Finalists for Northern Society Awards 2018 announced
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce the finalists of the Northern Society Awards 2018.
The awards will be presented at the Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner on Friday 12 October 2018 in Newcastle.
Order of Merit Awards
We will continue to recognise the academic success of our students who achieved first place in their ICAEW exams (the Northern Society Order of Merit Award) which has been awarded for many years and we will also present the Presidents’ Awards.
Presidents’ Awards
The Presidents’ Awards will be awarded to one student at Professional Stage and one student at Advanced Stage who have demonstrated both:-
a) Academic excellence, by finishing in the top 20 of highest overall marks in the Northern Society Order of Merit; and
b) Made an exceptional contribution to their firm/organisation by their professionalism, business acumen, teamwork or to the Northern Society or wider general community.
The Qualified Person Responsible for Training (QPRT) at the relevant firm was invited to submit a written citation in support for all ACA students at their firm who had a registered address in the Northern Society area who finished in a top 20 position at Professional Stage or Advanced Stage in the 2017 calendar year exams.
These were considered by a Judging Panel consisting of the President of Northern Society, the Immediate Past President of Northern Society and an independent member being the President of Newcastle upon Tyne Law Society who agreed on the finalists.
Congratulations to all the finalists on your success.
The winners will be announced at the Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner on Friday 12 October 2018.
You can book your tickets for the dinner if you have not already done so.
Presidents’ Awards Advanced Stage – Shortlisted finalists
Bryan Gillingham – National Audit Office
James Ellis – Kenneth Easby & Co.
Khadija Hayat – PwC
Terri Robertson – Deloitte
Ross Jackson – Armstrong Watson
Presidents’ Awards Professional Stage – Shortlisted finalists
Gemma Johnston – Deloitte
Lewis Dickinson – Dodd & Co
Jamie Dobson – Dodd & Co
Sarah Gardner – King Hope
Laura Atherton – National Audit Office
Benjamin Stern – National Audit Office
Read more about the Northern Society Awards
About Northern Society of Chartered Accountants
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents 4,000 ICAEW members and ACA students working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, northern Yorkshire and Cumbria.
We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
About ICAEW
There are over 1.7m chartered accountants around the world – talented, ethical and committed professionals who use their expertise to ensure we have a successful and sustainable future.
Over 149,000 of these are ICAEW Chartered Accountants. We train, develop and support each one of them so that they have the knowledge and values to help build local and global economies that are sustainable, accountable and fair.
We’ve been at the heart of the accountancy profession since we were founded in 1880 to ensure trust in business. We share our knowledge and insight with governments, regulators and business leaders worldwide as we believe accountancy is a force for positive economic change across the world.
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.
More
Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner with Alan Johnson
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants Business and Awards Dinner will be on Friday 12 October 2018.
Join Alan Johnston, President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, fellow Northern Society members and their guests for an inspiring talk by our keynote speaker Rt Hon Alan Johnson.
Our Business and Awards Dinner will be held on Friday 12 October 2018 in the Banqueting Hall, Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne from 6.45pm until late to allow for informal networking after the meal.
Our principal guest speakers this year will be ex-postman, union leader, Home Secretary and (for a brief period) Shadow Chancellor Alan Johnson and ICAEW President Paul Aplin.
During the course of the evening we will raise funds in support of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland. Your donation will be kindly funds matched by Barclays Business.
Event information
Why you should attend:
- meet fellow ICAEW members, their guests and ICAEW staff – it’s a great chance to network
- meet ACA students and celebrate their exam successes and achievements
- Order of Merit, Presidents Awards will be announced
- we will raise funds in support of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland. All monies raised will be match funded by Barclays Business
Recognition awards will be presented to:
- Order of Merit Advanced Stage ICAEW exams – highest scoring student of the year
- Order of Merit Professional Stage ICAEW exams – highest scoring student of the year
- The Presidents’ Award
Pre-dinner drinks 18:45, Dinner 19:30.
Dress Code: Black Tie/Posh frocks
Special message for sole practitioners and members in business:
Again we will be hosting tables exclusively for Members in Practice and Members in Business allowing the opportunity to be seated with fellow chartered accountants.
If you think that this would be applicable to you then please contact Joanne Lucking to discuss this further.
Cost
| Rate |
Cost |
| Price |
£66.67 + VAT |
| Earlybird price (bookings before 31 August 2018) |
£58.33 + VAT |
| Retired/younger members (under 35) * |
£37.50 + VAT |
| Sole practitioners / Business member rate* |
£54.16 + VAT |
| DS Presidents* |
£0.00 |
*Please email the Events information team [email protected] confirming which discount would need to be applied to your booking. We will apply the discount for you and place in your online basket so that you can proceed to book online.
Programme
| Time |
Description |
| 18:45 |
Drinks reception |
| 19:30 |
Guests take their seats
Dinner
Awards Ceremony
Charity balloon pop
Keynote speaker
Followed by networking |
| 01:30 |
Carriages |
Speakers
Rt Hon Alan Johnson
Orphaned at 12, Alan Johnson started his working life stacking shelves at Tesco. He then became a postman and union official before rising through the New Labour ranks to hold one of the great offices of state as Home Secretary. But despite his meteoric success he does still have one regret – that his early ambition to become a pop star will (probably) never come to fruition.
After serving as General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union, Alan entered Parliament in the 1997 landslide as MP for Hull West and Hessle. He soon climbed the junior ministerial ladder, with a series of portfolios from competitiveness and employment relations to higher and further education – despite having left school at the age of 15.
Seven years after entering parliament Alan was brought into Cabinet as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. In less than a year he was promoted to Trade and Industry and then Education and Skills, before Gordon Brown became Prime Minister and moved him to Health. He stayed at the helm of Labour’s flagship department for two years, before taking over from Jacqui Smith at the Home Office where he remained for the rest of the Labour term of office.
Alan has served as a Director of Unity Trust Bank, on Labour’s National Executive Committee and on the Council of the TUC and of Ruskin College, Oxford. After 20 years as an MP, Alan stepped down from Parliamentary life, but remains an active voice in Labour politics, and on Brexit and electoral reform. He is a regular in the media, often appearing on the This Week sofa and even fronting his own programme on Radio 4, Alan Johnson: Failed Rock Star.
His moving, entertaining and passionate memoir This Boy won the prestigious Orwell Prize for non-fiction, and its sequels Please, Mr Postman and The Long and Winding Road were equally acclaimed.
Paul Aplin
Paul Aplin, President of ICAEW joined A C Mole & Sons with an honours degree in biology and chemistry in 1980. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1985; a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in 1989 and became the firm’s first tax partner in 1992.
He has served as Chairman ICAEW Tax Faculty and until May 2016 chaired its Technical Committee. He writes for various tax and accountancy journals and is regularly quoted on tax issues in the national press. He is a member of the Tax Journal editorial board. Paul acts for a wide range of personal and company tax clients.
Paul was named Tax Personality of the Year in the 2007 UK Tax Awards for the part he played in persuading the government to reverse its decision to shorten the tax return filing deadline. He received the Outstanding Industry Contribution award in the 2013 British Accountancy Awards and was listed as 7th in the Accountancy Age 2014 “Financial Power List” of people who influence tax and financial policy in the UK.
He was appointed OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2009 for public service and services to the accountancy profession.
Away from the office he is a keen hill walker and climber, with a 21,000′ Himalayan and many high Alpine peaks to his credit; his other interests include photography (he is a licentiate of the Royal Photographic Society), keeping ducks and walking his border collie.
Charity
Hospice Care is not just about buildings or services; it is a philosophy that places the patient, family and carers at the heart of care. It can be provided in hospitals, hospices and the community which may include the patient’s own home, residential care or anywhere the patient considers home.
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland (Hospice at Home) provides high quality care and support for adults who have palliative and end of life care needs, and also for their families and carers. Hospice at Home supports and cares for patients and carers, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, partners and friends.
More
Northern Society and ICAEW sponsor Accountancy Firm of the Year 2018 award
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) and ICAEW are pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring the Accountancy Firm of the Year (over 200 employees) Award at the North East Accountancy Awards 2018.
We have supported the North East Accountancy Awards for the last 12 years and we are delighted to continue to help recognise the success of the business and finance profession in the North East.
Hear what Keith Proudfoot, former ICAEW Director, Northern and Scotland has to say about the North East Accountancy Awards in the short video above.
Keith’s work was recognised at the 2015 North East Accountancy Awards when he won the Unsung Hero Award for the ongoing volunteeting support he has provided Tyne Theatre & Opera House Preservation Trust where he has been a Trustee and Northern Stage (Theatrical Productions) Limited where he has been a board member. Keith retired from ICAEW in December 2017 and he is now Deputy President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.
To enter the Accountancy Firm of the Year category a firm must have an office with an employee count of over 200, which has enjoyed an exceptional year and can demonstrate outstanding achievements. The judges will be looking at a number of areas including growth, innovation, client service and CSR. Full details are included on the North East Accountancy Awards website.
The awards dinner will be held on Thursday 28 June 2018 at the Hilton NewcastleGateshead.
Last years 11th annual North East Accountancy Awards were presented at a dinner held on 29 June 2017 and ICAEW Chartered Accountants celebrated the success of fellow north east finance professionals in a glittering evening that was hosted by Nadine Dereza.
The event, which involved close co-operation from CIMA, AAT, CIPFA, ACCA, CIOT as well as ICAEW was attended by 400 people.
Keith Proudfoot, former ICAEW Director Northern & Scotland, presented the Accountancy Firm of the Year Award 2017 to KPMG.
The North East Accountancy Awards recognise excellence within the fields of finance, accounting and tax from all industry sectors operating within the North East. They are supported by all the major accountancy institutes, and Northern Society of Chartered Accountants and ICAEW have been pleased to support the awards since their inception and by being category sponsor of Accountancy Firm of the Year 2018. You can read more at accountancyawards.co.uk
About Northern Society of Chartered Accountants
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents 4,000 ICAEW members and ACA students working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, northern Yorkshire and Cumbria.
We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
About ICAEW
There are over 1.7m chartered accountants around the world – talented, ethical and committed professionals who use their expertise to ensure we have a successful and sustainable future.
Over 149,000 of these are ICAEW Chartered Accountants. We train, develop and support each one of them so that they have the knowledge and values to help build local and global economies that are sustainable, accountable and fair.
We’ve been at the heart of the accountancy profession since we were founded in 1880 to ensure trust in business. We share our knowledge and insight with governments, regulators and business leaders worldwide as we believe accountancy is a force for positive economic change across the world.
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.
More
Newcastle International Airport ‘behind the scenes’
It was not a ‘typical’ Thursday afternoon for those who attended a recent ‘Behind the Scenes Airport Tour’ to Newcastle International Airport arranged by the Tyne and Wear Society of Chartered Accountants.
A group of 12 enjoyed a bespoke tour of certain areas of Newcastle International Airport.
The group were escorted airside across the airfield to the airport fire station for a tour and demonstration of the firefighters tackling a fire.
The group could look around the fire engines used at the airport and also had an opportunity to see the new snow plough that the airport had recently purchased in time for the forecasted bad weather.
Our visit was before the recent snowfall and the ‘Beast from the East’ winds from Siberia where the snow ploughs were used to good effect to clear the runway at the airport.
The tour finished with a presentation in the Airport Boardroom where a video about the airport was played and future developments were discussed. The group were then invited to ask any questions they might have including those about potential future routes and why other routes had been cancelled from the airport schedule.
The Tyne and Wear Society of Chartered Accountants Committee would like to thank Graeme Mason – Planning & Corporate Affairs Director, Mark Hunt – CFO, and Leon McQuaid – Aviation Development Manager for their help and assistance running this event.
The event provided our members with a great opportunity to learn more about the key role Newcastle International Airport plays in supporting the region’s economy by providing important transport links from the north east to key locations around the world.
About Newcastle International Airport
Newcastle International Airport is run as a Public Private Partnership between seven local authorities in the North East region and AMP Capital who each have a 51% and 49% shareholding respectively of the company.
The airport first opened in 1935. Newcastle International Airport is now the largest airport in the North East. It is a jobs generator, supporting 3,450 jobs on site and a further 15,425 across the region. The airport serves a catchment area of the North East, South Scotland, Cumbria, and North Yorkshire and contributes £1.16 billion into the regional economy every year.
The airport serves 80 destinations and 4.8 million passengers thravelled through the airport in 2016. Read more facts about Newcastle International Airport on the airport website.
About Northern Society of Chartered Accountants
Tyne and Wear Society of Chartered Accountants is a branch of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants represents 4,000 ICAEW members and ACA students working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
Members of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants are ICAEW Chartered Accountants. ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports more than 147,000 members worldwide.
As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world.
More
Karen’s new year message to members
The following is an extract from Karen Muir’s new year message to members as published in NorSCA News. Karen is President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.
Karen Muir, President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants
My year as President seems to be racing by, I am just over half way through and I am really enjoying my term of office.
Thanks to everyone who attended the Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner in October. I hope you all enjoyed it, especially our guest speaker Steph McGovern.
DSOH Conference
I attended the District Society Office Holders’ Conference in September where ICAEW outlined their current priorities.
These include:-
• Brexit – where the ICAEW is looking at ways of promoting trade and investment, supporting best international practice, reducing uncertainty and providing support to members and students;
• VAT simplification – how can the regulatory burden for members and the businesses they advise be reduced;
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – compliance with new rules when they come into force in May 2018. Members need to evaluate whether their existing practices and procedures (and those of their clients) will meet the new standards and plan how they will address any shortcomings. There is a lot of useful information and guidance on the ICAEW website to help members prepare for this.
There is currently a Members Working Party looking at District Societies and their role in the 21st Century and how they can work more collaboratively with the ICAEW to help deliver services to members. A large part of the conference included breakout sessions where these issues were discussed with fellow office holders and the results fed back to Fiona Wilkinson (ICAEW Vice President) who is leading on this work.
There is a further DSOH conference in February where hopefully we will be brought up to date with the results of the review the Members Working Party is undertaking.
Wide range of events across Northern Society
One thing I have discovered whilst attending conferences and events with my fellow District Society Presidents is that the Northern Society is one of the more active societies in the country engaging with local members through all stages of their professional lives.
This is due to all the volunteers and members of the various committees across our region, from the students’ societies and branch committees to the retired members group.
We are always looking for ways in which we can support our members so please don’t hesitate to contact any of the officers of NorSCA and the various committees if there is something you would like to see us organise in your area.
ICAEW Director retires, we await ICAEW announcing replacement
Finally, after 17 years, our ICAEW Regional Director Keith Proudfoot retired at the end of the year.
The recruitment process for his replacement is underway but I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank him for all of the work he has done for Northern Society, our members and our business communities over the years.
I am also delighted that Keith has assumed the office of Vice President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants. Welcome to the NorSCA Presidential Team Keith!
Karen Muir
President
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents 4,000 ICAEW members and ACA students working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
Members of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants are ICAEW Chartered Accountants. ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports more than 147,000 members worldwide.
As leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organisations, communities and economies around the world.
More
NorSCA News – first 2018 members newsletter published
The latest edition of NorSCA News has been published and is on its way to ICAEW members of Northern Society in the post.
NorSCA News – newsletter from Northern Society of Chartered Accountants – connecting communities across the north
Look out for the first 2018 edition of NorSCA News arriving through your letterbox accompanied by Courses & Events – our summary of a wide range of top quality CPD courses and networking events across the north east and Cumbria is the weeks ahead.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants is one of the most active of the ICAEW district societies in the UK and each year we arrange a wide selection of events. More details can be found at norsca.co.uk/events
Our courses are open to everyone
You do not need to be a member to attend our CPD course – our courses are open to all and details are available on this website.
ICAEW member? Not receiving NorSCA News?
If your recorded preferences on the ICAEW Preference Centre on icaew.com do not indicate a tick in the ‘Regional updates – news, courses and networking in your area’ box we are not able to contact you by post or by email about any local events across the North East and Cumbria.
Opt back in by updating your preferences at icaew.com/preferences.
Your membership number is your user name.
Alternatively, call the Members Information Team in Milton Keynes on 01908 248250 and they will be happy to help you opt back in to receive local news in the North East and Cumbria. So call them today.
Downloadable Diary Card and Course List
Top speakers, Quality CPD, Great Northern locations – CPD from Northern Society of Chartered Accountants
Download a 2 page summary of upcoming courses and events in our Northern Society of Chartered Accountants Diary Card and Course List.
Further information on courses and events are shown on this website and the latest information is available at norsca.co.uk/events
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents ICAEW members working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
More
New Vice President for Northern Society
Keith Proudfoot becomes Vice President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.
We are delighted to announce that Keith Proudfoot, who has supported ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ACA students across the North East & Cumbria for many years has take up the office of Vice President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountsnts (NorSCA).
Keith will be known to many of our members and a wide range of stakeholders across northern England and Scotland through his work over the past 16 years as ICAEW Director for Northern and Scotland.
ICAEW created Sheffield to Shetland mega-region
Following restructuring by ICAEW in April 2017 the “ICAEW Northern Region” was expanded from Sheffield to Shetland to take in the areas covered by the Sheffield Society, West Yorkshire & York Society and Humberside & District Society in addition to the very wide area already covered by Northern Society and ICAEW Institute Members in Scotland (IMS).
News announced by Chris Soan, Honorary Secretary
The announcement of Northern Society’s new VP was made on Twitter by Chris Soan, Honorary Secretary of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants who said:
“In my capacity as Secretary of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) I’m delighed to announce that Keith Proudfoot has taken up the post of Vice President of NorSCA. I look forward to continuing to work with Keith in his new role.”
Keith to be President from May 2019
Keith retired from ICAEW on 31 December 2017 and he is now able to take up his role as Vice President of Northern Society. Keith will work with Karen Muir, President of Northern Society and Alan Johnston, Deputy President and Keith will assume office as President of Northern Society in May 2019.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants remains one of the most active and engaged district societies in the UK – in the last year some 90 different events and courses were run locally to support ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ACA students and the wider community.
Karen Muir, President, welcomes Keith to the team
Karen Muir welcomes Keith to the Northern Society presidential team and said:
“I am delighted to announce that Keith assumes the office of Vice President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants from 2 January. Keith has worked with many local businesses and organisations across northern England as well as supporting ICAEW Chartered Accountants and our ACA students and he is a great additiom to the NorSCA Presidential Team.”
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents ICAEW members working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
More
Keith wont be putting his feet up following his retirement
Keith Proudfoot, our ICAEW Director for Northern and Scotland retires from ICAEW on 31 December 2017.
Keith Proudfoot, ICAEW Director speaking at the recent Teesside Dinner
As the man responsible for the Sheffield to Shetland mega-region created by ICAEW restructuring in April 2017 Jane Walker found out what the role has meant to him and why he’s looking forward to what comes next…
As many members will know you come from an accountancy background – can you tell us a bit about your career before you joined ICAEW?
I like to reflect that, without realising it at the time, I was building my experience across a range of areas in which many of our members work.
Having qualified with one of the large international firms (now KPMG) I then went to work in a small firm in the Durham town of Consett just before the huge steel works closed down, this meant that I got to work with a lot of start-ups due to significant impetus from the European funding made available in the area.
After five years there I moved to head up the finance function at a partnership of Chartered Surveyors, which quadrupled in size during my time there. Due to a clash with a commercial property client I took the opportunity to be part of a MBO of the residential property business, becoming group FD of that business.
When did you start working for ICAEW and how has your role evolved since then?
In 2001 ICAEW created its regional structure, directly employing nine regional managers and 21 Regional executives to support the 21 District Societies and their members across England and Wales.
As an actively engaged member – I was Deputy President of the Northern Society at the time – I was keen to continue my support of ICAEW through employment and successfully applied for the Northern position.
Around that time, members in Scotland were agitating for similar support to that enjoyed by members in the rest of the UK, so my area was expanded to include Scotland and a group of members came together to establish what we know now as ICAEW Scotland – a group that, I’m delighted to say, has gone from strength to strength in that time.
Over the years the area that you cover has grown – it now spans the UK from, as you put it “Sheffield to Shetland” – what were the biggest challenges of dealing with such a geographically large “patch”?
Initially, the main challenge was working out where our members were located, but the real challenge was trying to achieve everything that we, and the members, wanted to do. Quart… pint pot and similar challenges!
But we have, I believe, won that by choosing our areas to grow from, and have been very fortunate to have so many committed Northern Society members willing to give their time to boost the resources that we have from our regional exec Joanne and Alison (who provides event support in Scotland and Northern on “part time” hours).
How has Northern Society changed over the years?
Northern Society has continued to evolve over the last 16 years that I have been RD, continuing to connect our business communities across the North and supporting our ACA students. It has a great tradition (going back to 1882) and I think that provides one of its core strengths but it has innovated too – often leading the way.
The annual Graduation and Prize-Giving Event held in King’s Hall, Newcastle University is a good example. It’s developed into a wonderful event offering ACA students and their families the opportunity to attend a local event so that their exam success could be celebrated without having to travel to London. There also continues to be a wide selection of events, not just the well-regarded CPD courses programme, but things such as the retired members events, FD breakfast briefings as well as active student societies. Many members engage actively with these local events which must show that they value the networking opportunities too.
NCASS – Northern Chartered Accountant Students’ Society supported Sir Bobby Robson Foundation
What are the highlights of your time with ICAEW?
This has been such an enjoyable job – promoting ICAEW to our members, reminding them of resources that can help them in their role, and how easy it can be for their firms to train the next generation of ACAs. I particularly enjoy seeing our students grow though engagement and make connections that they might not have been able to within their training firm.
What are you most proud of professionally?
Seeing people who I first encountered as students growing personally and professionally, moving up in their career, growing in confidence through engagement with more senior volunteer members and becoming ICAEW members – it’s been particularly heartening to see younger members then get involved with Northern Society’s student societies & branches and I’m delighted that several are currently are actively involved with the Northern Society General Committee.
As Regional Director of such a large area you’ve spent plenty of time on trains – have you picked up any travel tips along the way?
I find train journeys are a great opportunity to catch up with emails. Of course trains quite often incur delays, so my top tip would be to just roll with those and crack through even more emails!
What will you miss most about your work with ICAEW?
Meeting members and finding out about their career story and interests – professional and personal – I’m both impressed and amazed that so many of our members are triathletes!
I’ll also miss the speaking opportunities, especially sharing a platform with the Bank of England to talk about the economy and our Business Confidence Monitor each quarter. I started out in the role as quite a reluctant public speaker, but have grown to relish these opportunities.
What are your plans for retirement?
I am open to lucrative offers of work for one day per month! Seriously though, after taking a long holiday in January, I am very much looking forward to being able to spend time with our first grandchild, who is due in late February/early March – it’s perfect timing!
I still currently sit on three arts boards so it will be good to have time to fully support them until my trustee roles come to an end.
I also plan to spend more time taking part in rallies in my classic Mini – so I may well be driving though a town near you very soon!
What are you most looking forward to having more time to do?
Driving my Mini and catching up on my reading – there will be fewer emails to be read and replied to, so it will be good to take the time to read some of the books I’ve not had chance to tackle…
Any words of advice for your successor?
Embrace the diversity of members we have and the roles they’re in, engage with key stakeholders across the North East and Cumbria (as well as the rest of the Sheffield to Shetland area!) and enjoy the job; it’s a big challenge but it’s a hugely rewarding role.
On a more practical note, I’d say that they should aim to keep on top of their emails – an overflowing inbox was the only downside of the role in my view!
With thanks to Jane Walker who interviewed Keith on behalf of Northern Society and ICAEW Members in Scotland (IMS).
Happy retirement from Northern Society
On behalf of our 4,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ACA students across Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, Karen Muir, President and our committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Keith for his great work in supporting northern business, fellow chartered accountants and the wider community. Many thanks for all that you have done and we wish you a well-earned healthy and enjoyable retirement from ICAEW.
Members of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants are ICAEW Chartered Accountants.
ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports more than 147,000 members worldwide.
We provide our members with knowledge and guidance, and ensure ICAEW Chartered Accountants are meeting the highest ethical and technical standards.
As financial experts we act in the public interest offering insights into business and the economy that help to shape government policy and regulation. Find out more at icaew.com
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents ICAEW members working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
More
Dinners raise £7,712 for local charities in the North
Northern Society members and their guests were generous in support for their communities at both our Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner and Teesside Dinner raising a fantastic £7,712 for charities with match-funding from Barclays Business (thank you to the local Barclays team).
Northern Society Dinner with Steph McGovern supported Butterwick Hospice Care
Karen Muir, President of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants with Steph McGovern and representatives from Butterwick Hospice Care
Northern Society Business and Awards Dinner with guest speaker Steph McGovern at the Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne on 13 October raised £3,736 for Butterwick Hospice Care.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants has been at the heart of northern business since 1882 and its 4,000 ICAEW Chartered Accountants and ACA students work across business and the finance profession in the North East, Teesside, northern Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Butterwick Hospice Care aims to improve the quality of life for those who have a progressive life limiting illness and those close to them and to offer positive support for every challenge they may encounter during their illness and to see death as part of life’s journey. Find out more at butterwick.org.uk
Teesside Dinner with Lembit Opik supported MFC Foundation
Emma Read & Angela Foster, TSCA Chairs with Lembit Opik and Barclays Business presenting cheque to MFC Foundation
Teesside Dinner with guest speaker Lembit Opik at Wynyard Hall Hotel on 24 November raised £3,976 for MFC Foundation.
Teesside Dinner is the annual dinner of Teesside Society of Chartered Accountants, a branch of Northern Society of Chartered Accountants.
MFC Foundation works across Teesside, delivering sport, health, education and inclusion projects that raise aspirations and change lives amongst the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in local communities. Find out more at mfcfoundation.co.uk
Thank you to everyone for your kind assistance in supporting these two local charities.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents ICAEW members working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
More
Q4 UK ICAEW Economic Forecast
The Q4 2017 ICAEW Economic Forecast, is based on the views of those running UK plc: ICAEW Chartered Accountants working in businesses of all types, across every economic sector and in all regions of the UK, surveyed through the quarterly ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM).
ICAEW continues to work with Oxford Economics to issue quarterly reports which provide useful insight and timely intelligence for finance professionals and their clients.
The ICAEW Economic Forecast considers the outlook for the UK economy.
Q4 Key findings:
We forecast GDP growth of 1.5% in 2017, rising modestly to 1.6% in 2018
Recent data suggest the squeeze on consumers has continued, while manufacturing and exports have provided only a slight encouragement to activity. With these trends set to continue into 2018, and little movement likely on either fiscal or monetary policy, we expect GDP growth to remain slow by historical standards next year.
Productivity constrained by weak investment intentions.
Output per hour grew in Q3 2017 at the fastest rate since 2011, but this was entirely driven by a reduction in hours worked, rather than an improvement in productivity. Measures set out in the Autumn Statement could yield longer-term productivity gains, but the ongoing uncertainty over Brexit will constrain business investment again in 2018.
Slower jobs growth means unemployment rate stabilises.
After a solid first half of 2017, the rate of job creation slowed markedly in the third quarter, with total employment down modestly, but the unemployment rate remaining at a 42-year low. We think the private sector can continue to create jobs into 2018, but at a slower rate, and constrained by shortages of skilled labour in some sectors. The unemployment rate and pace of nominal wage growth are both forecast to be relatively stable over the coming year.
Weaker pound helping manufacturers.
After a few quarters when a weaker currency seemed only to bring higher costs to manufacturing and exporting businesses, input cost pressures have started to ease and competitiveness has been improving in recent months. The ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor® (BCM) evidence suggests an expansion in export growth for manufacturers in 2018, although obviously risks from a “no-deal” Brexit remain.
Economic outlook
We forecast GDP growth of 1.5% in 2017, rising modestly to 1.6% in 2018.
The economy picked up a little momentum in Q3, with growth of 0.4% (0.1 percentage point higher than each of the previous two quarters). Within this, the broad pattern of growth tilting from services toward manufacturing continued. Retail sales expanded at a rate which is slower by more than half a percentage point than the quarterly average through 2016. Manufacturing output, though, spurred by the weaker pound, rose by 1%, the best performance since Q4 of last year (see focus section).
Looking into Q4, monthly data suggested that the services sector gathered some momentum in October – although interpreting October’s retail sales data is complicated by an unusually strong October 2016. Meanwhile, although retail sales volumes in October fell versus a year earlier (the first such occasion for over four years), this largely reflects the 2% month-on-month jump in October 2016, rather than especially weak monthly data in October 2017 itself. Nevertheless, with inflation edging up to 3% in September and October, consumer spending growth will remain constrained. We forecast GDP growth of 1.5% for 2017 overall.
The squeeze on household finances will persist into 2018, with the Bank of England’s recent base rate increasing debt servicing costs for some households. With business investment remaining constrained (see next section) but support predicted to come from better trade performance, we forecast GDP growth at 1.6% in 2018. Major changes in macro policy seem unlikely in the coming couple of years however. The Autumn Statement contained little in the way of major fiscal measures outside of those aimed at the household sector, with the focus mainly on reducing the deficit against a backdrop of weaker OBR growth forecasts. Meanwhile, the MPC’s statement following November’s rate hike did not suggest that they will be tightening again anytime soon.
Read more
You can read more about the ICAEW Economic Forecast on icaew.com
ICAEW’s forecasts for economic growth, business investment and the outlook for the labour market are based on the correlation between ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) indicators and official economic data. The BCM contains data – from a survey of 1,000 UK businesses – on business confidence, financial performance, challenges and expectations for the year ahead to provide a unique analysis of future developments in the UK economy.
Northern Society of Chartered Accountants (NorSCA) represents ICAEW members working in business and the finance profession across the North East of England, Teesside, Northern Yorkshire and Cumbria. We have been assisting businesses in the north of England and producing chartered accountants for over 130 years.
More
