Harper May | Knowledge Hub | UK Accounting Recruitment Agency

In today's digital era, amidst fierce competition for consumer attention, storytelling emerges as a potent tool for brand building. It forges emotional bonds, sets brands apart, fosters loyalty, simplifies complexity, ensures consistency, drives engagement, and can be measured for impact, elevating brands to influential narratives.

ACCA has reached 100,150 UK members and 252,500 globally. With 69,500 UK PQs and 526,000 worldwide, ACCA will celebrate its 120th anniversary this year. CEO Helen Brand highlights the achievement and the commitment to an inclusive, ethical profession.

Securing venture capital involves creating a solid business plan, developing a minimum viable product, networking, perfecting the pitch, demonstrating traction, and undergoing due diligence. VC funding provides capital, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, but requires sharing equity and rapid growth.

Richard Edwards, CEO of the R&D Community, highlights potential pitfalls of HMRC's new R&D tax relief advanced notification rules. Companies must notify HMRC in advance to claim relief, complicating backdated claims. Strict compliance expectations focus on intentional R&D projects, adding complexity for accountants.

When hiring accountants for SMEs, employers should consider sector-specific skills, the ability to handle diverse roles, and the company's growth expectations. They should also prioritise digital literacy, strategic insights, and familiarity with modern accounting technologies to ensure effective financial management and attract top talent.

Discover how fintech revolutionises payments with trends like contactless transactions, blockchain, biometric authentication, embedded finance, and AI. These innovations redefine financial interactions, promising convenience, security, and accessibility for businesses and consumers alike.