By Helen Callaghan, ICS Accounting HR Manager 
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.
