Hi All, Apologies for the long entry but just to get things moving. Following recent forum conversations and my communication with Ken (ICB regional Chair) and Arianna (who is now forming the Preston Branch), I would like to put forward my intentions of forming a North West Branch also.
The proposal is to form the ICB Manchester and Cheshire Branch. The aim is to arrange meetings on a regular basis with the opportunity to meet, exchange knowledge / experience and ideas. In the first instance it is my aim to arrange an initial meeting for all those interested in a location, at a time that is most suitable to all at the end of January. (Obviously not to clash with the Preston Branch meeting). From this initial meeting it can be discussed of what we would like to achieve, what we would like to learn, and how we can grow into a successful supportive network. The Manchester and Cheshire Branch is not working in competition with the Preston Branch as I hope that maybe we can have the occasional joint meeting. I would also add that you are free to attend multiple branches. After the initial meeting then as an on-going basis, I would envisage to have a list of future topics that we would like to be covered in future meetings by way of delivering our own presentations/discussions or by way of guest speakers from businesses in the surrounding areas.
You probably have noticed my name already, but a brief description of myself. My name is Christopher Wales and I work as a Member in Practice of the AAT and the ICB running my own Accountancy and Bookkeeping practice in Stockport, Cheshire. I have worked in accountancy since the age of 17 and I am now 35. I am a Fellow Member of the AAT.
I would be willing to provide myself a few future topics to get the branch up and running by offering short meetings on topics such as Sage Accounts, Sage Payroll, Quickbooks, VT and perhaps Excel topics such as Pivot Tables and how useful they can be producing accounts. Certain topics may also count towards CPD. (This is also open to Arianna for the Preston meetings if you would like me to deliver at your venue).
Obviously, it is about us all and anyone is welcome and encouraged to share input, and I am putting this forward as a starting point. I am willing to run the branch but will need assistance and more importantly attending members! We are backed by the ICB but we will be required to be self-funding, so small charges may apply towards venue settings, and tea / coffee ect., but I am hoping to keep this to a minimum.
If you would like to register your interest please send me an email with brief details of who and where you are and what you do and also whatever details you feel relevant and dates and times that are convenient for you.
I know we are all busy with Christmas so I will hope by the 15th January to have a list of interested people and a proposed date and venue for our first meetings.
My email address is accounts@cwalesaccountancy.co.uk I look forward to hearing your replies,
Christopher.
Edited at 16 Dec 2011 07:29 PM GMT
Edited at 16 Dec 2011 07:32 PM GMT
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