Exeter branch wins ‘Branch of the Year’ award from AAT

The Exeter branch of AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) has been named ‘Branch of the Year’ at the AAT Professional Member Awards.

Held at the De Vere Beaumont Estate in Windsor on Thursday 8 June 2017, the awards are designed to celebrate AAT’s professional members, and acknowledge their excellent and inspiring achievements. The Exeter branch impressed the panel for its varied CPD programme, its involvement with the local community, and some innovative ideas on how to improve its event experience.

The Exeter branch committee holds an event programme for local AAT members that has a balance of core and innovative topics to appeal to a wide range of members, while ensuring that hot topics – such as cyber security, cloud computing and making tax digital – are also covered.
The branch committee also holds strong links with various other accounting bodies such as CIMA and ACCA, putting on joint events that enable engagement with the wider local accounting community, something that the judging panel gave particular praise for. It mainly uses local speakers for discussions, giving attendees increased networking opportunities with local businesses, while it engages fully in AAT branch network training events and regional forums by regularly sending representatives along.

AAT has 48 branches across the UK, acting on a voluntary basis to provide over 350 free events in order for AAT members to build their skills, knowledge and networks.

After picking up the award, Jonathan Kendall, chairperson of the AAT Exeter branch, said: “The Exeter branch committee works effectively as a team for the success of the branch. We have something for every type of accountant, and we are determined to make 2017 even better by covering a range of relevant topics to attract a wide range of AAT members, while guests are always welcomed.”

Nicky Fisher, AAT President, said: “As a result of the quality and volume of submissions received, our judges had a very tough task both in putting together the final shortlists and then choosing the overall winners. We’d like to congratulate all winners and shortlisted members for their achievements, and I’m confident these awards will become an integral part of AAT Annual Conferences to come.”