In an industry that increasingly feels like a relentless race against deadlines and technology changes, Sam Tasker-Grindley believes there’s a simpler, more human solution.

At its core, MTD for Income Tax isn’t just another compliance headache, it’s a catalyst for change in bookkeeping practices. It’s digital record-keeping, quarterly updates to HMRC, and a big push towards using approved software solutions.

A traditional accountancy practice, paperwork spilling out from every corner, stacks so high you’d have to squeeze sideways just to enter the office. Something had to change.

When Stu speaks about Making Tax Digital (MTD), he knows your first instinct might be dread. More admin, more client education, more tech, change upon change.

In a world dominated by machine learning, AI, and automation, it’s easy to think that success hinges on technology alone. But according to Jo Wood at Engager LABS, what truly sets great accountants and bookkeepers apart is communication.

At Engager LABS, Lucy Brown took the stage with a mission. To make AML easier. To move beyond the checkbox mentality. To stop accountants from drowning in admin.

At Engager LABS, Karen took to the stage to explain why marketing and operations must be connected, not treated as separate entities.

You’ve built your accounting firm from scratch. You’ve got spreadsheets so detailed they deserve an award. Macros. If statements. Colour-coded tabs. And for a while, it works. Until it doesn’t.