2025 Archives - AGN International https://agn.org/date_of_publication/2025/ A worldwide association Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:44:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting https://agn.org/insight/ballards-llp-celebrating-double-award-shortlisting/ Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206284 Leading Midlands Accountancy firm, Ballards LLP, has been shortlisted for two categories at the upcoming Accounting Excellence Awards: Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Audit Firm of the Year. The dual recognition highlights Ballards LLP’s exceptional performance across multiple disciplines and reinforces the firm’s position as a progressive leader in the accountancy sector. Mid-Tier Firm Excellence The Mid-Tier […]

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Leading Midlands Accountancy firm, Ballards LLP, has been shortlisted for two categories at the upcoming Accounting Excellence Awards: Mid-Tier Firm of the Year and Audit Firm of the Year.

The dual recognition highlights Ballards LLP’s exceptional performance across multiple disciplines and reinforces the firm’s position as a progressive leader in the accountancy sector.

Mid-Tier Firm Excellence

The Mid-Tier Firm of the Year category recognises firms with a fee income of between £2m-£10m that demonstrate exceptional specialist strategy and defining qualities in a highly competitive market. Ballards LLP’s shortlisting reflects the firm’s robust multi-team structure, strategic approach to client service, and consistent delivery of measurable results across its operations.

“This recognition validates our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients whilst maintaining the highest professional standards,” said James Syree, CEO and Partner at Ballards LLP. “Our success is built on our specialist expertise, strong client relationships, and our dedicated team’s unwavering focus on excellence.”

Leading Progressive Audit Practice

The firm’s nomination for Audit Firm of the Year acknowledges Ballards LLP’s progressive approach to audit quality and innovation during a period of significant regulatory change. This category celebrates firms that demonstrate exceptional culture, leadership, and commitment to audit quality whilst embracing new regulations and methodologies.

Ballards LLP has distinguished itself through its investment in cutting-edge audit technology, comprehensive staff development programmes, and robust quality assurance frameworks that consistently deliver high-quality audits serving public and stakeholder interests.

“At a time when the audit profession faces unprecedented challenges, we’ve embraced change as an opportunity to strengthen our practice,” explained Ben Powell, Audit Partner at Ballards LLP. “Our focus on innovation, quality, and staff engagement has enabled us to not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of our clients and regulatory bodies.”

Building on Success

The shortlisting comes as Ballards LLP continues to expand its influence across the Midlands region, with the firm consistently demonstrating strong client retention rates, enhanced profitability, and positive feedback from clients who value the firm’s proactive approach and technical expertise.

The firm’s commitment to professional development has also led to exceptional staff retention and engagement levels, fostering a collaborative culture that drives continuous improvement and innovation.

Awards Recognition

The Accounting Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the accountancy profession, recognising firms that demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation, and client service. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 30th, 2025.

“Being shortlisted alongside such distinguished firms is a tremendous honour,” added James Syree. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our entire team and reinforces our commitment to setting the standard for excellence in the Midlands accountancy sector.”

About Ballards LLP

Ballards LLP is a progressive Midlands-based accountancy firm providing comprehensive audit, tax, and advisory services to businesses and individuals across the region. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional client service, the firm has established itself as a trusted partner for organisations seeking expert financial guidance and support.

Head Office
Oakmoore Court
Kingswood Road
Hampton Lovett
Droitwich
WR9 7TD
ENGLAND

Contact Form
Tel: 01905 794504
Web: https://ballardsllp.com/

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AGN EMEA Tax Cards 2025 https://agn.org/insight/agn-emea-tax-cards-2025/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:28:15 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206288 A summary of the most relevant tax facts across European countries and the UK. Relevant taxes include; Basis of taxation. Corporate tax. Withholding tax rate (non-treaty). Resident individual. Non-resident individual tax rates. Good and services tax. Estate duty. Stamp duty. Property tax. Income tax filing deadlines. Double tax agreements.

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A summary of the most relevant tax facts across European countries and the UK.

Relevant taxes include; Basis of taxation. Corporate tax. Withholding tax rate (non-treaty). Resident individual. Non-resident individual tax rates. Good and services tax. Estate duty. Stamp duty. Property tax. Income tax filing deadlines. Double tax agreements.

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Dains Group Grows National Presence with Acquisition of Barnes Roffe https://agn.org/insight/dains-group-grows-national-presence-with-acquisition-of-barnes-roffe/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:49:18 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206283 The Dains Group (“Dains”), announces that it has made its second acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners (“IK”) in a move that demonstrates its intention to build the leading SME advisory business in the UK and Ireland. Barnes Roffe, one of the UK’s top 50 accounting firms, will join the Dains Group […]

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The Dains Group (“Dains”), announces that it has made its second acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners (“IK”) in a move that demonstrates its intention to build the leading SME advisory business in the UK and Ireland.


Barnes Roffe, one of the UK’s top 50 accounting firms, will join the Dains Group on 4 June 2025, significantly strengthening the client proposition in financial advisory, corporate tax, audit, and corporate finance. The Barnes Roffe team has over 29 partners and more than 200 employees in the London area.

The acquisition, which is the largest yet by the Group, means Dains will now have established four key regional hubs across the UK and Ireland — in the South-East, Midlands, Scotland and Ireland — and are on target to become a top 20 firm by the end of 2025.

Barnes Roffe has a strong reputation as a highly customer-centric and proactive business with a talented team. It has built a reputation for delivering outstanding value and service to its clients for over 125 years, since its establishment in 1899.

Stephen Corner, Senior Partner at Barnes Roffe, commented, “By partnering with Dains we are joining a firm with the same values and underlying service proposition we have been delivering to our clients for many years and together we will deliver a truly market leading proposition for our clients. Becoming part of a national firm widens our service proposition and increases the range of specialist services we can deliver whilst at the same time greatly enhancing the career opportunities for our talented team. We look forward to significantly growing the Dains business in the South-East.”

We are thrilled to welcome Barnes Roffe to the Dains Group.” said Richard McNeilly, CEO of the Dains Group. “It’s not often we encounter such a dynamic and client-centric leadership team. Together, we see significant opportunities to grow our presence in the London area and expand across the UK and Ireland. The addition of Barnes Roffe strengthens our national footprint and aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver exceptional client service and outstanding career opportunities.”

With a team now exceeding 1,000 professionals, we remain committed to enhancing the value we provide to clients and investing in the development of our talented people.

Our ambition is to work in partnership with clients, offering timely, thoughtful advice rooted in a deep understanding of their goals. This approach has underpinned Barnes Roffe’s impressive growth and makes them a natural strategic partner for our group.”

Pete Wilson, Partner at IK Partners added “This strategic acquisition demonstrates our ambition to continue building Dains into the leading UK & Ireland SME advisory business by establishing a strong presence, led by an outstanding team at Barnes Roffe, in London and the South-East.  We look forward to continuing to back further acquisitions as part of this exciting partnership.”

Dains were advised by CMS (Legal), Eight Advisory (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax Structuring), PDW (Customer Referencing), Cyber Crowd (IT Due Diligence), Mercia (Technical Due Diligence).

Barnes Roffe were advised by KPMG CF (Corporate Finance) and KPMG Legal (Legal).

Dains

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Press Release: RPGCC Expands Leadership with Two Key Tax Partner Appointments https://agn.org/insight/rpgcc-expands-leadership-with-two-key-tax-partner-appointments/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:05:43 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206197 28 July 2025 – London, UK – RPGCC Expands leadership team with new Private Client Tax Partner and key promotion adding a Partner in Corporate Tax RPGCC announces the appointment of Adam Thompson as Private Client Tax Partner, alongside the promotion of Anand Chandarana to Corporate Tax Partner. RPGCC Tax Advisory Services These strategic moves reflect RPGCC’s continued investment in delivering […]

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28 July 2025 – London, UK – RPGCC Expands leadership team with new Private Client Tax Partner and key promotion adding a Partner in Corporate Tax

RPGCC announces the appointment of Adam Thompson as Private Client Tax Partner, alongside the promotion of Anand Chandarana to Corporate Tax Partner.


RPGCC Tax Advisory Services

These strategic moves reflect RPGCC’s continued investment in delivering high-quality, specialist tax advice and strengthening our comprehensive client offering across both private and corporate sectors.

Adam brings nearly twenty years of experience in the tax field, having worked in a variety of environments including boutique tax advisory firms, large regional accountancy practices, and international wealth management firms. His expertise spans private client tax strategy, estate and trust planning, and cross-border issues, making him a valuable addition to RPGCC’s growing Private Client Services team.

Anand, who has been with RPGCC since 2024, has played a key role in supporting a diverse portfolio of corporate clients. His promotion to Partner reflects his deep technical knowledge, client-focused mindset, and leadership in delivering complex corporate tax solutions across a range of industries.

Together, Adam and Anand bring complementary strengths that will allow RPGCC to further enhance its tailored tax advisory services and deepen relationships with both individual and business clients.

RPGCC Leadership

Paul Randall, London Managing Partner at RPGCC, comments, “We’re delighted to welcome Adam to the firm and to recognise Anand’s outstanding contributions with this well-deserved promotion. These appointments mark an exciting step forward as we continue to strengthen our tax leadership and provide an even more robust, holistic service to our clients. Both Adam and Anand bring exceptional expertise, and we’re confident they will play a pivotal role in driving our growth strategy forward.”

As RPGCC continues to evolve its tax offering, these leadership developments highlight the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and meeting the increasingly sophisticated needs of its clients.

For inquiries, please contact:
Kay Merryman, Head of Marketing, RPGCC, 40 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0BT – kmerryman@rpgcc.co.uk

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James Moore Announces Promotions at All Offices https://agn.org/insight/james-moore-announces-promotions-at-all-offices/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:25:01 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206187 Gainesville, FL (July 23, 2025) – James Moore & Company is pleased to announce the following firm-wide promotions effective July 1. Taylor Adams, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager at our Gainesville office. Taylor joined the firm in 2021 and earned her Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from […]

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Gainesville, FL (July 23, 2025) – James Moore & Company is pleased to announce the following firm-wide promotions effective July 1.

Taylor Adams, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager at our Gainesville office. Taylor joined the firm in 2021 and earned her Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University.

Chantelle Davis has been promoted to ACS Manager at our Gainesville location. A member of the firm since 2021, she holds a Master of Accounting from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Santa Fe College.

Andrew Ferguson, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager at our Tallahassee office. He began his James Moore career in 2018 and received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University.

Curtis (CJ) Leonard, CPA, has been promoted to ACS Senior Manager at our Tallahassee office. CJ has been with the firm since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Flagler College and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University.

Logan Nix has been promoted to Audit Manager and is based in our Tallahassee office. A member of the firm since 2020, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Flagler College.

Bryant Rafferty, has been promoted to Audit Senior Manager at our Gainesville office. Bryant joined James Moore in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida.

Jennifer Shafer Pendarvis has been promoted to ACS Senior Manager. She joined the firm in 2020 and is based in our Tallahassee office. Jennifer received her Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Science, Health and Exercise Science from Oral Roberts University.

Beth West, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Manager in our Gainesville office. Beth has been with the firm since 2023. She earned a Master of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa.

James Moore, founded in 1964, is a consulting firm that helps organizations across the United States meet their operational and financial goals. The firm offers tax, auditing and accounting and controllership services to its clients, along with comprehensive support in human resources, technology, digital solutions and wealth management. James Moore’s team is comprised of seasoned professionals with decades of experience in their respective fields. The firm serves industry leaders in construction, healthcare, higher education and collegiate athletics, manufacturing, state and local government, non-profit and real estate sectors. Learn more at www.jmco.com.


CONTACT:

Stacy Dreher
Chief Growth Officer
5931 NW 1st Place
Gainesville, FL 32607
(352) 378-1331
Stacy.Dreher@jmco.com

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Germany Launches Major Tax Investment Programme to Attract Business Growth https://agn.org/insight/germany-launches-major-tax-investment-programme-to-attract-business-growth/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 07:21:07 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206186 AGN EMEA Tax Committee News On 11 July 2025, the Federal Council approved the law for an immediate tax investment programme to strengthen Germany as a business location. – What do these changes mean for your clients operating in or with Germany?– How can you help them stay compliant and seize new opportunities?– What are […]

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AGN EMEA Tax Committee News

On 11 July 2025, the Federal Council approved the law for an immediate tax investment programme to strengthen Germany as a business location.

– What do these changes mean for your clients operating in or with Germany?
– How can you help them stay compliant and seize new opportunities?
– What are the implications for internationally active businesses across EMEA?

The tax changes are intended to stimulate investment that will ensure a sustainable, growth-promoting environment and planning security for companies in Germany. The tax law changes also affect annual financial statements under commercial law and financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting standards with regard to deferred taxes.

The following measures, amongst others, were decided upon:

1. Reduction of the Corporate Tax Rate

The current tax rate of 15% will continue to apply until the end of 2027. From 2028, it will be reduced by 1% annually until it reaches 10% in 2032.

Year Corporate tax rate
Until 202715%
202814%
202913%
203012%
203111%
203210%

In addition to corporate tax a solidarity surcharge and a trade tax should also be paid. Trade tax is levied by the municipality in which the company has its place of business. Trade tax amounts to approximately 15%, depending on the location of the place of business. Existing deferred taxes must be revalued. Due to the gradual reduction, different tax rates must generally be applied, depending on the reversal date.

2. Reintroduction and Increase of Declining Balance Depreciation for Movable Fixed Assets – “Investment Booster”

Declining balance depreciation can be used instead of straight-line depreciation for movable fixed assets acquired or manufactured after 30 June 2025 and before 1 January 2028. The percentage to be applied may not exceed three times the percentage applicable to straight-line depreciation and may not exceed 30%.

3. Extension and Increase of the Research Allowance

The main change is the introduction of a flat-rate surcharge of 20% for the overhead and other operating costs on the assessment basis. The surcharge applies to research and development projects that start after 31 December 2025.

Furthermore, for eligible expenses incurred after 31 December 2025, the maximum assessment basis for the research allowance will increase from EUR 10 million to EUR 12 million per year. This results in a maximum research allowance of EUR 3 million per year. By raising the maximum assessment basis in conjunction with a 10% bonus, small and medium-sized enterprises will theoretically be able to apply for up to EUR 4.2 million research allowance per year in future. This applies to companies that employ fewer than 250 people and either have an annual turnover of no more than EUR 50 million or whose annual balance sheet total does not exceed EUR 43 million.

Moreover, the eligible value of hours worked for own contributions will increase from EUR 70 to EUR 100 per proven hours worked.

4. Introduction of a so called Turbo-Depreciation Allowance for Newly Purchased Electric Vehicles

The purchase of a new fully electric vehicle is to become more attractive to companies from a tax perspective. In the year of purchase, 75% of the acquisition costs can now be written off. In the following year, a further 10% can be deducted; in the second and third subsequent years 5% each, in the fourth subsequent year 3% and in the fifth subsequent year 2%. The regulation applies to the purchase of an electric vehicle in the period from July 2025 to December 2027.


Brought to you by the AGN EMEA Tax Committee

If you have any questions in relation to this article, please get in touch with Christine.

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Unlocking Business Insights: How Audits Can Reveal Hidden Opportunities https://agn.org/insight/how-audits-can-reveal-hidden-opportunities/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:34:49 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206173 Contributed by: Calibre Business Advisory. The term “audit” for many businesses brings to mind regulatory scrutiny, along with compliance requirements and administrative challenges. However, this view misses a crucial point. A properly conducted audit represents more than a mere regulatory requirement because it serves as a strategic instrument that reveals operational weaknesses while enhancing control […]

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Contributed by: Calibre Business Advisory.

The term “audit” for many businesses brings to mind regulatory scrutiny, along with compliance requirements and administrative challenges. However, this view misses a crucial point. A properly conducted audit represents more than a mere regulatory requirement because it serves as a strategic instrument that reveals operational weaknesses while enhancing control systems and detecting potential areas for business expansion.

Audits become effective tools for business enhancement when conducted by knowledgeable professionals with a clear purpose, as they reveal both operational and financial aspects, which lead to better performance and sustained success.

Beyond Compliance: The True Value of an Audit

Audits are primarily driven by financial reporting obligations and regulatory standards, yet they consistently yield numerous hidden insights during the process. Through independent and objective assessment, an exhaustive audit evaluates a company’s financial condition as well as its control systems and operational integrity. An external viewpoint helps to identify operational trends and risks alongside hidden inefficiencies that normal operations fail to detect.

Some of the critical benefits include:

  • Identifying inefficiencies in operations or cash flow.
  • The audit identifies areas where control systems show weaknesses or inconsistent application.
  • Assessing both the correctness of financial information and the trustworthiness of data used for making business decisions.
  • Detecting unrecognised risks or liabilities.
  • Revealing underperforming business units or unprofitable products.
  • Finding potential tax and compliance problems before they develop into bigger issues.

Businesses that engage with audit processes move beyond compliance to establish stronger positions for strategic decision-making and resource optimisation while planning growth.

Calibre Business Advisory’s Role in Adding Value

Growing businesses with limited internal staff or disjointed financial structures often find the audit process challenging to navigate. Calibre Business Advisory can assist businesses during this stage of the process. Organisations work with Calibre to transform their audit outlook from a burdensome necessity into a strategic advantage through our deep expertise in audit preparation and advisory services.

Their approach involves:

1. Pre-Audit Readiness and Risk Assessment

Calibre collaborates with clients to evaluate financial records and risk exposures as well as internal control status before starting the audit process. The process promotes efficient auditing alongside early detection of warning signs.

2. Liaising With External Auditors

We function as a connecting point between the business and external auditors while managing documentation completeness and response accuracy, and explaining potential issues. The process enhances engagement while minimising unexpected risks.

3. Translating Audit Findings Into Strategic Insights

Calibre provides advisory services immediately after the conclusion of many audit reports. Our experts translate audit findings into business strategies by pinpointing internal inefficiencies, procedural gaps, and financial inconsistencies that need resolution.

4. Embedding Continuous Improvement

Calibre inspires clients to move beyond the perception of audits as annual activities by fostering a year-round culture of continuous improvement using audit insights to boost operational performance, compliance standards and strategic growth planning.

Case in Point: Operational Efficiency

Audits often reveal critical insights about operational inefficiencies, which hold significant value. Operational inefficiencies can appear as poor inventory management systems alongside ineffective procurement procedures and repeated administrative operations with insufficient cost tracking methods. Businesses that discover inefficiencies can create better processes which help cut waste, increase profit margins and use resources more efficiently.

Calibre’s team provides clients with customised action plans to execute audit recommendations, which include tasks such as software integration, workflow restructuring and staff retraining. Businesses achieve better audit compliance along with improved business agility and cost savings.

Strengthening Internal Controls and Governance

The implementation of robust internal controls plays a key role in reducing fraud risk while guaranteeing data integrity and sustaining stakeholder trust. The audit process consistently identifies system weaknesses, including insufficient separation of duties, together with undocumented policies and unrestricted access to financial information.

Businesses can establish risk-based control frameworks matched to their organisation’s size and complexity through collaboration with Calibre Business Advisory. Control frameworks can involve automated approval workflows as well as delegated authority matrices, together with enhanced reporting tools. Better governance helps organisations succeed in audits while also establishing long-term stability and building investor trust.

Leveraging Financial Insights for Strategic Growth

Financial audit results expose underlying trends, including weak business segments and irregular revenue patterns alongside unnecessary spending areas. These insights act as a foundational platform to develop strategic plans.

For example, a business might:

  • Streamline product offerings based on margin analysis.
  • Adjust pricing strategies to improve profitability.
  • Divest underperforming assets.
  • Reinvest in high-growth areas.

Businesses that utilise these insights together with professional advice from business advisors can achieve decisions that maintain financial stability and capitalise on market opportunities.

Aligning with Evolving Regulatory Expectations

The regulatory sector has recently placed greater emphasis on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) disclosures, cyber risk mitigation, and corporate transparency standards. Modern audits now cover expanded areas, which makes remaining proactive crucial for businesses.

Sydney-based audit firms, including Calibre’s partners, maintain up-to-date knowledge of current reporting standards and industry expectations. Businesses that maintain compliance while demonstrating proactive governance build a stronger reputation that attracts stakeholders, customers and investors.

Embedding a Culture of Continuous Review

A shift in mindset represents the most powerful legacy that results from a high-impact audit. Companies that approach audits simply as compliance exercises fail to realise opportunities for ongoing enhancement. Organisations that adopt the review and reflection process as part of their operations obtain a strategic advantage.

Audits as a Catalyst for Growth

An effective audit process has the power to act as a transformative force within businesses rather than being just a formality. Audits empower organisations to eliminate hidden weaknesses and financial misunderstandings while directing them toward operational an improvement, which enables them to solidify their core structure and capitalise on growth possibilities.

Businesses achieve maximum audit benefits when they partner with established professionals from organisations like Calibre Business Advisory. Audits transform from mere compliance tasks into vital instruments for sustained success through custom support and strategic execution.

Audit services in Sydney are a wise investment for businesses that want to access these growth opportunities. Organisations that combine curiosity with thorough preparation and a dedication to continual betterment during audits can improve their performance while establishing trust and succeeding in complex global environments.


Contributed by:

Resilience Strategies

Calibre Business Advisory
Level 8, 1 York St Sydney NSW 200

Web: https://calibreba.com.au/
Email: enquiries@calibreba.com.au
Phone: +61 2 9261 2177

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Ballards LLP Concludes Successful Fundraising Campaign for Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust https://agn.org/insight/ballards-llp-concludes-successful-fundraising-campaign-for-grace-kelly-childhood-cancer-trust/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:56:13 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206161 Worcestershire-based accountancy firm Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment have successfully concluded their fundraising campaign for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, raising over £5,000. Through determination and community spirit, employees from both companies demonstrated exceptional commitment to this vital cause. The campaign culminated in their festive “Jingle and Mingle” Christmas event, which provided a […]

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Worcestershire-based accountancy firm Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment have successfully concluded their fundraising campaign for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, raising over £5,000. Through determination and community spirit, employees from both companies demonstrated exceptional commitment to this vital cause.

The campaign culminated in their festive “Jingle and Mingle” Christmas event, which provided a significant boost to their fundraising total. Prior to this seasonal celebration, participants demonstrated their athletic commitment by completing a challenging 10-mile charity run, which proved to be a key fundraising activity.

March 2025 also marked a standout achievement in the campaign, as Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment proudly took home first place in the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust’s Corporate Challenge. Competing against other local firms to raise the most funds within a set time period, the team’s determination, creativity, and unwavering support from the community helped them emerge victorious. The win highlighted not just the generosity of their fundraising efforts, but the collaborative spirit that defined the entire campaign.

Earlier in the fundraising year, dedicated staff members from Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment took on various challenges to raise funds for the Trust. A group conquered the formidable Three Peaks Challenge, whilst one employee demonstrated remarkable courage with a charity skydive.

Matthew Clarke, Marketing Manager at Ballards LLP: “At Ballards LLP, we believe in making a positive impact in our community. Our partnership with Four Squared in support of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust has allowed us to do just that. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s commitment – whether it was completing our 10-mile charity run, winning the Corporate Challenge in March, or hosting events like our Jingle and Mingle Christmas celebration. Raising over £5,000 is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for a worthy cause. We’re honoured to have concluded this successful campaign supporting such an important organisation.”

Emma Richardson, Managing Director at Four Squared Recruitment, added: “We’re thrilled to have raised over £5,000 for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our team and our partners at Ballards have been truly inspiring. From conquering the Three Peaks to jumping out of planes – and even clinching the top spot in the Corporate Challenge – our employees have gone above and beyond to support this crucial cause. Our Jingle and Mingle Christmas event was a fantastic way to bring our community together and complete this important fundraising effort.”

The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was founded in memory of Grace Elizabeth Kelly, who passed away in 2014, leaving behind a wish to help other children. Grace’s wish has inspired and shaped the work that the Trust carries out today. The organisation funds research into rare childhood cancers, works towards earlier diagnosis of children with cancer, and provides support to families at all stages of their journey.

The partnership between Ballards LLP and Four Squared Recruitment in support of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust showcases the power of local businesses coming together for a common cause. Their combined efforts not only raised crucial funds but also increased awareness of childhood cancer and the important work carried out by the Trust.

Both companies express gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of their fundraising campaign and helped make a difference in the lives of children affected by cancer.

Head Office
Oakmoore Court
Kingswood Road
Hampton Lovett
Droitwich
WR9 7TD
ENGLAND

Contact Form
Tel: 01905 794504
Web: https://ballardsllp.com/

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Press Release: The AGN 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting Drives Collaboration Through Change https://agn.org/insight/2025-asia-pacific-regional-meeting-sets-the-stage-for-growth-and-deeper-collaboration/ Wed, 16 Jul 2025 08:00:42 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206129 Bangkok, July 11, 2025 – AGN International, a global association of independent accounting and advisory firms, recently held its 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, running in parallel with the Nexia APAC Regional Conference.  The two events brought together over 120 participants from both AGN and Nexia, offering a valuable opportunity to […]

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Bangkok, July 11, 2025 – AGN International, a global association of independent accounting and advisory firms, recently held its 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand, running in parallel with the Nexia APAC Regional Conference. 

The two events brought together over 120 participants from both AGN and Nexia, offering a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and further strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two associations in the region.

The meeting kicked off on the evening of 9 July with a traditional Thai welcome dinner, offering a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to get to know one another while experiencing the city’s culture. 

Learning and Growing Together

Thursday’s programme began with an AGN-only session, featuring a thought-provoking panel discussion on sustainability management, moderated by Kevin Bae and Tim Suryanata of Calibre Business Advisory (Australia and Singapore). Panellists from China, India, Indonesia, and New Zealand shared insights on in-demand services and key aspects of capability management across various jurisdictions. 

Andrew White from Ashfords, Australia, shared inspiring insights from the AGN Talent Secondment Programme, highlighting the benefits of cross-border collaboration through staff exchanges with Ballards LLP in the UK. 

Malcolm Ward, AGN Global CEO, and Mireia Rovira, AGN Director of Brand and Member Value, then led an engaging session on “Calibrating Your International Business Strategy.” They introduced key concepts to build international business strategy, highlighting some of the tools and resources available to members. This was followed by a workshop to discuss practical strategies and challenges in smaller groups.

Later in the day, delegates experienced some of Bangkok’s iconic culture, visiting Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), followed by a memorable dinner aboard the Horizon Cruise on the Chao Phraya River—enjoying five-star cuisine with stunning views of the city at night. 

Sharing Experiences and Building Value

Friday morning began with a breakfast discussion for women from AGN Asia Pacific firms, creating a supportive space to exchange stories, challenges, and successes. The session also aimed to guide firm leaders on how to attract, retain, and promote talent by understanding and embracing the unique challenges women face in the profession.

The half-day conference began with opening remarks delivered by Nexia’s APAC Chair, Krupal Kanakia, and AGN’s APAC Chair, Greg Cusack, then continued with updates on our collaborative alliance presented by Nexia’s CEO Matthew Howell, and AGN’s Global CEO Malcolm Ward. Delegates then dived into two key sessions: Nexia presented about Talent Management, focusing on career development frameworks, and AGN team focused on Building Value to Firms, showcasing the approach on member value with focus on the Technology space, in context with the transformation of the competitive space. A quick assessment showed how firms rated priorities on this area.

After lunch, some AGN delegates joined an optional tour to explore Ayutthaya—Thailand’s former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour included a visit to the Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal to learn about the cultural importance of elephants, a guided walk, through Ayutthaya Historical Park, and concluded with a scenic dinner at Grand Chaopraya Riverside Dining. 

“I’ve been a member of AGN for almost ten years. One of the key takeaways from this year’s conference was the importance of focusing more on international business — something that really stood out to me during Malcolm and Mireia’s session. This is also my second conference attended alongside Nexia members. It was great to reconnect with some I met last year and meet new ones. I really enjoyed connecting with them.”

Manoj ChawlaKNM, India

“It’s been a great experience to be part of the 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in Bangkok. I really enjoyed the sustainability management panel discussion on Thursday morning. I learned a lot, especially about regional collaborations and the challenges in the region. I’m going home with great memories.”

Yun Shan (Sandy) Lin, CPA at EnWise CPAs & Co, Taiwan

A Meaningful Gathering for the Region

The AGN Asia Pacific Regional Meeting 2025 blended insightful professional discussions with rich cultural experiences, helping members strengthen their connections and discover new ideas to support growth and collaboration across borders.

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Press Release: JRD Hosts the 2025 AGN German-Speaking Meeting in Warsaw, Poland https://agn.org/insight/2025-agn-german-speaking-meeting-in-warsaw-poland/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:40:10 +0000 https://agn.org/?post_type=insight&p=206098 The annual AGN German-Speaking Meeting took place in Warsaw from 28–30 June 2025. The event was hosted by JRD, a leading Polish tax advisory firm and AGN member since 2020. It welcomed 55 professionals from 11 countries and also featured representatives from AGN’s collaborative alliance, Nexia. A Warm Welcome to Warsaw The meeting began on […]

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The annual AGN German-Speaking Meeting took place in Warsaw from 28–30 June 2025. The event was hosted by JRD, a leading Polish tax advisory firm and AGN member since 2020. It welcomed 55 professionals from 11 countries and also featured representatives from AGN’s collaborative alliance, Nexia.

A Warm Welcome to Warsaw

The meeting began on Thursday evening with a relaxed networking cruise along the Vistula River, offering attendees panoramic views of the Warsaw skyline in summer light. The friendly atmosphere was immediately evident, with many participants reconnecting after some time apart. The informal setting helped to ease into meaningful conversations and re-establish personal connections – a hallmark of AGN events.

Focused and Forward-Looking: The Technical Program

Friday featured a full day of technical sessions tailored to current challenges and opportunities in cross-border professional practice. Topics included:

  • Insuring tax risk
  • Exit tax regulations across EU jurisdictions
  • The ESG Act: current legal status and implementation
  • Setting up a subsidiary in Poland and comparative EU holding structures
  • VAT treatment of e-commerce transactions and the legal framework for implementing VIDA

The day opened with a video address from AGN CEO Malcolm Ward, who provided a strategic update on the organisation’s global priorities and member initiatives.

A Cultural and Collaborative Experience

On Friday evening, attendees visited the historic Koneser Vodka Distillery, where they enjoyed a guided tour, tasting experience, and a short film produced by JRD Tax exclusively for the event. The program also included a talk on the Polish economy, a themed quiz, and a formal dinner at one of Warsaw’s top restaurants – an ideal setting for continued discussion and camaraderie.

On Saturday, those remaining took part in a guided tour of Warsaw’s Old Town, with time to explore its heritage sites and charming local streets. The cultural program added a deeper appreciation for the city and gave members more space to connect beyond the meeting room.

Shared Purpose and Lasting Value

The organisers extend their sincere thanks to all who participated, noting the high level of engagement, openness, and expertise shared across the weekend. The event reflected AGN’s ongoing commitment to building strong professional relationships, staying ahead of technical developments, and embracing the distinctiveness of its members.

Participant Reflections

“I would like to thank Tomasz and his colleagues for organising the AGN meeting in Warsaw. It was a very interesting meeting of German-speaking members of our association.”

— Martin Felenda, Partner, Schaffer & Partner, Prague

“Tomasz and his team at JRD did a great job hosting the German-speaking meeting of AGN in Warsaw. Great content, excellent speakers – and best of all, you felt the heart of the great people of Poland. It felt like home to me. Looking forward to our next exchange.”

— André Marius Le Prince, Partner, WLP GmbH, Hamburg

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