Welcome to the April issue of CA magazine, at the start of what is an exceptionally busy and exciting period for ICAS.
We have a preview of the ICAS Sustainability Summit 2025, on 23 April, including an interview with keynote speaker and Chair of the Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee, Sally Duckworth.
Sustainability reporting will soon be a part of life for every working CA and Sally provides some sage advice for anyone yet to get to grips with this. The summit is in its third year, but it has already become a key event in the calendar for companies and CAs leading the way on sustainability.
This issue sees the birth of the magazine’s new regular strand, Ethical Leaders, in which we shine a light on CAs working for companies and organisations at the forefront of sustainability and ethical practices. In this issue we hear from two CAs who work for GrowUp Farms, one of the leading lights in vertical farming. On 3 June, we broadcast our first Ethical Leadership Forum, with journalist Nick Wallis, who did so much to uncover the Post Office scandal, discussing the risks inherent in any rapid wholesale shift to AI.
Also this month, ICAS hosts its annual AGM, where we announce the new President and members of ICAS Council. In her penultimate column, President Alison Cornwell CA writes about the benefits that volunteering for ICAS Council or one of our boards, panels and committees can have for a CA’s career. You also find more details about the AGM, including how to vote on the motions, here.
We also have the first details for our annual Practice Conference, on 11 June, including the speaker line-up and a chance to book your place.
And finally, we often champion the impact our members have beyond our profession. I particularly recommend our interview with Ian Gray CA, whose life was changed when a routine check-up alerted him to his fatty liver, a notoriously under-diagnosed problem. This led him to found Edinburgh’s first clinic dedicated to liver scans – which could save the NHS a small fortune, and some people a great deal more than that.
Enjoy the issue.
Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communications
Register for the 2025 AGM
Welcome to the April issue of CA magazine, at the start of what is an exceptionally busy and exciting period for ICAS.
We have a preview of the ICAS Sustainability Summit 2025, on 23 April, including an interview with keynote speaker and Chair of the Sustainability Disclosure Technical Advisory Committee, Sally Duckworth.
Sustainability reporting will soon be a part of life for every working CA and Sally provides some sage advice for anyone yet to get to grips with this. The summit is in its third year, but it has already become a key event in the calendar for companies and CAs leading the way on sustainability.
This issue sees the birth of the magazine’s new regular strand, Ethical Leaders, in which we shine a light on CAs working for companies and organisations at the forefront of sustainability and ethical practices. In this issue we hear from two CAs who work for GrowUp Farms, one of the leading lights in vertical farming. On 3 June, we broadcast our first Ethical Leadership Forum, with journalist Nick Wallis, who did so much to uncover the Post Office scandal, discussing the risks inherent in any rapid wholesale shift to AI.
Also this month, ICAS hosts its annual AGM, where we announce the new President and members of ICAS Council. In her penultimate column, President Alison Cornwell CA writes about the benefits that volunteering for ICAS Council or one of our boards, panels and committees can have for a CA’s career. You also find more details about the AGM, including how to vote on the motions, here.
We also have the first details for our annual Practice Conference, on 11 June, including the speaker line-up and a chance to book your place.
And finally, we often champion the impact our members have beyond our profession. I particularly recommend our interview with Ian Gray CA, whose life was changed when a routine check-up alerted him to his fatty liver, a notoriously under-diagnosed problem. This led him to found Edinburgh’s first clinic dedicated to liver scans – which could save the NHS a small fortune, and some people a great deal more than that.
Enjoy the issue.
Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communications
Register for the 2025 AGM
CONTENTS
Sally Duckworth
‘This is an opportunity, not a burden’
Sally Duckworth
‘This is an opportunity, not a burden’
Ian Gray CA
Organic growth
Ian Gray CA
Organic growth
Faisal Islam
‘Economics lets you see around corners’
Faisal Islam
‘Economics lets you see around corners’
CAs and conservation
Two CAs – one from the National Trust for Scotland, one from Scottish Wildlife Trust – on their work protecting the great outdoors
CAs and conservation
Two CAs – one from the National Trust for Scotland, one from Scottish Wildlife Trust – on their work protecting the great outdoors
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GrowUp Farms
The only way is up
GrowUp Farms
The only way is up
News and Comment
Special Report
Sustainability Summit 2025
This year’s summit comes at a pivotal time, with new reporting standards to aid the net zero transition expected imminently
Inside ICAS
For the Record
Member information, events and updates, including an open door for the armed forces
Learning & Development
Finance Directors’ Update is a must for developments in tax and regulation
Editor in Chief Sarah Speirs
Head of Communications Stevie Brown
Content and Communication Manager Hilde Oesterkloeft
Content and Communication Executives Dylan Tom, Ross Walter
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