Over two days, 8000+ accountants, in-house finance professionals and bookkeepers from all over the world will be returning to the capital for the free annual event. Accountex London is returning to ExCeL on the 10-11 May 2023, with 250+ top fintech companies giving software demos, and a diverse CPD accredited education programme to explore.
‘There’s no real substitute for in person contact’
“Due to the pandemic, last year’s show was the first in three years. Our focus was reuniting the community and getting people back to face-to-face business. It was a celebration of the profession who endured the storm and came out stronger. This year we’re delivering a lot more – an even bigger show, a jam packed programme and a larger exhibition with a wider range of exhibitors.” said Accountex Portfolio Director, Caroline Hobden.
Start-ups and global brands alike will be exhibiting at the show, including FreeAgent, Intuit QuickBooks, IRIS, Sage, Taxcalc and Xero. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind the companies, see software demonstrations and ask their questions in person. HMRC will also be exhibiting and on hand to offer guidance following the MTD delay announcement, as well as presenting vital updates in the educational programme.
‘Gain industry insight and up to 16 CPD hours’
Across the 13 theatres, there will be 180+ CPD accredited seminars plus a whole host of other workshops and demos to explore, with two main stages full of keynote presentations. This year, new themes include sustainability, ESG and climate change, and how the accountancy profession can help take responsibility and communicate the right messages to their clients.
Also high on the agenda is mental health, diversity and inclusion, especially looking at wellbeing during the economic downturn, and how people can look after their teams, clients and themselves. The programme highlights issues that affect people inside and outside of the workplace, with the menopause and neuro diversity among the topics in the spotlight.
Taking the main stage is Sharon Cooke, Technical Director at 2020 Innovation for her session ‘Top 10 tax considerations for 2023/24’ where she will explore tax considerations and offer plenty of practical take-aways. Another tax focused session is ‘Tax update with Rebecca Benneyworth’ where she will be delving into the Spring 2023 Budget and Finance Bill, while highlighting changes which directly firm’s clients and the advice given to them.
An additional business-based presentation is from speaker and author Geoff Ramm, ‘Celebrity service: Discover the gap in your client service you never knew existed.’ Visitors will learn about changing their mindsets to deliver an incredible client experience.
Over at the Tax & Compliance theatre, Paul Aplin, MTD and UK Tax Specialist Consultant, and Paul Lodder, VP: Product Strategy and Accounting expertise at Dext, will be looking at how period basis reform will affect all UK companies in 2023, with their presentation ‘Basis period reform: The practical guide for practitioners in 2023.’
Delving into the world of bookkeepers, Zoe Whitman, Business Coach at The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, will be moderating a panel ‘The secret diaries for bookkeepers: what accountants don’t know about bookkeeping,’ where they will explore what it’s really like running a forward-thinking bookkeeping practice.
With the programme putting emphasis on issues that affect people inside and outside the workplace, there are lots of sessions covering topics such as mental health, neurodiversity and diversity.
Brad Burton, Motivational Business Speaker, will be taking to the main stage for his session ‘Now what? Suss out your next steps in life and in business’ where he will explore fulfillment, burnout and confidence as he helps participants work out their next steps in both life and business.
For more wellbeing content, visitors can head to the session ‘Building a Premier League mindset’ with Marc Pugh, health and lifestyle coach and former Premier League Footballer. He will recommend the 3 key improvements that an accountant or bookkeeper can make to improve focus, mental clarity, and overall health and wellbeing.
A further session not to miss, is ‘Beyond ticking boxes: Why diversity and inclusion are the key to surviving and thriving’ with Mo Kanjilal, Co-Creator of Watch This Sp_ce. This talk will look at why D&I matters, actions to take, and advice and tips.
Last but not least, Amy Brann, Founder and Director, Synaptic Potential will be delivering the session ‘Discover the science of top Critical & Creative Thinking & Problem Solving.’ In today’s cognitively loaded world you need discipline and habits to help perform at the top of your game. Uncover the scientifically underpinned approaches that will help you focus and find the right balance between impulsivity and self-control.
‘A real eye opener to the forever changing industry we are in’
Alongside a packed seminar programme and floor full of exhibitors, there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to network and connect with the accountancy and finance industry. As well as several post-show parties, there will be new features to explore, including a Bookkeeper’s Base Camp, a Networking Bus and a popular feature from Accountex Summit Manchester, the Accountex photobooth.
Accountex London is taking place at ExCeL London on the 10-11 May 2023. For further information and to apply for a free ticket to attend, please visit www.accountex.co.uk/london. Use priority code ACC254 when booking your ticket.
