Welcome to a new edition of The Journal.
As this is my first article since our AGM, I want to begin by saying what an honour and privilege it is to serve as Chairperson of the Ulster Society. Having been involved with the Society for over a decade, I have witnessed the commitment, professionalism and generosity of our members, and I am genuinely excited about what we can achieve together in the year ahead.
I would also like to congratulate my predecessor, Mark Lawther, on his year as Chair. Mark made a tremendous impact during his term, particularly through his work to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and I look forward to building on those strong foundations as we focus on the contribution our members make across Northern Ireland.
I would also like to acknowledge Pamela McCreedy’s term as President of Chartered Accountants Ireland. As an Ulster Society member, we are very proud of her contribution to our profession and all that she has achieved.
Difference Makers
My theme for the year is Difference Makers: a celebration of the impact Chartered Accountants have every day in business, public life, voluntary organisations and local communities across Northern Ireland.
Chartered Accountants play an extraordinary role across Northern Ireland. As Trusted Business Advisers, our members are helping to steer the business community, boost the local economy, strengthen the public and voluntary sectors, and support clubs and community organisations.
Much of this work happens quietly, with our members helping businesses to grow, organisations to succeed, opportunities to be created and communities to thrive.
Behind many of Northern Ireland’s success stories, there is a Chartered Accountant helping to make things happen.
I want to celebrate that contribution and demonstrate the difference our members make every day – with their clients, their organisations and in their local communities.
I also want to show policymakers the huge difference Trusted Business Leadership can make for Northern Ireland, while ensuring that young people considering their future careers understand the purpose, opportunity and impact that a career in Chartered Accountancy can offer.
Above all, I want our members to know that their work is seen, respected and valued — not only by the Society, but by the businesses, organisations and communities they support every day.
Northern Ireland’s potential
While our Society recognises where things can be improved, we remain optimistic about Northern Ireland — about its people, its business community and its prospects for growth.
Northern Ireland punches well above its weight. Our resilience and determination are part of who we are, and we want to see Northern
Ireland achieve its full potential.
We will continue to make the case for a bold and credible economic strategy that creates the conditions for investment and growth, including making full use of Northern Ireland’s dual market access.
With the right economic levers and a clear sense of ambition, Northern Ireland can be a real success story — creating high-value jobs while helping us tackle public sector reform, healthcare, housing and the many other issues affecting people across our society.
Growing the profession
Supporting the future growth of the profession will also remain a key priority.
Chartered Accountants Ireland continues to encourage more organisations across all sectors to become training organisations and invest in developing the next generation of Chartered Accountants. It is particularly encouraging to see more trainees qualifying across industry, business, financial services, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, alongside the traditional Practice routes.
We are seeing encouraging growth in training within business, and we are keen to see that continue. The Institute’s flexible modular enrolment options and adaptive learning approach make training more accessible, while providing a valuable qualification for both trainees and employers.
Looking ahead
The strength of the Ulster Society is built on the contribution of our members and the commitment of our volunteers and staff. I am extremely fortunate to have the support of our 99 volunteers, our local team, the wider Institute and, of course, our members.
We will continue to listen to you, support you and ensure your voice is heard clearly and effectively.
The year ahead will bring challenges, but it also brings significant opportunities. I look forward to meeting members across Northern Ireland, working with you to strengthen our profession, and celebrating the extraordinary contribution Chartered Accountants make every day as true Difference Makers.
