As ICB celebrates its 30th anniversary, its story is one of family, determination and a belief in the people behind the numbers.
Thirty years ago, June and Garry Carter set out to do something different. What began with a plan to support bookkeeping students grew into the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), an international professional body that has helped thousands of people build careers, establish businesses and gain recognition for their skills.
From newspapers to bookkeepers
June and Garry met in 1974 while working in the newspaper industry. Their careers took them around the country, including to Wrexham, where they launched the Wrexham Express. They went on to build a publishing and public relations business, developing the practical, entrepreneurial approach that would later shape ICB. It was a busy time which saw Garry & June winning many industry awards - working with the likes of Paul Newman, Jason Donovan, Marco Pierre-White and even HRH Diana Princess of Wales. While the publishing side grew with June and producing internal newspapers and magazines for large international corporations and membership bodies.
Their move into bookkeeping began with a plan to support students studying through distance learning. But within four months, they had decided to go further.
“We never set out to form an institute,” June later recalled. “We had the plan to form a student support organisation for bookkeeping students studying via distance learning.”
That plan quickly expanded to include accrediting training providers, finding examination centres, writing syllabuses and exams, establishing membership and professional standards, and licensing members who went into self-employment. In 1996, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers was born.
It was an ambitious undertaking, but one that reflected a principle June says has remained central ever since: “It's always been about support. That is at the core of everything ICB does.”
Their approach was straightforward. If something needed doing, they would find a way to do it.
“We were young and we were challenging and we were rattling the cage a bit, which was good fun,” Garry recalls.
That willingness to challenge convention helped shape ICB's identity. June and Garry set about championing bookkeepers' skills and giving them a stronger voice within the wider professional landscape.
From its early days, ICB grew beyond examinations into a professional body supporting bookkeepers throughout their working lives. It developed professional standards, introduced practice licensing and built a network of branches and international relationships. Its reach extended to Australia, America, the Philippines and beyond, while its work in the UK increasingly included a role in shaping the regulatory environment for bookkeepers.
Education was central to ICB's early development. Its first Director of Education, Leslie Ellis, was responsible for writing the syllabus, which June says has retained much of its original structure. The aim was practical, rigorous training that equipped bookkeepers to do the job well. Those standards remain an important part of ICB's approach to qualifications and professional recognition.
In 2007, ICB became a money laundering supervisor, taking responsibility for helping its members understand and meet their obligations. It was another step in establishing bookkeepers' place within the wider professional landscape.
ICB's work is also about the people behind the numbers. Many members have retrained, changed direction or built a bookkeeping practice that fits around their lives, giving them the independence to run a business of their own.
In turn, they support the UK's 5.64 million small businesses, helping owners understand their finances, meet their obligations and make informed decisions. These businesses account for around 99.2% of private-sector businesses, making bookkeepers an important part of the UK's small business landscape.
A family business, then and now
Family has always been central to ICB. June and Garry's children, James Carter and Ami Copeland, both worked in the business. James left in 2013 to establish Eintech, which provides examination testing and learning technology to professional bodies, while Ami continued to build her career at ICB.
In 2023, Ami moved from her communications role to succeed June as CEO. June and Garry remain closely involved, with Garry serving as president and taking on the role of Head of Professional Standards.
June has spoken warmly about working alongside her family, despite the tendency for ICB discussions to spill over into family life. She is equally clear about her confidence in Ami's leadership.
As Ami puts it: “June and Garry have set the standard for this business. They built ICB around the people it exists to serve, and their commitment to our members has always been at the heart of what we do. My job is to protect that and build on it for the future.”
Reflecting on stepping back from the CEO role, June said: “Ami passionately believes in ICB, bookkeepers and the good that is brought not only to the small businesses they support, but to the global financial world.”
Changing how bookkeepers are seen
Ami believes one of ICB's most important achievements has been changing how bookkeepers are recognised alongside accountants, by clients, software providers and government.
“We've worked hard to change the way the industry sees bookkeepers. Rather than talking about accountants as if they're the only professionals who matter, we're increasingly seeing accountants and bookkeepers recognised side by side. That matters because it helps clients understand the value of bookkeepers, encourages software providers to consider their needs and ensures their role is recognised in legislation. It also shows people what they can achieve through studying, gaining qualifications and building a practice of their own. That's what ICB is here to do.”
Ready for what comes next
Rumours of the death of the bookkeeper have been greatly exaggerated.
From the calculator and spreadsheets to cloud accounting and artificial intelligence, bookkeepers have repeatedly adapted to new technology. As routine processing becomes increasingly automated, ICB sees greater opportunities for bookkeepers to use their judgement, interpret the numbers and help clients make informed business decisions.
The signs of growth are encouraging. In ICB's 30th anniversary year, bookkeeping student numbers have increased by 25%, while applications for practice licences have risen by 50%.
For June and Garry, and now Ami, creating opportunities for people has always been central to ICB's purpose. Thirty years on, the technology may be changing, but the commitment to supporting bookkeepers and helping their contribution get the recognition it deserves remains the same.