Mark Spofforth FCA, ICAEW Deputy President was the guest speaker at this year’s Teesside Society of Chartered Accountants’ annual dinner
He addressed around 220 members, professional colleagues and clients at the event held at the Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough.
His speech concentrated on three main points: the recently launched ICAEW Business Advice Service; the ICAEW Chartered Accountant Campaign and ICAEW’s work with government on promoting responsible business and a sound framework for business.
He was also keen to stress the work which the Institute is doing around exports.
He said: “Over the last few months, exports have been one of the bright spots in the economy. At a conference recently the Prime Minister set a target of 100,000 more SMEs exporting – which could be worth £30bn to the UK economy.
“We know from recent research that companies that export are more likely to have had turnover growth over the past year and more likely to expect it in the year to come. So companies that export are good for economic growth and jobs.
“Our exports are currently largely aimed at Europe (around 50%) rather than the high-growth economies beyond, and that’s a balance that will need to change. Our research tells us that there’s currently an information gap around new markets, and the legal and risk implications of exporting to them and to help bridge that gap, we have published “Exporting - an Accountant’s Guide” in partnership with UKTI.”
Teesside Society Chairman Craig McBride said that he was delighted with the attendance at the Dinner and thanked local broadcaster and after-dinner speaker Alan Wright for his entertaining and informative speech.
Craig said: “Thanks are due to CCH for their kind sponsorship of the Dinner and also to all the guests for their generosity in the raffle held for local children’s charity Butterwick House Children’s Hospice which raised over £2,300.”
Left to right: Teesside Society of Chartered Accountants’ chairman Craig McBride, Mark Spofforth, ICAEW Deputy President and after-dinner speaker Alan Wright