Welcome
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
