DFK UK & Ireland’s Annual Conference in Leeds enjoyed a
record turnout with over 120 delegates from more than 15 countries in
attendance.

Hosted by Brown Butler, this year’s Annual Conference
combined DFK’s young professionals conference for the first time in line with
the group’s theme of ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders’.

Peter Winter, chairman of DFK UK & Ireland, was keen to
highlight the advantages of having such a diverse range of delegates attend the
event.

He said: “Combining our annual conference and young
professionals conference proved a tremendous success.

“Delegates had the opportunity to interact with partners
from other firms with a range of industry experience – it definitely improved
the dynamic of the event.

“We hope by running the annual conference and young
professionals conference together, we will help to inspire the next generation
of accountants and business advisors.”

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the event was sponsored by
PayDashboard, Keys Finance, and Virtual Cabinet.

Delegates also took part in a guided tour of Harewood House,
one of the Treasure Houses of England, go karting and a visit to an escape
room.

Caroline Cassidy, executive officer of DFK UK & Ireland,
said: “Our annual conference continues to go from strength to strength, as
reflected by a record attendance.

“It was an honour to welcome delegates from Cyprus, Hong
Kong, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the US, in addition to members from our
UK and Ireland firms.

“Having such a wide range of nationalities and professional
experience certainly enriched the event and we look forward to welcoming even
more people next year.”

The event culminated with the Grand Yorkshire Dinner held at
the Aspire building, once home to Yorkshire Penny Bank, later known as
Yorkshire Bank.

Fittingly, it was the hosts, celebrating their 100th
anniversary, that were awarded DFK UK & Ireland Firm of the Year, as voted
for by fellow members.

James White, Director at Brown Butler, said: “We are
thrilled to have won the DFK UK & Ireland Firm of the Year Award,
particularly in this our Centenary Year is a real honour.

“To have been nominated and voted for by our fellow members
makes the Award even more special.”

Peter Winter was pleased to announce to members details of
two new initiatives for 2020. The first is a drive to have more than 30 members
from UK & Ireland to attend the EMEA Annual Conference in Madrid from 6-8
February, which, like the UK & Ireland’s Annual Conference, will combine
the EMEA’s young professionals conference.

DFK UK & Ireland will also sponsor the associations
International & Regional Firm of the Year Awards throughout 2020, with the
winner receiving a place at next year’s UK & Ireland Annual Conference.

Plans are already underway for next year’s UK & Ireland
conference which will be hosted by RMT Accountants and Business Advisors, and
will be held from October 7 to 9, 2020, in Newcastle.