Practice zone

The Great Debate is here

Want the answers to some of the profession’s most pressing questions? Well then, let’s work them out – here on AccountingWEB.co.uk! The Great Debate is a series of monthly arguments (sorry, informed discussions) that take the course of formal, organised debates, led by leading industry commentators before opening to the floor for contributions for everyone and closing with a vote.

The structure is as follows: once the motion has been decided on, the debate will be led by four hand-picked debaters. The proposer will open the debate, supporting the motion, and will be followed by an opposer, who will contest the motion. Each of them will have seconders, and after the opening speeches there will be presentations from each of them too.

After the four nominated speakers have finished, members who with to make contributions of their own are free to join in and make their own speeches – just email the editor if you think you want to take part, but don’t forget to include your name and the name of your organisation. Being a formal debate, we can’t accept anonymous presentations. You don’t have to be a practitioner, or even an accountant, as long as you have a considered view, and you’re affected by the motion being discussed.

Of course, if you want to chip in from the sidelines, there will be an opportunity to post comments too.

The motion for the current debate is:

Read the opening speeches here.

Read the seconding speeches here.

The motion for August's debate was:

Read the opening speeches here.

Read the seconding speeches here.

Read the round-up and members' comments here.

Member of the month: Mike Bassy

Resources
Business Intelligence and SMEs
For those who'd like the full low-down on BI and the SME sector, download this expert seven page guide.

If you want to speak at this debate, or nominate a speaker, or if you want to suggest a topic for further discussion at one of the subsequent debates, then just drop us a line. All your contributions will be given serious consideration. Just email editor@accountingweb.co.uk.

The motion for July's debate was:

Read the opening speeches here.

Read the seconding speeches here.

Read the round-up and members' comments here.

Member of the month: Mike Bassy

Resources
Outsourcing Profitability Calculator
With a few simple entries, this spreadsheet shows how much outsourcing could save your practice.

Thanks to:Steve Pipe, Mark Lee, Shaun Crozier, Jonathan Vowles, Robert Harper, Susan Mason, Steven Holloway, Vipul Sheth and everyone else who contributed.