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Member Update - March 2019

Brexit cloud hovers over Chancellor’s Spring Statement

Chancellor Philip Hammond had pledged no big fiscal announcements in the run-up to his Spring Statement – and he was true to his word.

He started and finished with words of warning about Brexit, saying the uncertainty was “damaging the economy and reputation” of the UK. He said: “Leaving with no deal would mean significant disruption in the short and medium term and a smaller, less prosperous economy in the long term, than if we leave with a deal.

Find out more >

Have you booked your place at the IAB seminar yet?

Our next seminar is taking place on Wednesday 22nd May in London and will cover a range of topics including Making Tax Digital, attracting and retaining ideal clients through digital marketing and much more!

Find out more and book your place via the link below.

Your cost-saving Making Tax Digital software solution is here!

BTCSoftware’s bridging software for Making Tax Digital for VAT is available as a standalone solution.

BTCSoftware offer two solutions, one for filing with a single VAT number and one for businesses managing multiple VRN’s.

BTCSoftware demonstrated their Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT solution at Accountex last year. The long-awaited solution enables bookkeepers and accountants to use spreadsheets for MTD for VAT compliance.

Latest webinars announced: CV and interview tips and marketing strategies for bookkeepers in practice

We are working with The CV & Interview Advisors and The Bookkeepers Alliance to bring you two webinars which will cover how to effectively present yourself via your CV in order to really differentiate you from your competition and easy to implement marketing strategies for your practice.

Do you have excellent attention to detail or could you test sit the IAB’s exams?

We are looking for people to proof read our study text books and test sit exam papers for IAB qualifications.

Further information about these opportunities can be found via the link below.

Do you have a query you need help with?

There is a now a wider range of free helplines available to professional members. The helplines cover VAT and tax related queries and there is also a legal advice helpline and employment law and health and safety advice line. If you need assistance with technical questions relating to other areas then we have a panel who we can pass on your queries to. If you would like to find out more about any of the helplines contact the membership team who will be happy to provide further details.

Do you want fries with that?

When you think about growing your business your first thought might be to recruit more and more new clients. By increasing the number of clients you’ll increase your revenue and profit.

If you’ve tried this strategy then you may already have found that gaining the new clients you want isn’t always cheap or easy. Marketing, recruiting and onboarding can be time-consuming and can begin to feel a bit like you’re a hamster in a wheel. If you set up your business to be a bookkeeper it can take you away from the part you love most – the bookkeeping.

Share your views in the IAB Annual Members’ Survey

We are conducting our annual survey for the 2018 membership year, and your response would be much appreciated. We are continuously working to provide you with the best service and to gain your views on the IAB.

Increases in minimum pension contributions – April 2019

Research published recently by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) shows that the vast majority of staff are continuing to save more into their pension following the increases in pensions contributions in April last year.

The on-going duties survey of employers showed less than 2% of staff in medium, small and micro businesses asked to leave their workplace pension as a result of the increase in contributions.

The Business Show boosts business community

The Business Show is the longest running business exhibition in the UK, representing a community hub for business professionals across the world. Now approaching its 41st edition, The Business Show has built a strong legacy within the business arena as an invaluable date in the corporate calendar. With headline speakers this May being the likes of entrepreneur Ben Towers, former Dragon’s Den star Rachel Elnaugh, and Bruce Daisley from Twitter, it makes sense; The Business Show attracts the best of the best.

Who will you meet at Accountex?

Meet big global brands and cutting-edge start-ups that will take your business to the next level. Get ahead of the competition with a visit to Accountex, where 200 leading exhibitors will be waiting for you on 1-2 May at ExCeL London. Meet the teams behind the brands and experience live demonstrations of the latest technology.

As well as these top quality exhibitors, you can also attend over 200 CPD accredited seminars led by industry-leading figures.

Book your free ticket here.

The Word from Sarah: #balanceforbetter

In her regular feature, Sarah Palmer tackles the issues that matter.

Beyond leading the charge for women’s voting rights in the early 20th century, the Suffragettes introduced International Women’s Day. These trailblazing women launched a movement that has spanned over a hundred years while honoring the social, economic and political advancements of women around the world.

IAB Privileges: 10% saving on National Trust Gift cards

Treat your loved ones to days out, country cottage breaks, a spot of lunch, cream teas, shopping trips, and entry to special places with a National Trust gift card*.