Annual Conference 2009

Announcing the 11th Annual 2020 Conference The premier conference for successful practising accountants and tax professionals will be held on Thursday 8th October 2009 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with an optional half day session on Friday 9th October 2009.

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We are pleased to announce the 11th Annual 2020 Conference, which takes place on Thursday 8th October 2009 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with an optional half day session on Friday 9th October 2009. Based on the positive feedback we received from over 400 delegates at last year's event, we have kept the same format of a full day on Thursday and half day on Friday. The start time is set for 9.30am to accommodate delegates who have some distance to travel. The conference will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, which is less than a mile from junction 6 of the M42, Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station. Part of our continuing mandate is to make this conference affordable for everyone and to give the very best value for money – for one full day and an additional optional half day, we have priced a single delegate place as follows: - £195 / €215 + VAT for 2020 Members - £245 / €270 + VAT for Non Members A special multi-participant discount is available. Because we know that firms are much more effective at implementing the ideas raised at the conference if they bring multiple people, we are offering a 30% discount on the basic conference rate for any group of 6 or more from the same firm.

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Again, we have two exceptional guest speakers: We are delighted to welcome Mark Lloydbottom, an expert on accounting firm marketing and management. Mark will show you “The 7 Attributes that Drive Profitability” in a practice. We are also very excited to have David Gill from Peak Performance, who will give you a valuable insight into “What are your clients really looking for?” David’s enthusiastic presentational style gives lie to the theory that some accountants are boring – you have been warned!

And… we have a fantastic after dinner speaker: Please join us for our gala dinner. We are delighted to announce that Bill Beaumont OBE has accepted our invitation to be our after dinner speaker. Bill certainly needs little introduction, as he is a sporting legend. He is a brilliant speaker and is guaranteed to keep you entertained. Bill will also be presenting the 2020 Annual Innovation Awards celebrating success and achievements across the accounting profession.

On Friday morning, there's an optional session. There is no charge for this session. BOOK BEFORE 31ST JULY

The optional half-day session on Friday morning is focused on the most important firm initiatives: value pricing, workflow, turnaround, billings, collections, cross selling and increasing client recommendations.

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Ian Fletcher

Gordon Gilchrist

Ian Fletcher is a Chartered Accountant having trained at the London office of a ‘Big 4’ international practice. Ian is a well known lecturer and business consultant and has gained a reputation for his entertaining style and practical approach to practice management.

Gordon Gilchrist is a leading consultant to accountancy firms in the areas of marketing, strategic planning, practice management and increasingly succession issues including buying, selling and merging accountancy practices. He trained as an accountant in the UK and later worked with Grant Thornton.

Ian majors in buying, selling and merging of accountancy practices. He is the co-author of the ICAEW’s book ‘Building the Value Added Practice’, and together with Gordon Gilchrist, is co-author of the Croner.CCH book ‘SME Consulting’. Ian is also a holder of the Chartered Insurance Institute’s Financial Planning Certificate.

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He has been consulting with firms in the UK, Ireland and South Africa since 1989 and has worked with three of the Top 4 firms, 75% of the Top 20, and over 2,000 independent firms. Gordon is a well recognised and accomplished speaker for annual conferences and staff training days. He has accumulated some brilliant ideas which can be heard at his very popular seminars throughout the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He and Ian Fletcher are joint authors of the Croner.CCH book 'SME Consulting'. THE NEW DAWN… Seeking New Opportunities

Conference Agenda

Thursday 8th October 2009

09.30 - 09.40 Welcome and Introductions

13.00 - 14.00 Buffet Lunch

Ian Fletcher - Conference Chairman

09.40 – 10.10 Key Predictions for the Future

14.00 - 15.00 The New Accountant – what are your clients really looking for?

Gordon Gilchrist, Ian Fletcher, Mark Lloydbottom & Chris Frederiksen

David Gill – Peak Performance

These well known consultants predict trends, issues and challenges to the accountancy profession, and offer their solutions. This is a favourite session amongst conference delegates.

As a practising CA as well as director of Peak Performance, David is ideally placed to tell us what clients are really looking for – just be prepared for some interesting answers! David’s business philosophy is about adding value and delivering fantastic customer service, and he is passionate about the need for professional standards in everything he does – something that is obvious in the development of his tax strategy business.

10.10 – 11.15 The 7 Attributes that Drive Profitability Mark Lloydbottom Fifty years ago management books were a rarity, now you could spend your life studying how to manage. Making management happen is essential for today’s practice to prosper. Mark will show how focusing on the 7 attributes that drive a professional firm forward will deliver what owners seek – fulfilment, success, growth and profitability.

11.15 - 11.45 Break 11.45 - 12.50 New Tools - New Technology Ian Fletcher In the last fifteen years technology has changed the way we work and productivity has mushroomed. This is just the start! Technology continues to sky rocket at an unprecedented rate. Ian will show you the latest and greatest technology and what’s in your future!

15.00 - 15.30 Break 15.30 - 16.30 New Skills – New People Chris Frederiksen Fees per partner have increased dramatically in the last few years and each partner now supervises and controls more work than ever before. So we need lots of SMART, MOTIVATED people with NEW SKILLS. They want challenging work, total flexibility and the absolute latest technology. This is the video generation…when they get it, they get it! And their office isn’t in a building, it’s wherever their laptop is. Chris will show you how to recruit, retain and develop these people.

16.30 - 17.30 New Marketing – New Strategies Gordon Gilchrist This session will focus on best marketing practice in 2009 looking towards 2010:

12.50 - 13.00 Innovative Products and Services Update Ian Fletcher, Gordon Gilchrist & Chris Frederiksen

• The best conversion rate for new clients arises from client recommendations how to maximise client recommendations in 2009.

A brief introduction to the latest products and services available for practising accountants.

• What client care means for successful firms today (and what will change tomorrow) - understanding everybody’s roles in achieving this. • The best new fees arise from tax strategies...how to market and sell successfully in today’s environment.

Speakers

Chris Frederiksen

Mark Lloydbottom

Chris Frederiksen is one of the best known and most highly rated seminar leaders in the world as well as a consultant to accountancy firms worldwide.

Mark is well known as the founder of Practice Track and PracticeWEB. He is a former practitioner who has lectured extensively throughout Europe and North America. He continues to mastermind the PracticeWEB technical content while writing, lecturing and consulting.

His experience includes partnership positions with two international CPA firms and building several independent practices in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a consultant for the past twenty years, he has been helping small and medium sized accounting firms achieve their goals of greater profitability and greater personal satisfaction for their owners. He is now committed to helping CAs and tax professionals excel in wealth management, strategic planning and other new service areas, as well as making money and having more fun.

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Drawing on his experiences as a practitioner and consultant, Mark is the author of Clients 4Life, published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and Defining Edge Practice Management Strategies. Over 20 years he has developed a range of 20 seminars on professional firm marketing and management including eight audio training programmes, CDs and now DVDs. He remains deeply committed to the profession and helping accountancy firm owners realise their full potential.

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Optional half day programme • The highest return on direct marketing is data mining - how you can do it.

Friday 9th October 2009 Optional half day programme

• The most memorable little thing is the magic wand - what else works in a turnaround. • The most effective networking events are seminars IF DONE WELL (what does “well” mean?) - find out in this session. • The best lead generator idea is “Breach of bank facility agreements”- how are firms doing this. • Making marketing happen - how do the best firms get so much done.

18.30 - 19.15 Wine Tasting

THE NEW DAWN… Seeking New Opportunities This session will focus on the most important firm initiatives: value pricing, workflow, turnaround, billings, collections, cross selling and increasing client recommendations.

Sample a selection of fine wines from around the world while you relax and discuss the day with fellow professionals.

09.30 – 09.35 Welcome and Introductions 19.15 Gala Award Dinner and Charity Auction Enjoy a three course dinner with a selection of fine wines. Presentation of the 2020 Annual Innovation Awards will be made by Bill Beaumont OBE. The 2020 Awards celebrate success and achievements across the accounting profession with particular emphasis on innovation and creativity. The 2020 Consultants judge the awards and the eventual finalists and winners will enjoy extensive recognition for their success.

09.35 – 11.00 The Best Ideas from around the World

Bill Beaumont OBE certainly needs little introduction, as he is a sporting legend. He is a brilliant speaker and is guaranteed to keep you entertained. Delegates are encouraged to bring their partners/spouses to the Wine Tasting and Dinner.

In this session, they will share the best ideas from the firms they meet.

Ian Fletcher, Gordon Gilchrist & Chris Frederiksen

Chris, Ian and Gordon consult with hundreds of firms each year – they also facilitate focus groups of managing partners, marketing professionals, IT managers and firms offering wealth management.

11.00 - 11.30 Break

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11.30 – 12.30 The Best Ideas from around the World (Continued) Ian Fletcher, Gordon Gilchrist & Chris Frederiksen

This fast paced session continues and the conference concludes with a summary of take-away ideas for immediate implementation.

David Gill

After Dinner Guest Speaker Bill Beaumont OBE

David graduated with a BSc Econ. from Edinburgh University in 1981, and qualified as a CA in 1984. He is a well known figure in the profession and with his own clients, specialises in business development and tax.

It is as a great leader and captain that he will always be remembered. His triumph in 1980 will never be forgotten – he led England to their first Grand Slam since 1957 and was captain of the British Lions.

As a partner in Scott Oswald Chartered Accountants, the largest independent firm in Scotland, he successfully introduced and applied business development principles and products subsequently recognised when the firm won the prestigious (inaugural) Accountants Bootcamp firm of the year in 2000. David successfully built up and then sold Scott Oswald to Tenon Group plc in 2001. In September 2004 David set up David Gill & Co to service his high net worth clients, and at the same time established Peak Performance Tax Ltd to provide professional tax support services to accountants. David is passionate about helping clients and providing fantastic service.

Bill’s international career started in 1975 and he played for England 34 times. His first involvement with the Lions was in 1977 when he was flown out to New Zealand as a replacement. He played three games but the greatest honour of his career was when he was invited to captain the British Lions in South Africa in 1980. The association continues as Bill was the Chairman and Manager of the 2005 British Lions touring party to New Zealand. Bill is well known for his television and media work. He was the longest serving team captain on BBC’s ‘A Question of Sport’ with over 300 appearances in 13 years and has been a studio analyst and expert summariser for the BBC and Sky Sports. He is also Vice-Chairman of the International Rugby Board.

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11th Annual 2020 Conference Registration Form

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Please see the reverse of the brochure for all accommodation details. For a list of alternative hotels, email [email protected] or visit www.the2020group.com/conference

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Delegate details All delegate names MUST be supplied at the time of booking. Name

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Please enter the number of delegates in the boxes provided for both Thursday and Friday sessions. Date

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8th October 09

Basic 8 hour conference rate, including lunch

@ £195 / €215

@ £245 / €270

8th October 09

8 hour conference rate, including lunch, dinner & wine

@ £250 / €275

@ £299 / €329

Multi-participant discount - if 6 or more delegates attending, deduct 30% from the basic 8 hour conference rate 8th October 09

Dinner only (see below)

@ £55 / €60

@ £55 / €60

9th October 09

Optional Friday session (see below)

No charge

No charge

Early Bird discount - if booking before 31 July 2009, deduct 20% from the basic 8 hour conference rate Please note: The Early Bird discount cannot be used in conjunction with the multi-participant discount Dinner only:

Optional Friday session:

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Please provide the reference numbers 1-6 (from delegate details above) of the guests who are attending the dinner only:

Please provide the reference numbers 1-6 (from delegate details above) of the guests who will be attending the optional Friday session:

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Please note: 1. As this conference is being held within the UK, VAT is chargeable at 15% (including all firms outside the UK). 2. Payments made by credit card from outside the UK will be charged in Sterling at the prevailing exchange rate on the processing date and may include a processing fee by the credit card company.

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seminars. If you do not wish to receive such communications please tick this box and return the form to:

Visit www.the2020group.com for more information on our membership group, products and other seminars and conferences.

2020 Innovation Group Limited, 6110 Knights Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham, B37 7WY or call +44 (0) 121 314 1234.

For our full Terms and Conditions of booking, visit www.the2020group.com. © 2020 Innovation Group Limited 2009

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Hotel Location and Reservations The 11th Annual 2020 Conference will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. This is located less than one mile from Junction 6 of the M42, Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station.

How to Book Complete the Registration Form and… 1 Post to either: 2020 Group, 6110 Knights Court, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham B37 7WY or 2020 Group, Ulysses House, Foley Street, Dublin 1 Ireland Please make cheques payable to 2020 Group 2 Fax to +44 (0) 121 314 4718 3 Telephone +44 (0) 121 314 1234 or +353 (0) 1 876 4870 Upon receipt of your registration form and payment, confirmation and a VAT invoice will be issued

For further information on all the hotels listed, to book online or for a full accommodation list in the local area, please visit

www.the2020group.com/conference Overnight Accommodation We are holding an allocation of bedrooms for conference delegates at three different venues. To take advantage of this allocation, please call the venues directly. 1 Hilton Birmingham Metropole (Onsite conference venue) Call the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on +44 (0) 121 780 4242 and quote G202A to get the special room rate of £115 plus VAT for single occupancy and £145 plus VAT for double occupancy. All rates include breakfast. For further details - www.birminghammetropole.com 2 Arden Hotel NEC Birmingham (1 mile from conference venue) Call the Arden Hotel NEC Birmingham on +44 (0) 1675 443 221 and quote 2020 to get the special room rate of £85 including VAT for single occupancy and £95 including VAT for double occupancy. All rates include breakfast. For further details - www.ardenhotel.co.uk 3 Ramada Encore Hotel (1.5 miles from conference venue) Call the Ramada Encore Hotel on +44 (0) 121 780 5900 and quote TWE081009 to get the special room rate of £59 including VAT for single occupancy and £64 including VAT for double occupancy. All rates include breakfast. For further details - www.encorenec.co.uk The availability of these rooms is strictly limited and we recommend that you book early. For alternative hotel reservations, please email [email protected] or call 2020 Seminars on +44 (0) 121 314 1234 or +353 (0) 1 876 4870.