SFEDI business mentor scoops IAB award

The IAB UK and International Business and Skills Awards took place on 8th December in a prestigious House of Commons setting. In addition to being a primary sponsor of the event, SFEDI has extra reason to celebrate as Carl Beardon, one of our dedicated business mentors, was named Small Business Mentor of the Year.

The IAB is a not-for-profit organisation for professional bookkeepers that connects some 10,000 members from across 60 countries. Regulated by Ofqual, the IAB sets world-class standards in bookkeeping and acts as a beacon of best practice for the industry.

Bringing together the great and the good from the world of bookkeeping, the IAB UK and International Business and Skills Awards provide the chance for the IAB to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution in their field over the last year. This year the event, hosted by IAB president Fabian Hamilton MP, celebrated the work of the organisation, as well as its professional members, students and dedicated enterprise centres, which are located all around the world. The individuals attending the awards came from various walks of life – as well as bookkeepers and payroll professionals, there were accountants, apprentices and, of course, enterprise mentors all interacting with one another. Those who received accolades at the event included Alison Edward, who was named Bookkeeper of the Year, an award sponsored by long-time IOEE partner Lloyds Bank. Meanwhile, the title of Accountant of the Year (which is sponsored by FA Simms & Partners, plus AMLCC) was bestowed upon Natasha Penny. However, the award we were most excited about was that of Small Business Mentor of the Year, which went to Carl Beardon who was nominated by our very own Mentor Manager Christine Dryden. Carl has been providing enterprise mentoring since 2011 and was a very worthy recipient of the IAB honour. Asked what it is that keeps him mentoring, Carl said:

“The reason I continue to mentor today is the positive feeling I get when I help others achieve their dreams and ambitions. It’s a great way to give something back to the local community through sharing my knowledge and experience.”

I was pleasantly surprised to hear I had been shortlisted for the award, as I was not aware I had been nominated. I honestly didn’t think I would win given the other great examples of mentoring in the area. I am really proud to have been presented with the award at the House of Commons – what a brilliant setting in which to receive it. I also feel very lucky to have had great support over the years from Christine Dryden, and to have been matched with high caliber mentees. It really has been a team effort over the years.”

To find out more about the IAB visit the organisation’s website.