Latest News

Association boost for firm one year on

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.

The first took place in September, with a seminar on the subject of ‘rainmaking’ – or how to bring in new clients. A variety of practical marketing strategies were discussed, with support from Jo Edwards of specialist marketing firm JE Consulting.

Malcolm Somerston, a partner at London accountancy firm Carter Backer Winter, said the event had proved a valuable opportunity both to network with fellow accountants and to pick up information and advice on how to improve marketing to potential clients.

He said: “The format of the marketing course was really helpful as it enabled the MGI ‘new boys’ from Carter Backer Winter an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss general practice issues with a number of partners and managers from other MGI firms in an informal and relaxed setting.

“Jo has worked with many accountancy firms over the years and her knowledge of the marketing issues facing MGI-type firms, was well-focused. I personally found Jo's ideas very interesting and practical, and I am looking forward to implementing several of her ideas over the next few weeks.”

Also during September, representatives of the UK member firms met for one of the organisation’s regular tax forums, which featured presentations from expert speakers on the new 50% tax rate and tax planning solutions. Members then discussed their own views on tax planning, sharing ideas with one another.

Elaine Durrant, tax partner at new member firm Milsted Langdon said: “There were a variety of views as to how useful we found this type of planning to be in practice, however we were all agreed that an awareness of what is available is vital so that we can discuss these schemes with our clients before somebody else does.

“It was clear from the flurry of business cards at the end of the day that we all went away with plans to follow up with each other, on some aspect of the day, in telephone calls and meetings over the forthcoming weeks.”

For more information visit www.mgi-uk.com.