By Colin Thompson, ICS Accounting Commercial Director
I’ve shared the pain of entering awards with blog readers before: setting aside partiality and habits to take a truly objective view of the company, then shuddering at having to be very “unBritish” and shout about the good things you do! But not only is it a good excursive in self-evaluation, it’s worthwhile visibility and publicity, too: if you don’t tell people how good your company, services or ethos are, how are they going to know? And whether acclamation or honest feedback, what you get back from entering awards or stretching for accreditations is always invaluable to learning, recognising and growing.
Poring over wordcounts on entry forms is something I’ve burned the midnight oil over, so I feel the right to do something also unBritish: celebrate our results with pride! Especially as some of them involved no influence or late nights from me…. It’s also a good opportunity to dig deep and underline some of the daily “how”s, that got us there- and “how” we could take these practices further.
Beating Bentley, BMW and Barclays (to name a few)
When I was contacted by Statista, the top international data and analysis company, it took me a few minutes to catch up with what they were telling me: that Lancaster-based ICS Accounting had not only made it onto the Financial Times’ top 500 UK’s Best Employers, but had made the top… 100? 50? No, the top 25! Rubbing shoulders with big players including Rolls Royce, IBM and Microsoft, and beating hundreds more.
What makes this so meaningful is that the results are 100% based on employee feedback. Over 20,000 employees across 3,000 businesses were surveyed on criteria including working conditions, salary, support, and potential for development. For ICS Accounting, this included both our direct office and accountancy staff, and ICS Umbrella Employees, for whom we seamlessly coordinate salary, tax and statutory payments for contractors working on projects or for multiple employers.
So, representing Lancaster, the North West, and accounting services in this prestigious Who’s Who of top UK employers is absolutely worth celebrating, and testament to the culture and working environment we strive to create for all our employees. Coming ahead of hugely respected employers like Timpsons, and being the only employer from the Umbrella Contractor sector has been an additional source of delight. Thanks to everyone who submitted your honest feedback, you can view the full list and criteria here: https://www.ft.com/content/644e1c4f-372b-46e9-93cd-5b44a3910575
Setting Our Sights on the National Contracting Awards
While still reeling from that news, we learned we’ve also reached the finals of the national Contracting Awards, in an unprecedented three categories. We’ve been making the finals since the awards’ launch in 2019, incredible validation in itself, and celebrated our first win last year, a great example of taking awards’ experience and feedback to learn and grow. So this year we’re defending our Best Contractor Accountancy title, as well as competing for Best Umbrella Company and Umbrella Company Customer Service.
The fact that we’re being recognised for our Umbrella Company services alongside Contractor Accountancy reflects our proudly client-focussed service and nurturing of trusted relationships in this growing and vital sector. A powerful affirmation of our unwavering commitment to ICS’s core values: trust, care, compliance, transparency and integrity, it underscores our dedication to providing supportive, peace-of-mind service which maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance.
Onwards and Upwards: Where Next?
Amidst the office celebrations for both these pieces of news, and preparation for the next stage of stringent Contracting Awards judging, it’s business as usual at ICS HQ. How can it not be? Our achievements are due to our incredible team and commitment to core values, and our dedication 100% to our clients, staff, and community.
A great endorsement of our ethos and daily hard work, this recognition also spurs us on to do more to support more workers and business owners of every size, from self-employed start-ups, freelancers and contractors to PLCs. If our accounting services and umbrella employment solutions could take the stress out of your tax, payroll, finances and more, email info@icsuk.com, or call one of our friendly team on 0800 195 3750, for no-obligation advice.
I have to end with a huge thanks to that very hardworking team. “Team” being the operative word; we’re also introducing some exciting team-building and employee care initiatives that I’m looking forward to sharing with you… next month. Until then: what should you be shouting about? And whom should you be shouting it to?
Best wishes, Colin
