Spring is in the air! After what has felt like an endless winter, the sunshine this week has been a welcome change.
It’s amazing what a bit of blue sky and a brace of daffodils can do for our mood and motivation. And speaking of motivation, March is shaping up to be one of our busiest months yet at ICB, with a packed schedule of CPD webinars, in-person events, and important conversations about the future of bookkeeping.
Our CPD webinar programme this month is bursting with opportunities to expand your skillset and keep up to date with everything you need to know. We’ve lined up expert-led sessions covering a wide range of topics, from technical updates to practical business skills. Continuous learning is a key part of being a professional bookkeeper, and these sessions are designed to help you grow. Take a look here.
At the end of February, we were in Liverpool for the inaugural Engager LABS event, where we met up with bookkeepers and industry friends. I also gave a talk about Making Tax Digital (MTD) and the groundwork that bookkeepers need to be putting in now to ensure they are ready. The changes may still seem a way off, but preparation is key, and the more we embed these practices into our businesses now, the smoother the transition will be.
That focus on MTD continues this month with a special Ask Me Anything (AMA) session featuring Craig Ogilvie from HMRC on Wednesday 19 March. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your questions directly to HMRC and get the clarity you need. You can submit your questions using our online form - don’t miss this chance to get answers straight from the source.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming back Amy Chin for a member update on Tuesday 18 March. Amy always brings valuable insights and practical advice, so this session is one to watch if you want to stay up to date with the latest developments in all things tax and legislation.
Of course, one of the biggest highlights of the March is set to be the Festival of Accounting and Bookkeeping (FAB). We can’t wait to see so many of you there in person! I’ll be delivering two sessions and sharing the stage with some incredible bookkeepers. It’s always inspiring to be in a room full of people who are passionate about what they do so, if you’re attending, be sure to come and say hello.
And finally, I want to take a moment to recognise International Women’s Day. Bookkeeping has long been a profession dominated by women, and while that’s something to be celebrated, it doesn’t mean equality has been fully achieved. IWD is a time to reflect on the incredible contribution that women make to the world of business, to recognise the progress we’ve made, and to acknowledge the work still to be done. At ICB, we celebrate all our members – women, men and non-binary people - who support and uplift each other in this profession. We hope you all take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the amazing women in your lives.
Wishing you all a wonderful March, and I hope to see many of you at FAB!
