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 30^th, 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/

The post Ballards LLP Celebrating Double Award Shortlisting appeared first on AGN International.

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).

The post Dains Group Grows National Presence with Acquisition of Barnes Roffe appeared first on AGN International.

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

The post Press Release: RPGCC Expands Leadership with Two Key Tax Partner Appointments appeared first on AGN International.

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

The post James Moore Announces Promotions at All Offices appeared first on AGN International.

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/

The post Ballards LLP Concludes Successful Fundraising Campaign for Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust appeared first on AGN International.

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 Chawla – KNM, 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.

The post Press Release: The AGN 2025 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting Drives Collaboration Through Change appeared first on AGN International.

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

The post Press Release: JRD Hosts the 2025 AGN German-Speaking Meeting in Warsaw, Poland appeared first on AGN International.

Bridging Generations, Building Unity

The 2025 Excellent+NextGen event launched with a standout intergenerational session, “Bridging the Generational Gap: How Can We Better Co-Exist?” This engaging workshop invited participants to examine—and laugh about—their generational quirks, from Gen Z’s digital-native instincts to Gen X’s just-get-on-with-it mindset. Through collaborative exercises, attendees uncovered ways to bridge generational divides and harness diverse perspectives for better team cohesion and stronger client service.

A lively evening activity and informal dinner provided time for deeper conversations among peers of all experience levels.

NextGen Track: Equipping Emerging Leaders

Friday’s NextGen Track began with a focused ESG Update, providing insights on the latest developments in sustainability reporting and regulation. Participants then dove into Advisory Development, analysing a strategic case study from the perspective of younger professionals and applying the Kotter change management framework to envision a future-ready firm.

In the afternoon, Elevating Digital Maturity encouraged NextGenners to assess their firm’s current digital standing and explore practical tools and strategies for technology adoption and innovation. The day concluded with a look at IT Audit and Financial Integrity, reinforcing the importance of strong digital governance across all service lines.

“The NextGen Track was really interactive—it gave us not just updates on ESG and tech trends, but a chance to apply real-world frameworks like Kotter’s to imagine how we can shape more agile and innovative firms. The sessions on digital maturity and IT governance were especially valuable in connecting strategy with practical action. The real discovery was learning the differences between what was important to our generation in comparison to our firm partners generation.”

Jasmin Weckerle, Tax Advisor, Wirtschaftstreuhand, Germany

Firm Leader Track: Strategic Vision for NowGen

Firm Partners followed a parallel Firm Leader Track, beginning with an AGN Update before delving into their own version of Elevating Digital Maturity. The session provided high-level strategic insight into how firms can strengthen their digital capabilities and remain competitive in an evolving market.

Later, during Advisory Development 2, Firm Leaders were briefed on the strategic decisions made by their NextGen counterparts earlier in the day. Using the same case study, NowGen teams tackled practical implementation challenges—finance, delivery, and change management—highlighting the value of intergenerational dialogue in shaping advisory success.

The track concluded with an ESG Update for NowGen, where leaders explored how emerging regulations will affect firm operations and client advisory.

“Focused topics, some considered to be the ‘elephant in the room’, such as generational issues addressed and navigated in practical rather than conceptual means to equip us delegates to navigate these issues .”

Steve Johnson, Head of Audit – Partner, RPGCC, UK

Andy Bewick, Partner at Ballards LLP commented, “I’ve really benefitted from relevant content, digital maturity, ESG and the interaction with NextGen from other EMEA firms has been a refreshing addition to the conference.”

The post 2025 Excellent+NextGen in Mallorca Unites Generations and Embraces Digital Evolution appeared first on AGN International.

The Georgia Titan 100 program highlights the most accomplished business leaders across a range of industries, selected based on criteria that include exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.

As CEO and Managing Partner of Windham Brannon, a leading accounting and advisory firm based in Atlanta, Heidi exemplifies the values that define the Titan 100. Her visionary leadership has not only propelled Windham Brannon to new levels of growth and innovation but also made a lasting impact on the broader business and professional services community in Georgia.

The Titan 100 are recognised for more than just professional success—they are celebrated for shaping the future of their industries and communities through bold decisions, strategic foresight, and a clear commitment to excellence. Heidi’s inclusion on this prestigious list is a powerful affirmation of her contributions and a reflection of the calibre of leadership within the AGN association.

Team members from Windham Brannon attended the 2025 Titan 100 celebration event in Atlanta, joining fellow honorees and leaders from across the region. It was an inspiring evening filled with shared accomplishments and forward-looking ideas—reinforcing just how valuable it is to have leaders like Heidi setting the pace for the profession..

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Heidi on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership continues to inspire not only her team at Windham Brannon but also fellow AGN members around the globe. We’re proud to count her among our own.

About Windham Brannon

Windham Brannon is a full-service accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA, offering a wide range of services to businesses and individuals. With more than 60 years of experience, the firm has built a strong reputation for its expertise in advisory, assurance, tax, and industry-specific solutions. Windham Brannon prides itself on its collaborative work environment, commitment to client service and the professional development of its team members.

For more information about Windham Brannon’s, visit www.windhambrannon.com.

The post 2025 Georgia Titan 100: AGN Member Heidi LaMarca Named Among Top Business Leaders appeared first on AGN International.

The award was announced, along with other recipients of the 2025 Marketing Achievement Awards, during the association’s annual summit in Phoenix, AZ. The team competed against marketing departments from several nationally known firms for the honor.

The James Moore marketing team was recognized for their efforts to better reach the construction industry, including monthly newsletters, long-form guides, a webinar campaign and more. The results of their work included a 231% increase in web traffic to construction-related content and a top five Google ranking in organic search for select keywords. Additionally, digital marketing efforts became the second biggest source of new business for clients in the industry.

“At James Moore, we’ve always believed in the importance of innovation and forward-thinking growth strategies,” said firm CEO Suzanne Forbes. “Our marketing department’s work in this vein shows how a robust digital foundation can drive sustainable growth. We’re incredibly proud of their achievement!”

The AAM is a national association that provides education, community and resources for accounting firms, CPAs, consulting firm marketing and sales professionals, partners, firm administrators and representatives of businesses offering products and services to the accounting industry and marketing professionals.

James Moore, founded in 1964, is a business consulting firm with offices in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Gainesville, Ocala and Tallahassee, Florida. The firm specialises in providing tax, auditing, accounting and controllership, data analytics, human resources, technology and wealth management services to clients nationwide.

CONTACT:

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

The post James Moore Marketing Wins 2025 AAM Content Marketing Award appeared first on AGN International.