Bookended by two Bank Holidays, May has meant holidays, hitting the road and having great times at ICS. With the sunshine finally getting the memo, we’ve been enjoying getting out for fresh-air activities, summer crafts, and some very local nature-watching! With networking events, partner agency meetups, and some vital warnings about spotting unscrupulous attempts to circumvent regulation and compliance (which could put YOU at risk), grab a spritzer and read on!

Office Insight

Moving into rolling holiday season (we’ll name-and-envy later), we kept up the dedication and focus on the home front, continuing to hit record sales and contractor payments. It’s important to have days where the whole sales team rest their train apps and hit Head Office to update, collaborate, support celebrate and motivate each other (with some friendly challenges!). In line with the launch of JSL legislation, we launched our new Compliance Portal, further enhancing our Agency partner services, providing the full transparency and peace of mind that’s the ICS USP.

Welcomes & Well Dones

Welcome Luke Gregson, qualified accountant starting his ICS Accountancy journey. Due to our expanding reputation and client portfolio, we’re continuing to recruit, revelling in offering not just jobs but training, professional qualifications and rewarding career opportunities in our hometown. Well done to Kim and Nathan for passing their AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) exams.

Welcome back from maternity leave to ICS Finance Director Maggie. And a huge well done to Maggie’s eldest, helping his football team bring home the League Cup, and being named Player of the Match. Nothing beats supporting local clubs, grassroots sport, and community initiatives.

Getting Crafty, Horsing Around

We’re all about the details, which we put to the test with a glass painting workshop, organised by our social team. Great for mindfulness- and now we’ve got pretty glassware for cheeky après-office Prosecco! Providing support in more ways than one, DIY supremo Colin put together a riser desk that, at the time of writing, is still standing…

A fabulous day at the Races with our friends from AMB Recruitment Group, award-winning construction, engineering and technical recruitment specialists, thanks to Megan for whipping the ICS contingent over the line- we even celebrated a few winners!

Out & About

Jodie and Helen attended the FCSA forum (Freelancer & Contractor Services Association) in Manchester. The UK’s leading professional membership body dedicated to raising standards and ensuring compliance within the contractor market, it was a day of great networking and thought-provoking compliance presentations; lots of valuable takeaways.

As usual, our sterling sales and partnership teams were out and about, including Alison and Kieran heading to London, and Megan taking Michaela to meet some of her fantastic agencies and clients. Nothing strengthens that genuine personal relationship like putting faces to names and catching up in person, so if you’re in the market for a meetup, drop your ICS partner a message, and we’ll drop in!

Holidays & Hitting the Pavements

Staff heading off on well-deserved sunny breaks included Alison, Kieran and Colin, returning refreshed and raring to go. We understand there was much selfless auditing of various bars and all-inclusive buffets!

Putting us all to shame, ICS Management Accountant Luke ran the Blackpool Festival Marathon, finishing an incredible 73rd out of 673 runners with a time of 3:13:17- a huge well done!

Award Nominations are In

It’s that (dreaded) time again- awards nomination, where we have to distil and shout up what we do. Always a bit squirm-inducing, but if you do something great, there’s no shame in receiving recognition- and spreading the word. It’s actually a valuable exercise in taking pride in what we have achieved, passing on well-deserved thanks- and identifying how we can stretch ourselves further. The forms are in, so it’s fingers crossed. Awards are great, but just the icing on the cake of what we love driving for, every day.

View From the Window

‘Springwatch’ is back on the TV, but we’ve got our own Nature Corner at ICS, with compliance admin Jamie enjoying front-row seat to a burgeoning wood-pigeon nest.

Beware of Imitations!

Unsurprisingly but sadly, just weeks after the enforced JSL legislation, we’re already hearing reports of unscrupulous businesses pushing products which supposedly circumvent it. When HMRC inevitably catch up with them they’ll disappear, leaving contractors in the lurch and agencies with the liability. Even more reason to choose an accredited accountants for peace of mind, trust, care and compliance. We’re always happy to advise, just get in touch.

Even more worryingly, Chris Bryce, Chief Executive of the FCSA, warns that some increasingly desperate dodgy umbrella companies are claiming to be FCSA Accredited, when nothing of the sort. FCSA Accreditation is awarded only to providers who have passed a regular independent, rigorous audit covering tax compliance, employment law, financial integrity, and supply chain transparency. Luckily, it’s also transparently verifiable: at http://www.fcsa.org.uk/directory-of-members/ (you’ll find ICS there!). If you discover or suspect someone to be claiming false FCSA accreditation, please flag it to them for investigation.

For more up-to-the-minute industry information, regulatory advice and invaluable insights, keep an eye on our regular blog posts.

Wishing you a fabulous midsummer,

Your ICS Accounting Team

The post Going Racing, Marathon Time, How to Spot Fraudsters, and ‘SpringWatch’ Outside the Window- a busy May at ICS first appeared on ICS Accounting.

The year is turning, bringing welcome spring warmth and sunshine (at last!). Accountants’ diaries are largely marked by HMRC dates, but as we welcome more contractor and umbrella clients each month, it’s lovely to get insight into different seasonal cycles, from farming and construction to leisure and hospitality. Like you, it’s been a busy April at ICS, with Q4 to Q1 changeover, continued expansion, new legislation, and lots of teamwork, travel and treats: read on to find out more. 

Office Insight 

With the start of the new financial and personal tax year, we started the month running. We finished the registration of our new joiners (welcome all!), and the recruitment drive to ensure we continue to offer the level of service which underpins our 5 Star Trustpilot Rating.

Our teams continue to work with dedication, energy, resilience and spirit. Jamie from our Compliance team put together some team hampers and desk treats, putting a spring in our step.  Look up ‘working together’ in the dictionary, and ICS faces should be smiling back at you! 

Quite the Journey 

Year-end into Q1 is always a good opportunity to reflect and plan, which revealed some weighty KPIs from the last 12 months including: 

• Growth of 59% for new registrations 

• Over 99% of calls answered within 4 rings 

• WhatsApp and Email queries are answered within 60 minutes 

• Payroll accuracy measured at 99.99% across the year 

And don’t forget we enhanced our Umbrella Employee Benefits Portal, giving access to a wider range of benefits including a free will writing service, 24/7 online GP services, wellbeing support and helplines, plus increased exclusive deals, shopping and leisure discounts. 

People News

Welcome to our newest recruits to the Business Executive role, Jasmine and Rachael. How do people find their home at ICS? We find some of our best people through referrals from existing ICS team members, which is how Rachael came to us, looking for a change of career and new challenge. In her excellent interview, Jasmine revealed she wanted to move from an on-road sales role to a team-based environment. Challenges, teamwork? Look no further! 

We may have enjoyed the Easter break, but the studying doesn’t stop at ICS! Well done to Luke, who has passed his ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Financial Management exam, and Chantelle Barnes, who has gained her Management Accounting Techniques AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 3. 

Out & About 

This month, Megan Green and Alison Waterhouse covered most of the country: London, Staffordshire, Liverpool, Hertfordshire, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester and the Midlands, meeting new Partner Agencies, catching up with contacts and being there for vital face-to-face support. Keep an eye on their LinkedIn profiles for where they’re heading, and if you want to meet and chat about the recent changes, touch base, or any way we can assist, just drop us a message. 

Community

The summer sports season has started, a good excuse to get out and see some great local grassroots, as keen supporters of the Westmorland Cricket League. We might have to admit that our dreams of scoring a hat-trick at the World Cup are just that now, so it’s great to support up-and-coming talent by sponsoring the kit for neighbourhood football team, Bowerham Juniors FC U9s Thunder.  

Not helping our fitness goals, but a lovely surprise received with thanks from premier Sage Software, who sent us a yummy treat selection from Biscuiteers, the original hand-iced biscuit company! 

View from Outside the Office 

With spring finally here, the team have been enjoying their well-earned après-work time. The nicer weather has tempted some back to the gym in earnest, and the fitness habit is clearly rubbing off, with one team member’s daughter joining her on her first park run. With beautiful Williamson Park and Morecambe Promenade to choose from, local Parkrunners are spoiled for choice!  

Some have escaped these shores, with Lake Como. Others have their sights on summer holidays, with Skiathos and Eygpt topping the list for envy-making dream getaways.  

We’ve had birthdays celebrated, welcomed a new niece, and becoming a Godparent. One member of the team has even turned to The Dark Side- as a change from being blonde, that is!  

The Outlook’s Bright 

The initial rollout of Making Tax Digital and some of the biggest changes to Umbrella payroll compliance in years, including Joint and Several Liability (JSL) for recruitment agencies, many operators have a lot to take on board. Focused on being ahead of the curve, it’s busy, but ‘business as usual’ for ICS: the only umbrella company in the UK currently with all four payment solutions FCSA accredited. 

If you’re feeling out of your depth, want to check where you stand, or are interested in discovering more about any of the outstanding bespoke contractor, accountancy and umbrella services we offer across a wide range of sectors and specialisms, just get in touch. And remember to check out our regular blog posts for the latest industry news, insights and invaluable advice. 

Wishing you a happy May- not MayDay!  

Your ICS Accounting Team 

The post Leaping Into the New Tax Year, Not Tripping up on New Legislation! first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Office Insight 

We came into March with another set of records broken: highest number of new client enquiries, new registrations and payments processed. With the imminent Joint and Several Liability (JSL) legislation and increased focus on stability and compliance, the unceasing dedication to trust, care and compliance demonstrated by ICS’s hardworking teams is proving invaluable to increasing numbers of contractor and agency partners.  

Our third cohort of four has started their ‘Gratitude Gallery’ journey, facilitated by professional photographer and former NHS mental health services occupational therapist Ginny Koppenhol. Supporting collaboration and staff wellbeing, having seen two groups go through this incredibly positive collaborative initiative, they are keen to start capturing informal smartphone snaps of appreciation from everyday life to join our office gallery, sharing ourselves as individuals with unique stories, families, and passions rather than our job titles. 

What Glass Ceiling! 

Huge well done to two stars at ICS Accounting who received well-deserved promotions this month. Alison Waterhouse becomes Sales Manager, and Megan Green becomes Senior Business Partnership Manager, a mark of the huge impact she has made at ICS Accounting since joining just over a year ago. MD Colin Thompson highlighted Alison and Megan’s consistently positive and inspiring, team-focussed attitude to business challenges- exactly what we strive for across all our ICS partnerships.  

Out & About 

Some of us were up early for Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce breakfast networking meeting at the historic Storey, with a timely presentation on Connect to Work by Nicola Roberts, Employer Engagement Lead at Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub. 

Megan represented ICS at the Recruitment Agency Expo London, bringing together agencies and trailblazing speakers for seminars and discussions on the latest recruitment technologies and cutting-edge HR strategies, always good to expand our toolkit! 

With everyone so busy, we’re looking forward to our forthcoming annual company-wide year-end social, a rare event to connect with colleagues from across the country, celebrate and… draw a veil over whatever else may happen!  

Striding out for our Community  

It was best foot forward for some of the ICS Accounting team, on a walk around the beautiful sunny spring Lancaster countryside, raising funds for Flynne’s Barn, an amazing charity which supports young people and their families coping with cancer, including respite stays, activities and counselling. Even with Colin taking a wrong turn allegedly deliberately (“to test your teamwork and initiative!”), everyone arrived home safely (after relieving Colin of map and compass duties!)  https://buff.ly/cHMfXyF.  

As part of our Social Value focus, ICS staff teams take turns to nominate a local charity to support. Local fundraising can make so much more impact on your doorstep, as can practical support. We’ve pitched in at a local foodbank, homeless shelter and charity allotment, with people who have suffered severe head trauma, and local military veterans suffering from mental health issues. Making us more engaged with our local community, it’s definitely brought members of the team closer together. 

Bringing Back Gold to the Bay 

We’re very proud of our connection with local cheerleading academy, Stormers Elite, who represent so much that is positive for young people today: inclusion, teamwork, trust, physical exhilaration and mental resilience. After sponsoring them to Summit 2025 in the USA last summer, we’ve just cheered them on at the All Levels Championships in Germany, where they triumphed by double gold-medalling, also qualifying them for the European Summit 2027- well done! 

Jump to it for JSL and Beyond 

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement earlier this month focussed attention on the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) crisis, and the responsibility recruitment agencies, businesses and employers have in creating opportunities and nurturing talent. With JSL legislation about to become law on the 5th April, in today’s increasingly scrutinised and regulated landscape, focus must be on how providers transparently operate in all aspects of payroll accuracy, tax reporting and financial resilience. 

ICS Accounting are currently the only umbrella company in the UK with all four payment solutions FCSA accredited; one of the key reasons so many agencies have partnered with us and continue to do so long-term; trust we never take for granted. If you have any queries, are interested in discovering more about any of the outstanding bespoke accountancy and Umbrella services we offer across a wide range of sectors and specialisms, contact our experienced, welcoming team. 

Wishing you a bright and successful step into spring,  

Your ICS Accounting Team

The post ICS Accounting Office News: Best Foot Forward, Reaching for the Skies, and Hitting the Ground Running for JSL Legislation  first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Office News

With the new financial year just over a month away, we got seriously proactive for 2026-7 with a Company Update presentation at our central office, followed by a Senior Leadership Team Strategy meeting at the historic Toll House Inn in Lancaster. Building on a record year with stretching goals and strategies, we’ll be doubling down on the uncompromising level of trust, care and compliance ICS Accounting we’re proud to be known for, watch this space!

Strengthening our leadership strategy, ICS Accounting Commercial Director Colin Thompson steps into the Managing Director role, as John Lyon moves to Executive Chairman, guiding the long?term direction of the company. These moves unite experience and vision in readiness for what’s set to be a ground-breaking year for the rebalancing of the Umbrella industry.

Out & About

Undefeated by storms, floods and the vagaries of Avanti West Coast, Business Partnership Managers Megan and Alison journeyed to London, catching up with familiar connections and welcoming plenty of new ones before Megan continued on to meet-ups in Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool. If you fancy a coffee or lunch and catch-up with your ICS contact when we’re in your area, just get in touch!

… Clearly catching the travel bug, Megan then headed for Iceland to celebrate her other half’s birthday. A well-deserved break after a non-stop start to the working year.

Community Connection

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to get a foot in the door in your chosen field, combining work (and salary!) with continuing education, training and qualifications. Congratulations to Corey, who was Highly Commended at the Lancaster and Morecambe College Apprenticeship Awards evening. Well done also to Lancaster and Morecambe College for their fantastic Apprenticeships & Employer event. It was inspiring to meet a great cohort of enthusiastic students, and we loved representing career pathways and opportunities at ICS, including apprenticeships, full and part-time roles, summer jobs and work experience, alongside fellow employers and apprenticeship supporters.

We are proud to celebrate our decade of working in partnership with FreeAgent, award-winning UK cloud accounting software providers designed specifically for small business owners, freelancers and contractors by becoming Platinum Partners. John, Colin, Jen and Simon enjoyed a very interesting and informative event at their head office in Edinburgh, followed by a fantastic meal at Edinburgh castle; all sorts of food for thought!

Pleased to Meet You!

With ICS, it’s all about personal connection, so we felt it was time to make good on one of our New Year’s Resolutions: to reflect our personalities on our ‘About Us’ webpage. Currently ferreting out information about each other- we are building nicely on our ‘Gratitude Gallery’ workshops, so, which ICS staff do you reckon match the following teasers:

Which budding interior designer could be our very own Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen?

Who’s completed the Great North Swim not once, but four times??

Revealed as a demon chess player, who’s the strategy legend who’s always two steps ahead?

Who has a guitar collection to rival Brian May’s- as well as a comic book collection that’s simply ‘Marvel’-ous!

Which office twinkletoes once danced for the Queen?

Who’s a secret Viking history buff- definitely our speed-dial “phone a friend” on the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ Norse History round!

All will be revealed on our revamped brand new ‘Meet the Team’ webpage soon!

Springing (Further) Into Action

Being an ICS Umbrella Employee brings a multitude of advantages, alongside trusted, compliant and seamless administration and delivery of your salary, tax, deductions, pension and benefits. We’re extremely proud of our exceptional Employee Benefits Portal, now even better thanks to partnering with HR platform leaders Circular Benefits. Built around their four employee-focussed pillars: Salary Benefits, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle Discounts, and Reward & Recognition, just a few benefits ICS Umbrella employees can access 24/7 via their user-friendly interface include:

Discounted retail cards from over 120 brands

Up to 60% off cinemas nationwide

Over 500 vouchers and promotions from the best brands updated weekly

Discounts at leading events and attractions

Huge discounts at hotels worldwide

If you have any queries, are interested in discovering more about ICS Umbrella, or any of the outstanding bespoke accountancy services we offer across a wide range of sectors and specialisms, just get in touch. Keep an eye on our regular blog postings for a wide range of business and employment insights, plus our LinkedIn and Facebook pages for the very latest news, reactions and invaluable advice.

Wishing you a bright and successful step into spring,

Your ICS Accounting Team.

The post Bye-Bye Winter, Hello Anniversaries, Adventures, Employee Benefits and ICS Staff Secrets first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Firstly: 

We can’t miss thanking those that sent the office gifts including JGR Recruitment and My Digital. Thanks for your great partnership and support, which we look forward to continuing in 2026.

Our “Newbie!” 

With our unshakeable commitment to delivering open and accessible trust, care and compliance to all our clients and Umbrella employees, we’re always scouting the best talent to join ICS Accounting. So we’re delighted to welcome Kieran Eccles, who’ll be working alongside Alison Waterhouse, ensuring the service to our Agency partners is the best in the business. Welcome to the team, Kieran! 

Congratulations 

Learning doesn’t stop at entry to ICS, so well done to our latest studious team, gaining their next level of professional qualifications: Luke, Adam, Kim and Penelope. 

Office Insight  

Did you set any New Year’s Resolutions? It’s much easier to resist the lure of chocolate when there’s tempting choices in sight and reach; we’re loving our weekly fruit deliveries from Lancaster fruit and veg champions George Speight & Sons. Adding yummy granola and energy balls from small-batch independent food producer Nourish Bites, supporting local really is delicious! 

Growing Gratitude in 2026 

Some of you may know about our Gratitude Gallery initiative, in partnership with professional photographer and former NHS mental health services occupational therapist Ginny Koppenhol. Supporting collaboration and staff wellbeing, participants take spontaneous smartphone snaps capturing informal moments of appreciation from everyday life, which are shared, discussed, and examples printed to form a visible ‘Gratitude Gallery’. 

2026 sees the next tranche of this 12-month work-time investment, with staff who’ve seen results from the first courses eager for their turn to take time to be creative, share, and learn a new skill. It’s not about judgement, competition or the perfect photo; rather, simply capturing a moment and sharing ourselves as individuals with unique stories, families, and passions rather than our job titles, I’m sure we’ll share more images and updates as we continue. 

Community Connection 

The diet was definitely knocking on the door after the Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce Christmas lunch! 2026 looks to be another busy year for LMCC, connecting, supporting and representing North Lancashire businesses, especially with the anticipated Morecambe Bay Eden Project moving from plans to physical construction. 

It’s always rewarding, and fun, to support the next generation of students and see the potential waiting for them. January kicked off with a talk at Lancaster and Morecambe College to AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) students, followed by an inspiring Careers Fair with Year 10 and 13 students at Morecambe Bay Academy. 

Thanks to Josh Bramall from CMR, leading recruitment agency for the contractor, payroll and accountancy sector, for inviting Colin to a valuable event, discussing the opportunities and challenges of Making Tax Digital, rolling out to sole traders, the self-employed and landlords from this April. With excellent speakers, including David Rose from FreeAgent and Gio Goggioli from Markel, it was a valuable and timely day. 

No Time to Snooze in 2026 

With April 2026 heralding various budget and legislation changes, as well as Making Tax Digital and a busy self-assessment season, we’re already ‘on it’ staying ahead of the curve on our clients’ behalf. This includes strengthening our partner relationships and delivering agency information sessions, ready for April and beyond. 

With welcome Umbrella Company Legislation approaching, we’re proud that professionalism and trust sit at the heart of everything we do. Currently, the only Umbrella Company in the UK with all four payment solutions FCSA accredited, we never take our earned trust and long-term agency partnerships for granted. For friendly assistance and expertise with any aspect of accountancy, payroll, employment services, agency and Umbrella coordination, just get in touch. Our regular blogs give you a wide range of bitesize business and employment insights, plus our social accounts offer the very latest news, reactions and invaluable advice. 

With best wishes for a bright 2026 for you, your work and your business, 

 Your ICS Accounting Team 

The post Resolutions, Recruitment, and Hitting the Ground Running in 2026 first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Divide Your Time Well

As a contractor, some of your time has to go to each of the following:

• Paying work
• Finding paying work
• Administration
• Sleep
• Eating
• Free time

Eating is almost always the lowest amount of time. Depending on how many clients you contract to simultaneously and the length of those contracts, finding paying work may take up a significant chunk of time or next to none, averaged out day by day.

As much administration as is necessary to do your paying work compliantly and at a reasonable rate of return must be done; we hate to admit it but doing much more than that baseline can often be a form of procrastination.

Aside from that, the other categories fall into a balance based on your own intentions and reputation. Maximising the value you get from each of these, however, is where time management really shines.

Break Projects Down

Whether the project is ‘find a new client’, ‘secure the contract’, ‘update my accounts’, ‘chase payments’ or the paying work your client has asked you for, breaking it down into individual pieces makes life easier.

It can also help you better estimate how long a job will take. Most importantly, it helps you allocate your time. Starting out on a task you expect to take ten minutes when you have fifteen minutes before a client call is fine when your estimation was right; it’s when there turns out to be extra steps you breezed over that you have problems.

Now your momentum has halted a quarter of the way into an hour-long job so you can jump on the call; once you’re off that call, you’ll lose more time getting yourself back up to speed on what you’d been doing.

This problem is compounded if you’d booked that call, as many do, just before lunchtime. Now your afternoon plans are running behind before you even start.

Breaking projects down into smaller parts with individual deadlines allows steady, measurable progress. It also allows you to better assess your ongoing capacity, so you don’t take on contracts you shouldn’t and end up dealing with penalty clauses.

Variety is the Spice of Life

As much as possible, plan to change up the jobs you’re doing regularly. The shift from one task to a different type helps keep things fresh, which creates increased focus. That improved focus leads to better results – and it can also mean that individual tasks are achieved more quickly.

This does also mean there’s value to staking out ten or fifteen minute intervals in your day to enjoy some free time, keeping you refreshed for the next business task.

Track Time and Update Estimates

However you want to do it, it’s worth keeping an eye on your pace at different tasks, especially as you work with different clients over time. You might find that some tasks speed up as you get more practice, or that the same task takes wildly different times for two clients due to other complicating factors. Knowing how this works will make it much easier to keep pace.

Eliminate Unnecessary Time Sinks

If you can’t update your accounts quickly, efficiently, and accurately, should you be doing that yourself or would you be better off with a contractor accountant? If keeping up with the dunning cycle to receive payment for the work you’ve done takes up too much of your time, would an umbrella solution save you time?

Contractors don’t have to work solo, and sometimes bringing in experts to support you allows you to focus on what you do best. However you want to prioritise your time, businesses like ICS Accounting can give you more of it back. Get in touch today if you’d like to explore your options.

The post Time Management for Contractors first appeared on ICS Accounting.

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. 

The post Caring, Sharing, and Seasonal Fun to end 2025 on a High  first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Office Opening Hours

During the festive season, our opening hours will be as follows:

23rd December 2025: 08:30 – 17:30

24th December 2025: 08:30 – 14:00

25th December 2025: CLOSED

26th December 2025: CLOSED

29th December 2025: 08:00 – 18:00

30th December 2025: 08:30 – 17:30

31st December 2025: 08:30 – 12:30

1st January 2026: CLOSED

2nd January 2026: 08:00 – 18:00

5th January 2026: 08:00 – 18:00

If you have any questions, please contact us by calling 01524 580720 or by emailing the team.

All the very best from everyone at ICS Accounting.

The post Season’s Greetings from the ICS Accounting team first appeared on ICS Accounting.

Click here for our Budget Summary. 

ICS Triumphs Two Years Running at the National Contracting Awards! 

There might have been some sore ICS staff heads on 13th November, as we celebrated winning Best Contractor Accountancy for the second year running at the black-tie final of the prestigious Contracting Awards, Park Lane. With stiff competition, we also made the final in Best Umbrella Company and Customer Service: great validation for the trust, care and compliance demonstrated with passion and dedication demonstrated by our great team every day. 

Client feedback was an important part of the judging process, just as it is for us. Thanks to everyone taking the time and effort to share your experiences with us, we read, value and act on every one. Striving to do better for you every day, Contracting Awards 2026? You’re in our sights… 

Welcomes and Well-Dones 

We’re always looking to recruit the best talent and potential, so a catch-up welcome to our most recent new ICS team members:  Deb Gardner: Practice Manager, Susan Dominguez: Bookkeeper, Edward Barnes and Lucie Ramsey: Senior Accountants, Maree Parker: Accounts Assistant. 

Adding another rung on their professional qualification ladder, well done to Luke for passing his Performance Management exam, Adam LH for passing his first AAT Level Two exam, and Corey Fairgrieve for passing his AAT Level Two exam (four exams in total) – congratulations!

ICS in the Heart of the Bay Business Community 

We had a great day manning the ICS stand at the Lancaster District Business Support Expo. Organised by Lancaster City Council and the Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce, it’s a great networking event offering business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups, freelancers and sole traders the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and tap into the wealth of help available across our district to start or grow a business, something we heartily support. 

Jamie set up the stand with Helen and Tina manning it, while work experience student Milena took up the challenge of interviewing fellow exhibitors and led our Halloween Anagram challenge. Well done to our competition winners, who each won treat bags purchased from brilliant local suppliers Atkinsons Coffee, Bier&Twist, Expressions, The Cornish Bakery and Vincenzos. 

At ICS, we Never Fudge the Figures 

You know we are non-negotiably rigorous in terms of compliance, accuracy and accounting- so we’re happy to share the shock news that the ICS sales team DIDN’T set a new record for new client registrations last month! They “only” matched the record set the previous month- which we have to admit, is pretty impressive top-performing consistency. The payroll team just pipped them, setting a monthly record for the number of payments processed. 

Office Antics

Halloween meant fantastic office decorations and treat bags for everyone courtesy of Jamie- who also, it turns out, carves a mean ICS-themed pumpkin. Kim’s delicious home-baked spider cookies kept us fuelled as we stretched our brains over Jenna’s fiendish Halloween-themed office quiz. A few days later, it was out to some brilliant local firework displays, and Light Up Lancaster, a huge well done to all involved. If you’ve not experienced this incredible annual town-wide series of art installations, make a note for next year! 

It’s now all about Christmas, year-end, New Year and seasonal festivals in the ICS office, with decorations appearing daily, and our Christmas party on the 5th December. 

Warmest winter wishes, 

The ICS Accounting Team

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You know ICS Accounting provides outstanding trusted, caring and compliant accounting and payroll solutions for contractors, freelancers and small business owners, but what about sharing with you those extra activities, training and team events that demonstrate those three core values? Starting with this first blog, our monthly “View from the Office” will give you an insider’s eye view.  

Welcomes, Qualifications and Safety First 

Squirrels may be stashing their winter hoards, but there’s no settling down to hibernate at ICS, with Taylor passing his accountancy exams, Natalie joining as a qualified accountant and Corey passing his driving test. 

Round of applause to Kevin in the New Business team, he’s been nominated for Employee of the Month two months in a row for his unbeatable hard work, dedication, and genuine nice-ness! Who’ll challenge Kevin for November’s crown?  

We’re thrilled to introduce Michaela, our new Account Manager who’ll be working closely with Megan and our agency partners. The friendly face many of you will get to know for contractor registrations, payroll questions and day-to-day queries; welcome to the team.

Sam from Frontline First Aid recently joined us to run an Emergency First Aid at Work course. We all hope the worst won’t arise, but if it does, it’s better to be prepared- it could make a real difference. An informative, confidence-giving and fun day, thank you, Sam!

Best Foot Forward for Life-changing Cancer Care 

A huge well done to ICS Practice Manager Jen, part of the intrepid team trekking over 100km of the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for St John’s Hospice, which provides incredible care and support for local cancer patients and their families. While we happily let Jen suffer the blisters and bites, ICS Accounting were proud to provide travel and equipment sponsorship for the whole team. Raising an incredible £60,000, you can contribute to this worthwhile charity at: https://justgiving.com/campaign/camino, and catch up on their adventures: www.sjhospice.org.uk/news/. Inspired to take part? Next September’s trek is The Great Wall of China! www.sjhospice.org.uk/fundraising/overseas-treks/  

..& Best Footie Forward? 

From changing contracts to health issues, construction workers can face more challenges than other industries, so we were very proud to support specialist construction recruitment agency PSR Solutions’  “20 Teams for 20 Years” fundraising football event. Raising funds for The Lighthouse Charity, who provide invaluable free services and support for construction workers and their families, a great day was had in a fantastic cause- well done to winning team McPhillips Wellington engineers! 

Eden Project News 

I was delighted to attend a planning event, delivered in partnership between Lancaster & Morecambe Chamber of Commerce and the North West Construction Hub, updating local businesses on the full range of opportunities this major project will bring to the area. While ICS Accounting won’t be tendering for construction jobs, we are ideally placed to support many workers through our umbrella payroll solution and contractor accountancy. As local residents, the Project will make a huge impact on our town and lives, so it was great to be involved in this positive event, full of excellent information, questions and teamwork. Next year’s follow-up event is already in the diary, watch this space for updates! 

Interview Skills for Local Sixth-Formers 

As you can see, we’re very proud to be based in our local Lancaster and Morecambe Bay community. I had the opportunity to do something I love: doing interview panel practice sessions for students at Morecambe Bay Academy. It’s great to see these enthusiastic youngsters focusing on the opportunities that lie ahead on their career journey- will we welcome some to ICS? 

Doing Better, Doing More, for You 

Not that we’ve taken our eye off the ball back at base: our incredible New Business team, set a new record for the number of new clients registered for the 3rd month in a row! Year-on-year strongly upward trending productivity and satisfaction results show we’re providing the caring and compliant service, reassurance and support that contractors and agencies trust. If we can help with any aspect of accountancy or payroll, please get in touch for friendly, focused expertise.   

Wishing you a great November, 

Helen. 

The post Charity Trekking, Teamwork and Live-Saving Training: October News from the ICS Office first appeared on ICS Accounting.