RPG is a member of DFK International, one of the leading global associations of independent accounting, tax, legal and business advisory firms. Through our membership of DFK, both our clients and our staff get to access a pool of international knowledge and contacts.
We are able to tap into this international networking community to help our UK-based clients expand into countries such as Ireland and further afield, and we also use the DFK network to hone our skills closer to home.
In early February, Jonathan Brownson, Ryan Witter, Helen Rutter and Sam Lord represented RPG at the annual DFK EMEA Conference in Madrid, Spain, along with 180 others from across DFK in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
Cross-border opportunities and a Young Professionals conference
For Jonathan, the Partners conference focused on cross border tax, business and trading opportunities in Spain, networking with DFK partners and experiencing the beauty of Madrid.
Ryan (tax manager), Helen (audit and advisory manager) and Sam (cloud accounting guru) had the opportunity to meet their peers at the Young Professionals conference.
The two-day conference saw them profiled to identify the type of communicators they are and how they interact with others in order to achieve the most efficient and successful outcomes. Who knew we had a lion, an elephant and a monkey in the team?!
The trio then had to work in teams to prepare and present a new business pitch to four senior partners of DFK firms – enough to scare the most confident of speakers – with the added bonus of only half an hour’s notice.
Delegates enjoy unusual Spanish dressage show
Although there was plenty of opportunity for international networking, some of this was done in a less formal setting.
On the last night, all delegates visited a traditional Spanish horse ranch to watch a dressage show. While you may think this would not have universal appeal, it was very much enjoyed by everyone who attended – although the local refreshments may have helped a little too!
Sam was impressed with the skills on display, commenting: “The rider got the horse to lie down with him still on its back and then stand back up. I can’t even get my dog to lie down!”
The Young Professionals conference concluded with a session on business development and the importance of client needs and trust, something which RPG already hold dear and strive to incorporate in all client relationships.
Our delegates learned that big words, strap lines and technical jargon, no matter how impressive, are a turn-off for clients. As professional advisors, listening to our clients and developing a personal yet professional relationship is key!
How often do we ask our clients: “How is business going? What do you need? How can we help you/ the business further?”
To be the trusted advisor to our clients we must avoid complacency in thinking the answer to this can ever be “often enough”.
So, the team returned to Manchester into the teeth of Storm Ciara armed with new and renewed contacts, and with improved knowledge and skills to provide a better service to our clients and colleagues. It looks like the only loser could be Sam’s dog!
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