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| Press Releases |
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Published on Tuesday 06 December, 2011 |
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| Baker Tilly holds annual accounting and business advisory world conference, Hawaii, USA |
| Over 185 delegates of Baker Tilly International Accounting and Business Advisory network participated in its Annual World Conference, held in Hawaii, U.S.A. from November 3 to 8, 2011, to discuss the world continuing economic challenges. The Conference also looked at ways to enhance cooperation among members to provide continual quality services to our clients. |
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| This was stated by Hisham Sorour, Managing Partner of "Baker Tilly Kuwait" who represented the State of Kuwait in the conference. It is known that Baker Tilly International is the world's 8th largest accounting and business advisory network, with annual combined fee income of USD 3.07b. The member firms cover 120 countries, with 25,000 professional staff. |
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| Quality Service in a Changing Environment |
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| Sorour said “our profession has not been immune from the effects of the global economic downturn. The impact of this downturn has affected, in one way or another, most of our clients and thus has impacted upon our member firms. “As a result of Baker Tilly’s effective strategy and on-going support for its members, the network managed to maintain the level of revenue without a significant decrease. It is no doubt that our main objective is to provide quality client services in such challenging times to pass to the safe side. Each member firm will continue to play its part in our continued development to be the superior network operating in the middle market”, Sorour added. Sorour continued saying “our business plan 2012/2013 continues to develop the strategy and objectives set out in the 2011/2012 plan as amended to reflect actions taken during the period and other prevailing market issues. It is important, therefore, that we keep abreast of such developments and that our strategy and business plans reflect market issues and remain relevant and current. |
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| Proposed seismic changes to EU audit directive |
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| Sorour said that based on proposed changes to the EU audit directive, a proposed audit regulation might be published this month, causing radical changes to the auditing profession. The potential impact on our business of the review of the auditing profession within the European community is likely to have a seismic effect on the profession, not only within the community but also globally. This whole issue is of compelling importance and was the subject of a separate plenary session at the conference and will be discussed at Baker Tilly board meeting. |
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| Consistency of branding |
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| Sorour confirmed that most of Baker Tilly’s members firms have been approved to brand themselves using the Baker Tilly prefix. Baker Tilly International continues to monitor the brand through conducting periodic brand audit to identify any areas where there are inconsistencies which require action. To achieve our strategic objective and for the benefit of all member firms, we need to take greater responsibility in ensuring brand consistency globally.
“We recognise that a key driver of joining a large network is the opportunity to learn from and leverage off other like-minded firms/people. We believe that membership in Baker Tilly International provides a range of resources that facilitates access to the specialist knowledge, experience and intellectual property of thousands of experts worldwide, and that the network’s value proposition meets the expectations of our individual member firms,” Sorour confirmed. |
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| Social Media |
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| Sorour said that in May 2011 we announced the launch of the Baker Tilly International LinkedIn group (closed group) and the Baker Tilly International Facebook page. We believe that we can increase our visibility and the understanding of our vision and mission, both externally and within the network, through these platforms. “Baker Tilly Kuwait also launched its pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Administered and monitored by headquarters, these communication channels do not replace the extranet, but are designed to drive traffic to it and help member firms reach a wider audience outside the network. Indeed, one of the key performance indicators of our strategy will be increased traffic to the extranet,” Sorour said. |
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| Conclusion |
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| Sorour concluded “our global economy and our profession will continue to face an ever-increasing number of issues. The next few years will continue to be difficult. We believe, however, that difficulties can often create opportunities. Baker Tilly International remains involved with the development and creation of a considerable number of initiatives, both centrally and regionally – all designed to provide its members with increased and long-lasting benefits of membership. Our commitment to excellent client service and high professional and ethical standards will pay dividends and ensure we remain a major network in the global market. |
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