Almost the end of January 2026, how did that happen? With the impending self-assessment deadline and tax-affecting changes on the horizon, including Making Tax Digital and legislation impacting Umbrella Companies, at ICS Accounting, we started the year at full throttle. Strengthening links, we also went out to our local educational community, agency partners and fellow businesses, and strengthened our commitment and comprehensive care with recruitment, qualifications and fun in the office.
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
