Part of my job as CEO of the UHY network is to meet member firms around the world. It is invariably an inspiring part of the role, because I am always impressed by the expertise and wholehearted commitment to client satisfaction that I find in the global UHY community.

I also come away with more than admiration. Face to face conversations with UHY leaders around the world are always illuminating and regularly educational. I often leave UHY meetings with new ideas and fresh ways of thinking about our work. I see how one firm’s innovation might be applied to the challenges of another. I see how well two firms in different countries are collaborating for the good of a client, and how their model of cooperation might be implemented more widely.

There is no big secret here. This is simply the power of connections and personal relationships, and it is something that lies at the core of the success of the UHY network.

LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL AMBITION

UHY is a network of independent member firms that collaborate closely for the good of the whole and for the benefit of our clients. As a global network with a focus on connection and cooperation, we are more than the sum of our parts.

When we work together we combine local expertise and global ambition. Cross-border clients often comment on the seamless experience of working with UHY members in different countries and the smooth flow of information between our teams – you can read some of our clients stories on our Insights Page. They are impressed by our ease of doing business, which is based on warm relationships and a firm foundation of trust between firms.

How do we establish these bonds? In several ways:

• In-person meetings. UHY runs a calendar of regional, sub-regional and international events and conferences that allow member firm leaders to meet, talk and share expertise. Our events are designed to facilitate informal conversations, spark ideas and create the foundations for future collaboration.
• Shared resources. Experts in different areas from across our network – audit, tax, specific industries and so on – continually share knowledge and ideas, often through informal groups. Our more formal technical working and special interest develop initiatives and find solutions to improve the performance of the network in key areas, empowering members to offer broader, deeper expertise.
• Mentorships and peer learning. Structured leadership groups like our Managing Partners’ Forum (which meets every two years) help to cement relationships between senior executives across the network. Our annual UHY Forum, our flagship personal development event brings UHY’s brightest talent together to work and learn together – it forms part of the foundation of UHY’s working together culture. Other peer learning and secondment arrangements give rising leaders access to pooled expertise and global experiences.

These examples are the tip of an iceberg of formal and informal connections between member firms. By connecting in these ways, everyone in our network can stay on top of the latest regulatory or compliance initiatives, learn about new digital accountancy techniques and understand shifting client challenges and expectations.

Most importantly of all, every UHY member can harness the power of our network for the benefit of their clients. Any firm working through regulatory, technological, compliance or professional challenges on behalf of a client can dip into a deep pool of collective expertise for a solution. When clients need cross-border support, members can confidently recommend the right partner and make fast and friendly introductions.

SHARED KNOWLEDGE, SHARED SUCCESS

Recent experience of visiting member firms confirms my belief that the strength of UHY lies not only in our global presence but in the quality of our connections – with one another and with clients. I’d like to thank member firms for their commitment to creating the formal and informal bonds that help our network – and our clients – succeed and grow.

Throughout all our firms across world, the UHY brand creates a unified banner under which clients feel rightly supported in their cross-border growth.

In a nutshell, connections are not just a feature of our network – they are our greatest strength.