Latest News
Financial Services Forum
The first Financial Services Forum for some time was well-attended by a mix of firms who have a full financial services offering, have a joint venture arrangement with a third party or have very little involvement in financial services.
Charities Forum
Whilst the Charities Forum was the smallest gathering so far this year, with seven delegates representing six firms, it was clear that the strength of MGI in this sector was grown considerably with Milsted Langdon and Harrison, Beale and Owen joining last year.
Managing Partners Meeting
The Managing Partners Meeting on 15 April was the second one that I have attended as HB&O only joined MGI late last year. The first meeting was only just after we became members and therefore there was little I could contribute and in reality it was a learning experience for me.
MGI North America conference
MGI North America held its annual meeting from May 19 to 21 in Seattle. Items up for discussion included marketing, trends in accounting technology, the future shape of the accountancy profession and the future direction of MGI itself..
European Area Meeting
This year’s European Area Meeting (EAM) EAM was held in Dusseldorf and was the first such meeting to be hosted jointly by three firms, Greis & Brosent GMBH, RLT Ruhrmann Wuller & Partner, and Burbach Cramer Partners GMBH.
MGI IT Group Meeting
The IT group had its second meeting in April. It was held at CBW's office in Aldgate. It was attended by representatives of eight firms and there were several topics discussed throughout the day, although the underlying theme was to try and understand how to achieve a better return on investment in technology.
MGI Board of Directors meeting
The MGI Board of Directors (formerly the International Committee) met on 9 June. There was some discussion continuing from previous meetings about a couple of firms whose membership was questioned, although the action to be taken still seems a little uncertain, particularly based on the emails that have followed between members after the meeting.
Referrals Update
The Referral Summary for MGI UK and Ireland in 2009 highlighted an interesting shift in opportunity. Previously, member firms have looked to their international colleagues to provide them with referral opportunities when work comes to the UK and Ireland; however, it now seems that work flowing between member firms in the UK and Ireland is becoming as important.
UK and Ireland conference taking shape
Our plans for this year’s UK and Ireland conference are progressing well, with the overall theme of ‘How do your clients do business in emerging economies’, and presentations on the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Business update from Ireland
The agency responsible for coordinating the Irish Government’s response to the unprecedented crisis in the Irish banking and property sectors, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), is now up and running. The first tranche of qualifying loans were transferred to NAMA at an average discount of 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the original loan values.
The latest from our blogs
MGI continues to provide an insight into the latest business news and trends using its blog channel on the popular accountancy website www.accountingweb.co.uk.
Marketing update
Targeting for new members continues in 2010 with a focus on attracting member firms from the North West, Wales, North East and Scotland regions.
Introducing Harrison, Beale and Owen
As one of the leading firms of chartered accountants and financial planners in the West Midlands, Harrison Beale & Owen is helping to relieve financial headaches in the region. Setting new standards in the region’s financial services industry with their modern approach, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services and remedies to tackle all the key financial concerns faced by its client base.
Seymour Taylor announces enhanced tax services
Seymour Taylor has recently announced some exciting changes to the tax services it is able to offer to its clients.
Rowley’s sister IT company evolves
Rowley’s took the unique decision in 2002 to set up a sister IT company, as the firm recognised the need from its clients for reliable and cost-effective IT services and support.
Awards success for Rickard Keen
Essex-based accountancy firm Rickard Keen had cause to celebrate in May after winning the inaugural Accountancy Firm of the Year award from the South Essex branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Around the firms
A quick round-up of news from MGI UK and Ireland member firms.
Accountants reveal pre-budget wish list
Members of MGI UK and Ireland, part of the global association of accountancy firms MGI, have called for the government to do all it can to soften the impact of any tax rises for business in its ‘Emergency Budget’ on June 22.
MGI moves into top 30
MGI, the global association of accountancy firms of which MGI UK and Ireland is part, has enjoyed another successful year, with a 17 per cent increase in fee income across the association – enough to see it enter Accountancy Age magazine’s list of the top 30 international networks, associations and alliances at 27.
Obama’s war on tax havens
Earlier this year, the US Government proposed a number of international tax reforms that are intended to close several perceived tax loopholes.
MGI Members Set to Join Global Conferences
Members of MGI UK and Ireland, part of the global association of accountancy firms, will be gaining an insight into financial issues around the world when they take part in a series of international conferences over the coming months.
The importance of preparing for the worst
Disasters that bring businesses to their knees are often in the headlines, although the business damage may not be apparent.
Members get together to talk tax
The tax forum on 23 March was the first seminar of the season, and proved a great success with 14 attendees covering all of the UK firms, and there was lively debate and participation from all concerned.
Mediterranean members gather in Italy
The first meeting of the Mediterranean Circle was a great success, despite the attendees learning about the tradition of strikes in Italy occurring on a Friday morning, in order to have a long weekend.
Initial plans made for UK conference
This year, we will be returning to Beaumont House, Old Windsor, which we last visited in 2007. We will be running three tracks for the majority of Friday, as piloted last year for the first time, with tracks on IT, marketing and people skills development.
MGI referrals summary
I had hoped to include a summary of referrals between member firms in this newsletter, but this has not been possible as I am yet to receive the details from some of our members. Could I please remind anyone who has not yet sent this information to me to do so as soon as possible.
MGI news goes global
MGI member firms can now demonstrate their international credentials to current and prospective clients, using the first edition of our MGI Global News newsletter, featuring the latest insight into business issues from member firms around the world.
Enhanced information on MGI website
As part of our effort to continually improve the quality of information available on our website, a new section outlining the specialist knowledge of our member firms has now gone live at www.mgi-uk.com
Marketing update
Targeting for new members continues in 2010 with a focus on attracting member firms from the North West, Wales, North East and Scotland regions.
MGI keeps on blogging
MGI continues to provide an insight into the latest business news and trends using its blog channel on the popular accountancy website www.accountingweb.co.uk.
Introducing Milsted Langdon
MGI UK and Ireland was delighted to welcome Milsted Langdon as a member last year. The South West-based firm has offices in Taunton, Yeovil and Bristol, housing 16 partners and around 170 staff.
Around the firms
A quick round-up of news from MGI UK and Ireland member firms.
Budget 2010 – The ‘Budget for Recovery’
MGI, an international association of independent accountants and consulting firms, is advising clients to take note of this year’s Budget and the provisions it has made to aid the growth of businesses across the UK.
MGI announces new seminar programme
MGI UK and Ireland, part of the worldwide association of accountancy firms, has announced details of its seminar programme for 2010.
MGI members declare conference ‘THE BEST YET’
MGI, the worldwide association of accountancy firms, is celebrating the success of its latest UK and Ireland conference with a record number of delegates getting together to share insights into how businesses can harness the latest technology.
Two new members come on board
We were delighted to welcome two new members to MGI during the last quarter of 2009. First to join, in early October, was Milsted Langdon, a firm based in the South-West of England, with 15 partners and 150 staff based at offices in Bristol, Taunton and Yeovil.
UK and Ireland conference is well received
Whilst I do not want to blow my own trumpet, this year’s UK and Ireland conference seemed to contain something for everyone. The presentations by new and existing members all helped to bring our firms closer together and improved the chances of business following between firms.
A very special meeting
I attended the UK and Ireland meeting just a few weeks after my appointment as International Executive Director by MGI and, having led another international network for many years, I was impatient to find out how MGI was functioning.
Paris hosts global conference
A total of 18 representatives from British member firms Midgley Snelling, Milsted Langdon, Rowleys, Watson Buckle, Rickard Keen, Seymour Taylor and Carter Backer Winter, were among the 140 delegates at the event, which took place in Paris from 14 to 16 October.
Managing partners discuss latest issues
Our managing partners forum in November featured a number of open and lively debates, as always. There was much discussion about the current economic climate and what member firms were doing with regard to client fee levels, recruitment, salary levels and finding new client opportunities.
Legal profession in the spotlight
October saw our first gathering of partners and managers who act for clients in the legal profession. We had a presentation from the managing partner of a legal firm in East London, which was not a client of any MGI firm, on what they wanted from their accountants.
New video message to promote MGI
MGI has always believed in using the latest technology to spread its message, and to that end our website now features a video, where representatives of member firms discuss the advantages of being part of the organisation.
Marketing update
The UK website now attracts an average of 400 unique visitors per month and appears on page 1 of Google for searches such as Accountants UK.
MGI keeps on blogging
MGI’s blog channel on the popular accountancy website www.accountingweb.co.uk, has continued to be a useful forum for member firms to have their say on the latest issues affecting the financial sector.
Around the firms
A quick round-up of news from MGI UK and Ireland member firms.
Pre-budget report strikes delicate balance to help SME businesses
The UK and Ireland arm of global accountancy association MGI have welcomed the announcements in a clearly political pre-budget report aimed at helping the country’s fragile economic state.
Can you avoid the super tax?
The proposed introduction of the new 50% tax rate from April 2010 for those with an income of £150k+ has resulted in a plethora of mitigation options from "experts". These ideas have ranged from the sensible to the crazy. The unfortunate truth is that real opportunities are limited.
MGI welcomes Harrison Beale and Owen
Harrison Beale and Owen (HB&O), one of the largest independent firms of chartered accountants and financial advisers in the West Midlands, has become MGI’s latest member.
Accountants to learn about changes at Companies House
Delegates at this month’s MGI UK and Ireland Partners’ and Managers’ Conference will be able to learn more about the recent changes which have taken place surrounding the registration of new companies and the filing of annual financial statements.
Association members in Paris conference
The British members of international accountancy association MGI recently gathered in Paris to share ideas and expertise with colleagues from around the world at MGI’s annual general meeting.
The benefits of salary exchange
As businesses battle through the economic downturn, ‘win-win’ situations are increasingly hard to find. But salary exchange could fall into such a category, allowing firms to increase the benefits they pay to staff, while at the same time reducing costs.
Accountants talk marketing and tax
MGI, the worldwide association of accountancy firms, recently held two events for its members, to hear about new developments affecting the industry and share their ideas with one another.
Association boost for firm one year on
At a time when many companies are looking for ways to drum up new business, a London accountancy firm has found its membership of an international association of like-minded companies a major help.
Accountants to learn about international standards
A leading expert in international accounting standards will be giving delegates an insight into the latest developments in the field when he speaks at next month’s MGI UK and Ireland Partners’ and Managers’ Conference.
Milsted Langdon joins international accountancy association
MGI, the worldwide association of accountancy firms, is delighted to announce details of its newest member, Milsted Langdon.
Milsted Langdon is based in the South West of England, with offices in Bristol, Taunton and Yeovil. It has 15 partners and 150 staff, providing a range of financial services and advice to owner managed businesses, high net worth individuals and listed companies.
Boosting productivity in a recession
Noel Kelleway recently gave a presentation to a group of Essex solicitors on ways to maintain or improve profitability during a recession. The audience consisted of a number of small and medium-sized solicitor firms including some clients.
MGI Marketing seminar
It was good to meet with the other attendees from MGI at the ‘rainmaker’ seminar on 4 and 5 September.
Members meet for tax forum
On 24 September representatives of the UK firms met to talk about tax. This was the fourth meeting of the tax focus group and the first one to be held outside of London. We met at the offices of Rowleys in Leicester and were made very welcome by our host Mark Hook.
UK and Ireland conference nears
Plans are taking shape for our 2009 MGI UK and Ireland Partners’ and Managers’ conference from 26 to 28 November, which will focus on new technology and how accountancy firms can take advantage of it.
International delegates head to Paris
Delegates from around the world will be gathering in Paris from 14 to 16 October, for the MGI annual general meeting. The meeting theme, ‘The Economic Crisis: Opportunity and Challenge’, will create a forum for in-depth discussions about the world as it is today and how MGI and its member firms can confront the challenges and maximise the opportunities created by current world developments.
New member targeting programme continues
We have continued our efforts to expand the MGI association’s reach over the past quarter, and I have recently held meetings with a potential member firm in the Midlands who may be joining us soon.
Seymour Taylor joins Hampden Group
Member firm Seymour Taylor is looking forward to offering its services to an even wider range of clients in future after becoming part of the Hampden Group of Companies.
MGI website update
The MGI UK website received 380 visits between 22 August and 21 September 2009, with the average visitor staying for just under two minutes and looking at an average of 3.45 pages per visit.
New video message to promote MGI
As MGI continues its efforts to embrace the latest technology in order to spread our message, we will be recording a short video on 3 November, where member firms will talk about the advantages of being part of an international association.
MGI keeps on blogging
MGI has continued to maintain a presence on the popular accountancy website www.accountingweb.co.uk, with its own blog channel, featuring contributions from MGI members on the issues of the day.
Buckinghamshire accountants join Hampden Group
High Wycombe-based chartered accountants Seymour Taylor is looking forward to offering its services to an even wider range of clients in future after becoming part of the Hampden Group of Companies.
Think you're invincible when it comes to fraud? Chances are, you're not!
Last week saw an employee fraud worth over £545k hit the media. Somewhat surprisingly, it was carried out by a former director of KPMG, one of the leading accountancy firms that advises major corporations on governance and financial control. If such a business can become the victim of employee fraud, can SMEs afford to be complacent?
Annual conference to discuss new technology
The latest technology and how accountancy firms can use it to improve their businesses will be the focus of this year’s MGI UK and Ireland partners’ and managers’ conference – and non-members are also welcome to come along and share the insights provided.
Firms must face up to auto-enrolment
The next few years is set to see some of the biggest changes ever made to pensions as the government plans to launch its new 'Personal Accounts', for all employees to be automatically enrolled into.
Association drums up new business for accountancy firms
At a time when many accountants are having to work harder than ever to drum up new business, members of an international association are finding that by working together, they can attract new business from far and wide.
MGI marketing push continues
A busy marketing campaign continues to raise the profile of MGI UK and Ireland to businesses and to attract interest from potential new members.
Conference focuses on the future
As announced in our last Newswire, the 2009 MGI UK and Ireland Partners’ and Managers’ conference will take place from 26 to 28 November. This year’s event will focus on the latest technology and how it can help accountancy firms, under the title ‘The Future’s Bright – The Future’s Already Here’.
The conference agenda has now been mostly finalised, and the keynote speaker has been booked, while sponsors are currently being sought for the event. It would be useful if firms could provide an outline number of likely delegates, to ensure we have enough rooms reserved.
Luxembourg European Annual Meeting sees a return to the EU debate
Some 75 MGI members from Europe and beyond congregated for the European Annual Meeting and for me as a first timer at the EAM it was a good opportunity to make new friends and make contacts in the wider MGI family.
International Committee Meeting
Whilst I am not a member of the International Committee, I do attend the meetings as an observer, to get a closer understanding of what is going on in MGI. The International Committee meeting in Luxembourg, before the European area meeting, was rather slow going. The morning was taken up by a ‘One page business planning’ session, ran by Grant Reid from Australia. This was trying to help identify the strategic priorities for MGI going forward, and we will have to wait and see what activity this leads to for the International and Managing committees.
Firms get together to talk tax
On 22 May various representatives of the UK and Ireland firms met at the London offices of the latest firm to join the MGI family, namely Carter Backer Winter (CBW). This was the third meeting of this tax-focused group and the emphasis is not only on discussing topical matters relating to taxation, but also to foster the exchange of ideas and to encourage ongoing contact outside of these meetings.
First Meeting of Charities group
In early June, the newly-formed MGI-wide Third Sector Team (being those members operating in the not for profit/charities sector) held its inaugural meeting at the offices of Carter Backer Winter in London. Five firms were represented from within MGI , and as the day unfolded it became apparent that, if combined, the size of client portfolios in this sector across the five firms would be sufficient to place the group comfortably within the fifteen largest firms dealing with charities and other not-for-profit organisations in the UK.
Managing Partners Forum
All UK firms were represented by their managing partners and the day started with a review of each firm by the respective partner. This surprisingly took us through to lunchtime, with many firms having a lot to say – there is obviously a lot going on in some of our member practices as the moment.
MGI keeps on blogging
MGI has continued using the popular accountancy website www.accountingweb.co.uk to raise the profile of the organisation and its member firms, as well as highlighting issues of interest to other finance professionals.
Accountants prepare for International Summits
UK and Ireland members of global accountancy association MGI are preparing to meet their counterparts from across Europe and around the world at key conferences.
MGI UK member, MGI Midgley Snelling announces new audit manager
MGI founders and UK member of MGI, MGI Midgley Snelling, has appointed a new Audit Manager to lead their Audit and Assurance Team.
Accountants meet in Mexico for MGI world conference
Members of global accountancy association MGI shared their experience of the impact of the worldwide financial downturn on client businesses as they gathered for their 2008 world conference.
UK conference is Just the Job
MGI members from the UK and Ireland gathered for our 2008 annual conference. The event, which focused on recruitment and retention of staff, highlighted member firms’ difficulties in recruiting appropriate personnel.
MGI delegates head for Mexico City
More than 100 MGI delegates and companions gathered in Mexico City for the 2008 AGM. Hot topics at the meeting, which took place from 22-24 October, included the EU Audit Directive and the global financial crisis.
Seminar focuses on timely issues
With few glimmers of hope on the gloomy economic horizon, our latest Managing Partners Seminar touched on some topical issues.
Role play makes delegates’ day
Working life is full of challenges, ranging from achieving co-operation within a team to giving – and receiving – negative feedback.
Judith Gilmour, the motivational keynote speaker from 2007 MGI UK & Ireland’s 2007 AGM, provided expert advice at a recent MGI seminar titled Impact and Influence. Jonathan Farrow reports on an interesting day in which role play played a significant part.
Introducing CBW
CBW has become the latest member of MGI UK and Ireland. The London-based firm of chartered accountants and business advisors sums up its approach to the way it does business as: the expertise of a major firm, the personal services of a small firm.
Rowley's offer new IT solution
MGI member Rowley’s has launched a new IT business to complement its other services. Rowley's IT Services offers services including website design and e-commerce solutions.
New MGI brochure brings positive responseI
The launch of MGI UK & Ireland’s new brochure has met with a positive response. The innovative brochure, which was launched in October, examines the experience of member firms, told in their own words
Pre-Budget Report Lets Down Small Businesses, say MGI
The UK and Ireland arm of global accountancy association MGI says Chancellor Alistair Darling's Pre-Budget Report has failed to deliver real benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Pre Budget 2008 Report
Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling has delivered a much-anticipated Pre-Budget Report against a backdrop of economic slowdown and turbulence in the global economy, which has steadily deteriorated since the 2008 Budget on 14 March.
MGI Firms Strengthens Team with Partner Appointments
The founding firm of international accountancy association MGI has announced the appointment of two new partners. MGI Midgley Snelling is pleased to announce that the firm welcomed Peter Bond and James Beecher to the partnership from 1 October 2008.
Leading Finance Expert Leads MGI Firm’s Seminar
A member firm of global accountancy association MGI has welcomed leading market commentator Justin Urquhart Stewart as the host of a seminar exploring the current unsettled economic climate and how investors can best weather the storms.
MGI Firm Celebrates Client Sixtieth Anniversary
Leicestershire based MGI member firm The Rowleys Partnership Ltd (Rowley’s) has recently staged a surprise presentation for one of their long standing clients. Rowley’s and client Miss Irene Craig, celebrated 60 years of working together this week.
CBW Joins International Accountancy Association MGI
MGI, the worldwide association of accountancy firms, is delighted to announce details of its newest member, CBW (Carter Backer Winter).
MGI Issues Annual Conference Invite
Global accountancy association MGI is inviting accountancy firms interested in finding out more about the organisation to the annual conference of its UK and Ireland arm in November.
MGI Seeks Legal Advice on European Directive
Global accountancy organisation MGI is to seek the advice of legal counsel on a European Union directive designed to increase the transparency of company annual reports and other financial statements.
MGI Midgley Snelling Appoints Two New Partners
MGI Midgley Snelling is pleased to announce that on the 1st October 2008 they welcome Peter Bond and James Beecher to the partnership.
UK Accountants Plan for Future at Madrid Conference
UK and Ireland members of global accountancy association MGI have been helping to shape the way forward for the organisation at an international conference in Spain.
Accountancy Experts Advise On Credit Crunch Survival
UK businesses that target international markets could find themselves emerging from the credit crunch in even better shape, says global accountancy organisation MGI.
MGI Firm Implements IT Solutions
Leicestershire based MGI member firm The Rowleys Partnership Ltd (Rowley’s) has established Rowleys IT Services alongside their other business offerings. Leicestershire businesses can take advantage of quality website design, search engine optimisation and ecommerce solutions, alongside all of the traditional accountancy services available.
Introduction By Paul Winder
The last quarter has been a busy one for MGI UK & Ireland, even though most of what has gone on is behind the scenes.
I attended the Madrid EAM, which was very successful, not only in the formal conference but in respect of networking between member firms.
Madrid EAM kicks off challenging debates
While footballing nations from across Europe gathered in Austria and Switzerland for the 2008 European Championships, MGI members held their own “Euro 2008” in Madrid.
The annual European Area Meeting raised some interesting issues about the way forward for MGI, the different pace of development in different regions and the impact of the EU 8th Directive. Alan Thornton of MGI Watson Buckle reports.
Down Mexico way…
MGI colleagues from around the globe will be gathering in Mexico in October for our annual general meeting.
MGI UK and Ireland appoints new director
MGI UK and Ireland has appointed Robert Radford, managing director of Rowley’s, as its new director.
Spotlight on…MGI Watson Buckle
For more than 100 years, MGI Watson Buckle has been advising businesses in and around its Bradford base.
Now, as businesses face up to the challenges of the current economic climate, the firm continues to deliver an approach that includes close contact and proactive advice to help clients through some tough times.
Read all about it in new brochure
UK member firms will be helping to spread the word on the benefits of membership in a new promotional brochure.
Countdown begins to annual conference
Time is ticking away to the MGI UK and Ireland 2008 annual conference, which takes place from 20-22 November. The conference, titled Just the Job will focus on staff recruitment and retention and career development.
Medical specialists welcome MGI Rickard Keen
MGI Rickard Keen have been given a medical seal of approval after being approved for membership of the prestigious association AISMA.
The association is a network of selected accountancy firms specialising in working for doctors and medical practitioners.
Rowley’s appoint new equity partners
Rowley’s has appointed two new equity partners in a move that underlines the firm’s commitment to continuity.
Opening up new audit avenues
MGI Watson Buckle have tapped into what could be a useful new source of business by working with smaller practices to offer an audit service.
MGI Firm Implements Innovative Work Placement Scheme
Leicestershire based MGI member firm The Rowleys Partnership Ltd (Rowley’s) is investing in its own future by using innovative strategies when it comes to recruitment. Rowley’s runs a work placement scheme in partnership with local Beauchamp College’s Business, Economics and Accounts department.
MGI Appoints New UK Director
Global accountancy association MGI has recently appointed Robert Radford as UK director. Robert is managing director of Leicestershire based MGI member firm The Rowleys Partnership Ltd (Rowley’s).
Setting up Overseas
Buckinghamshire based MGI member firm Seymour Taylor is advising business owners to seriously consider setting up an overseas operation. Similarly, the firm are experts in advising owners of overseas companies looking to set up a UK subsidiary.
| RELATED LINKS | |
 |
|
| MGI WORLDWIDE | |
 |
|
|