This week's opinion: 22 April 2021

Had you told me last year, when we had to move the Taxation Awards online rather than in person, that we would have to do the same again this year, my reaction would have been one of disbelief. But we are where we are and it is not possible to hold our usual award ceremony in 2021 either. 

We were very clear that we wanted to keep the awards going but, at the same time, we were conscious that we did not want to burden firms with having to put together nominations while they were dealing with the consequences of lockdown. So we are running a slimmed down online event this year, with just three individual awards: rising star, outstanding contribution to tax in 2020-21 and lifetime achievement. 

For the outstanding contribution to tax award we are asking members of the profession to vote for one of the five nominees – any one of whom is more than worthy of recognition. Voting is now open at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2YMLJKW and closes on 2 May, so please do take a few minutes to honour the achievements of these key members of our profession. Please also join me in congratulating those who have been shortlisted in the rising star category. We had a bumper crop of nominations this year, as reflected in a very strong shortlist. 

The winners in all three categories will be announced at the online event on 13 May, when we will be delighted to welcome as our guest Chartered Institute of Taxation president, Peter Rayney, who will share his thoughts on the state of the profession as we emerge from lockdown. 

Next year, I am sure we will be back to normal…