New modules, market trends, and what’s next
Well, so far so gooood
May was another strong and varied month for the Principle Point crew. New conversations, a couple of fresh client projects, and the big highlight was launching two new optional modules for Accountants 101.
Judging for Pitch Slap, a thing Jordan and Adam (tag both) cooked up last year was hilarious - especially as I wasn’t at Accountex this year! But reviewing all 39 vendors' 10 second(ish) pitches proves again that it’s hard work making a quick impression. More again next year!
Two new ways to learn
First up: our new Practice Management module for Accountants 101. Not the dry, theoretical stuff, but a grounded look at how practices actually manage their workflow. It’s practical, real, and relevant.
Then there’s a refreshed version of How Accountants Buy. It’s not a sales course. Instead, it gives vendors a chance to step back and reflect on how buying decisions are made by understanding internal structures, key roles, and the peer-driven influences that really move the dial.
While both of these modules are optional for my Accountants 101 course, the early response has been overwhelmingly positive. And yes, it feels good to see it land well.
Stepping back to look forward
I didn’t make it to Accountex London this year, but I’ll definitely be heading to Accountex Manchester later on. Taking a bit of time out has helped me notice some key undercurrents:
1. MTD IT: Still a black hole
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is still swallowing up brainspace and bandwidth for a lot of firms. And rightly so. It’s big. But we’re rapidly approaching the “this is definitely happening” stage. I expect the next few months to bring a wave of vendor clarity, with sharper messaging, tighter processes, and more decisive pricing as the market responds.
2. The Client Voice matters
At the recent BOKS International Conference, the importance of client voice, especially in uncertain times, came through loud and clear. Hearing insights from member firms in Spain, Ireland, and Poland was a reminder that what’s happening internationally has real relevance here in the UK too.
Trend Watch: Encouraging signs (and one frustration)
Let’s start with the frustration.
There’s a quiet despondency among some new business salespeople in the vendor world. Conversations revealed a pattern: missed meetings, ghosted emails, no-shows on calls. It’s not everyone, and it’s not all the time, but it’s there.
I get it. Accountants are under pressure. But if you need to cancel, just let people know. A bit of notice, especially if someone’s travelled, makes a real difference.
The brighter side? More vendors are reconnecting. Dusting off community plans, rebuilding relationships after periods of account manager churn, and rediscovering the value of meaningful interaction. It’s refreshing and much needed.
Lisbon Reflections & >6:30 Goes Abroad
I recently spent a few incredible days in Lisbon with the BOKS International crew. New faces, meaningful conversations, great food, and a bit of sea air.
It reminded me why events matter. Which brings me to this:
>6:30 is going international.
What started on a boat in Bristol is now heading to a new, carefully chosen location. It will still be intimate, thoughtful, and full of people worth meeting. If you think it might be for you, it probably is.
Book your place for >6:30 Lisbon here
Last month’s vinyl playlist
A few standouts from May that might carry you nicely into June:
PYNUKA – N.I.T.S.T.W.D.S.W.
Moody broken beats with African disco and techno energy. Raw, experimental, and brilliant. Watch this!The B-52s – The First Album
Still iconic. “Rock Lobster” remains a chaotic classic. Watch this!LTJ Bukem – Journey Inward
Atmospheric, soulful, and introspective. Perfect thinking music. Listen here!
Three wildly different records. All brilliant in their own way and I’ve had my cat ‘intern’ doing some sorting for the next newsletter.
Thanks for reading. If any of this resonates or you’d like to talk more, feel free to get in touch.
Richard
This is an adapted version of On Point Sessions, my LinkedIn newsletter. If you have any thoughts or comments then feel free to leave a comment on the original article.