Over 130 of Northern Ireland’s Chartered Accountants will fly to Washington DC this week for a Conference examining cross-Atlantic business links. The Icons and Influence Conference in Washington DC, organised by Chartered Accountants Ulster Society and supported by Danske Bank, will take place from 3rd to 6th May and will feature a networking reception with American business leaders. The Conference features a range of speakers on the themes of business development between Northern Ireland and the USA, including companies which currently trade in America. Chartered Accountants Ulster Society is working with the Northern Ireland Bureau, Northern Ireland’s diplomatic mission in North America, to deliver the event in Washington DC. Speakers at the Icons and Influence Conference will include Shaun Kelly, Global Chief Operating Officer of KPMG International; Rory Brannigan, CEO of Belfast firm ISDM Solutions which has an office in Washington DC; Patrick Wilson of Cummins Inc; Toby Harnden, Washington Chief for The Sunday Times; Richard Cushnie, First Secretary of the Northern Ireland Bureau; and John McCourt of RSM US LLP. The Conference will also examine the links between business, Government and lobbyists in the corridors of power in Washington DC. Niall Harkin, Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, said:  “We’re delighted to be bringing a sell-out audience of business leaders to the US Capital for what will be a fascinating Conference and an important networking opportunity for our members. “The Icons and Influence Conference will look at practical experiences of businesses entering the US market and we’ll also be hearing from political lobbyists about how they work with government structures in Washington DC. “We have an opportunity to hear first-hand about the current climate for business and investment from the US. With the impact of Brexit looming, American links could be more important than ever before. “We are extremely grateful to our partner, Danske Bank for their help in shaping this event. Our partnership with Danske Bank stretches back to 2001, covering fifteen conferences in cities such as New York, Lisbon, Chicago, Munich, Toronto, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Boston and Amsterdam. The partnership is an integral part of the success of our Conferences.” Shaun McAnee, Managing Director of Corporate and Business Banking, Danske Bank, said: “At Danske Bank we are extremely proud of our long association with Chartered Accountants Ireland’s Ulster Society and we continue to recognise the essential role the accounting profession plays in the ongoing development of the Northern Ireland economy. “We’re committed to playing our part by supporting our customers as they make important decisions on investment and expansion. We look forward to gaining fresh insights from the Icons and Influence conference that will benefit our customers, in particular those who are trading with the US or would like to do so.” Pictured ahead of the Washington DC Conference are Shaun McAnee of Danske Bank; Zara Duffy, Head of Chartered Accountants Northern Ireland; and Niall Harkin of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society.

Niall Harkin has been elected Chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society at its 111th Annual General Meeting in Belfast. The Ulster Society represents 4,500 local Chartered Accountants and is a district society of Chartered Accountants Ireland, the largest and oldest professional accountancy body in Ireland. Mr Harkin, who takes over as Chair from Pamela McCreedy, is Head of Organisational Development, Corporate & Business Banking with Danske Bank with whom he has worked since 2009. Addressing the Society’s AGM, he said: “The year ahead is a crucial one for Northern Ireland. It is a year in which the UK will leave the EU, bringing both significant challenges and opportunities. “The Ulster Society has an important role to play in terms of providing an effective voice for local business. At this time of political uncertainty, it is vital that we adapt and engage with government and other key influencers to ensure that our members’ voice is heard. “We will also draw upon the ability, experience and expertise within our membership to provide guidance for the local business community as the realities of Brexit unfold. In the year ahead we will work to bring a greater understanding of the impacts and complexities of new trading arrangements. “We will do all we can to ensure that local business can both survive and thrive in the new relationship between Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the EU. I know that our membership will embrace the challenges and I look forward to leading the Ulster Society in the year ahead.” During his first speech as Chairman, Mr Harkin also said that he would seek to encourage a new generation to the profession by showcasing the value of Chartered Accountancy skills and training and by highlighting the varied career paths offered by the qualification. Prior to joining Danske Bank, Mr Harkin held the role of Finance Director with Resource Services Group and worked in the Corporate Finance department of Deloitte. Mr Harkin trained as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Before becoming Vice Chair of the Ulster Society in 2017, Mr Harkin served as Honorary Secretary of the Society and has been an active member of the Society’s Committees since 2009. Away from the office, Mr Harkin is married with two children and is a keen golfer who enjoys running and boxing to keep fit. Pictured after the Ulster Society’s AGM is new Chartered Accountants Ulster Society Chairman Niall Harkin.

The Ulster Society has appointed leading legal firm A&L Goodbody as its legal partner. The partnership will see A&L Goodbody supporting a series of Ulster Society’s key events during the year. A&L Goodbody will also provide a new series of events and webcasts examining a range of legal issues that are relevant to the accounting profession. A&L Goodbody is internationally recognised as one of the leading corporate law firms in Ireland, and was named Irish Law Firm of the Year for 2017 at The Lawyer European Awards.  The new agreement will see the two organisations partnering over the next three years. Pamela McCreedy, Chair of the Ulster Society said: “We are delighted to appoint A&L Goodbody as a key partner and we look forward to a long and constructive association. “A&L Goodbody will bring expertise, along with a breadth of experience and insight which our members will greatly appreciate, whether they work in practice, in industry or the voluntary sector. The series of legal webcasts are an important part of our calendar and carry a tremendous range of benefits for our members right across Northern Ireland. Pictured at the launch of the partnership are Pamela McCreedy, Chair, Chartered Accountants Ulster Society; Zara Duffy, Head of Chartered Accountants Northern Ireland; and Michael Neill, Partner, A&L Goodbody.