It has also been enough time for me to gain some insight into what Xero, our customers and partners are all about; and to say my expectations have been surpassed is an understatement. 

I have looked on in admiration at the accomplishments of Xero’s small business customers and accounting partners over the past 13 years. And now that I can see this first hand, I am blown away by the amazing work you are doing.

I have also experienced the commitment of everyone who works at Xero to earn your belief and trust. That said, while we’re more committed than ever to supporting you, it’s still possible to make mistakes. We know that the Xero experience hasn’t always been up to scratch, and for that we are truly sorry. 

But now is the time for action – and work is already underway to ensure we can deliver on that commitment, by offering the best platform experience for you. It is this driving force that will guide us through the year ahead. 

What’s next

2021 was an incredibly tough year for everyone. I tip my hat to you for all that you have accomplished during such trying times. And while 2022 will undoubtedly pose its own challenges, I’m so excited for what lies ahead, and what we can achieve together. 

We are now reaching a turning point with small business digitalisation. Market forces, customer demands and even government policy, like Making Tax Digital (MTD), are shifting so that digital adoption has changed from a nice-to-have to a vital necessity for UK small businesses. 

This will place huge pressure on many businesses, who can expect an intense push over the coming months and years to not only remain compliant with legislation like MTD, but also to tap into the massive opportunity digitalisation brings. 

At Xero, we take our responsibility as a partner during this time of change extremely seriously. We will continue to work closely with you to make this transition as smooth as possible, and empower you to seize the opportunity.

And that’s not the only thing to look forward to. The last two years have fundamentally changed the way we interact with each other. As a business that deeply values our close relationships, this year is a wonderful chance for us at Xero to reignite and reinvest in these connections.

This is not only through Xerocon – an event I can’t wait to be part of for the first time – but by hitting the road again, meeting you in person rather than through laptop screens. This closeness with partners and customers is a part of Xero’s DNA, and we will reclaim that in 2022.

Finally, we’re so excited to continue building our app ecosystem, working with even more innovative partners to deliver a greater breadth of capabilities, and drive more value for you. 

Final thoughts

As we look back at 2021, it’s been heartening to see more people come to realise just how important small businesses are to a healthy, balanced society. We pride ourselves on understanding this value, and in doing our utmost to help these businesses thrive. 

In turn, we could not do this without our amazing partners, who offer vital insight and support to businesses who have gone through a period of extreme uncertainty. They have been a vital guide through choppy waters. 

When I look back at the end of 2022, I hope we will have spent the year strengthening our relationships, helping you to take huge strides towards digitalisation and a brighter future. 

We have a big year ahead, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve.