Launched last year, PrimeGlobal Communities of Practice (COPs) are specialised groups of members who share expertise and knowledge based on service lines or roles within a firm. These communities bring together contemporaries in areas such as tax, audit, advisory, and practice management, while also focusing on key trends such as AI, ESG, and Talent Development. This allows members to learn from each other, share best practices, and stay up-to-date on the latest industry initiatives.

The Value of Collaboration: PrimeGlobal's Academies Sector Group

In the UK, PrimeGlobal members have discovered valuable synergies within the Academies sector and sharing their expertise and experiences in this area has benefitted all members involved.

Giles Kerkham, Partner at Larking Gowen, chairs this PrimeGlobal specialist group. With extensive experience in the UK education sector, Larking Gowen collaborates with independent schools, multi-academy trusts, and further education institutions. As head of the Not for Profit team, covering charities, academies, and other non-profits, Kerkham has dedicated his career to this sector. He was one of the first to earn the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting, highlighting his expertise and commitment to the field.

Under the leadership of Giles Kerkham, the PrimeGlobal Academies specialist group meets three to four times a year virtually and holds an annual Academies update webinar in September. Members, including CKCA, Westcotts, Monahans, Carpenter Box, Buzzacott and Larking Gowen, discuss market conditions, technical developments, and sector financial issues.

The group's collective expertise benefits members by sharing valuable insights into regulatory practices and technological shifts. This collaboration embodies the power of regional member firms working together, collectively serving 200 academy trusts comprising 1,100 schools.

Giles Kerkham comments "The trust and non-competitive nature of our specialist group allows us to openly share information and tackle issues collectively. In an ever-changing landscape, this group's effectiveness stems from its regional focus within England, recognizing the distinct legal and regulatory environments.”

The Academies Update attracts 30-40 participants, with most of the member firms contributing to the successful webinar. In 2023, titled ‘Strategies for Turbulent Times,’ the event included a keynote on the school funding crisis, updates on the Academy Trust Handbook, Accounts Direction, electric vehicle leasing, VAT, and case studies. The next Academies event is scheduled for September 2024, promising another opportunity for valuable knowledge exchange, as well as consideration of policy changes under the new UK Government.

An Academies Newsletter is produced with input from group members to provide academy trusts with essential updates to help them manage financial and operational challenges.

PrimeGlobal's Global Expertise in Agriculture

Agriculture is another key area of expertise for PrimeGlobal, with several worldwide members in this industry leading the way in their regions and showcasing innovative practices and solutions that drive success and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

North America member Pinion, a top accounting firm and the nation's leading food and agriculture consulting firm, has provided comprehensive insights and solutions for various aspects of food and agriculture since 1932 and specialise in sustainability. As sustainability requirements in the food, beverage, and agriculture industries evolve, Pinion has established the 3 Pillars of Success for Sustainability Program Success, developing measurable and actionable programs scaled to meet unique client needs.

Another member firm in this industry, Hall Chadwick Queensland, based in Australia, has over 40 years of experience advising businesses in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors. Established in Longreach, Western Queensland, the firm has maintained strong ties with regional areas in Australia. Recently, they launched the Agrifood Women Innovators Catalyst Program, aiming to identify agrifood innovators with exceptional research or technology innovations that could significantly impact Australian agriculture.