More than 120 delegates helped to make it an event to remember as DFK UK & Ireland members came back together and painted the town green for the association’s annual conference in Newcastle.

After missing out in 2020 due to Covid-19, DFK UKI’s 16 member firms, along with some international delegates were given the opportunity to network, socialise and hear from inspirational speakers in a packed schedule across two full days hosted by RMT Accountants. 

The event, which also saw Peter Winter, of CBW, hand over the reins of DFK UKI chairman to Peter O’Connell, of Shaw Gibbs, was sponsored by Silverfin, Keys Finance, Capitalise and Protiviti. 

Ahead of the conference, on Wednesday evening a team of cyclists rode from the Brown Butler offices in Leeds up to RMT in Newcastle in aid of Leeds MIND before a welcome reception.

Thursday saw a range of speakers take to the stage, including a brilliant keynote address from Geoff Ramm on offering clients ‘Celebrity Service’ and ‘OMG Marketing’.

The afternoon was a chance for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy a range of activities from gin tasting through to clay-pigeon shooting as well as a walking tour of Newcastle. 

It was capped by a drinks reception and meal at The Baltic Centre, overlooking the Gateshead Millennium Bridge which was lit up in the DFK UKI green especially for conference delegates.

Friday’s programme saw a packed morning schedule including an opening from Martin Sharp and Bill Wright, of DFK International, and concluded with another memorable keynote speech – this time from Lee Warren. 

He blended psychology and sales with his background as a performer to offer an insight into how to be an outstanding business communicator. 

On top of that, there was a full agenda for the young professionals in attendance too as they enjoyed two days of learning on the topic of negotiation and influencing for accountants.

Caroline Cassidy, Executive Officer and Conference Manager at DFK UKI, said: “It was a special event. Without becoming too sentimental or emotional about it, it was fantastic to see our members back together because that is the whole point of the association. The members and their people are the association.

“Not being able to put on a conference in 2020 made this one feel even more important and that was reflected in the fact that we had more than 120 delegates from all over the country in attendance. “I would like to thank RMT for being such wonderful hosts and also our sponsors who helped to make the conference such a great event. 

“It was great reminder of how important it is for people to come together and share ideas and knowledge, which is the whole purpose of the DFK UK & Ireland.”