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The most up-to-date thought leadership, insights, technical resources and professional guidance to support ICAEW members working in industry with their professional development.
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Access to finance: supporting small businesses
Business Confidence Monitor
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ICAEW's Ethics CPD course is designed to help you apply the Code of Ethics to everyday situations and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct.
Helpsheets A-Z by title

ICAEW Member Insights

Views, opinions and experiences from our ICAEW members. These insights are used to help shape ICAEW content and inform policy positions and recommendations.
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Research

UK business confidence

Read the latest results of ICAEW's quarterly Business Confidence Monitor (BCM). National, regional and sectoral reports are available.
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Networking

Inspiring future leaders

Inspiring Future Leaders connects aspiring younger members with senior finance leaders of large organisations through a series of free, virtual roundtables.
Find out more
Exclusive
Business resources archive

Webinars and publications

Browse our extensive catalogue of webinars, magazines and reports on business, management and personal development.
Explore the archive
Insights

Cost of doing business

Business are being impacted by soaring energy costs, supply-chain disruption and much more. We explore what is driving these issues, how firms and finance teams can respond and what to consider when faced with uncertainty.
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Online training

Ethics CPD course

ICAEW has created a free online ethics course to support members in meeting their changing continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
Find out more
Technical support

Helpsheets

Our helpsheets reflect the guidance provided to ICAEW members on our helplines and highlight important issues for members. Access practical technical and ethical guidance, as well as FAQs.
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Latest

 
Economic insight paints mixed picture of South-East Asia
  • Article
  • 13 Dec 2024
From China’s slowing growth to Malaysia and Singapore’s electronics-driven resilience – a new ICAEW report analyses how South-East Asia’s economies are shaping up for 2025.
ICAEW REP 090/24 Financial Services - Growth and competitiveness strategy
  • Representation
  • 13 Dec 2024
  • PDF (442kb)
A representation dated 12 December 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 14 November 2024.
The financial case for sustainability
  • Podcast
  • 12 Dec 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting.
Connections December 2024: corporate finance advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.
Connections December 2024: private equity appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Recruitment and promotions in private equity.
Connections December 2024: legal advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Who’s on the move or been promoted in legal advisory.
Business news

Business events and webinars

Scale-up series: Financial planning and raising finance
  • Webinar
  • 03 Dec 2024
Understand the importance of financial planning and the options available to raise finance.
Scale-up series: Building solid foundations to drive performance
  • Webinar
  • 21 Nov 2024
Understand the importance of solid foundations across your business to drive performance.
Transformation series: Delivering a finance function transformation
  • Webinar
  • 17 Oct 2024
Practical advice on successfully delivering a finance function transformation.
Networking positively & confidently
  • Webinar
  • 10 Oct 2024
Explore the skills and tools to help you network effectively and confidently.
More

Business start up and finance

 
ICAEW REP 090/24 Financial Services - Growth and competitiveness strategy
  • Representation
  • 13 Dec 2024
  • PDF (442kb)
A representation dated 12 December 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 14 November 2024.
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Analysis: investment in numbers
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Price multiples are on the rebound, but investment in early-stage businesses slows down.
birds eye aerial view of rowing boat team four athletes blue water
Insight: management due diligence
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
To make an investment work the people are key, something that has long been recognised by private equity. So what can management due diligence bring to the party? Jo Russell reports.
A pair of hands typing on the laptop keyboard
ICAEW outlines effective grant management for government entities
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
Grant-paying government entities could save £1.9bn through effective grant management. A new ICAEW helpsheet offers advice on designing a grants assurance framework and highlights some of the main pitfalls to avoid.
More

Business Finance Guide

This independent guide provides entrepreneurs, SMEs and growing businesses with information on the finance options that are available to them throughout their business finance journey.

Find out what finance options are available Case studies and guidance
Hero for the Business Finance Guide

Corporate governance

Wates Principles: seven steps towards better governance reporting
  • Article
  • 11 Dec 2024
A recent FRC report studied the quality of governance reporting and adoption of the Wates Principles. Its authors outline where businesses could improve.
Connections December 2024: corporate finance advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.
Connections December 2024: private equity appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Recruitment and promotions in private equity.
Connections December 2024: legal advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Who’s on the move or been promoted in legal advisory.
More

Corporate reporting

UK company size thresholds to increase
  • Article
  • 12 Dec 2024
New regulations increasing company size thresholds and removing certain requirements from the Directors’ Report will be effective from April 2025.
The financial case for sustainability
  • Podcast
  • 12 Dec 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting.
Proposed public-sector sustainability standard takes broad approach
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
ICAEW’s Public Sector team examines a draft climate-related disclosures standard, setting a global baseline for public sector ESG reporting. How does it compare with IFRS S2 and GRI?
Corporate governance reporting under spotlight in FRC review
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
Corporate governance reporting review flags a need for more concise, outcomes-focused disclosure and enhanced reporting on risk management and internal controls.
More

Economy

ICAEW REP 090/24 Financial Services - Growth and competitiveness strategy
  • Representation
  • 13 Dec 2024
  • PDF (442kb)
A representation dated 12 December 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 14 November 2024.
Roadshow: Wales and South West M&A
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
After a challenging period for dealmakers and advisers, transaction activity in the South West and Wales is now moving in the right direction. Nicholas Neveling reports.
Faculty news: December 2024
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 10 Dec 2024
The latest from ICAEW’s centre of professional expertise in corporate finance, including the launch of the Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Finance hub, news from the 2024 Annual Reception, details of the Prospecting for Deals webinar and an account of the infrastructure forum held in Leeds.
Economic Insight: Mainland China and South-East Asia
  • Report
  • 10 Dec 2024
The 2024 Q4 Economic Insight Report provides an analysis of the current trends and challenges facing the economies of China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Each country is navigating distinct dynamics in the face of global uncertainties and domestic pressures. China's growth is slowing amidst deflationary risks, despite policy interventions aimed at cushioning the economic downturn.
More

Exporting

Economic insight paints mixed picture of South-East Asia
  • Article
  • 13 Dec 2024
From China’s slowing growth to Malaysia and Singapore’s electronics-driven resilience – a new ICAEW report analyses how South-East Asia’s economies are shaping up for 2025.
How will Trump’s tariffs affect global trade?
  • Article
  • 15 Nov 2024
President-elect Trump says he will bring in tariffs when he takes office next January, so what will this mean for US consumers and exporters to the US?
Trade: helping clients navigate export complexity
  • Article
  • 15 Nov 2024
Almost five years since Brexit and the complexities of EU trading are showing no sign of abating. With more regulation on the horizon, advisers may need to help clients with supply chain reviews to help them navigate complexities.
How to futureproof your business for international trade
  • Article
  • 14 Nov 2024
What are the critical considerations for building a firm base for future overseas trade? Charles Platts, Chair of ICAEW’s Global Trade Community, outlines the basics.
More

Finance transformation

 
Inside local government budgets: spending
  • Article
  • 02 Dec 2024
In the second of two articles exploring the work of local authority finance teams, ICAEW takes a look at how councils are spending their funds.
What it takes to be an effective NHS CFO
  • Article
  • 26 Nov 2024
A new statement by HFMA explains how NHS CFOs can ensure the delivery of safe, effective and sustainable healthcare services.
Inside local government budgets: finance teams and funding
  • Article
  • 22 Nov 2024
Councils deliver a host of critical services to local communities, while under increasing scrutiny of their finances. ICAEW examines the work of local authority finance teams and explains how income is raised.
How successful finance business partners work at local authorities
  • Article
  • 21 Nov 2024
Finance business partners play a vital bridging role between the finance team and the wider organisation.
More

Financial management

Annual Reception 2024
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
More than 300 guests gathered last month for the flagship event in the ICAEW calendar – the Corporate Finance Faculty’s Annual Reception.
Excel, Teams, Power BI, Canva, Zoom, Google Sheets++: New tech features for Sep-Dec 2024
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
Our digest of new features across Microsoft 365 & other business tech products in written, images & video format covering the last three months.
Inside local government budgets: spending
  • Article
  • 02 Dec 2024
In the second of two articles exploring the work of local authority finance teams, ICAEW takes a look at how councils are spending their funds.
Exclusive Your Excel Community – Highlights from 2024
  • Article
  • 29 Nov 2024
As we approach a new year, it’s time to reflect on the best content from the Excel Community in 2024 and look ahead as the community grows and develops. Whether you’re new or an existing member, we invite you to explore the insights and learnings the community has delivered for you over this last year.
More

Law and regulation

The secret to boosting morale and maximising profits
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
Last month, I was invited by the ICAEW to deliver a webinar on how to attract and retain talent in three steps. This topic continues to be a major problem for law firms and accountancy practices across the UK. According to Gallup, disengaged employees is costing the UK economy £256 billion a year, which means that three out of five of your employees is a financial drain on your business.
Lessons learned: trustee insights on preventing and responding to fraud in charities
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
As a PhD Researcher from the University of Portsmouth, I interviewed officers of small charities who had experienced fraud for a recent study. These individuals shared valuable insights about how trustees can protect their charities against fraud.
November cyber round-up
  • Article
  • 28 Nov 2024
This month we look at criminals’ latest techniques, the 10th birthday of Cyber Essentials, fraud risk in the utilities sector, and how an artificial intelligence grandmother has joined the fight against cybercrime.
Exclusive Cybercrime and the impact on the legal sector
  • Article
  • 27 Nov 2024
Cybercrime is expected to cost £8.5 trillion globally by 2025, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the cyber ecosystem. With the legal sector reportedly accounting for over 24% of global cyber-attacks, how can firms protect themselves from the ever-evolving cybercriminal?
More

Leadership and HR

How to develop yourself, your team and your career. Practical advice on achieving a productive, happy and healthy team.

Tax sleuth Dan Neidle tops #ICAEWROAR X rankings
  • Article
  • 12 Dec 2024
The premier accountancy influencer on X, as ranked by #ICAEWROAR, explains why those professionals not making their voices heard on social media are missing a trick.
Career paths: Oliver Stephens, Headpoint Advisors
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
Oliver Stephens, associate director at Headpoint Advisors, is firmly focused on delivering market-leading international M&A advice to mid-market companies across the UK.
Exclusive TAXguide 08/24: Payrolling of benefits-in-kind and expenses webinar Q&As
  • Technical release
  • 09 Dec 2024
This TAXguide provides answers to questions asked in a webinar on payrolling of benefits-in-kind (PBIK) delivered by ICAEW’s Tax Faculty on 16 October 2024.
Bouncing back from exam failure
  • Podcast
  • 06 Dec 2024
In this episode of the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, host Jag Dhaliwal discusses how exam failure can be used as an opportunity to come back stronger.
More

How CFOs create a fairer future

Read our interviews with CFOs on how their role is changing. Access the CFO fairer future toolkit to help CFOs navigate the changing demands and how to make the most of it. 
CFO fairer future toolkit
City meeting room

Performance management

Practical resources and support to help you improve the performance of your organisation. Use our selection of guides, tools, books and articles to find more information on all aspects of managing business performance.

The secret to boosting morale and maximising profits
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
Last month, I was invited by the ICAEW to deliver a webinar on how to attract and retain talent in three steps. This topic continues to be a major problem for law firms and accountancy practices across the UK. According to Gallup, disengaged employees is costing the UK economy £256 billion a year, which means that three out of five of your employees is a financial drain on your business.
How to ensure colleagues understand financial information
  • Article
  • 27 Nov 2024
With local government budgets under pressure and more councils adopting commercialisation strategies, key stakeholders must have a strong grasp of financial information to aid sound decision-making.
Earn-out agreements
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 17 Oct 2023
  • PDF (1,266kb)
This Corporate Finance Faculty best-practice guideline, authored by Grant Thornton, explores the factors that can influence the outcome of an earn-out agreement, for both the buyer and the seller, and illustrates its benefits and potential pitfalls.
How to track your invoices and debtors effectively
  • Article
  • 27 Sep 2023
41% of finance leaders identify a lack of visibility over their accounts receivables as their company’s top challenge in better managing cash flow (Bottomline).
More

Restructuring and insolvency

One in three audit committee chairs ‘concerned’ about detection of financial distress
  • Article
  • 06 Dec 2024
While most audit committee chairs are satisfied with audit quality, a third have concerns about auditors’ ability to identify going concern issues and signs of financial distress.
Insolvency round-up 2024: issues raised during quality assurance visits
  • Article
  • 02 Dec 2024
ICAEW’s Restructuring and Insolvency Community roadshows cover key issues facing insolvency practitioners (IPs). In the final webinar of the 2024 series, Allison Broad, Head of Insolvency Monitoring, and Victoria Alexandrou, Insolvency Manager, discussed the most important findings from monitoring reviews, and highlighted some recent and upcoming changes affecting IPs.
New sanctions reporting obligations for insolvency practitioners
  • Article
  • 28 Nov 2024
On 14 November 2024, the Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No.2) Regulations 2024 was laid in Parliament. This instrument expands the definition of relevant firms subject to financial sanctions reporting obligations to cover insolvency practitioners (IPs).
Professional Standards Update November 2024 Read recently updated FAQs around continuing professional development requirements, a summary of the latest disciplinary cases and the latest guidance and resources to support you in your role.
More

Strategy, risk and innovation

ICAEW REP 090/24 Financial Services - Growth and competitiveness strategy
  • Representation
  • 13 Dec 2024
  • PDF (442kb)
A representation dated 12 December 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 14 November 2024.
Lessons learned: trustee insights on preventing and responding to fraud in charities
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
As a PhD Researcher from the University of Portsmouth, I interviewed officers of small charities who had experienced fraud for a recent study. These individuals shared valuable insights about how trustees can protect their charities against fraud.
How to prepare for an external audit in local government
  • Article
  • 03 Dec 2024
The mounting backlog in the publication of audited council accounts has shone the spotlight on external audit processes in local government.
Inside local government budgets: spending
  • Article
  • 02 Dec 2024
In the second of two articles exploring the work of local authority finance teams, ICAEW takes a look at how councils are spending their funds.
More

Sustainability

ICAEW REP 090/24 Financial Services - Growth and competitiveness strategy
  • Representation
  • 13 Dec 2024
  • PDF (442kb)
A representation dated 12 December 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 14 November 2024.
The financial case for sustainability
  • Podcast
  • 12 Dec 2024
In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss the progress of sustainability reporting.
Proposed public-sector sustainability standard takes broad approach
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
ICAEW’s Public Sector team examines a draft climate-related disclosures standard, setting a global baseline for public sector ESG reporting. How does it compare with IFRS S2 and GRI?
Sustainability reporting: why standards matter
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
As a recent ICAEW report reflects on what sustainability standard-setters can learn from their accounting counterparts, we talk to three sustainability reporting experts about what has been achieved so far and what might happen in the future.
More

Tax

Exclusive Practical points: business tax December 2024
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 05 Dec 2024
Every month, the Tax Faculty publishes short, practical pieces of guidance to help agents and practitioners in their day-to-day work. This month covers corporation tax; partnership taxation; and VAT.
Exclusive An introduction to employee ownership trusts
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2024
The sale of a company to an employee ownership trust (EOT) is becoming more popular. In the first of two articles on EOTs, Nick Wright explains why this may be the case and how an EOT could be used.
Exclusive The tax benefits of employee ownership trusts
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2024
In the second of two articles on employee ownership trusts (EOTs), Nick Wright explores the capital gains tax exemption for the shareholders of the trading company and the income tax exemption for employees receiving bonuses.
International tax rates
  • Research guide
  • 04 Dec 2024
A guide to sources for current and historical international tax rates.
More

Sector specific support

ICAEW communities provide a range of resources tailored for those working within specific sectors, including live events, webinars and newsletters.

There is support for those working in charities; construction, energy, farming, manufacturing, and many more.

Alongside support for industry sectors there are also ICAEW communities for those working with small and micro businesses and in global trade.

Browse communities
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Committed to supporting you

As a member in business, you are part of a collective who take great pride in your well-deserved qualification and can have an impact on the environment businesses operate in. ICAEW's business team are here to support you and hear your voice on important business issues.

Contact the business team
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Events
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ICAEW events

ICAEW's events programme brings together leading industry speakers across business sectors. Connect and network with your peers while keeping up to date with the latest developments.

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ICAEW networks

Take advantage of the opportunities available for business members to network with fellow finance professionals.

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Research and resources
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Library and Information Service

The ICAEW Library & Information Service offers a range of services and resources, including information on accountancy in different countries and on a variety of technical subjects.

Browse resources Subject gateways