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Obvious it may be, but it is worth remembering – ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it’. What, I hear you asking yourself, have we accomplished that is so special or worthy of a Taxation award? The answer is to look back at the past year and there is likely to be plenty – especially given the circumstances of the pandemic. Clients may have had particularly difficult challenges that your team has helped them overcome – perhaps some advice proved crucial to a client’s growth or ability to survive what seemed insurmountable odds.
Broad range
There are many award categories ranging from best independent tax consultancy firm and best private client tax practice to best new tax practice and best tax practice in a regional firm – see the dedicated website for full details (taxationawards.co.uk).
Yes, it does take time and effort to enter, but the benefits can be a great morale booster for the team. Sadly, the 2021 and 2020 awards had to take place behind closed doors, but this did not diminish their pleasure and value to the winners.
For example, Jenny Marks, tax director of Muras Baker Jones – winner of best single office tax practice 2020 – said: ‘We were delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award and absolutely thrilled to actually win it. It has been a real achievement for everyone involved and I am very proud to be part of such a successful team. While we couldn’t be together to celebrate in person, it has been a real boost for us all.’
Similarly, on winning the 2020 award for best corporate or business tax practice, head of corporate tax at Blick Rothenberg, Genevieve Morris, said: ‘I’ve always known my team are superstars, but to be recognised with this prestigious award, and at a time when they are working apart and harder than ever for our clients, has meant the world to us. I am incredibly proud of my team and delighted that they’ve been recognised in this way.’
Next step
Having decided to enter, what is the next step? The Taxation Awards website (taxationawards.co.uk) explains the process. Entries have to be submitted online and must not exceed 3,000 words. It also contains useful tips on compiling an entry.
Previous entrants have said they hold brainstorming sessions with team members to review the achievements of the past year and encourage them to have some input. It can also be helpful to ask colleagues to review the entry for an honest opinion of the readability of the entry. Testimonials from clients can be helpful, along with other supporting material.
The judges reach their decisions based purely on the evidence of the entry – the reputation of the firm is not the point here, it is what the judges read on the entries.
Ultimate goal
Winning an award or being shortlisted brings excellent opportunities. There is of course the award itself which can be a focal point in the office, but the award logo can also be used on the firm’s emails, letters and marketing materials.
Natalia Pope, director of YesTax which won the 2020 best new tax practice award, said: ‘The success enjoyed by YesTax in its first year has been phenomenal and is testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of an excellent team of professionals, lucky enough not only to call themselves colleagues, but friends. We set out to do things better than what we’d become accustomed to – better people, better culture and better decisions. We feel the award confirms we’ve achieved what we set out to do. To win an award as prestigious as best new tax practice 2020 is something we could have only dreamed about in January 2019 when we formed the company.’
Take the plunge!
The deadline for entries is 25 February. As mentioned earlier, all details are on the awards website, taxationawards.co.uk.
