With the entry deadline for the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2024 fast approaching, it’s time to reflect on some of our past entrants and winners, and their experience entering the awards and attending the ceremony.
Founded in 1987, KPMG is a global network of independent firms offering audit, tax, legal, and advisory services to a diverse client base spanning various industries. These include finance, software, electronics, manufacturing, energy, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare.
Euan West is the senior office partner for the firm’s Leeds branch; he took the time to reflect on KPMG’s successes in the 2023 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards:
Can you share your experience with the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, from the application process to the awards ceremony? What motivated you to enter?
We have entered the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards for years and our experience has always been positive. The application process is easy to follow and the awards ceremonies are always fantastic, a great celebration of the work of accountants in the region.
What specific category or categories did you enter, and what was the focus or achievements that you highlighted in your submission?
A few of our teams in Yorkshire enter different categories, having entered the Large Firm of the Year, Tax Service Award and Corporate Finance Service Award categories last year. I was involved in our Large Firm of the Year entry, which we were delighted to win. It is great to have our commitment and work in the region recognised through this award.
Our entry focused on our ethos and priorities both as a firm and also locally. We believe one of the biggest things that sets us apart is our people – they really are at the forefront of everything we do. It was great to bring this to life in our submission, as well focus on the work we do in the community and with organisations locally.
What advice would you give to someone considering entering the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards for the first time? Are there any strategies or tips you found particularly helpful?
Be genuine and look at the real impact you are having on the region. Be sure to bring it to life with examples.
How has winning or being nominated for a Yorkshire Accountancy Award impacted your professional reputation and credibility within the Accountancy community?
I’m always proud to say we’re winners of Large Firm of the Year at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, both internally to our people and externally to our clients, as it is recognition of our people’s hard work and dedication to the region. It helps set us apart.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known or done differently when preparing your submission for the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards?
I’m proud of the work we do and I feel like we accurately captured our contributions in our submission so I wouldn’t change anything.
Entries for the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards are open now and the shortlist will be out just in time for Christmas. If you think you have what it takes to take home a win next year, get your submissions in now to be in with a chance of having your company’s achievements deservedly recognised in 2024.