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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
About BCM and methodology
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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.
Read more
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
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

UK Business Confidence Monitor: National
  • Report
  • 02 Apr 2026
The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment was on course to move into positive territory in Q1 2026, but the outbreak of the Iran war had a dramatic impact in the final weeks of the survey period, with confidence deteriorating sharply. While businesses reported improved annual domestic sales and exports growth and easing input price inflation compared with Q4 2025, the war introduced significant downside risks to the outlook for the coming year.
Exclusive Practical points: personal tax April 2026
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 30 Mar 2026
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: savings and interest.
Corporate Financier magazine
  • Hub page
  • 30 Mar 2026
The highly respected Corporate Financier magazine is published ten times a year for members, stakeholders and key associates of the Corporate Finance Faculty.
Connections April 2026: legal advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Who’s on the move or been promoted in legal advisory.
Connections April 2026: corporate finance advisory appointments and promotions
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Promotions and those on the move in corporate finance advisory.
Insider dealing: ARC de Triomphe
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
LDC’s acquisition of building materials supplier ARC is all about guiding the company through the next stage of its growth journey. David Prosser investigates what the future holds for the company – and why Newable decided the time was right to dilute its stake.
Business news

Business events and webinars

The ICAEW Business Team host a number of Business Leaders' Dinners each year at Chartered Accountants' Hall, Moorgate. If you're interested in attending a dinner and finding out more, please register your interest and we'll be in touch.
Transformation series: The reality of transformation – real world experiences and practical insights
  • Webinar
  • 4 June 2026
Our expert panel of speakers will draw on their experiences of leading and delivering transformation programmes, sharing insights into what worked, what didn’t and how they navigated the challenges.
Finance options for small businesses
  • Webinar
  • 20 May 2026
Join the British Business Bank to explore some of the different types of finance available to smaller businesses across the UK.
How to land your first Financial Controller role
  • Webinar
  • 24 April 2026
Join us for an engaging panel discussion aimed at aspiring Financial Controllers (FC) looking to land their first FC role.
Transformation series: The human side of transformation - never forget about the people!
  • Webinar
  • 18 March 2026
Successful transformation in a rapidly changing world depends not just on systems and processes, but on people driving and sustaining change.
More

Business start up and finance

Three terracotta pots arranged in a row on a wooden surface, each containing a hyacinth plant at different stages of growth. The plant on the left is a small bud, the middle one is partially bloomed, and the right one is in full bloom with vibrant blue flowers. A blurred green lawn is visible in the background.
Transformation series: The reality of transformation – real world experiences and practical insights
  • Webinar
  • 04 Jun 2026
Our expert panel of speakers will draw on their experiences of leading and delivering transformation programmes, sharing insights into what worked, what didn’t and how they navigated the challenges.
Marc Mullen
Editor’s letter: Beyond the pale ale
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
At the start of last year, James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog (with the sensibly more publicity-shy Martin Dickie), announced he was launching House of Unicorns, a reality show for start-ups with a £2m investment prize. It would be like Dragons’ Den, but for entrepreneurs identifying as punks.
Headshot of Nadege Serna
Career paths: Lessons in life science
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Keen to build experience as a life sciences lawyer, there was only one place to go for Nadege Serna of Taylor Wessing. She talks about life in the Cambridge ecosystem.
A busier business bank
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
At 11 years old, the British Business Bank has a new strategic plan, more capital at its disposal, and a new statement of intent. Marc Mullen speaks to its first-ever chief investment officer, Leandros Kalisperas, about the bank’s renewed purpose.
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

Insider dealing: ARC de Triomphe
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
LDC’s acquisition of building materials supplier ARC is all about guiding the company through the next stage of its growth journey. David Prosser investigates what the future holds for the company – and why Newable decided the time was right to dilute its stake.
On my CV: Electric dreams
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Getting to know electronics manufacturer Arian’s business inside-out was key to finding a compatible acquirer, says UNW’s Meghan Phillips.
Editor’s letter: Beyond the pale ale
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
At the start of last year, James Watt, co-founder of BrewDog (with the sensibly more publicity-shy Martin Dickie), announced he was launching House of Unicorns, a reality show for start-ups with a £2m investment prize. It would be like Dragons’ Den, but for entrepreneurs identifying as punks.
Career paths: Lessons in life science
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Keen to build experience as a life sciences lawyer, there was only one place to go for Nadege Serna of Taylor Wessing. She talks about life in the Cambridge ecosystem.
More

Corporate reporting

What does the Iran conflict really mean for British business?
  • Podcast
  • 31 Mar 2026
We’ve already seen immediate spikes and fluctuations in the oil price and the wider financial and commodity markets. But how will the UK economy be affected in the months to come and how heavy a price will British business pay? RSM Chief Economist Tom Pugh shares his thoughts.
Exclusive Inside the SORP-making process
  • Article
  • 31 Mar 2026
As a result of developments including the Periodic Review 2024 amendments to FRS 102, a range of changes to sector-specific SORPs have also been made. Alison Bonathan, Corporate Reporting Faculty Technical Manager, takes a closer look at the often-misunderstood SORP-making process.
Exclusive A conversation with Nigel Sleigh-Johnson
  • Article
  • 27 Mar 2026
After more than a quarter of a century at ICAEW, Nigel Sleigh-Johnson, Director of Audit and Corporate Reporting, stepped out of Chartered Accountants’ Hall for the last time in January. Here he shares his insights on how the profession has transformed, what hasn’t changed nearly enough and takes a look towards the future.
Exclusive The challenges of applying UK GAAP to stablecoins
  • Article
  • 27 Mar 2026
This article explores the key accounting considerations for holders of stablecoins under FRS 102, highlighting areas where judgement is required and where practice may continue to evolve as both the market and regulatory landscape develop.
More

Economy

Welsh Manifesto: three measures to unlock growth
  • Article
  • 02 Apr 2026
ICAEW has published a manifesto for the Welsh Senedd elections, highlighting the biggest issues facing Welsh businesses, and the solutions that the Welsh government should focus on.
What does the Iran conflict really mean for British business?
  • Podcast
  • 31 Mar 2026
We’ve already seen immediate spikes and fluctuations in the oil price and the wider financial and commodity markets. But how will the UK economy be affected in the months to come and how heavy a price will British business pay? RSM Chief Economist Tom Pugh shares his thoughts.
Iran conflict sends economic shockwave through the Gulf
  • Article
  • 31 Mar 2026
Energy markets are set to suffer the biggest immediate impact from the Iran conflict, but effects on travel and tourism sectors will be longer lasting, according to an ICAEW economic update.
A busier business bank
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
At 11 years old, the British Business Bank has a new strategic plan, more capital at its disposal, and a new statement of intent. Marc Mullen speaks to its first-ever chief investment officer, Leandros Kalisperas, about the bank’s renewed purpose.
More

Exporting

UK Business Confidence Monitor: National
  • Report
  • 02 Apr 2026
The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment was on course to move into positive territory in Q1 2026, but the outbreak of the Iran war had a dramatic impact in the final weeks of the survey period, with confidence deteriorating sharply. While businesses reported improved annual domestic sales and exports growth and easing input price inflation compared with Q4 2025, the war introduced significant downside risks to the outlook for the coming year.
ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM): London
  • Report
  • 28 Jan 2026
The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment slipped deeper into negative territory amid uncertainty about the Budget and rising concern about both the tax burden and regulations. However, companies are optimistic that domestic sales and exports growth will improve over the next 12 months.
Business Confidence Monitor (BCM): East Midlands
  • Report
  • 28 Jan 2026
The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment declined for the sixth consecutive quarter and slipped deeper into negative territory amid uncertainty about the Budget, lacklustre sales growth and rising concern about both the tax burden and regulations.
ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM): Scotland
  • Report
  • 28 Jan 2026
The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) shows that business sentiment slipped deeper into negative territory amid uncertainty about the Budget and rising concern about both the tax burden and regulations. However, companies are optimistic that domestic sales and exports growth will improve over the next 12 months.
More

ICAEW champions trade

In support of the 90th Anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, ICAEW has become a Chartered Institute Trade Champion.
Find out more Support on e-commerce
Celebrating 90 years of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade

Finance transformation

 
Transformation series: The human side of transformation - never forget about the people!
  • Webinar
  • 18 Mar 2026
Successful transformation in a rapidly changing world depends not just on systems and processes, but on people driving and sustaining change.
How to go from finance manager to CFO
  • Article
  • 02 Mar 2026
Adam Lancaster went from Finance Manager to CFO of the Risk Advisory Group in the space of five years. He explains how he got there, including the vital importance of communication skills and the ability to provide strategic direction.
How has the CFO role evolved? Have your say
  • Article
  • 12 Feb 2026
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has launched two extended global stakeholder surveys aimed at CFOs and equivalent senior finance leaders.
Three areas to focus your skills development in 2026
  • Article
  • 04 Feb 2026
Learning how to overcome AI’s current shortcomings and enhancing people skills are two areas that the profession must focus on this year, says accountant-turned-coach Oliver Deacon.
More

Financial management

ICAEW REP 023/26 Reforming the Customs Treatment of Low Value Imports into the United Kingdom
  • Representation
  • 26 Mar 2026
  • PDF (333kb)
A representation dated 6 March 2026 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 9 January 2026.
ICAEW member insights: cash preservation is king
  • Article
  • 26 Mar 2026
Geopolitical tensions and domestic cost pressures are weighing on business confidence. While some sectors report pockets of resilience, the overall picture is one of caution.
Fines for persistent late payers under new rules
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2026
Following years of campaigning from ICAEW, the UK government has announced new powers for the Small Business Commissioner to investigate, adjudicate on and issue fines for cases of late payments.
Exclusive Allocating Term Dates
  • Article
  • 24 Mar 2026
This month, we consider allocating days across monthly periods, where some dates are outside the forecast period and others straddle the (monthly) reporting periods.
More

Law and regulation

Cyber: exposed data, deepfakes and wartime threats
  • Article
  • 26 Mar 2026
March highlighted the risks relating to exposed data, the growing use of deepfakes and heightened cyber threats linked to geopolitical tensions.
Four ways this SME manufacturer protected itself from volatility
  • Article
  • 25 Mar 2026
Michael Smith Switchgear Limited insulated itself from energy and supply chain issues through an approach to sustainability that permeates every aspect of its business – meeting industry net zero targets and catching the attention of King Charles.
Your firm’s duty to investigate complaints: investing time and learning lessons
  • Article
  • 24 Mar 2026
ICAEW requires firms to investigate complaints they receive from their clients. We talk to Carrie Langridge, Head of General, Compliance and Tax Investigations Team at ICAEW, who explains why addressing and resolving clients’ complaints internally is so important.
Exclusive Key financial stability measures in law firms
  • Article
  • 12 Mar 2026
The Carson McDowell review (commissioned by the Legal Services Board) focused on the SRA's regulation of SSB Law, but in doing so it revealed significant underlying financial instability within the firm. What would the outcome have been for SSB Law and its clients if this financial instability had been identified and acted upon quicker.
More

Leadership and HR

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

Why we still need junior accountants in the age of AI – and how their roles might change
  • Article
  • 02 Apr 2026
Junior roles in accountancy and audit are going through a change, but they will still exist when AI becomes more ubiquitous just with a focus on different skills, responsibilities and training.
Employment Rights Act: practical implementation tips for small firms
  • Article
  • 31 Mar 2026
Changes to UK employment rights will reshape almost every aspect of the employment relationship, from contracts to dismissal, expanding rights for workers and creating significant new obligations for employers. What can businesses do to prepare?
Corporate Financier magazine
  • Hub page
  • 30 Mar 2026
The highly respected Corporate Financier magazine is published ten times a year for members, stakeholders and key associates of the Corporate Finance Faculty.
Exclusive Reflections from the Chair and Vice Chair
  • Article
  • 20 Mar 2026
In our last newsletter, we reflected on the government's changes to Level 7 apprenticeship funding and what they might mean for our profession. Since then, the conversation has only intensified, not least at our recent meeting of the ICAEW Academia & Education Community advisory group.
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.

Exclusive Key financial stability measures in law firms
  • Article
  • 12 Mar 2026
The Carson McDowell review (commissioned by the Legal Services Board) focused on the SRA's regulation of SSB Law, but in doing so it revealed significant underlying financial instability within the firm. What would the outcome have been for SSB Law and its clients if this financial instability had been identified and acted upon quicker.
Exclusive Strategic Report and Directors Report Factsheet
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 03 Jul 2025
  • PDF (519kb)
This factsheet provides an overview of the scope and content requirements for the strategic report and directors’ report for UK companies. This applies to both UK GAAP and IFRS reporters.
Planning for uncertainty: five tips for accountants
  • Article
  • 17 Apr 2025
Struggling to plan growth or forecasts during the turbulent Trump tariffs? ICAEW offers practical support to help finance practitioners steer their organisations through uncertainty.
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.
More

Restructuring and insolvency

Your firm’s duty to investigate complaints: investing time and learning lessons
  • Article
  • 24 Mar 2026
ICAEW requires firms to investigate complaints they receive from their clients. We talk to Carrie Langridge, Head of General, Compliance and Tax Investigations Team at ICAEW, who explains why addressing and resolving clients’ complaints internally is so important.
The waiting game: changes to Insolvency Regulations
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2025
In September 2023 the Insolvency Service released its response to the consultation on the future of insolvency regulation which set out the government’s intentions on changes to legislation. We set out what we currently know about the intended changes.
Why your next insolvency monitoring visit may be earlier than expected
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2025
A number of insolvency practitioners (IPs) have recently commented that the proposed timing of their next monitoring review is earlier than they expected. We would therefore like to remind IPs how our review cycle is set and what factors may bring forward your visit date.
INSSight: The Insolvency Service’s internal case management system explained
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 27 Nov 2025
The Insolvency Service introduced a case management system (INSSight) in November 2025. It was developed to better integrate with insolvency practitioners’ internal and external systems, automate repetitive tasks and reduce manual data entry.
More

24-25 June 2025: Restructuring & Insolvency Conference

This annual conference explores key challenges facing the profession and what lies ahead, as well as providing some engaging topical technical sessions.

Watch on demand
Insolvency conference

Strategy, risk and innovation

Exclusive Practical points: personal tax April 2026
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 30 Mar 2026
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: savings and interest.
A busier business bank
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
At 11 years old, the British Business Bank has a new strategic plan, more capital at its disposal, and a new statement of intent. Marc Mullen speaks to its first-ever chief investment officer, Leandros Kalisperas, about the bank’s renewed purpose.
How to spot a fake AI-generated invoice
  • Article
  • 30 Mar 2026
Businesses deal with invoice fraud every day. As more criminals turn to AI as part of their attempts to defraud businesses, it’s getting harder and harder to spot.
Takeaways from our 2026 Big Trustee Breakfast
  • Article
  • 13 Mar 2026
The Big Trustee Breakfast 2026, held on 10 March at Chartered Accountants' Hall, was chaired by ICAEW Charity Committee Chair, Fiona Condron, and brought together charity trustees and those who are ‘trustee-curious’ for a morning of insightful discussion and networking.
More

Sustainability

DRAFT ICAEW REP XXX 25 UK Sustainability Reporting Standards UK SRS S1 and UK SRS S2
  • Representation
  • 04 Sep 2025
  • PDF (426kb)
ICAEW welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Exposure draft of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards: UK SRS S1 and UK SRS S2 published by the Department for Business and Trade on 25 June 2025
ICAEW REP 024/25 with CIPFA - IPSASB Climate Related Disclosures
  • Representation
  • 27 Feb 2025
  • PDF (315kb)
A joint representation dated 27 February 2025 to a consultation published by IPSASB on 31 October 2024.
Should boards have a sustainability committee?
  • Article
  • 08 Jan 2025
Sustainability and ESG committees aim to provide high-level and strategic insight of sustainability related issues within organisations, but are they useful additions to the board structure? ICAEW examines research into how boards are approaching sustainability.
ICAEW REP 069/24 TCFD aligned disclosure for UK public sector phase 3
  • Representation
  • 08 Jan 2025
  • PDF (182kb)
A representation dated 26 September 2024 to a consultation published by HM Treasury on 25 July 2024.
More

Sustainability Summit 2025

This two-day summit is designed to provide finance professionals with the practical insights and strategies necessary to lead on sustainability.

Watch on demand
Climate summit

Tax

Tax news in brief 31 March 2026
  • Article
  • 31 Mar 2026
Highlights from the broader tax news for the week ending 31 March 2026, including updates on Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Exclusive Practical points: business tax April 2026
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 30 Mar 2026
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; and VAT.
Why the crypto asset reporting framework matters
  • Article
  • 24 Mar 2026
Three months on from its introduction, we explain what the UK’s crypto asset reporting framework (CARF) means for individuals buying and selling crypto assets, and how CARF is expected to evolve as more countries look to implement it.
Prepare for 2026/27: Tax advisers
  • Article
  • 24 Mar 2026
From 1 April 2026, tax advisers could face unlimited penalties and have their details published online if HMRC finds they have engaged in conduct with the intention of bringing about a loss of tax revenue.
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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More support

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.

Business member events Browse all events
Networking
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ICAEW networks

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

ICAEW Business Committee Regional networks
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