Last week I spent 3 days in London for ICB’s Bookkeepers Summit. I took advantage of all the information available to me and partied hard. One thing’s for sure, bookkeepers know how to party! I’m still recovering! What a great few days though.

Jo Fairley from Green & Blacks did a great keynote speech including a memory of asking her bank manager that she wanted to spend nearly all of her money on chocolate. I mean who can blame her?! It was important to her that when she sold her business to Cadbury’s that they continued the fair trade ethos which Green & Blacks had implemented. That’s a really great thing to do in business. Ethics mean a lot and it’s important not to lose sight of what’s important in your business. 

It was interesting to listen to Ray Blake from the Dark Money files podcast. He spoke about the human impact of money laundering. As a bookkeeper this is something I feel strongly about, especially as I am supervised by ICB for Anti Money Laundering (AML). If you choose to outsource your bookkeeping you will be asked for 2 forms of identification. This is so we can make sure you are who you say you are and to carry out AML checks to ensure your business is legitimate. 

ICB also run the summit virtually but I much prefer to be there in person. Being there meant I could network with like minded people, speak to software providers to get the lowdown on new products and enjoy a day or 2 out of the office. 

I was honoured to be asked to speak on the online virtual event for those who couldn’t escape the chains of their desks. I was on a panel with Della Hudson, Dayle Rodriguez, Juliette Foster and Ami Copeland. We discussed how upskilling can help your business. By upskilling we mean by introducing advisory services, using technology and by building an online presence.

If you know me well enough you will know how tech savvy I am. I love a new piece of software if I know it’s going to benefit my clients or my own internal processes. I was lucky enough to speak to NextMinute, XenonConnect and Xero. We discussed future opportunities, so watch this space for more information!

The day of the summit turned into the night of the ICB LUCA awards. 

My local ICB branch won Branch of the year for the 3rd year running! What a great achievement, we were so pleased. We must be doing something right! Unfortunately I didn’t win Social Media Influencer of the Year, but it was tough opposition to be nominated against. 

My proudest moment was being awarded with the position on ICB’s Advisory Council for the next 3 years. This means that I can help shape the future of the ICB. It is a great honour to be one of the members that will work with the main board to help the Institute and it’s members whilst maintaining the high esteem that ICB Bookkeepers are held. It’s a voluntary role and a lot of what is discussed is confidential, but it is great to be able to give something back. 

I spent Tuesday morning at the Houses of Parliament. We had breakfast with Ben Bradley who is the Councillor and MP for Mansfield. We had a chance to wander round some of the House of Commons and spoke to the policemen about what it was like working there over the last few months. The history is amazing and unfortunately you can’t take photos everywhere. 

I thoroughly enjoyed networking with so many great people. I learned so much and came away with so many new ideas to implement. I strongly recommend networking in your area of expertise, you won’t regret it!