Latest News
The latest practice related news from ICAEW Insights.
Macro trends and growth: confidence, discipline and selective ambition
- Article
- 15 Sep 2026
ICAEW’s 2026 Evolution of Mid-tier Accountancy Firms research points to a sector growing with confidence while navigating significant structural change. Private equity (PE) investment, artificial intelligence (AI) and a more complex economic and regulatory environment are continuing to shape mid-tier firms’ strategies, but the findings also show that growth remains widespread and is increasingly being pursued with discipline and selectivity in deciding which areas to expand.
Using AI with confidence: how to validate AI content
- Article
- 07 Sep 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming part of everyday life for accountants. Whether you're using AI to draft emails, summarise technical guidance, analyse documents or generate ideas, the productivity benefits are clear.
AI and complaints – keeping the process human, proportionate and professional
- Article
- 19 Aug 2026
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of day-to-day practice life. For many firms, it is already embedded in research, correspondence, workflow tools and software products, sometimes visibly and sometimes in the background. Used well, AI can support efficiency, consistency and insight. Used without sufficient oversight, it can also create new ethical, professional and client relationship risks.
MTD-ready software: what ‘recognised’ really means for your practice
- Article
- 17 Jul 2026
With Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax now underway, many accountants and their clients are asking a simple question: are we ready?
Technology, talent and operating models: re-designing the mid-tier firm
- Article
- 17 Jul 2026
For mid-tier accountancy firms, technology, talent and operating models are becoming ever more tightly interwoven. ICAEW’s 2026 Evolution of Mid-Tier Accountancy Firms research highlights how investment in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is driving new thinking about workforce design, skills development and career pathways, with many firms still working through the implications.
Consolidation activity: scale, choice and a more differentiated mid-tier
- Article
- 16 Jun 2026
ICAEW’s 2026 Evolution of Mid-Tier Accountancy Firms research findings evidence that consolidation activity continues to be a defining feature of the mid-tier accountancy sector. Rather than converging on a single model, the sector is evolving along multiple paths, reflecting differing priorities around growth, culture and control.
New President Caroline Smale: ‘I’m determined to make a difference’
- Article
- 04 Jun 2026
Caroline Smale, ICAEW’s new President, is setting an ambitious agenda for her year in office, championing members, strengthening the profession’s voice and opening up opportunities for the next generation.
Mid-tier firms focused on AI and consolidation
- Article
- 22 May 2026
The impact of technology on the workforce and continued consolidation are the key factors shaping the future of mid-tier accountancy firms in the UK, confirms ICAEW research.
Practicewire Newsletter
The latest issues concerning practices and sole practitioners from the Practicewire.
How members are putting MTD into practice
- Newsletter
- 28 May 2025
In this issue get practical insights into how members are implementing MTD. We share the updated ICAEW strategy and clarify alternate requirements.
UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) Q1 2025
- Newsletter
- 30 Apr 2025
In this issue read the findings of the Business Confidence Monitor for Q1 2025. The tax faculty shares key facts regarding payrolling of benefits and a government toolkit for National Living and Minimum wage communications.
Prepare for MTD income tax
- Newsletter
- 26 Mar 2025
In this issue read more about how to tackle client conversations about MTD income tax. We outline changes to Companies House identity verification and the latest sanction list.
Prepare for MTD for Income Tax
- Newsletter
- 22 Feb 2025
In this issue Rebecca Benneyworth gives insight into MTD income tax testing, the HMRC provide an AML risk assessment and we highlight the latest AI resources for your practice.
Budget drives dramatic drop in business confidence
- Newsletter
- 29 Jan 2025
In this issue we explore the effects of the budget on business confidence. We highlight new regulations around company size thresholds.
Understanding professional behaviour
- Newsletter
- 04 Dec 2024
In this issue get a better understanding of professional behaviour. We also share the FRC revised ethical standard 2024 and a new Helpsheet for amendments under FRS102.
Prepare for MTD ITSA
- Newsletter
- 06 Nov 2024
In this issue explore how to manage MTD ITSA workflows, FCA reporting obligations for auditors and CPD FAQs.
AML supervisory report findings
- Newsletter
- 06 Nov 2024
In this issue we share AML supervisory report findings and highlight the ISQM 1 annual evaluation Helpsheet.