2012 Press releases

  • BAS update May 2012 New

    16 May 2012

    The ICAEW has designated June 25 to 29 “Business Advice Week”. We are holding 35 events across all the regions aimed at offering practical support to small and medium-sized businesses. We would be pleased to see members of BAS firms join us at their local events – bring some clients.

  • ICAEW says child benefit proposals are a policy disaster New

    15 May 2012

    Frank Haskew, Head of Tax at ICAEW comments on the proposed changes to child benefit announced in the Budget recently. The UK Government has proposed means testing child benefit through the tax system, taking it away from tax payers earning over £60K and tapering it between £50-60K.

  • UK businesses unprepared if Eurozone economy deteriorates New

    15 May 2012

    According to an ICAEW report the majority of UK businesses have no contingency plans in place to off-set economic difficulties in the Eurozone.

  • 'Routine binding votes on remuneration not the answer,’ says ICAEW New

    10 May 2012

    Responding to the Government’s proposals for binding shareholder votes on remuneration packages, Jo Iwasaki, ICAEW’s Head of Corporate Governance, said:

  • Disruption to assessments during London 2012 Olympics New

    09 May 2012

    The ICAEW is providing the following guidance for students planning to sit assessments that may be affected by the Olympic Games.

  • Double-dip recession short lived as business confidence rebuilds Updated

    07 May 2012

    Business confidence has improved in the last three months, suggesting the UK will return to growth in Q2 2012, according to the latest ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM). Despite a strong rebound in the Confidence Index, BCM supports the view that the UK’s economy will continue to ‘zig-zag’ over the next 12 months, with economic recovery still very fragile.

  • Take UK GAAP proposals over the finishing line - and sort out the FRSSE New

    04 May 2012

    ICAEW has called for the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) to now move to implement its revised UK GAAP proposals, saying they are “broadly fit for purpose” and will “improve financial reporting”. However, the leading professional body remains concerned that the future of small company reporting is not being resolved simultaneously.

  • ICAEW responds to the Charities Act Review 2006 New

    03 May 2012

    ICAEW has responded to 10 out of the 13 calls for evidence by Lord Hodgson, who is leading the Charities Act Review 2006. The review will result in a report which will be presented to Parliament before the summer recess in 2012.

  • FBM has signed an agreement with ICAEW Updated

    01 May 2012

    FBM has signed an agreement with ICAEW to provide paper assessments in Brazil in IFRSs and IFRS for SMEs in Portuguese, and online assessments in English.

  • ICAEW Chartered Accountants show business skills are key Updated

    30 Apr 2012

    ICAEW Chartered Accountants’ rigorous training ensures that they are equipped with the expertise to become the most trusted and respected business advisers.

  • ICAEW’s IFRS programme now available in Turkish Updated

    25 Apr 2012

    ICAEW, a world leader of the accountancy and finance profession, has teamed up with KARDE, a governance, research, risk assessment and education consultancy, and Işık University in Istanbul to make its IFRS learning and assessment programme available in Turkish. The programme will help grow the pool of finance professionals in Turkey with knowledge and understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards.

  • Government’s attempts to reduce regulatory burden on businesses

    18 Apr 2012

    This year could be a “make or break” year for new deregulatory measures planned by the Government. These aim to reduce the burden of regulation facing businesses and boost employment by lowering the burden of complying with employment law. Clive Lewis, ICAEW’s Head of Enterprise, explains:

  • Experience still counts in the workplace says ICAEW research Updated

    16 Apr 2012

    ICAEW Chartered Accountants with over 20 years experience in the financial sector continue to prove their value to employers according to the latest salary survey released by ICAEW and specialist recruitment firm Stott and May.

  • What boards want from Non-Executive Directors Updated

    28 Mar 2012

    The question of what boards actually want from Non-Executive Directors (NED) was addressed at a recent event held by the NED Special Interest Group at ICAEW. Visibility and making a stand were among a range of requirements that the modern day board needs from a NED.

  • ICAEW says uncertainty the result of Government's indecision over GHG Updated

    28 Mar 2012

    Caroline Spelman, Environment Secretary will announce this week that plans to force companies to declare the size of their greenhouse gas emissions have been put on hold and could even be abolished.

  • ICAEW : FS regulator increase use of skilled persons reports Updated

    28 Mar 2012

    ICAEW, a world leader in the accountancy and finance profession, calls for the Financial Services Authority (FSA) replacement regulatory bodies to increase the use of skilled persons reports. More use of such reports could help identify risks and emerging issues at earlier stages, says ICAEW.

  • New Economic Briefing by ICAEW Suggests Rising Inflation in Mainland China Updated

    27 Mar 2012

    ICAEW, a world leader in the accountancy and finance profession, has published its first quarterly Economic Insight: Greater China, an economic briefing prepared especially for accountancy and finance professionals in conjunction with economic partner and established forecaster CEBR (Centre for Economics and Business Research).

  • ICAEW responds to ministerial statement on FRC reform Updated

    27 Mar 2012

    Commenting on the ministerial statement on reform of the Financial Reporting Council, Vernon Soare, Executive Director for Professional Standards at ICAEW said:

  • ICAEW debates the role of fraud detection with the DFSA Updated

    27 Mar 2012

    On Monday 26 March, ICAEW jointly organised a breakfast event in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer a briefing on the detection of fraud, and whose role this is.

  • ICAEW joins Cass M&A Research Centre Updated

    27 Mar 2012

    World leading accountancy body to help identify new M&A research topics

  • ‘Brightest and best’ recognised in ICAEW prize-giving ceremony Updated

    26 Mar 2012

    High achieving accountancy students were celebrated at a special ceremony held in London today (Monday 26 March 2012).

  • ICAEW shares technical excellence worldwide Updated

    22 Mar 2012

    ICAEW’s begins a series of international thought leadership roadshows this week. Working in collaboration with national accountancy bodies and other organisations worldwide, ICAEW will organise a series of workshops in cities around the world - from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, covering a range of topics and presented by ICAEW technical experts.

  • ICAEW detailed response to Budget 2012 Updated

    21 Mar 2012

    ICAEW responds to individual measures announced in today’s Budget:

  • This is a budget for tomorrow, not for today Updated

    21 Mar 2012

    Commenting on today’s Budget, Michael Izza, Chief Executive of ICAEW, said:

  • Breedon Report vital to improve access to finance for SME’s Updated

    16 Mar 2012

    Today the Breedon Report, which proposes alternatives to bank finance for UK businesses, was launched at ICAEW.

  • Embedding financial expertise through-out public sector is key, says ICAEW Updated

    15 Mar 2012

    Michael Izza, Chief Executive, ICAEW responded to Margaret Hodge, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) following her comments today at the Policy Exchange.

  • Audit committee challenges should be made public Updated

    13 Mar 2012

    ICAEW is recommending that stakeholders get better access to information about the challenge and debate that has taken place between bank auditors, the audit committee and executive management. In a new report, ICAEW is proposing that details of the key accounting judgments that have been challenged by the audit committee are published in banks’ annual reports.

  • Diversity in the boardroom key to delivering financial performance, says ICAEW Updated

    08 Mar 2012

    “News that the European Union is to press ahead with plans for quotas to increase the proportion of women on corporate boards, is likely to trigger a lively discussion between Brussels and national governments,” said Sharron Gunn Executive Director, Commercial ICAEW.

  • MIA and ICAEW collaborate on technical services and regulatory challenges Updated

    05 Mar 2012

    The Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) and ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) have announced a collaboration to offer Maltese qualified accountants increased access to the latest technical developments and thought leadership and to work on regulatory issues.

  • ICAEW urges Chancellor to use Budget to encourage business investment Updated

    05 Mar 2012

    In a letter to the Chancellor ahead of this month’s Budget, ICAEW has asked for incentives that will encourage businesses to invest as a means to helping drive economic growth. ICAEW’s recommendations are also intended to help rebuild business confidence, essential to sustaining and accelerating the UK’s recovery from a year of slow growth.

  • ICAEW supports launch of social mobility toolkit Updated

    02 Mar 2012

    Michael Izza, Chief Executive Officer ICAEW, commented on the first common framework to measure the progress of social mobility within the professions, which was launched today on behalf of Professions for Good.

  • ICAEW appoints James Lee as new Greater China Regional Director Updated

    01 Mar 2012

    James Lee has been appointed as the Regional Director for Greater China by ICAEW, a world leader in the accountancy and finance profession. James will support the Chinese accountancy profession and ICAEW members on the ground, while raising awareness of accountancy as a career choice.

  • ICAEW says Kay Review interim report still needs to specify key areas of reform Updated

    01 Mar 2012

    Commenting on the Kay Review of UK Equity Markets and Long-Term Decision Making interim report which was published today David Petrie, Head of Corporate Finance ICAEW, said:

  • EU Member States given free rein on reporting for micro-businesses Updated

    29 Feb 2012

    The European Council has today adopted new requirements allowing for a less onerous reporting regime for micro-enterprises.

  • BAS newsletter February 2012 Updated

    27 Feb 2012

    The latest news concerning ICAEW's Business Advice Service, which offers a free advice session to SMEs in over 3,000 locations across England, Wales and Scotland.

  • Graduate recruitment brochure wins marketing excellence award Updated

    27 Feb 2012

    The Chartered Institute of Marketing has recognised the ICAEW for its outstanding work in the Financial Services Category for the Graduate Recruitment Brochure.

  • Difficult retail market needs innovative solutions, says ICAEW Updated

    22 Feb 2012

    Data released in the last few days revealed that in 2011 big high street chains closed an average of 14 stores a day across Britain. So in a difficult retail market ICAEW is encouraging entrepreneurs to take advantage of a government-backed scheme which offers market stalls for £10 over a fortnight this summer.

  • High quality education serves as a vital pathway to economic competitiveness Updated

    21 Feb 2012

    “We must reinvigorate our schools and students with the skills that drive the economy,” said Mark Protherough, executive director, Learning Professional & Development, ICAEW, as he welcomed delegates to a Centre for Cities roundtable at Chartered Accountants Hall, on Wednesday (22 February).

  • The Finance Innovation Lab confirmed as one of UK’s New Radicals Updated

    20 Feb 2012

    The Finance Innovation Lab, was named as one of Britain’s New Radicals for an award published in The Observer today. Selected from over 600 entries, the Lab acts to create a new sustainable financial system, and was announced as one of the 50 New Radical projects shaping the future of Britain.

  • Self-assessment penalty notices on their way, warns ICAEW Updated

    15 Feb 2012

    ICAEW warns that from Friday 17 February, HMRC will send out penalty notices to all taxpayers who failed to file their 2010/11 returns on time. Penalties of up to £1,600 have been introduced to tackle the growing problem of late filing and non-filing of self-assessment tax returns.

  • New employment regulation to have little impact on job growth Updated

    14 Feb 2012

    New employment legislation due to be introduced in April this year is unlikely to deliver desired levels of employment growth, according to an ICAEW survey. The findings also showed that Government intentions to reduce the regulatory burden are not yet being felt by UK plc.

  • Apprenticeships will strengthen recruitment and drive diversity Updated

    08 Feb 2012

    National Apprenticeship Week: Employer consultation opened by PwC on first Higher Apprenticeship for Professional Services industry.

  • Businesses cautious on capital investment as UK falls back into recession

    03 Feb 2012

    Businesses plan to cut back on capital investment in response to growing concerns about the economic outlook according to the latest ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM). With the Confidence Index pointing to a double-dip recession, the report gives little comfort to government as it seeks to drive growth in the UK economy.

  • Philharmonic president wins accountancy accolade Updated

    31 Jan 2012

    Zarin Mehta, President and Executive Director of the New York Philharmonic, is the latest recipient of ICAEW’s Outstanding Achievement Award. Mr Mehta received ICAEW’s accolade for 2012 in recognition of his outstanding success as an internationally respected member of the global arts community.

  • ICAEW: We need a coherent reporting framework for all sizes of UK businesses Updated

    30 Jan 2012

    Responding to the proposals from the Accounting Standards Board (ASB) contained in the paper The Future Of Financial Reporting, Dr Nigel Sleigh-Johnson, head of ICAEW’s Financial Reporting Faculty, said:

  • Financial Services Bill published: ICAEW responds Updated

    27 Jan 2012

    Responding to today’s publication of the Government Bill, Iain Coke, head of ICAEW’s Financial Services Faculty, said:

  • Tax deadline extended due to strike action Updated

    27 Jan 2012

    HMRC has extended the online deadline for self-assessment tax returns as planned strike action is expected to cause last minute disruption.

  • ICAEW has been granted accredited body status by the FSA Updated

    24 Jan 2012

    The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has granted ICAEW accredited body status under the FSA Retail Distribution Review (RDR). The RDR requires all retail financial advisors to obtain a statement of professional standing (SPS) from an accredited body by 1 January 2013 to continue to advise clients.

  • ICAEW Chief Exec on executive pay reform Updated

    24 Jan 2012

    ICAEW Chief Executive, Michael Izza has said that greater transparency and the ability to see and understand quickly the basis on which company executives are rewarded will be key to rebuilding trust.

  • ICAEW helps companies meet new auditor remuneration reporting requirements Updated

    19 Jan 2012

    On 1 October 2011 new regulations for how companies report the fees they have paid their auditor came into force. To help businesses of all sizes disclose the right sums, ICAEW has published detailed guidance.

  • ICAEW warns of imminent bank reporting challenges Updated

    18 Jan 2012

    ICAEW has published a report setting out the main challenges in relation to the 2011 year-end bank reporting season. Exposure to sovereign debt, risks taken to secure returns and liquidity management are among the areas requiring special attention.

  • Last call for entries to Finance for the Future Awards Updated

    18 Jan 2012

    There are only three weeks left to enter the Finance for the Future Awards and show how financial leadership has driven business sustainability. The Awards, open to all businesses and organisations operating in the UK, are to recognise the importance of leadership in the finance function and how new ways of doing business or creating an innovative business model have resulted in long term sustainable value.

  • Is self-assessment giving you the January blues? Updated

    18 Jan 2012

    As HMRC issues its final reminder urging people to file their tax returns online, ICAEW is warning taxpayers that those who fail to meet the 31 January deadline will incur a penalty – even if they don’t owe any tax. So, to help taxpayers avoid the January blues ICAEW has some tips for filing online.

  • New year perfect time for new start-ups, says ICAEW Updated

    18 Jan 2012

    In the current economic climate setting up a business can be daunting. With the start of a new year, ICAEW is encouraging budding entrepreneurs to get their new ventures up and running. This comes as government currently conducts an enquiry into entrepreneurship, which ICAEW has responded to.

  • Widening access to the accountancy profession makes good business sense Updated

    12 Jan 2012

    ICAEW has been congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, today as one of the leading companies in opening their doors to young people from all walks of life.

  • Current executive pay framework could be improved says ICAEW Updated

    12 Jan 2012

    Michael Izza, chief executive officer of ICAEW, will tell business leaders that they need to be more sensitive to the widening pay gap in the UK, and that executive pay should reward long term success, not failure.

  • Double success for accountancy student Updated

    11 Jan 2012

    Over seventeen hundred finance professionals have taken the final step towards their qualifications for business leadership with the latest round of ICAEW Advanced Stage examinations.

  • New website explains audit Updated

    03 Jan 2012

    ICAEW has launched a new website for non-accountants to explain the purpose of audit and the role of auditors. The site – www.trueandfair.org.uk – describes the processes that auditors go through to give their opinion on companies’ financial reports. It also has an interactive section where questions can be posted and answers will be provided.

  • Sino-UK Professional Bodies Develop Accountancy Talents in China Updated

    28 Mar 2011

    ICAEW, a world leader in the accountancy and finance profession, yesterday celebrated the graduation of newly-qualified ICAEW Chartered Accountants with a ceremony attended by the Vice President & Secretary General of the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA).

  • Strong financial management needs leadership from the top Updated

    01 Jan 2011

    Commenting on changes unveiled by Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander in a speech to the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) think-tank, Michael Izza, Chief Executive, ICAEW said:

  • PFI schemes need greater flexibility Updated

    01 Jan 2011

    In response to the Public Accounts Committee’s report into Equity Investment in Privately Financed Projects, ICAEW has called for the Government to take a more flexible approach and to make sure that contracts are actively managed from start to finish.

  • Lack of awareness on business tax holding back pro-growth policies Updated

    01 Jan 2011

    As the CBI publishes a major report on business tax, ICAEW warns that without a more informed political debate on the contribution of British business, the UK cannot pursue the right policies for growth.

  • TED talk on assessing the value of the Earth's assets Updated

    01 Jan 2011

    Pavan Sukhdev mentions ICAEW and TEEB for Business Coalition