Smithink

18/12/2025

As we reach the end of the year and Smithink winds down, we want to thank everyone who has been part of our community. The conversations, events and support over the years have shaped so much of our work and we are genuinely grateful to all who have been involved.

You can still contact David and Mark directly as they continue their advisory roles in the industry:

David: [email protected]

Mark: [email protected]

We wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable Christmas break and all the best for the year ahead.

17/12/2025

Employee ownership is becoming a powerful succession tool and a practical way to keep high quality people engaged for the long term.

In this episode of Accounting Industry Insights, Mark speaks with Dr Craig West, founder and chairman of Succession Plus, about how Employee Share Ownership Plans can support succession, strengthen valuation and give emerging leaders a meaningful pathway into ownership.

Craig also discusses how accountants can use valuation insights to strengthen advisory services and support more effective value based pricing.

Listen to the episode and explore how these ideas might fit into your firm’s future: https://bit.ly/49Fa09b

15/12/2025

Last week, David and Mark presented the last Smithink webinar drawing on more than 50 years of experience to respond to the questions raised and to share the shifts they continue to see in firms. It was a practical, honest conversation and a fitting way to close out the series.

A few ideas that stood out:

• Compliance alone won’t carry a firm
• Pricing needs regular testing
• Advisory grows when it is structured
• Better conversations unlock VCFO opportunities
• Diversification only works with the right skills and culture
• Developing young accountants early strengthens succession
• AI is reshaping workflows and expectations
• Strong capability and clear planning drive future growth

Thanks to everyone who joined the session and to all who have supported Smithink’s webinar over the years!

You can watch the recording here: https://bit.ly/3MzXUb6

10/12/2025

Most firms have a strategic plan. Far fewer test how well it is understood or put into practice.

Mark shares a 15-point Strategy Checklist designed to reveal how clearly your board understands the firm’s direction, how consistently strategy shows up in meetings and reporting, and where gaps may be limiting performance.

If you want clearer alignment across partners and leadership, this framework is a practical place to start.

Review your firm’s strategic approach with Mark Holton’s 15-point strategy checklist and uncover opportunities to strengthen performance.

08/12/2025

Our final live Smithink webinar is almost here!

David and Mark will be sharing insights from more than fifty years in the industry and opening the floor for your questions. If you have something you want clarity on, this is the place to ask.

Capacity. Pricing. Technology. Advisory. Direction. Whatever is on your mind, bring it to the session.

💬 Join the conversation live
📩 You can also send your questions in advance

Register now: https://bit.ly/4px2Sne

04/12/2025

Strong firms are built on strong leadership.

It is not only about setting vision and values. It is about creating an environment where people feel safe to contribute, make mistakes, and challenge ideas. 🌱

Without that foundation, even the best strategies fall flat.

03/12/2025

Most students have never seen what accountants really do. They only see the stereotype, which makes the profession less appealing at a time when firms need more young talent.

Show them the real work asking better questions, guiding clients through change and helping owners make decisions that shape their future.

When firms share the human side of the job, students understand the impact accountants actually have.

Connection and curiosity are what draw people into the profession. Let’s make that visible.

01/12/2025

Launching change is the easy part. Sustaining it is where firms stumble.

Ask yourself:

✅ What support will we provide at 30, 60 and 90 days
✅ How will we recognise progress and reward buy in
✅ How will we track adoption so we know what is working

Real change sticks when leaders reinforce, recognise and review consistently.

26/11/2025

After decades working inside accounting firms, consulting to practices of every size, and speaking with thousands of partners and managers, David and Mark have seen what actually drives a strong firm and what gets in the way.

In their final live Smithink webinar, they want to hear from you!

What questions have been sitting at the back of your mind? What decisions are you weighing up as you look at capacity, pricing, technology, advisory or the direction of your firm?

💬 Bring your questions and join the conversation.
📩 You can also send your questions in advance.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4px2Sne

24/11/2025

Change fails when it’s a one-way announcement.

Create feedback loops: surveys, role-specific updates, live Q&A sessions, and regular check-ins.

When your team know their input is wanted and acted on, they’re more likely to adopt the change. 🎯

21/11/2025

The recording from our November webinar is now online.

📈 Julia Thomson from The Benchmarking Group joined Mark to unpack the findings from The Crunch, including productivity insights, pricing performance, advisory growth and emerging specialisation trends across the industry.

Watch the recording for all insights: https://bit.ly/3Kbg6qC

19/11/2025

David brings together the ideas he has seen make the biggest difference inside accounting firms. in latest blog.

💡 Strategy that is lived every week.
💡 Pricing that reflects real value.
💡 Marketing that helps clients take the next step.
💡 Systems and data that keep work consistent.
💡 Technology chosen to reduce friction.
💡 Advisory built on better conversations.
💡 Resilience created through design, not chance.

It is a clear and practical read for firms wanting more focus and better structure.

David is closing the loop on his years in practice, sharing the lessons and insights that have shaped firms, people and progress in accounting