spoke volumes of the anxiety this issue has raised in the accounting profession. "Records for ALL VAT transactions MUST be kept digitally by LAW. Just think about that for a minute." He paused, and people thought...
Elaine Clarke of cheapaccounting, hosted two round-table discussions, on 'Women in Accountancy' and on 'Sole Practitioners'. Both were well attended and lively. Continuing the theme of MTD and accountant-client relations, Elaine asked: "Is it time we got the whip out?"
Accounting Insight News goes live!
An essential source of news, views and analysis for UK accountants and finance professionals launches today.
Accounting Insight News is the exciting new content platform that will be partnering Accountex Summit North and the UK’s premier exhibition for accountants — Accountex.
It will focus on the latest industry news and state of the art technology, plus it will provide refreshing analysis that takes you behind the headlines.
The website is edited by Ian Moss, an experienced journalist who was worked on several UK titles, including the Daily Mirror and the Financial Times.
He says:
Accounting Insight News will aim to deliver a clear, concise and credible overview of the industry. I’m hoping we’ll become a favourite stopping point for accountants who want to stay in the know.”
For more information, please visit www.accountinginsightnews.co.uk.
Accounting Insight News and the Accountex events are a part of Diversified Communications UK.
Over 800 delegates confirmed to attend Accountex Summit North
Tuesday 6 March marks the start of Accountex Summit North – the industry’s new one day accounting conference and exhibition for senior accountants and finance professionals based across the Midlands and North of England.
With all places now booked, over 800 delegates (working in business and practice) will be heading to Manchester Central to discover the best choice of new products, tools, software and solutions from 80 leading exhibitors (including event sponsors Inuit QuickBooks, Xero and Sage). While the Summit’s raft of expert speakers with provide major pointers on how to prepare for the key changes, challenges and opportunities ahead.
Among the attendees will be representatives from organisations as diverse as HMRC, ITV, Telefonica UK, Ginsters, Aon, Bettys & Taylors Group, Elior UK, Lookers, Co-operative Bank, DHL, FirstGroup, AstraZeneca, Morrisons, Virgin Media, the NHS, University of Liverpool, Network Rail, The Guinness Partnership, Defra, and DCLG - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Plus senior names from leading practices: Moore Stephens, Haines Watts, Crowe Clark Whitehill, BDO, Cowgill Holloway, Dains, French Duncan, Beever and Struthers, Jackson Stephen, Bulley Davey, Lamont Pridmore, Garbutt & Elliott, Duff & Phelps, and Jolliffe Cork.
Exhibitor highlights
The following is just a taste of some of the innovations on show at Accountex Summit North:
TaxCalc is showcasing its latest Accounts Production enhancements and new software Bundle – The TaxCalc Practice Collection. With 8,000 customers, TaxCalc’s suite of Accounts Production, Tax, Practice Management and more, is multi-award winning, integrated and yet extremely affordable. Learn how twelve years of innovations like SimpleStep®, Check & Finish, and CloudConnect, make life easier (pod 30).
Xero is introducing its new time and cost management tool – Xero Projects. As well as showcasing new functionality within Xero Expenses (pod 52).
MyFirmsApp, developers of the largest global custom App platform in the world for accountants, has launched OneApp, a next generation, future proofed App platform. The OneApp platform goes above and beyond to deliver Apps in line with the growing expectations users have. Daniel Richards will present ‘Bringing the best of the Add-ons together to strengthen your client relationship’ at 11.45am in the Tech Theatre (pod 8).
Hubdoc is unveiling 50 new connections to vendors across the UK. Hubdoc automatically fetches financial documents from hundreds of banks, utilities, telecom providers, and more; extracts key data; and seamlessly syncs transactions to GLs with source documents attached. With Hubdoc, reconciliation, payment processing, and audit-proofing are just a few clicks away (pod 39).
IRIS Accountancy Solutions is launching its new solutions designed to support accountants with their GDPR compliance challenges, develop new value-added services and underpin their digital transformation. Hear from Steve Cox, Chief Evangelist, sharing his insight into the state of the accountancy sector at his session: The Accountancy Climatic Flip - Time for Digital (pod 43).
FUTRLI will be on-hand to answer delegates’ forecasting and reporting questions and demonstrate how its latest features can help advisors and business owners make better business decisions. Its industry-leading advisory certification course can transform the way accountants work and accelerate rollout of advisory services (pod 70).
Fujitsu Scanners’ ScanSnap Cloud speeds up the device free scanning process and routes data directly to cloud-based accounting software and software for organising receipts: QuickBooks Online and Expensify for receipt and expense management and integration with leading accounting and workflow tools; Concur Expense and Shoeboxed for receipt organisation and automating expense reports (pod 14).
Practice Ignition is helping companies respond to the massive challenge of GDPR. They can provide guidance and assistance on how to tackle GDPR, by updating existing engagement letters with accountants’ entire client base to ensure they comply with the new regulations. They are also showcasing a new integration with Zapier, which helps boost efficiency and integrate workflows (pod 37).
R&D Online is unveiling its intuitive digital platform that enables accountants to make R&D Tax Relief claims on behalf of their clients. The service is offered on a white-label basis, but supported by R&D tax specialists who will ensure accountants can deliver successful claims to their clients every time (pod 58).
Feebooster Accountancy Marketing Specialists is launching Multimedia Marketing packages, where telemarketing, email marketing and digital marketing are used in combination, to reach the greatest number of targeted prospects in the local area. Delegates can access a free Marketing Your Practice guide and benefit from an exclusive sign up discount on the day (pod 53).
One of JustAccounts' unique features is the ability to perform the whole process from lead to onboarding and bank account creation without ever having to leave the platform. It can create leads, consultations, illustrations and track referrals directly in to a live client. Accountants can even incorporate companies, set up business bank accounts and create contracts for their clients to agree through their dashboards (pod 5).
BrightPay Payroll has recently launched a new cloud add on. BrightPay Connect offers powerful features, including automatically backing up payroll information to the cloud, online annual leave management, client dashboard and an employee self-service portal. The online payroll flexibility enables online access anywhere, anytime for accountants, their clients and their employees (pod 33).
Docusoft provide innovative and comprehensive solutions for document, email and data management. For GDPR, its Portal secures document delivery and its OneView concept provides a comprehensive information view. See the E-Signature App in action and all new DMS App that transforms document access and control all from standard Outlook (pod 42).
The 2020 Innovation Training team will be on hand to share expert insights into GDPR, Making Tax Digital and the use of new technologies. 2020 support approximately 25% of all UK accountancy firms and their members enjoy unlimited training and support, covering such areas as CPD, FCA and Tax Updates (pod 34).
Accounting Insight News (launching on 5 March at www.accountinginsightnews.co.uk) is an exciting new content platform from the organisers of Accountex Summit North and Accountex. It will focus on the latest industry news and state of the art technology, and provide refreshing analysis that takes you behind the headlines. The website will be edited by Ian Moss, an experienced journalist who was worked on several UK titles, including the Financial Times.
Other exhibitors include Sage, Intuit – QuickBooks, ACCA, AccountancyManager, AccountingWEB, AIA, AutoEntry, CaseWare UK, CIMA, CIPP, CIS, Coface, Compleat Software, Debt Collection Services UK, Economia, Enterprise Tax Consultants, First Corporate Law Services, FreeAgent, GAAPweb, Global Infosys, ICB, IFA, Octopus Blue, Opt Pensions, Qubic Tax, Receipt Bank, RollPay, Sage, Spotcap, The Learn Centre, and Wolters Kluwer.
The full exhibitor list is available at www.accountexsummitnorth.co.uk/exhibitors.
Seminar highlights
There will be over 20 sessions in four dedicated theatres – including the Tech Theatre, How To Theatre, Practice Growth Theatre, and Business and Future Theatre – and the Keynote auditorium.
Speaker highlights include business commentator Declan Curry, David Kaye (Intuit – QuickBooks), Damon Anderson (Xero), Mark Wickersham (Cloud Pricing), Amanda C. Watts (TwentyTwo Agency), Glenn Collins (ACCA), Gordon Gilchrist (2020 Innovation Training), Chris Astle (Think Forwards), James Ashford (GoProposal), and Cameron John (Sage).
“Never stop learning and give yourself every opportunity to be open to new ideas and new ways of working. There is not one silver bullet or a one size fits all model so each Accountant needs to assess what is right to give them their competitive advantage and remain successful,” says Cameron John, Sage’s global director of accountant partners.
The Summit’s Hot Topics Round Table, featuring two group discussions covering Woman in Accountancy and surviving as a sole practitioner, will be facilitated by award winning digital accountancy practice owner Elaine Clark.
The full programme is available to view at www.accountexsummitnorth.co.uk/conference.
Accountex Summit North – the year’s most hotly-anticipated new event for the accounting and finance profession – opens at Manchester Central on 6 March. All delegate places are now booked and the event has sold out of all available exhibition space.
For further information, please visit www.accountexsummitnorth.co.uk.
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Diversified Communications UK Ltd (Diversified UK) is a fast growing trade event organiser and publisher based in Brighton, Peterborough, Nailsworth, and London. Diversified UK’s portfolio includes Accountex Summit North (new for 2018); Accountex; SITS – The Service Desk & IT Support Show; British Tourism & Travel Show; Casual Dining; lunch!; Commercial Kitchen; GO! Organic Festival (new for 2018); Natural & Organic Products Europe; Nordic Organic Food Fair & Natural Products Scandinavia in Malmö, Sweden; GEO Business; Ocean Business; MARELEC Marine Electromagnetics conference; Euro Bus Expo; Coach & Bus UK; and London Design Fair. For more information, visit: www.divcom.co.uk.
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