‘Inspire a Generation’ is the motto of the London 2012 Olympics. Anton Colella is inspired by the vision of so many people getting involved and having a personal stake.
Wasn’t it amazing to see the Olympic Torch reach UK shores
earlier this week? I’m a big fan of the Olympics: sporting excellence, fierce
competition and a welcome boost to the UK economy.
The Bank of England predicted last week that UK GDP will be
0.2 per cent higher in the third quarter of this year as a result of the
Olympics.
But it’s more than just a financial boost: for me, the
Olympics are about people getting involved, taking a stake in something.
It’s wonderful to think that over 8,000 people will bear the
Torch as it makes its way around the UK and Ireland. As these torch-bearers run
through streets, towns and cities, whole communities are lit up, and the
Olympics become part of their lives.
On the business front, it was also interesting this week to
watch ‘the John Lewis model’ of business ownership being discussed on
Newsnight.
Owned by a trust on behalf of its employees (known as
‘partners’), it’s an example of workers taking a direct stake in their working
lives.
I’m not advocating one form of business structure over
another, but it was great to hear a group of workers who clearly had such
energy and passion invested in their jobs.
We at ICAS want members to feel a similar attachment to the
accounting profession, and the CA qualification. We also want to have a stake
in the professional lives of CAs.
This means calling on the experience and wisdom of CAs from
the wide range of roles ICAS members fill, and instilling a sense of what it
means to be a CA in our newest members.
It means supporting you, the ICAS members; meeting you, listening
to you and working with you.
Those who compete in London are no longer simply athletes;
there are Olympians. The link between their excellence and the games lasts a
lifetime. That’s the kind of connection we’re building between CAs and ICAS; a
link that lasts throughout your professional life.
Anton