The Managing Director of chartered accountant Price Bailey, Martin Clapson, has been elected Global Vice-Chairman of IAPA, the International Association of Professional Accountants. The election was held at IAPA’s Annual International Conference held in Hong Kong, 15-18 November.
IAPA is an international association of independent accounting and business advisory firms and Price Bailey has been a full member since 2010. The conference in Hong Kong was attended by more than 75 global members from 48 accounting firms.
“It is an honour to have been elected Global Vice-Chairman of such a worthwhile and valuable organisation. IAPA enables us to better serve clients who are viewing international expansion opportunities,” said Martin Clapson. “As the accounting profession becomes progressively borderless, the importance of effective communication in international business becomes more important. Our association with IAPA ensures that we have the necessary contacts to support our clients in almost every key business location worldwide.”
Prior to the conference in Hong Kong Martin and International Business Partner, Jitu Shah, visited Singapore to advise individuals and businesses in the region on investing and doing business in the UK. The pair held eight very productive meetings during the two days including discussions and sharing ideas with a local IAPA member. In Hong Kong Jitu also met with more clients and contacts to discuss business and investment opportunities in the UK.
“Although the UK remains very attractive for foreign investors, the tax legislation affecting overseas investment in property is complex,” said Martin. “I’m pleased to say our visit was extremely well received by each of the clients.”
At the conference in Hong Kong Global IAPA Chairman, Jan Huygens, commented, “Our International Conference in Hong Kong focused on how our members can develop their global business, with emphasis on growth in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular China. As we endeavour to make our firms more globally responsive, it is increasingly important to understand the customs and cultures of our international clients and to break any barriers between cultures, language and set patterns of thinking.
“Along with a strong focus on how firms can leverage their IAPA membership to promote their global services, this International Conference offered a fantastic opportunity for our dynamic accounting firms to gain new ideas and insights to re-evaluate their international growth strategies to attract new business.”
