DFK UK & Ireland’s Annual Conference in Leeds enjoyed a record turnout with over 120 delegates from more than 15 countries in attendance.

Hosted by Brown Butler, this year’s Annual Conference combined DFK’s young professionals conference for the first time in line with the group’s theme of ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders’.

Peter Winter, chairman of DFK UK & Ireland, was keen to highlight the advantages of having such a diverse range of delegates attend the event.

He said: “Combining our annual conference and young professionals conference proved a tremendous success.

“Delegates had the opportunity to interact with partners from other firms with a range of industry experience – it definitely improved the dynamic of the event.

“We hope by running the annual conference and young professionals conference together, we will help to inspire the next generation of accountants and business advisors.”

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, the event was sponsored by PayDashboard, Keys Finance, and Virtual Cabinet.

Delegates also took part in a guided tour of Harewood House, one of the Treasure Houses of England, go karting and a visit to an escape room.

Caroline Cassidy, executive officer of DFK UK & Ireland, said: “Our annual conference continues to go from strength to strength, as reflected by a record attendance.

“It was an honour to welcome delegates from Cyprus, Hong Kong, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the US, in addition to members from our UK and Ireland firms.

“Having such a wide range of nationalities and professional experience certainly enriched the event and we look forward to welcoming even more people next year.”

The event culminated with the Grand Yorkshire Dinner held at the Aspire building, once home to Yorkshire Penny Bank, later known as Yorkshire Bank.

Fittingly, it was the hosts, celebrating their 100th anniversary, that were awarded DFK UK & Ireland Firm of the Year, as voted for by fellow members.

James White, Director at Brown Butler, said: “We are thrilled to have won the DFK UK & Ireland Firm of the Year Award, particularly in this our Centenary Year is a real honour.

“To have been nominated and voted for by our fellow members makes the Award even more special.”

Peter Winter was pleased to announce to members details of two new initiatives for 2020. The first is a drive to have more than 30 members from UK & Ireland to attend the EMEA Annual Conference in Madrid from 6-8 February, which, like the UK & Ireland’s Annual Conference, will combine the EMEA’s young professionals conference.

DFK UK & Ireland will also sponsor the associations International & Regional Firm of the Year Awards throughout 2020, with the winner receiving a place at next year’s UK & Ireland Annual Conference.

Plans are already underway for next year’s UK & Ireland conference which will be hosted by RMT Accountants and Business Advisors, and will be held from October 7 to 9, 2020, in Newcastle.