Rainy summer is upon us and June’s already given me lots of excuses to get away from the desk and out celebrating.
Last week we held an event called ‘Raising the Standard’ in London and invited the wonderful members who contribute so much to ICB by sitting on the Advisory Council, our Tech Board and running our brilliant Branches. The event was so-called partly because it took place at the Standard Hotel in Kings Cross, but also to tell the world about how, together, we’re truly raising standards across the bookkeeping profession.
It was a joyous event that reminded me why ICB exists.
This year is a special one for us because 2026 marks 30 years of ICB. Thirty years since June and Garry Carter founded ICB on the belief that bookkeeping is a profession in its own right, with standards worth establishing and people worth backing.
At the event, we talked about the future of bookkeeping and the way the profession is changing. Bookkeepers aren’thidden away in the back office. Increasingly, you sit at the centre of small businesses, connecting finance, payroll, compliance, operations and technology. You’re the first person a business owner calls when something doesn’t add up, or they need help.
That’s why Raising the Standard felt like the right name for the event. It captured where we are as a profession. Not standing still or worrying about what’s coming next. Stepping forward and raising the bar.
We were proud to share some of what ICB is building for the next chapter, including our new Level 5 qualifications coming next year, our work on progression routes into postgraduate study, the launch of our Approved Employer Scheme, and the continued development of the ICB AI Academy.
Each of these is about the same thing: giving bookkeepers the skills, status and support you need for the future.
Of course, it wasn’t all speeches and strategy. There was lovely food, plenty of drinks and, not just cupcakes – ICB cupcakes! Despite the rain and wind doing their best, the clouds parted for just long enough for us to enjoy some blue sky and even a little sunshine. Before long, everyone was out on the terrace, enjoying the view of the beautiful St Pancras Station and discussing our profession’s direction of travel.
What stood out most to me was the brilliant people our event and our 30 years’ history have brought together. The ‘OG’s and the next gen. Members, partners, educators and policymakers. People who know ICB inside out, and people seeing the full strength of our community for the first time.
That’s the magic of ICB. Professional, but personal. Serious about standards, but loving what we do.
Thank you to everyone who came, supported, spoke, listened, raised a glass, shared a cupcake, braved the weather and helped make the day feel so special.
Here’s to thirty years of ICB, to everyone who has been part of the journey so far, and to raising the standard together.