Independent accountancy association DFK International held its DFK UK and Ireland Annual and Emerging Leaders Conference 2023 at The Grand Hotel, in Birmingham.

More than 120 delegates from firms based across 10 countries attended the event, the theme of which was ‘Come Together’.

The event saw delegates attend presentations from keynote speakers and participate in panel discussions as well as enjoy a range of social activities including a The Greatest Showman-themed gala ball.

DFK UK and Ireland has sponsored the national, regional and international DFK Firm of the Year Awards since 2020, offering winners a complimentary delegate place and accommodation for one of its conferences.

This resulted in the 2023 conference welcoming several guests from award-winning firms alongside delegates from UK and Ireland member firms.

The event focused on a number of powerful topics, including a keynote speech on the stigma surrounding mental health and a panel discussion on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), while emerging leaders in the profession focused on their development.

The conference also saw RPG Chartered Accountants, based in Manchester, announced as the 2023 DFK UK & Ireland Firm of the Year.

A programme of social events included the event’s annual golf tournament – which was this year held at The Belfry – as well as cocktail making, a Digbeth walking tour and interactive games at Flight Club.

The event was hosted by Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) – which has offices in Coventry and Leamington – and sponsored by Xero, Swoop, Gest On Line, FYI, C&R Consulting Group, Silverfin and Begbies Traynor Group.

Caroline Cassidy, DFK UKI and EMEA Executive Officer and Conference Manager, said: “The theme of this year’s conference was very special as although it was our UK and Ireland conference, it had a truly global feel.

“The event covered some extremely important topics, but this was combined with a lot of celebration which gave fantastic balance and was thoroughly enjoyed by guests.

“I would like to thank everyone in attendance – it was a very inclusive and enjoyable event which has resulted in lots of business referrals.

“We now look forward to our next DFK UK&I conference which will be held in Belfast in 2024 and is proudly sponsored by Visit Belfast.”

Mark Ashfield, Managing Director of HB&O and Chairman of DFK UK&I, added: “It was a huge privilege for HB&O to host this year’s conference and the work that was undertaken behind the scenes, from everyone involved, was tremendous.

“It’s extremely rewarding to have a part to play in bringing together like-minded people, all of whom greatly value the benefits of sharing knowledge, staying connected and building relationships, and being a member of DFK UK&I provides all of this and so much more.”

Independent accountancy and advisory firms who would like to learn more about becoming a member of DFK are asked to email Caroline Cassidy at caroline@dfk.com