ICAEW Insights ICAEW

In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss how accountants can build the skills needed to take on leadership and executive roles during their careers.  
 
In a recent report by the Financial Times, one anonymous headhunter was quoted as saying: “If America is run by lawyers, then the UK is run by accountants.” It’s backed up by the data, too: around one-third of today’s FTSE 100 CEOs have previously served as CFOs in their careers. But what makes finance professionals a good fit for the top spot? And what skills beyond financial prowess will help them make a success of it? 
 
To answer those questions, host Philippa Lamb is joined by Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO of legal and professional services group Ampa; Joe Dubbin, Managing Director of executive search firm Cripps Leadership Advisors; and Melanie Coeshott, career coach and mentor at Blue Diamond. 
 
Links 
ICAEW Academy: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/academyICAEW: The Tax Track podcast: https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-trackICAEW Student Insights podcast: https://www.icaew.com/insights/student-insights/podcast  
Host
Philippa Lamb
 
Guests
Sarah Walker-Smith, CEO, AmpaJoe Dubbin, Managing Director, Cripps Leadership AdvisorsMelanie Coeshott, career coach, Blue Diamond 
Producer
Natalie Chisholm
 
Episode first published: 17 April 2024
Podcast recorded: 12 April 2024

In this episode, we discuss why the arrival of the 2024/25 tax year is particularly busy for accountants, and the main changes to be aware of from 6 April. Plus, six months on from the passing of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, we learn what progress has been made to enact its various provisions.
 
To shed light on those two topics, Philippa Lamb is joined by Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, and Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy.
 
Links
ICAEW: The Tax Track podcast: https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-trackICAEW: Tax changes taking effect from April 2024: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline/articles/2024/tax-changes-taking-effect-from-april-2024 ICAEW: Economic crime hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/trust-and-ethics/economic-crime Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: the story so far: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAZWpeLR_T0  
Host
Philippa Lamb
 
Guests


Stephen Relf, Technical Manager, Tax, ICAEWSally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy, ICAEW 
Producer
Natalie Chisholm 
 
Episode first published: 5 April 2024
Podcast recorded: 26 March 2024

In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss how changes to the funding of British farms could affect the UK’s broader economic resilience.
 
As a result of Brexit, British farms will stop benefiting from the EU Common Agricultural Policy by the end of 2027. The policy paid subsidies largely regardless of land use. Now, farmers need to transition to new schemes established by the UK’s devolved administrations. These require farms to meet environmental requirements such as hedge management, rewilding and tree-planting, which critics say will have a negative impact on food production and reduce the UK’s resilience to market shocks.
 
To discuss the future of British farming, host Philippa Lamb is joined by David Missen, consultant at Larking Gowen, and Roseanne Bennett, partner at Greaves West & Ayre.
 
Links 
ICAEW Farming & Rural Business Community: https://www.icaew.com/technical/farming-and-rural-business  
Host
Philippa Lamb
 
Guests
David Missen, consultant, Larking GowenRoseanne Bennett, partner, Greaves West & Ayre 
Producer
Natalie Chisholm
 
Episode first published: 22 March 2024
Podcast recorded: 11 March 2024

In this Insights In Focus episode, we discuss the contents of the 2024 Spring Budget and their likely impacts on the UK economy.


The Spring Budget was delivered against the backdrop of recession and persistent inflation. While the Chancellor had better-than-expected headroom for delivering tax cuts, the UK economy and its public finances are still navigating a difficult road to recovery. And, with a general election taking place within the year, will anything announced on 6 March have an impact on public sentiment?


Host Philippa Lamb breaks down the Spring Budget with Iain Wright, ICAEW Managing Director, Reputation and Influence; Frances Haque, Chief Economist at Santander UK; and David Williamson, Political Editor of the Sunday Express.
 
Links 
ICAEW: Spring Budget 2024: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/spring-budget-2024ICAEW Manifesto 2024: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/manifesto-2024ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/business-confidence-monitorICAEW Resilience and Renewal hub: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/resilience-and-renewal  
Host
Philippa Lamb
 
Guests
Iain Wright, Managing Director, Reputation and Influence, ICAEWDavid Williamson, Political Editor, Sunday ExpressFrances Haque, Chief Economist, Santander UK 
Producer
Natalie Chisholm
 
Episode first published: 8 March 2024
Podcast recorded: 7 March 2024

In this Insights In Focus episode, we catch up with ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza ahead of his stepping down from his role later this month.
 
Izza has been with ICAEW since 2002 and Chief Executive since 2006. In that time, he’s steered the Institute through the global financial crisis, the pandemic and the early stages of a global technological revolution.
 
Host Philippa Lamb discusses with Izza the fresh challenges and opportunities facing the profession, as well as what he will be taking away from his time at ICAEW.
 
Links 
ICAEW Insights: https://www.icaew.com/insightsICAEW Manifesto 2024: https://www.icaew.com/technical/economy/manifesto-2024 ICAEW - Alan Vallance announced as new ICAEW Chief Executive: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2023/oct-2023/alan-vallance-announced-as-new-icaew-chief-executive Host
Philippa Lamb

Guest
Michael Izza, Chief Executive, ICAEW

Producer
Natalie Chisholm
 
Episode first published: 1 March 2024
Podcast recorded: 22 February 2024

In this episode, we discuss how firms can maintain momentum on the International Standard of Quality Management, as well as changes in preparation and filing as a result of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act. We also hear about ICAEW’s new podcast, The Tax Track, and changes to the Engaging in Public Practice certificate.
 
Philippa Lamb is joined by Alex Russell, Head of Audit and Assurance Strategy; Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy; Lindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager for Tax Policy; and Chris Greenhalgh, Manager in Professional Standards.
 
Links
ICAEW - Quality management in audit firms: https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/audit/quality-management-in-audit-firmsICAEW Corporate Reporting faculty: https://www.icaew.com/groups-and-networks/faculties/corporate-reporting-facultyICAEW -  By All Accounts: https://www.icaew.com/technical/corporate-reporting/corporate-reporting-resources/by-all-accounts Changes to accounts preparation and filing requirements: https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2024/jan-2024/changes-to-accounts-preparation-and-filing-requirements ICAEW - The Tax Track podcast: https://www.icaew.com/insights/podcast/the-tax-trackICAEW - TAXline: https://www.icaew.com/technical/tax/tax-faculty/taxline ICAEW - Practising certificates: https://www.icaew.com/technical/practice-resources/practising-certificates  
Host
Philippa Lamb
 
Guests
Alex Russell, Head of Audit and Assurance Strategy, ICAEW Sally Baker, Head of Corporate Reporting Strategy, ICAEWLindsey Wicks, Senior Technical Manager, Tax Policy, ICAEWChristopher Greenhalgh, Manager, Professional Standards, ICAEW 
Producer
Natalie Chisholm 
 
Episode first published: 9 February 2024
Podcast recorded: 5 February 2024