Young Chartered Accountant of the Year 2007
Leonard Gardner
It’s the people you meet and the memories that you create that make for an interesting life. Since winning the award last year, I have had the opportunity to meet many fantastic people in business. I have had plenty of practice in telling my story, and have benefited from hearing the stories and aspirations of those I have spoken to.
It was only when I found the link between business and people that my passion for business came alive.
The issue that stands out for me for the future is succession planning, particularly with SMEs. I see it as a huge opportunity for myself, and for the Chartered Accounting profession. We’ve got to understand the person and their business before we even try to provide the solution.
This year has also given me an appreciation of the value that being a member of the Institute offers its members, and the commitment that a large team of dedicated professionals, staff and regional representatives put into the organisation. They do a great job on our behalf and deserve our thanks.
As I have said to many of the people I have spoken to around the country, I am on about chapter five in the story of my life, and this past year has really stretched my horizons, and created some great memories and relationships. Bring on chapter six!