Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

ICB members, your mid-year tax update from Amy Chin is next week. Register to hear the latest news on topics including:

- Temporary Summer VAT changes and what that means for bookkeepers
- Mileage rates increased for first time since 2011
- Latest on tax advisers registration
- New reporting requirements for directors of close companies
- Small employer's relief increased
- Loans to directors

All registered will receive a copy of the slides and recording.

Login and book here: https://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Shop/Tax-Update-with-Amy-Chin/e/16286/

Yesterday we gathered the great and the good of the bookkeeping community to kick off the celebrations of our thirtieth year and share some exciting updates about the future. Thank you to all who came and to those who have contributed to ICB over the past three decades. Announcements included:

- New Level 5 qualifications launching in 2027 built for bookkeepers taking on strategic, leadership, and tech governance responsibilities.

- University partnerships which create a progression route from ICB Level 5 into a Master’s degree

- A new Approved Employer Scheme focused on developing professional bookkeeping talent within modern businesses

- The launch of an AI Academy created specifically for bookkeepers and accountants to support them navigate an AI ready industry.

Here's the full story https://bit.ly/4uLqh7m

And there are more pictures in our Facebook Album.

Winning new clients, developing business and growing your practice is a skill in itself.

ICB recognised learning partner Proten Sales Development Ltd is offering courses designed to help bookkeepers build confidence in sales, improve client conversations and win the right work.

If you are looking to grow your own practice this sort of practical training can make a real difference. There are different modules available – take a look at the overview here: https://protensd.co.uk/client-engagement-skills-for-bookkeepers

Wages Wednesday is taking place on 10 June, and Ian Holloway will be taking ICB Payroll Agents through the latest news and updates that impact payroll processing.

Book your place now: https://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Resources/Events

Happy Pride Month from ICB

Make the most of your ICB membership this June with EIGHT exclusive member webinars. Whether you're looking to stay up to date, sharpen your skills or give your CPD a mid-year boost, there's something for everyone. These webinars are free for members to attend and access to the recording is made available. Register here https://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Resources/Events

If you create software that makes life easier for bookkeepers and the small businesses they support, this is your moment to shine.

The ICB LUCA Vendor Awards are the only software awards in the bookkeeping and accountancy world. They celebrate the tools, apps, and services that genuinely make a difference - from speeding up processes, to improving accuracy, to freeing up time for the work that matters.

Winning (or even being shortlisted) is a unique opportunity to be recognised for the work you do to support bookkeepers, raise your profile in the profession, and connect with thousands of potential users who vote on the awards.

Find out more and enter: https://lucaawards.com/

HMRC is turning to ICB bookkeepers to help close the UK’s £47 billion Tax Gap — and they need us now.

ICM members can join us on Monday 8 June at 1:30 for a special edition of MLR Monday. ICB’s Garry Carter will be in conversation with Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Small Business and Individual Taxpayers. HMRC believes small businesses account for around 60% of the entire Tax Gap. This is where ICB Bookkeepers come in.

HMRC estimates that only around 70% of taxpayers rely on external advice. That puts ICB members right at the heart of fixing this.

Kevin will share what HMRC’s latest findings reveal, where things are going wrong, and what he wants ICB bookkeepers to do next.

Book your place: https://www.bookkeepers.org.uk/Shop/MLR-Monday---Tax-Gap-Special/e/16295/

Join Sage's Chris Downing tomorrow at 12 as he explores real-world examples, practical considerations, and the operational realities of AI adoption. He’ll also discuss the growing importance of governance, policies, professional judgement, and why the human relationship between bookkeeper and client remains critical in an increasingly automated world.

Book here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0wP5dRDpTFe6PNMJAZutSA