Gary Turner shares his vision for the future.

‘I’ve always found Gary Turner so inspiring and he’s done so much for the accounting & bookkeeping community – I can’t wait to hear him speak for Xero one last time at the Bookkeepers Summit,’ says Certified Bookkeeper Heather Palmer who runs Ascot Bookkeeping & Accounting Ltd. 

The Bookkeepers Summit is the annual event dedicated to bookkeepers and it takes place entirely online on 9th and 10th November in the middle of Global Bookkeeping Week.  Bookkeepers from all over the world are coming together online to socialise, learn, look to the future and have fun.  

Gary Turner, MD of Xero UK and EMEA, says, ‘After a decade that has transformed the role of the bookkeeper, I’ll be reflecting on the future trends and developments that will shape the bookkeeping industry in 2025.’  

Organisers at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), who’ve been hosting the Bookkeepers Summit for the past eleven years, say Gary Turner has never missed the opportunity to speak. ‘This year the Bookkeepers Summit is all about looking to the future. We know the challenges aren’t yet behind us so we’re discussing the skills and tools we’re going to need to ensure bookkeeping practices, and the businesses they support, bounce back stronger and more resilient.’  

Tickets are still available: use coupon code XUMAG at checkout to save £15. Please visit: bookkeeperssummit.com

‘The Bookkeepers Summit is not your typical accounting conference! In fact it’s more like a week-long festival,’ says ICB director of communications, Ami Copeland.  

Having sold the first 500 tickets within hours of releasing them, Ami is confident that bookkeepers won’t be put off by Zoom-fatigue.  ‘Bookkeepers are uniquely supportive and welcoming as a community. That’s why we build a virtual event experience that enables real connections. Yes, you’ll get access to over 30 CPD-accredited sessions being streamed on Tuesday 9th and 10th November, but the really great thing is a week’s worth of networking on the virtual event platform and app, and access to the recorded sessions on-demand for three months.’ 

Inspiring keynotes, Regulatory Updates and MTD for ITSA  

Joining Gary Turner on the virtual stage will be a diverse roster of speakers including Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the first Muslim Cabinet Minister and now successful entrepreneur and member of the House of Lords. Warsi will be discussing the challenges that lie ahead for UK businesses and why she thinks the role of the bookkeeper has never been more vital. 

James Ashford, hot off the sale of GoProposal to Sage, will have all eyes on him as he delivers his empowering keynote ‘How to ask your clients for more money (and what to say when they say no).’ 

Practice growth sessions include a workshop on finding and retaining your ideal clients, digital marketing for bookkeepers, one bookkeeper’s story on scaling a business to 1000 clients, and how to transition from a part-qualified accountant to a fully qualified Certified Bookkeeper.

HMRC will be presenting on MTD for ITSA and Penalties Reform alongside sessions from other government departments including the ICO, The Pensions Regulator, and Companies House discussing its digital transformations.

Rebecca Benneyworth will be joined by other experts to deliver technical workshops covering the Autumn Budget, key tax developments, payroll news, and MTD for ITSA. An education track will be dedicated to helping bookkeeping students pass exams and supporting AATQB graduates who want to level up to Certified Bookkeeper status to start their own businesses. 

Software demos are being hosted by AutoEntry, Dext, FreeAgent, Husky, NextMinute, Nomisma, Sage, Senta, Taxfiler and Xero.

‘Our fantastic keynote speakers will be sharing big ideas on running a business, hiring staff, harnessing tech, delighting clients and achieving your own financial wellbeing,’ says ICB’s head of partnerships Sobi Hariharan. 

Looking to the future, together  

Bookkeeping influencers like Jo Wood FICB from the Bookkeepers’ Podcast, and Australian Heather Smith FICB, FCCA, FCA will be discussing resilience, technology, and the power of community.  

‘There’s a mixture of live-streamed and pre-recorded content and you can interact with every session, see who else is watching with you, send chat messages, post questions and even compete for prizes. You can watch on your desktop or download the app to watch sessions and network whilst you’re out and about visiting clients or just getting on with your life.’ 

The 2021 Bookkeepers Summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with brilliant bookkeepers and industry thought leaders to uncover tactical advice and proven strategies for your bookkeeping career. 

Join the community online for TED-style talks, live panel discussions, speed networking, social gatherings, competitions, technology exhibitors, and a whole lot of mind-blowing, life-affirming fun.  

During Global Bookkeeping Week what better way to learn, mingle and have fun and share the joy of bookkeeping no matter what stage of the journey you’re at. 

Don’t forget to use the coupon code XUMAG at checkout (case sensitive) to receive £15 off your ticket. (Hurry, only 100 coupons available). Terms and Conditions apply, please see bookkeeperssummit.com for more information. 

Global Bookkeeping Week - Get involved 

Use the hashtags #BookkeepersSummit and #GlobalBookkeepingWeek to stay up to date and connect throughout Global Bookkeeping Week. You can also download our toolkit with social media graphics and ideas for getting involved. Don’t forget to share them with your clients and employer!   

Download Toolkit: bookkeeperssummit.com/global-bookkeeping-week