Connecting with you, and the future

Last week’s AAT Connect offered the chance to strengthen bonds with a new range of contacts in the heart of London.

On Friday 8 November, AAT held AAT Connect at the Brewery, in the heart of the City. The event brought together members in business and practice, academics, tech experts and more.

As AAT’s first hybrid event, AAT Connect was a test of whether it was possible to combine online and in-person events into a seamless whole. And evidence from the day suggests that, with the right balance of compelling sessions and enough time for networking, you can.

Delegates arriving at the Brewery had already had the chance to make connections via various LinkedIn groups and chats. The idea was simple; allow members the chance to forge connections prior to the in-person part to ensure they could make the most of the day, deepening the relationships already struck up online. Delegates got to enjoy the buzz of a packed venue and grab the chance to bring connections to life.

Once at the venue, those in attendance were able to attend a series of sessions aimed at offering a broad perspective on the challenges facing those in the profession. While one stream dealt with advice on pursuing a rewarding career through developing a personal brand and better work/life balance, the other focused on the challenges – and enormous opportunities – presented by the growing use of AI.

Delegates heard from a range of experts including practice owners, technology gurus and high flyers within growing businesses, in a friendly and relaxed setting. As one delegate put it, “Today’s been a great opportunity to meet new contacts and hear from some experts on how they’re navigating the next challenges to come.”

AAT Impact Awards 2024

Once the morning sessions were done and dusted, the AAT Impact Awards 2024 were presented over a Gala lunch. These awards aim to recognise the incredible strength, talent and diversity within the profession by highlighting the great work of AAT members in a whole variety of ways.

Opening the ceremony was the AAT Excellence Award, presented to an individual who has been hugely impactful in their career to date. 2024’s winner was Jessica Brindle FMAAT, who embodied the award’s credo of influencing change within an organisation.

“I’m super proud, super excited to have won the award. I didn’t think I was going to win, but it’s the icing on the cake of a great day.”

Jessica Brindle FMAAT

Sponsored by Intuit Quickbooks, the AAT One to Watch Award acknowledged and celebrated individuals early in their careers who have already shown exceptional progress in their skills development and studies. This year’s winner was Julie Spence AATQB.

“I am so overwhelmed right now. It really does mean everything to me to win, I’ve overcome so many challenges in the past year. We’re breaking down the barrier of what it means to be an accountant, and what an accountant looks like.”

Julie Spence AATQB

It’s fair to say that everyone starting out in the profession needs role models. That’s why the AAT Inspiration Award is so important – it recognises someone who has inspired others to level-up in their careers. It will be someone who goes above and beyond their remit with passion – supporting peers, colleagues, students or mentees and encouraging them to achieve their best. It was fitting, therefore, that William Boardman MAAT was this year’s recipient.

“Within my role as AAT Tutor it’s less about me and more about my students – it’s not necessarily my achievement but that of all the people I’ve helped over the years. I’m a bit surprised actually as there were some great candidates, so I’m honoured to receive the award.”

Will Boardman MAAT

Other members to receive awards included

AAT Influence Award

Rosie Berridge FMAAT

“I’m honoured and thrilled to be recognised by AAT, it’s been such a big thing in my life and AAT has given me such an opportunity. I use the opportunities I’ve had from AAT to advocate for others. In the practice I support a lot of apprentices and I’m keen on the qualification so it’s a really easy thing to shout about and encourage people on that same pathway. It’s amazing to have that recognition, it’s really overwhelming.”

AAT Triumph Award

David Bennett MAAT

AAT Global Champion Award

Paul Lyn FMAAT

“I’m elated, this means the world to me. AAT has been the foundation of my development from the early 80s. I’ve been in accounting for 30 years and I’ve put a lot of work in. AAT has been the driving force, this has been a long time coming and I’m very proud. The long flight from Jamaica was worth it.”

AAT Professional Member of the Year (MAAT/FMAAT) Award, sponsored by Capium

Ellis Harris-Boulter MAAT AATQB

“I’m so honoured to receive this award, I can’t quite believe it, I’m so so grateful. Winning the award means everything – I’m absolutely over the moon.”

AAT Professional Member of the Year (AATQB) Award

Zara Farr AATQB

“I’m shaking. You never expect to win, it’s amazing. I’ve worked really hard over the past year – I made the leap from paid employment to starting my own bookkeeping practice in October 2023 and I’ve had so much support from AAT to do that. It feels really, really good, I’m so grateful.”

AAT Licensed Member of the Year Award, sponsored by Sage

Andrew Smith FMAAT

“I’m elated, I’m looking forward to telling my wife and kids, and my team – it’s a team award. Practice doesn’t run without them and it’s shared between us. I’m chuffed to bits with the team, it’s nice for them to be recognised. I’m a big advocate of the apprenticeship role, my apprentices have gone on to bigger and better things and I’m really proud of what they do.”

Finally, the AAT Past President Award was presented to Carbolic Moroka MAAT. This award, among the most prestigious handed out by AAT, celebrates outstanding commitment and contribution to AAT’s strategy by a professional member.

Carbolic said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the AAT Past President Award. To stand here today, reflecting on a journey that began in 2006 when I joined the branch as treasurer, brings such a mix of pride, gratitude, and nostalgia. Those early years were a period of growth and learning, where I was fortunate to work with some truly remarkable individuals who demonstrated what it means to serve with dedication and integrity.”

Carbolic, who was appointed Vice Chair and eventually Chairman from 2016 to 2024, said “Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated milestones, and continued to build a strong community for our members. I owe so much of this honour to my colleagues, mentors, and friends at the AAT branch. Your support, encouragement and hard work have been essential to everything we’ve achieved. To the team members and volunteers who shared in the work and joy of serving our community, this recognition is just as much yours as it is mine.

“As I look back on these years, I am filled with a sense of pride in what we have built together and hope for a brighter future. I am confident that, as the next generation of leaders takes the reigns, they will continue to elevate our branch and create even greater impacts.”

Wrapping up

AAT President Michael Steed said, “AAT Connect brings our member community together to learn from each other, share expertise, and celebrate success. It was fantastic to see members from right across the profession so thoroughly engaged.

“We can learn so much from each other, from those at the coalface. The quality of member-led sessions show exactly why AAT’s dynamic and diverse membership is at the heart of everything we do.

“Accountancy professionals are under growing pressure to stay relevant with modern ways of working and changes in technology and regulation. The reaction from members who attended tells me we’ve helped them keep their practice relevant, and much more.

AAT CEO Sarah Beale said, “Based on the terrific, enthusiastic support from those in attendance and from those who wish they’d come, we can confirm that AAT Connect will be back next year. The response has blown us away, quite frankly.

“We noticed a gap in what our members and most professionals were missing. To support networking, an event needs to have opportunities for downtime and moments of fun. They can be just as important as the serious stuff – and the evidence shows they’re actually more important when it comes to growing attendees’ confidence and professional networks”.

Christian Doherty is a business journalist and freelance writer for AAT.