Is it just me or is 2025 racing by? May is always a buzzy month for the bookkeeping profession, and this year feels especially alive with opportunity.
I’m heading to Accountex next week and I’d love to see as many of you there as possible. I’ll be speaking on the power of collaboration between bookkeepers and accountants - something that feels more urgent and more exciting than ever as we approach the roll-out of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax.
MTD IT is a massive opportunity. I know it’s not always felt like one, with so much uncertainty and delay, but if we can get this right, bookkeepers will be front and centre in making the UK’s tax system work better for sole traders, landlords and small businesses. That’s why I’ll be beating the drum at Accountex for true collaboration - because when bookkeepers and accountants combine their strengths, clients get better outcomes, and the profession becomes stronger as a whole.
If you’re coming along, please come and find the ICB team. We’ll be on hand for chats, catch-ups and big ideas. I’d love to hear how you’re feeling about MTD, the future, and what ICB can do to support you better.
Meanwhile, back at HQ, the countdown is on for The Bookkeepers Summit 2025. And I’m delighted to let you know that this year we’re returning to our members’ favourite venue: the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster. The Summit is already the biggest event in the world dedicated to bookkeepers, and now, with the experienced guidance of our new event organising partner, we’re taking it up a gear.
We're excited to be able to grow the Summit in exciting ways without losing the intimacy and warmth that make it so special. Expect more chances to meet fellow members, more hands-on training for students and newcomers, more brilliant speakers and, of course, our celebratory LUCA Awards ceremony on the Monday night. If you haven’t already, save the date: 17 November.
On that note, I’m thrilled to share that our founders, June and Garry Carter, have been recognised for their lifetime of contribution to the profession. At the PQ Awards last week, they received the Editor’s Choice Outstanding Achievement Award - a fitting tribute to their vision, passion, and tireless support for bookkeepers everywhere. I know many of you will join me in saying: thank you, and congratulations. You are iconic and the bookkeeping profession owes so much to your vision and dedication.
As always, ICB is here to support your ambitions - whether you’re preparing clients for MTD, planning to attend your first Summit, or just looking to reconnect with your goals. Bookkeeping is a vital profession and a fast-moving one. Let’s seize the opportunities ahead, together.
See you soon - maybe at Accountex, and definitely at the Summit.
