The first Insights In Focus podcast of 2024 sees host Philippa Lamb joined by Iain Wright, ICAEW Managing Director, Reputation and Influence; Frances Haque, Chief Economist at Santander UK; and David Williamson, Political Editor of the Sunday Express, to discuss what the year ahead is likely to bring for businesses and their accountants, against a backdrop of uncertainty.

ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor and forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Bank of England are suggesting that 2024 is likely to be another challenging year of low growth and weak business and consumer sentiment. 

To catch up on ICAEW Insights In Focus podcasts covering a wide range of member-driven issues – from COP28 to the implications of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, how to build a workforce of the future and getting under the skin of why good people do bad things in business – check out the Insights In Focus Podcast hub.

ICAEW offices – restricted holiday opening 

During the festive period, ICAEW’s offices in the UK will be subject to restricted opening times. Chartered Accountants’ Hall in London, Metropolitan House in Milton Keynes and ICAEW’s offices at Jackson House in Preston will be open from 07:00-16:00 on Friday 22 December. All ICAEW offices will be closed from Saturday 23 December to Monday 1 January inclusive. They will reopen on Tuesday 2 January and normal working hours will resume.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very merry Christmas, happy holidays and best wishes for the year ahead.

With kindest regards and season’s greetings from the ICAEW Insights team.