By AAT Comment Community AAT, Connected 11 Nov 2025 The ultimate one-day member experience came back with a bang. On 7 November 2025, members came together at The Brewery in central London for our second year of AAT Connect – an event developed by you, for you. Together, we had a great time blending ideas from practice, business and industry. What we’re all about AAT Connect and the Impact Awards bring the community together to learn, have fun and celebrate your achievements. Friday’s event was buzzy and exciting, and an inspiring chance to hear about how your work is making a real-world difference. Experts shared insights on the changes and challenges shaping our market. The agenda was packed with member-led panels, interactive sessions, and chances to network, and we explored automation, client growth, ethical use of AI and more. AAT President Lucy Cohen FMAAT said, “AAT Connect showcases just how much skill and experience we have across our membership and our eagerness to develop further. We’re all here because of the value of lifelong learning, whether that’s members with decades of experience or those who are newly entering the profession. Lifelong learning keeps us resilient and ready for change.“ AAT CEO Sarah Beale FMAAT said “Being a member of AAT is about belonging – belonging to a positive community that supports, inspires, and lifts each other up. When we come together to share ideas, trade experiences, and help each other, amazing things happen. “We not only strengthen individual careers, we inspire people to believe in themselves, we improve the profession as a whole, and together we create a network where every member has the chance to grow, thrive, and so very often to give back, and be part of something bigger.” Celebrating your successes Comedian (and former accountant!) Samantha Day hosted the AAT Impact Awards 2025. Congratulations to everyone nominated. The winners were: AAT Practice of the Year Award: Ginger Bucks AAT Finance Professional of the Year: Clare Elliott FMAAT AAT Bookkeeper of the Year: Reem Manchee FMAAT AAT International Champion Award: Muhammad Uzair Malik MAAT AAT Inspiration Award: Karyn Kobi-Jackson MAAT AAT Triumph Award: Ian Morgan FMAAT AAT Digital Finance Pioneer Award: Clare Elliott FMAAT AAT Finance Leadership Award: Emma Hannant FMAAT AAT Rising Star Award: Grace Hardy MAAT AAT Social Sustainability Champion Award: Md Rashed Ahmed FMAAT AAT Community Impact Award: Hannah Deakin MAAT AAT Outstanding Contribution Award: Grace Hardy MAAT AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.