The event will showcase more than 100 renowned software and service suppliers, including Bright, Dext, FreeAgent, Intuit Quickbooks, IRIS, RDI Solutions, Sage, Wolters Kluwer, and Xero. As well as brands exhibiting for the first time; Red Flag Alert, SMA Digital, MyGuava, BSMART, Concero and Kletta.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the teams behind these brands, receive personalised demonstrations and have their questions answered.

The CPD accredited seminar programme will showcase more than 60 industry-leading speakers from across the country in 30+ sessions, including panels and presentations. Covering a range of topics, the sessions will delve into AI, recruitment, personal branding, working parents, mental health, recruitment, exit planning, cyber security and more. With presentations taking place across four theatres, attendees will gain insight on the latest trends and legislation.

Visitors can also learn how to create effective content for social media and how to build an engaged audience with the Content Creation Clinic. Rachel Harris, Founder of accountant_she and Director, striveX Accountants, will be on hand to answer questions and even film content with attendees.  

Katie, a Business Advisor from CHFB, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its value in networking and education: “It’s great to not only meet people but to get your brain flowing because there may have been things that you haven’t thought of and things that your company needs which you didn’t even know existed. So apart from the networking, for us, it’s about education and learning.”

Below is a taster of the sessions you can look forward to.

Trust in Tax‍

Glenn Collins, Head of Policy, Technical and Strategic Engagement at ACCA; Jason Piper, Senior Subject Manager, Taxation & Business Law at ACCA and HMRC

Join ACCA and HMRC as they unpick how taxpayers perceive the existing systems, and who is best trusted to help improve those perceptions, and who will be fundamental in building enhanced trust and engagement?

Managing Stress & Preventing Burnout in the Workplace

Liam Reynolds, Workplace Mental Health Officer, Mental Health UK

This presentation explores the impact stress and burnout can have on individuals within the workplace, and the role organisations can play to provide psychological stability to employees during turbulent times. It’s useful for individuals looking to ensure they stay well at work, support their colleagues, and avoid burnout.

Audit your mindset: overcoming challenges with the power of ‘iCan’‍

Richard McCann, Managing Director, The iCan Academy

With a challenging childhood in poverty, Richard defied the odds, transformed his life, and now stands as a leading voice in mental health and empowerment.

Drawing from his personal journey of healing and growth, Richard empowers audiences, with invaluable insights and practical strategies to conquer challenges and achieve greater success.

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Tax Untangled - Top Tax Issues for 2023/24

Sharon Cook, Technical Director, 20:20 Innovation

In this session, Sharon will will review two of the most topical and challenging changes in taxation that practitioners are grappling with right now:

1. For unincorporated businesses - the change in basis periods, the 2023/24 transition and prior planning opportunities.

2. For companies - the new corporation tax rates and the need to identify associated companies via family and other relationships.
She will also consider tax ethics, in a world where AI is everywhere.

Personal branding 101‍

Rachel Harris, Director, Accountant_she

Personal Branding 101 is an essential guide to developing a strong personal brand in the digital age. Rachel Harris shares cutting-edge strategies for standing out in a competitive marketplace. The talk emphasises authenticity as the foundation of personal branding, helping participants uncover their unique voice, values, and strengths. You’ll leave this talk able to create a captivating brand narrative aligned with your goals. The session also covers social media tactics, leveraging digital trends to enhance online presence and engagement.

I’m an accountant, get me out of here!‍

Bev Flanagan, Accounting Consultant, Bev Flanagan Financial Ltd

Every practice owner WILL exit their business at some point in the future. Learn how to run your practice as if it is ready for sale even if you have no immediate plans to sell yet. And discover the steps you can implement to increase the value of your practice.

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Beyond ChatGPT: the future of AI in tax‍

Rebecca Benneyworth MBE, Tax Lecturer & Consultant, Rebecca Benneyworth Chartered Accountants

Tax authorities around the world are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to spot tax risks in ways that practitioners need to be aware of. AI and data analytics also hold the power to help practitioners reduce the risk of missing potential tax breaks and increase the chance of spotting them. This session will look at what is happening, what is on the horizon and how to plan for it.

Alongside the educational program and exhibitors and even the new live Podcast Studio, there will be an After-show Party, providing an opportunity for visitors to network and unwind after a productive day.

Returning after the success of last year is the photobooth, allowing attendees to capture fun memories with colleagues and friends.

Accountex Summit Manchester is taking place at Manchester Central on 19 September 2023.

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