We know that, whatever the season, your business and work commitments, drive and ambition don’t stop, and neither do ours on your behalf. We didn’t take our foot off the pedal- literally: driving our trusted accounting, umbrella and payroll solutions to the max while networking with a sneak peek at the latest electric Porsche innovations, as you’ll discover! As the January self-assessment tax deadline is on the horizon, we’re here to support you.
Stronger, Safer Together
In December, we helped a new agency client get a head-start on 2026, ensuring their many hundred contractors would be 100% safe and compliant under the forthcoming JSL (Joint & Several Liability) legislation. Don’t be hidebound by apprehension at perceived admin, or errors being uncovered; an independently audited, SafeRec certified and fully FCSA accredited Umbrella provider like ICS is the perfect partner for ease of operation and peace of mind. April 2026, when the legislation becomes law, is fast approaching, so the time to start the transfer process to ensure everything is watertight really is now.
Shout out to ‘My Digital’, exceptional cloud-based payroll software providers, for an extremely decadent Hotel Chocolat selection box; thank you from the whole office!
Community Connection
BNI (Business Network International) is a professional referral network where local business owners meet to share, support and build trusted connections for growth. It was an early alarm for the BNI South Lakes December breakfast networking meeting, which kicked off at 6.30am! The great hospitality at the Crooklands Hotel, near Kendal, soon restored us to human functionality, networking with fellow members and welcoming new ones.
It’s always worthwhile to represent ICS Accounting at Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce, who tirelessly connect, support and represent businesses in North Lancashire. Firstly, learning the benefits of converting company transport to electric- including the chance to make colleagues jealous with my behind-the-wheel experience of the latest all-electric Porsche Taycan and brand-new Macan! Then giving the Christmas jumper an airing at their Christmas Lunch, the last networking event of the year was a really positive end to 2025.
Fantastic Face-to-Face
Business Partnership Manager Megan and Accounts Manager Michaela hit the road for Birmingham, London, Sheffield, Warrington, Preston and Manchester, catching up with our agency partners, dropping off festive treats, and making sure contractors are fully supported throughout the holidays. With more dates in the diary for January, we’ll be hitting the ground running in 2026 with more in-person trusted expertise and care. If you’d like a visit or conversation about anything payroll, compliance or contractor support, just get in touch.
Office Antics
It was great to give the hardworking ICS Accounting staff the chance to let their hair down and enjoy a legendary Christmas party. Thanks to Lancaster House Hotel for hosting us!
Christmas Jumper Day is a fantastic nationwide event pairing festive attire with valuable fundraising. Our unapologetic fashion faux pas raised over £100 towards our local hospice, St John’s Hospice, who provide incredible care and support for local cancer patients and their families.
We allowed our creative right brains to give our statistical left brains a rest with a seasonally stimulating wreath-making workshop, led by office arts and crafts supremo Jamie, who also foraged the natural materials and discarded decorations to make them.
Doggy visitors are always popular; this month we welcomed Megan’s English Bulldog, Sonny, who coaxes us out of sneaky titbits, and shared some of his remarkably well-informed expertise on Payroll Outsourcing- the things you pick up when your owner is ICS Accounting Business Partnership Manager!
Making it Count
Among the festive fun and canine capers, our hardworking teams didn’t waver in their dedication, reflected in another record-breaking month for payroll payments processed. Not a total surprise, following record numbers of new registrations over the past few months. It’s been an incredible year at ICS, with lots of amazing new agency partners on board, and the continued trust and business of many loyal longstanding ones. We value each and every partnership, and constantly strive to offer you more.
With very best wishes for the year ahead,
Your ICS Accounting Team.
