iwoca at QuickBooks Connect 2019

QuickBooks Connect at Old Billingsgate this year, hopefully this new venue will keep the ‘Beast from the East’ away (so we can enjoy the conference along with the feeling in all our extremities). Those who attended last year will definitely remember visiting every exhibitor hoping to be able to snag a free winter jacket or hoodie to keep warm.

Why are we excited?

QuickBooks Connect is one of the best conferences in our annual calendar, bringing together accountants and developers who are equally passionate about the latest tech innovations. Combining tech and accountancy helps make processes smoother and more straightforward for small business clients.

If the last two years are anything to go by, 2019 is set to be a fantastic event.

What are the speakers like?

Last year we were treated to a great array of talks.

• Chris Reeve (MD of Gascoynes Limited) discussed how firms are incorporating growth strategies and scaling up on their advisory services.
• Amanda C. Watts spoke about how to build a strong digital brand and win new clients. She was clear that people don’t buy what you do, people buy why you do it.
• A standout was Gary Neville. He spoke courageously about leaving Man Utd at the right time and how he set up businesses as a ‘safety net’, something that a lot of footballers fail to do.

As always, there’s an impressive line up of fabulous speakers to look forward to at this year’s event. We’re especially looking forward to:

• Will Farnell (author of The Digital Firm) is doing a panel talk with Stuart Hurst (UHY Hacker Young Manchester) and Emma Chesson (Kreston Reeves), discussing the importance of culture to building great teams in a changing digital world.
• We can’t wait to hear what physicist, television presenter and author, Prof. Brian Cox has to say. “Things can only get better”, after all.

Our Top Tips for getting the most out of QuickBooks Connect?

Some may argue taking days out from normal operations or client meetings to attend an event could be costly. However, the growing collection of tech-savvy accountants would say just the opposite. With the accounting profession changing at a record pace, making the most of events like QuickBooks Connect could help you differentiate your service in your next client meeting.

We find that at any conference or event, it’s important to keep an open mind, talk to everyone you have planned a meeting with, ask questions and follow up with the vendors that will benefit your firm and your clients.

For us, taking part in QuickBooks Connect gives us a fantastic opportunity to network with old friends and new-thinkers. It is a great platform to connect with Accountants and Bookkeepers that want to make a change in the accounting world...and hopefully we’ll get to party with Prof. Brian Cox, what's not to like?

Find out how to become an introducer to iwoca from our accountants page.

With the benefit of using platforms like intuit’s QuickBooks, firms are moving away from clunky gateway services. They’re able to support their clients by using cloud softwares, submit tax returns with just a few clicks and can generally play more of a business advisory role to their small business clients.

We hope that we’ll see you at the event this year, be sure to pop over to the K07 to say hi to the team.