MARKETING INSIDER Q32025
WELCOMETOTHIS EDITIONOF MARKETINGINSIDER!
We’re back with your inside look at all things Marketing across EQ!
In this edition, we’ll be covering the key highlights from the past few months, including:
• The events we’ve attended and hosted
• Standout statistics and performance metrics
• Our top-performing LinkedIn posts
• Where our client enquiries are coming from
• And the latest insights shaping our activity
Let’s dive into the numbers, celebrate the wins, and keep building a strong, visible, and engaging EQ brand together.
Visits
Post: Accounts Manager
Vacancy
Reach: 1,745
EngagementRate:31.3%
Post: Michelle Murray: In Your Shoes (D&A Chamber of Commerce)
Reach:1,257
EngagementRate:8.4%
Post: Excellence in ActionBrogan Howe
Reach:1,248
EngagementRate:14.4%
1
2 3 5 4
*Please ensure “Client Source” is completed on the Client Onboarding/ CID Form to allow us to accurately report client recruitment routes.
Our Autumn Agriculture Bulletin was published, covering this year’s mixed harvest, early Basic Payment Scheme updates, generational wealth planning, diversification success stories, upcoming slurry storage rules, interest rate insights, sector events, trainee news, cereal market challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy. Clicktheimagebelowtoreadthefullbulletin.
It’s been a busy and exciting few months for the EQ team as we've been out and about meeting clients, supporting our communities, and representing EQ at a wide variety of events across Scotland.
So far this season, we’ve had the pleasure of attending and hosting:
• Business Beats Cancer - Sponsored by EQ
• Helping It Happen Awards
• Scottish Letting Day
• Client Golf Days across our regions
• Careers Fairs throughout Scotland
• Young Professionals Event with Anderson Strathern (cohosted by Lynsey Robertson)
• DCA Cash for Kids networking event
• Protoplay
• Action Coach event (hosted by EQ)
• …and many more!
Each event has given us the chance to connect with new and familiar faces across key sectors including agriculture, rural business, property, professional services, and the local community.
We've had insightful conversations, strengthened relationships, and continued to raise the EQ profile across Scotland.
But we’re not done yet… We’re keeping the momentum going with several key events still to come, including:
• AgriScot
• Leuchie Long Lunch …and more to follow!
WELCOMETOTHE PEOPLE&CULTURE INSIDER!
We’re back with your inside look at all things People & Culture across EQ.
In this edition, we’ll share updates on current projects, a preview of what’s coming up, and updates on career growth and learning.
You’ll also get a quick snapshot of what’s been happening across the team recently.
We’re also delighted to share that Luisa has officially taken on her new role as Central Team Graduate – a brilliant milestone and a great addition to the team.
Let’s dive into the updates, celebrate progress, and continue strengthening the colleague experience across EQ together.
People&CultureTeam
P&CSnapshot P&CSnapshot
Recruitment
We’ve had a brilliant quarter welcoming new faces and strengthening key teams. Pinpoint is now fully embedded, giving candidates and hiring managers a smoother experience.
29 new colleagues joined in Q1, including 18 graduates - a big boost to our future talent pipeline.
SOS support is already making a difference, with Karabo bolstering Bookkeeping and Loid joining as Audit Manager on 20 October 2025. Sumer’s Talent Acquisition team is partnering closely with us. Natalie Workman (TABP) is our dedicated lead, ensuring we fill roles quickly and well.
BigProjects
Values in action: From Partner Masterclasses to practical toolkits, our values are moving off the page and into everyday decisions and recognition.
Probation refresh: A clearer, fairer, group-wide approach so every new starter begins with confidence.
Holiday year alignment: From 2026 we’ll align to 1 July–30 June with a simple bridging period.
SumHer: A group-wide focus on educating, attracting, retaining and supporting women—listening groups begin soon.
Metimur Culture Audit: We’ve partnered with Metimur for a clear, unbiased view of our culture. It’s anonymous, running in October, and will inform what we do next.
Values in action: From Partner Masterclasses to practical toolkits, our values We have two new members of the P&C team from Sumer supporting EQ Accountants:
Kae Eddings – HR Shared Services Senior Advisor: Kae brings a wealth of Employee Relations experience and is supporting the team on more complex ER matters.
Natalie Workman: Natalie is already embedding as our primary recruitment contact, working closely with P&C and the wider TA team to source strong candidates.
CultureReviews
We’re running some Culture Reviews across EQ to understand how it feels to work here - what helps you do great work and what gets in the way. The aim is to map our current culture, spot gaps and opportunities, and agree an aspirational culture that supports our growth.
Whythismatters:
As we scale, we need culture to keep pace - so quality stays high, leadership is consistent, teams feel connected, and our values show up in everyday decisions.
Howitworks
Listen: confidential group chats and 1:1s to gather real experiences. Map: themes across ways of working, leadership, client standards, tools and wellbeing.
Activate: quick wins you’ll feel now, plus bigger changes built into the people plan.
OurValues:WeShineTogether,WeDotheRight Thing,WeMakeItCount
We’re moving our values from “words on a page” to visible, everyday behaviours. The P&C Team will co-lead with Partners to embed values in how we work, lead and make decisions - supported by practical tools, recognition and tracking.
Whattoexpect
Partner Masterclasses: Short sessions (facilitated/co-facilitated by P&C) on why values are a commercial advantage, the Partner “multiplier effect,” and how to use values in everyday conversations - leaving with specific actions to role-model.
Manager & Team Enablement: A Manager Toolkit and Colleague Playbook, plus briefings/lunch-and-learns to embed values into performance discussions, 1:1s and team meetings - with visible prompts to keep values front-of-mind.
Recognition – Making it Count Awards: Firm-wide awards recognising colleagues who consistently demonstrate our values (We Shine Together, We Make It Count, We Do the Right Thing). Winners (plus a guest) will be invited to a celebration event in Edinburgh on 26 March 2026.
This programme rolls out from the end of October through December 2025.
MetimurCultureAudit
Sumer has partnered with Metimur, an award-winning culture diagnostic, to gain an evidence-based understanding of how we work today and where we can grow stronger. Instead of guesswork, the audit uses 150 touchpoints across 20 cultural areas to show what’s working and where improvement is needed.
What to expect
A randomly selected group of colleagues will receive invitations directly from Metimur.
Participation is by invitation only, and all responses are completely anonymous.
The audit survey runs until the 7 November. th
Why it matters
Insights feed directly into our People & Culture Strategy to help us: play to our strengths, identify areas for growth, and build the best possible workplace for everyone.
Your voice matters: If invited, please take part - every response helps shape Sumer’s future culture.
CentralInductionEvent
Whatitis
A monthly, group induction that immerses every new starter in EQ - our values, how we’re structured, the tools we use, and how to hit the ground running. Held on one day each month at a central EQ location (depending on where starters are based).
Whywe’redoingit
Efficient: less ad-hoc training; more time back for managers and Central teams.
Consistent: everyone gets the same high-quality, values-aligned start. Community: start with a cohort - built-in buddies and support from day one. Scalable: handles growth and cyclical hiring without overwhelming teams. Proven: our recent pilot scored highly in feedback and shaped the final format.
Whatnewstartersget
Clear context, essential training, and the people/tech set-up they need - so they can contribute with confidence from week one.
EarlyCareers(includingCanditech)
We’ve kicked off recruitment for our 2026 Early Careers cohort - bringing in graduates for our 2026 intake and interns for summer 2026 placements. Applications are open; we’ll assess candidates through November with offers going out at the end of the month.
Canditech
This year we’re using Canditech as an initial review stage. It’s a short, jobrelevant online assessment that simulates real work (data handling, email drafting, scenario judgment). We’re piloting it as an early screen to focus on actual skills rather than just CVs, making decisions fairer and more consistent and giving us useful data to tailor interviews. It’s quick, remote and accessible; if the pilot lands well, we’ll integrate it into Pinpoint so invites and scores flow automatically - speeding decisions and reducing admin.
PolicyLaunches
We launched one new policy in Q1 Travel and Expense with more coming shortly:
Criminal Convictions (Unspent): Confidential, lawful, case-by-case approach to disclosures in recruitment or employment, assessing role relevance, timing and restrictions, with secure records.
Health & Safety for Hybrid & Remote Workers: Minimum safety/security standards for working from home (ergonomics, breaks, lone-working checkins, fire safety, device/data security) plus a short self-assessment/training.
Personal Relationships: How we manage potential conflicts of interest from personal relationships (when to declare, safeguards such as reporting-line changes) with confidential handling by P&C.
Anti-Modern Slavery: Zero-tolerance, red flags, responsibilities across the firm/supply chain, and clear escalation routes with links to related policies (e.g., AML, Anti-Bribery).
These policies create clarity, structure and transparent compliance standards. If you haven’t already, please read and sign up to the policies on the Compliance Portal.
HolidayYearChange
We will align EQ’s holiday year with Sumer and other hubs to create a consistent approach across the Group.
Current: 1 April – 31 March
New: 1 July – 30 June (effective from 2026)
Transition: EQ Colleagues - 1 April – 30 June 2026 (a one-off 3-month extension) then reset on 1 July 2026. Ex McDonald Gordon Colleagues – 1 February – 30 June 2025 (a one-off 3-month extension), then reset on 1 July 2026
Key point: This is a date alignment only - colleagues will not lose or gain entitlement. You’ll receive individual communications explaining how your entitlements will work.
SumHerInitiative
SumHer is our Group-wide programme to make EQ a place where women join, grow and lead at every career stage. It’s about fairness and performance diverse teams make better decisions and deliver stronger results.
Howwe’lldoit(4pillars)
Educate: build awareness and confidence on gender equity. Attract: targeted outreach and partnerships to widen our talent pool. Retain: mentoring, sponsorship and clear development pathways. Support: networks, belonging groups and practical wellbeing resources.
Whatyou’llsee
Role-model stories and leadership forums
University/professional body partnerships
Mentoring & sponsorship offers, plus leadership development
Practical tools for balance and wellbeing
Culture Discovery Listening Groups - facilitated by Sinead Scobie - are running in each hub (up to 12 colleagues, 60–90 mins, optional 1:1 follow-up). Insights will be anonymised and feed directly into our P&C strategy. If you’re invited, we’d love your voice.
We now have two sessions running in Dundee on 11th November, which means there are extra spaces available. If anyone additional would like to join a session, please just let us know - we’d be delighted to include you.
UpcomingProjects UpcomingProjects
ProbationReviews
We will be rolling out a new probation process across the UK and South Africa, ensuring every new colleague starts with clear expectations, consistent support, and fair treatment.
Whythismatters
Starting a new role can be exciting and overwhelming. Probation is not just assessment - it gives colleagues time, space and guidance to succeed, while giving managers a clear, fair framework from the outset.
What’schanging
Consistency: one framework across the UK hubs and SOS in South Africa.
Clarity from day one: clear expectations and built-in two-way feedback.
Early support: managers prompted to check in regularly, raise concerns early, and provide tools for success.
Fair, compliant decisions: transparent and legally compliant - no surprises at the end.
Outcome
Set colleagues up for long-term success by embedding trust, feedback and support from day one. Probation conversations should feel natural and ongoing - not a one-off event at the end.
Learning Learning
CPDupdate
We’re proud to share a 90% completion rate of CPD requirements across the firm - a fantastic achievement and a reflection of everyone’s effort and proactive approach.
As the new CPD year begins on 1 November, please check your annual target and plan ahead.
CPD is your chance to own your developmentuse internal opportunities and the Sumer Compliance Portal.
InternalPromotions
We are thrilled to announce this year’s student promotions, effective 1 August 2025! With 34 promotions across our student populationover 10% of our total team - this is a fantastic achievement that reflects the dedication, talent and hard work of our people.
1.15 promotions within our Junior grade
5 to Junior L2: Ben Burton, Nairn Nixon, Will Prentice, Anna Warden, Carys Williams
10 to Junior L3: Hannah Allan, Zara Ayton, Cameron Danskin, Ife Durojaiye, Isla McCallum, Shona McLay, Lewis Moyes, Joseph Noon, Archie Ramsay, Scott Young
2.19 promotions within our Senior grade
13 to Senior L1: Fraser Dingwall, Helena Drylie, Michael Fergusson, Lewis Grant, Kristofer Hernandez, Emily Keith, Jake Kerr, Alisha Owen, Ben Scott, Amy Sherriff, Max Short, Lewis Stracey, Stella Winterton
6 to Senior L2: Rachel Colbeck, Megan Douglas, Max Kelly, Emily Page, Claudia Splaine, Colette Swinley
These promotions highlight the continued growth and success of EQ Accountants. We’re incredibly proud of each of you - your hard work, expertise and commitment make our firm thrive.
L&DUpdate
During Q1 (July–September) we delivered training across the firm, including:
Graduate and Trainee Day
Time and Priority Mastery (Susan Godman, Join the Dots)
CCH Billing Training (Laura Horsburgh)
ICAS Logbook Training (Michelle Murray)
IRIS Training for South Graduates (Pete Stanger)
Caseware Training for North Graduates (Heather Leighton)
Mentoring Masterclass for Partners (Liz Gilchrist, Taylor Clarke)
CPD & Sumer Compliance Portal session (Chiara Di Ponio)
Our first Central Induction Event
Inflo Training for Audit teams
Development Academy virtual sessions + two full-day in-person workshops (Liz Gilchrist, Taylor Clarke)
ComingupinQ2(moretocome!)
Inflo Training
Central Induction Event – 17 November
Fire Marshall Training
Mentoring Masterclass with Liz Gilchrist
Mercia Farming Conference
Wills & Executries (Victoria Ivinson & Natasha Gajczak)
Spotting Advisory Opportunities in Accounts (Gordon Buist)
Commercial Finance Webinar (Duncan Wood)
FluVaccineUpdate
With flu season upon us, we offered colleagues vouchers for the flu vaccine again this year and had strong uptake.
FirstAider/MHFAUpdate
Forfar: Kathryn Smeaton, Rachel Colbeck, Angela Simpson
Glenrothes: Sinead Scobie, Eilidh Giudice, Michael Trolland
Edinburgh: Lynsey Robertson, Ali Robertson
Melrose: Jack Campbell, Angela Armstrong
Grangemouth: Joanna Bland
PaidVolunteering
Just to remind you that you have the opportunity to spend up to 14 hours per year of paid time supporting causes and charities that are close to your heart. We are seeing a gradual uptake of this but just wanted to bring this benefit back to the front of people’s minds.
OPERATIONS INSIDER Q32025
WELCOMETOTHIS EDITIONOF OPERATIONS INSIDER!
We’re excited to bring you the third edition of the Operations Insider - your go-to source for everything happening behind the scenes at EQ. This monthly newsletter shares key project updates, admin news, process improvements, and all the operational developments that keep EQ running smoothly.
In this edition, we’ll cover: Progress on Client Onboarding PMC Update Admin Update New Processes Coming Soon
Stay tuned for insights from the team, upcoming initiatives, and continuous improvements designed to support your work across the firm.
We hope you find this edition useful - and as always, let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see featured in the future!
New Process Coming Soon New Process Coming Soon
Making additional services to existing clients easier to manage
We’re introducing a new, easy-to-use standardised process that will help the Technical Teams confirm additional services for existing clients - while ensuring everything is captured in our systems and compliance obligations are met through up-to-date engagement letters.
We’ll also be able to report on trends such as providing strategic insights in to the types and frequency of additional clients, services by client segment or industry, and revenue potential from new services - giving EQ a clearer picture of where we’re growing. This isn’t just about process - it’s about making work more efficient and better aligned with our growth ambitions.
We’re aiming to roll this out by the end of Q2, and you’ll start seeing comms in the coming weeks.
EQSouth–DataCleanse
Thanks to everyone in Technical teams in the South and colleagues in Admin and Ops who helped complete the main data update to client data on CCH (nearly 2000 records cleared). We can now confirm that these records have also been removed from IRIS and SmartSearch to ensure our databases are accurate and consistent.
This has allowed Admin team to begin issuing updated engagement letters to clients and responses are being received. CCH is being updated to confirm the date of issue and the date of return.
So far 2 out of the 5 partners’ lists have been completed and on track to have fully completed in October.
IncomingMail
An EQ requirement is that all client post received into EQ offices is scanned into the CCH Document Centre.
A “how to” video and notes have been created for the mail process and is available on the intranet within the How to Guides section.
EQSouth
We are delighted to welcome two new starters to the EQ South team! Lisa Anderson has now joined us in Kelso and will be based in Reception. We’re also pleased to share that Caroline Fairgrieve will be joining our Kelso Admin team on 4th November. Please join us in giving both Lisa and Caroline a very warm EQ welcome!
OnboardingandCompanySecretarial
To reflect our continued growth in new client numbers and the new process for Client ID verification required for Company Secretarial services we are gearing up our capabilities and resource to support engagement teams.
We have created the new role of Administration lead – Client Onboarding and Company Secretarial. This is a challenging and exciting role that is integral to the efficient and effective management for key client-focussed administrative processes.
DocuSign
Docusign is the software stipulated by Sumer to be used for securely obtaining client signatures on documentation. The EQ Compliance Policy has been updated accordingly.
Staff in the South and Grangemouth have transitioned onto using Docusign from other legacy systems. Thanks to everyone involved for making this such a smooth process.
We expect usage of Docusign to increase as all staff in the North fully adopt this way of operating to securely collect client signatures on documents.
We believe that all relevant staff in the Technical teams should have received an invitation to sign up to access Docusign but if you’ve been missed or need any help or advice, please Gillan Mitchell or a member of your local admin team.
The Compliance Policy and Docusign training and ‘How to’ guides are available on the intranet - [enter link to intranet]
Implementation in the South
Implementation in the South
Progress Update
Progress Update
The first phase of implementing the PMC model in the South has now reached a stage where we are taking stock and revisiting the initial project brief and adapting it for phase 2. Phase one focused on South offices and covered the initial planning work, restructuring into Partner, Manager, Controller groups, the reallocation clients between the groups and with Business Services and making sure both Iris and CCH were updated to cover these changes.
We implemented weekly workflow meetings, bi-weekly manager meetings, use of the CCH employee planner and arranged North staff training on Iris to help ease bottlenecks. Managers visited the North offices to learn more about the structure and made good contacts to get continued support and to build up a network of connections with others within EQ, helping promote interaction amongst all offices.
PMCPhase2
Planning for Phase 2 is currently in progress, and will involve the following:
Southoffices – Continued embedding of the PMC structure by helping staff fulfil their roles, managing workloads and monitoring WIP & Debtor balances using all available systems and resource.
Edinburgh– Continue with the integration of McDonald Gordon into EQ practices. Embedding the PMC structure by identifying staff roles, tracking client work and integration into EQ systems. Providing training, support and resource to ensure smooth progress.
Grangemouth– Work to fully implement the EQ structure, utilising the CCH employee planner and providing resource where possible.
Northoffices – Continue to promote inter office interaction and utilise staff availability across all offices where required.
All–Work to help through any system and process changes that arise as we work towards universal systems in all offices. Create a small manager team to meet regularly to discuss and resolve any resource & capacity issues.
Fully bedding in the PMC structure and working towards universal ways of working across all offices will be a great benefit to EQ and when integrating future new spokes, by bringing them into an environment with one way of working across all offices.
A Company Secretarial team has been set up under the Advisory umbrella.
The team will lead by Mike Johnston and will deal with the monitoring and filing requirements and legislation updates from Companies House.
We are now offering a Company Secretarial Service to our clients to help them manage their company’s administrative, governance and legal compliance responsibilities to help ensure they meet regulations and deadlines and reduce their risk of penalties, fines or reputational damage from missed filings.
We will be introducing a software platform called Diligent in due course, which is a tool to help us manage the various requirements.
For more information on this see the links to ‘Company Secretarial’ on the intranet homepage. (To confirm correct location!)
Client records
in ticket system Client records Booking in ticket system
IT have used SharePoint to adapt an electronic system previously used in the South offices to track client records.
The updated version is accessible by everyone by clicking the ‘Booking in’ link on the intranet home page. It is currently being used in the South by all staff and being trialled by some of the North team with the aim to take to Partners for agreement to use throughout EQ in due course.
We have had good feedback from Glenrothes team who gave feedback on some changes required and are now using this to replace their existing job card process
Key Initiatives: Key Initiatives:
Plan and organise regular workflow manager meetings throughout all offices to discuss and plan work across all regions in preparation for consistent systems. Fully implement the Advisory department structure & tracker for use across all offices.
Monitor and assist clients with CoSec IDV checks and filing requirements.
Agree and roll out booking in ticketing system for use across all offices.
Skills Matrix phase 2 to scope and produce a working, user friendly document for use.
WELCOMETO THISEDITIONOF I.T.INSIDER!
In today’s digital world, staying informed is essentialand our IT team is here to provide the tools, updates, and support to help you stay connected and secure.
In this edition, we’re sharing: A look at how to stay safe and professional on social media
Updates on key IT projects and what’s coming next Important security reminders to help protect you and our clients
We’re committed to keeping you informed, secure, and ahead of the curve.
Thank you for your continued support, StuartGarrick
ServiceDesk ServiceDesk
LoggingTickets
To help our team plan their workload and prioritise tasks effectively, it is crucial that all issues are logged as tickets. You can log a ticket through our Helpdesk portal, by emailing helpdesk@eqaccountants.co.uk. Whyyoushouldlogticketsevenwhenyou’rebusy
When you are in the middle of work and encounter an issue, logging a ticket might seem like an interruption. However, it is essential for several reasons and is preferential to walking up to the team mid-task.
Bestpracticesforusers:
HighlightUrgency: If your issue is urgent, make sure to highlight its importance when logging the ticket. This helps our team prioritise and address critical issues promptly
FollowUp: If you have not received a response within the expected timeframe, feel free to follow up on your ticket. This ensures that your issue remains on our radar and is resolved as quickly as possible.
Ticketsopenlonger than7days July - 6 August - 5 September - 8
YourDataIsTheir Goldmine:What Social Media Isn’t Telling You YourDataIsTheir Goldmine:What Social Media Isn’t Telling You
Let’s be blunt: when you use social media, you’re not the customeryou’re the product. Every like, share, comment, and scroll is meticulously tracked, analysed, and monetised. Platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok aren’t just places to connect - they’re sophisticated data harvesting machines. And the currency? Your personal data.
WhatYouThinkYou'reDoingvs.WhatThey'reActuallyDoing
You post a photo. They extract location data, facial recognition markers, and behavioural patterns.
You follow a page. They build a profile of your interests, political leanings, and spending habits.
You watch a video. They track how long you watched, what you skipped, and what you watched next - feeding algorithms that shape your worldview.
X(Twitter):TheReal-TimeSurveillanceEngine
X thrives on immediacy. Every tweet, retweet, and hashtag contributes to a real-time psychological profile. Advertisers pay to target you based on your mood, your outrage, your curiosity. Even deleted tweets aren’t truly gone - they’re archived, analysed, and sometimes sold.
Facebook:TheDataDNACollector
Facebook knows your family, your friends, your job, your holidays, your pets, your political views, and your shopping habits. It crossreferences your activity with others to predict your behaviour. Ever wonder why an ad shows up seconds after you mention something in conversation? That’s not coincidence - it’s surveillance.
TikTok:EntertainmentorEspionage?
TikTok’s algorithm is eerily accurate - and that’s no accident. It collects biometric data, keystroke patterns, and even device identifiers. Its parent company’s ties to China have raised global concerns about data sovereignty. But millions still scroll, unaware that their digital footprint is being exported and analysed.
TheHiddenCostofFree
Social media is “free” because you’re paying with something far more valuable than money: your identity, your habits, your privacy. And once your data is out there, it’s nearly impossible to claw it back.
WhatYouCanDoRightNow
· Audit your privacy settings - limit what’s shared and with whom.
· Use aliases or minimal personal info where possible.
· Avoid linking accounts across platforms.
· Think before you post - would you be okay with that info being public forever?
FinalThought
Social media isn’t inherently evil. But it’s not neutral either. It’s engineered to extract, manipulate, and monetise your behaviour. The question isn’t if your data is being used - it’s how much and by whom. So next time you open an app, ask yourself: Who’s really benefiting from this post?
ProjectsUpdate ProjectsUpdate
Office365
We’re progressing to bring all the Office 365 instances across the hubs together. This will pave the way for:
Improved document management.
Better collaboration across hubs, including shared calendar invites, Teams channels, and communication. Enhanced support for shared services such as HR, Marketing, and IT, allowing interaction seamlessly across all hubs.
DocumentManagement
We recently completed demonstrations of two cloudbased document management systems. Both represent a major step towards SaaS / Cloud -based applications and away from the existing older legacy infrastructure.
PracticeEngine
The first hub has now gone live with Practice Engine, our new web-based time and fees platform.
This marks another significant step forward in modernising how we work — with staff now able to complete timesheets on their phones or iPads. Feedback so far has been very positive, and work is already underway to prepare for EQ’s migration into the same environment.
Security Security
We continue to strengthen our security posture, both through:
New IT policies (recently issued),
Ongoing cyber awareness training, and A growing set of security tools focused on education, detection, and prevention.
It’s really important that everyone familiarises themselves with the new policies on the Sumer Hub and you stay engaged with the training.
But as always, the most important layer of security is you - staying alert and vigilant.
APPLICATIONS PROGRAMME UPDATE
WELCOMETOTHE APPLICATIONS PROGRAMME UPDATE
We’re excited to bring you an update to our Applications Programme, where we’re providing a consistent and co-ordinated approach to applications change at EQ.
As we aim to deliver standardised applications firmwide, we’ll bring you regular updates on our progress.
In this edition, we’ll cover:
Inflo (Audit)
Practice Engine (PMS for timesheets, billing & expenses)
Diligent (CoSec)
Sage Payroll (Migration from IRIS Ernie)
CCH Tax & Caseware Accounts (MG migration)
MTD (Making Tax Digital)
Payroll Update Payroll Update
Edinburgh Payroll Migration Project
We have officially initiated a project to migrate the Edinburgh Payroll function to Sage 50. This is a strategic move to streamline our payroll processes and align Edinburgh with the systems used across the wider team.
PurposeandBenefits
By bringing Edinburgh onto Sage 50, the team will benefit from shared expertise, support, and standardised processes that the wider payroll team already uses.
It also creates opportunities for cross-team collaboration, giving the Edinburgh payroll team access to broader experience and knowledge within the organisation.
NextSteps
The project is now underway, with data review and system setup in progress.
Training and knowledge transfer sessions will be scheduled to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption.
Whythismatters
This initiative not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens team capability and resilience. It ensures that Edinburgh payroll can fully leverage the support and experience of the wider team, setting everyone up for success in the future.
Inflo (Audit) Inflo (Audit)
As part of Sumer’s commitment to becoming the UK and Ireland’s leading champion of small and medium-sized businesses, Sumer Audit is excited to introduce Inflo, our new audit technology platform. This investment is designed to enhance the quality, efficiency, and value of the audit services we provide to clients.
WhatisInflo?
Inflo is revolutionising auditing with a data-driven platform that automates workflows, enhances collaboration and transforms audits into something so much more than a checkbox exercise.
Founded by auditors, for auditors, Inflo understands the pressures firms face: tight margins, talent shortages, rising client expectations. In response, Inflo has been designed as a seamless, AI-powered platform to solve them all.
WhyInflo?
Smarter, Data-Driven Audits - Inflo embeds data analytics into every step, enhancing quality, insights, and efficiency.
Built for Auditors - A cloud-native platform designed to simplify workflows and solve real-world challenges.
Expert Support, Real Results - A team of audit specialists committed to collaboration, innovation, and delivering on promises.
Unmatched Visibility - Gain full transparency at every stage of the audit with real-time, data-driven insights that keep you informed and in control.
Efficiency at Scale - Inflo automates manual processes, freeing up auditors to focus on delivering higher-value insights with faster turnaround times.
Actionable Intelligence - Leverage powerful data analytics to uncover risks and opportunities, ensuring a more comprehensive and insightful audit experience.
Seamless Collaboration - Work effortlessly with your audit team through a digital-first approach that enhances communication, streamlines workflows, and drives better outcomes.
EQTransition
· Training taking place across October and November
· All new Audits to be processed through Inflo firm-wide following training
· Inflo Champions in place – Heather Leighton and Mark Moseley
Practice Engine (PMS for Timesheets, Billing and Expenses) Practice Engine (PMS for Timesheets, Billing and Expenses)
Practice Engine is Sumer’s new practice management system designed to centralise and streamline key operational processes — from time recording and billing to client management and reporting. It offers a more intuitive interface, improved data visibility, and better integration across teams, helping us work more efficiently and deliver a smoother experience for both colleagues and clients.
EQMigrationfromCCH
The project is now in full flow, with go-live planned for the first week in December, following November month end.
At EQ, we have pulled together a Practice Engine project implementation team, lead by Alexa Parkes (Business Systems Manager), which includes a number of “Champions” nominated from every EQ region.
Please see below the project timelines.
Supportneeded!
Please ensure you complete the online trining within the timescales required. Ensure timesheets, billing and expenses are completed promptly at the end of November
Diligent (CoSec) Diligent (CoSec)
Diligent is Sumer’s new platform for all Company Secretarial processes.
The Diligent platform offers a secure, streamlined, and highly efficient solution for managing company secretarial responsibilities.
For EQ, adopting Diligent would mean:
Centralised Governance: All Co-Sec tasks, documents, and compliance records are managed in one secure, cloud-based platform, reducing administrative overhead and risk.
Improved Compliance: Automated reminders and workflows help ensure statutory deadlines are met, reducing the risk of penalties or reputational damage.
Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time access for directors, secretaries, and stakeholders improves transparency and decision-making.
Audit-Ready Records: Easily accessible and well-organised documentation supports audit readiness and regulatory reporting.
Scalability: As EQ grows or takes on more clients, Diligent’s scalable infrastructure supports expansion without compromising control or efficiency.
By integrating Diligent into its Co-Sec operations, EQ can modernise its governance processes, improve accuracy, and free up valuable time for strategic advisory work.
EQTransition
·Sumer Diligent platform now setup
·EQ expected to commence migration to Diligent later in 2025
·Co-Sec services to be managed through the Diligent platform in early 2026
CCH Tax & Caseware Accounts (MG migration) CCH Tax & Caseware Accounts (MG migration)
With our aim to have standard productions applications across EQ, we have decided to prioritise the migration of Digita Corporation Tax and Sage Accounts to CCH and Caseware respectively.
This impacts colleagues in our Edinburgh office who use Sage and Digita.
During the project, which runs across November and December this year, we’ll endeavour to train all colleagues based in Edinburgh to have the ability to use CCH and Caseware to increase our firm-wide capacity.
This will enable us to share work seamlessly across offices, allow us to scale and flex our resources and improve utilisation firm wide.
Timeline
November and December 2025
Making Tax Digital Making Tax Digital
Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government initiative aimed at digitising the tax system. MTD requires taxpayers to record and report their income and expenses digitally on a quarterly basis, which begins April 2026 for sole traders and landlords earning above £50,000, April 2027 for those above £30,000, and April 2028 for those above £20,000.
Leading EQ’s transition to MTD is Angela Haig supported by the ‘Change’ team. EQ has approximately 500 clients who will be affected by the first move to MTD for tax in April 2026.
This will involve;
·Contacting all affected clients
·Send out MTD Services Engagement letters
·Register clients for MTD
·Use HMRC-recognised software to maintain digital business records & submit quarterly returns
·Submit a ‘final’ tax return, including any other income, allowances, or adjustments, by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
There will be further communication being circulated in November which will delve into more of the detail and how this will affect you and your clients.