ICAS-Member local Area Networks

The UK Area Networks act as local links between ICAS and its Members and Students in Scotland and London, supporting the communication of key initiatives, relaying feedback, and providing insight to a calendar of events.

Over 23,000 Members of ICAS form an international business network that spans industries and continents so, you are never far from a CA connection. Our UK Area Networks are just one of the ways in which we build stronger and resilient networks for Members.

The Area Networks act as local links between CAs and ICAS. In conjunction with providing information, updates and supporting ICAS’ communication of key initiatives, they also represent their Members’ views and provide a platform for delivering feedback direct to those at the helm of the profession.

In addition, the Area Networks form smaller communities within the wider, global membership, supporting opportunities to engage, inspire, inform and connect.

How to get involved with your Area Network

The ICAS Area Networks are always keen to hear from local Members and Students who would like to get involved or who might have feedback on current or future issues, challenges, or ideas for local initiatives. You will find contact details for the Chair of your local Area Network below.

ICAS Events provide a good opportunity to meet some Area Network committee members and your fellow local CAs. Details of upcoming ICAS events can be found here.

Connect with your local Area Network

Emily Kennedy - Grampian Area Network Chair
Manager - KPMG LLP

Contact Emily and the Grampian Area Network

Gavin MacKenzie - Highlands Area Network Deputy Chair
Finance Director, Mealmore Ltd

Contact Gavin and the Highlands Area Network

Richard Grant CA - London Area Network Chair
Early retiree.  Experienced professional in the business of investment management; with most of his career spent at Veritas Asset Management, where he was one of the Managing Partners and Chief Operating Officer and continues as a NED.

Contact Richard and the London Area Network

Kris Keane CA - Scotland East Area Network Chair
Managing Director – Teneo Restructuring Limited

Contact Kris and the Scotland East Area Network

Craig Maxwell – Scotland West Area Network Chair
Audit Partner, Business Advisor, OMB’s, SME’s Mazars LLP

Contact Craig and the Scotland West Area Network

Interested in joining your Area Network Committee? Here are some reasons to get involved.

From expanding your network and areas of expertise, to helping shape the CA profession and keeping active post-retirement, the benefits of volunteering are valuable and varied.

Expand your network

Whether it is through co-hosting events, mentoring a younger Member, or simply joining an Area Network committee, you will meet new and interesting people from a variety of backgrounds, areas of expertise and walks of life. Some may be specialists in their fields with long-established contacts, others may be young CAs in the process of building their own connections, allowing your network to branch out in directions you might not previously have considered.

Develop your expertise

Leading one of our Networks is a fantastic way to develop your expertise and employ it in new areas without having to change jobs. The challenges and experiences inherent to getting involved with organisations and sectors beyond the sphere of your regular day-to-day business will serve to broaden and bolster your overall base of expertise.

Shape and understand the CA profession

Being an Area Network Member, allows you to be actively involved in a broad range of matters that affect the CA profession. You will gain a better understanding of the different perspectives of your fellow Members and be able to provide feedback from your local area.

Remain active in retirement

Joining an Area Network can be a means for ICAS Members who are retired to keep their professional skills active and up to date without requiring them to make a permanent commitment. Conversely, a part-time or flexible volunteering arrangement can be used as a stepping-stone to ease you out of full-time employment and into full-time retirement.

Ease a return to work

Getting back in the professional groove after a career break of any length can often be a daunting prospect. Joining one of our Area Networks can be a manageable way to gently break the ice and dip your toes back into the CA waters. You will be able to boost your confidence and refresh your CV and experience before jumping back into the ways of full-time working.

What is involved?

The Area Networks' committee members work in conjunction with ICAS Members Board to deliver the member-engagement strategy within the geography of the network:

• connect with Members and Students and encourage them to engage with ICAS (with a focus on building relationships with younger Members and establishing a lifelong engagement).
• support in communicating key ICAS initiatives to the network.
• provide feedback to ICAS Members Board from Members and Students.
• help to identify suitable Members for positions on ICAS committees (in particular ICAS Council).