ACHIEVING A WORK LIFE BALANCE WHILST WORKING FROM

FRS 102 Revised Seminar Brings South Yorkshire Finance Leaders Together

In collaboration with Shorts Chartered Accountants, we recently hosted a seminar for senior finance professionals from across the region.The event brought together a number of Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and senior leaders from across the region for a morning of insight, discussion and networking over breakfast. It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new contacts, reflecting the strength and depth of the Yorkshire finance community. The seminar was presented by Howard Freeman, Audit & Accounts Partner, and Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts. We are extremely grateful to both speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and for delivering a clear, practical overview of the forthcoming changes to FRS 102, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to impact a significant number of UK businesses. The session explored what is changing and why, particularly in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition, and considered what the updates mean in practice for finance teams and business leaders. The speakers also addressed the new reporting requirements under FRS 102, the potential impact on EBITDA and valuation methodologies, and the key considerations for organisations as they prepare for implementation. Rather than focusing purely on technical detail, the seminar encouraged broader discussion around readiness, communication with stakeholders and the commercial implications of the changes. This led to a highly engaged Q&A session, with attendees sharing perspectives and experiences from their own organisations. At Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to supporting the finance community beyond recruitment alone. Events such as this form part of our ongoing effort to create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing and professional development among senior finance professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Shorts for partnering with us on this event, and in particular to Howard and Andy for delivering such an informative and thought-provoking session. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We look forward to hosting further events in the coming months and continuing to work closely with our network of finance leaders across the region.If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your finance team, or if you are considering strengthening your leadership function, please contact us for a confidential conversation.

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Stress Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness of both the causes and cures of stress. A recent study by the Stress Management Society, identified that 65% of people in the UK have felt more stressed since the COVID19 restrictions began in March 2020.

The three key causes of concern are feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and a worrying lack of control. This is backed up by findings from the Mental Health Foundation which stated that 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

Since restrictions were introduced more than 12 months ago, working from home has become the new normal for many employees across the region, and despite lockdown beginning to ease, homeworking – in some form - is set to continue for a number of business and organisations. As we try and balance work, rest and play all under the same roof, we outline our top tips for working from home.

Be organised

It is unlikely that you will be able to replicate your usual working week, especially if you are trying to juggle your job with childcare and, if a member of your household had to isolate, schoolwork. Plan ahead and make sure you co-ordinate your diary with your partner if possible so you have dedicated time to make calls or attend virtual meetings.

Understand your working ‘hours’

You may have had to adjust your working hours to manage your other commitments so look to break up your day into manageable chunks with a defined start and end time and regular breaks for lunch and to step away from your desk.

Take some time out

It is always important to take some time out during the working day and without the ‘benefit’ of a daily commute to switch off after a day in the office, it is essential that you make time during the day to get outside and do some exercise. A walk, cycle or run are ideal ways to help boost your overall well-being.

‘Leave’ work at the end of the day

Working from home can see employees doing more tasks in their non-working time as it is hard to separate home life from work life. If possible work in a room that you can close the door to at the end of the day; if not, make sure you tidy away your laptop at documents so you are not tempted to reach for them.

Make weekends different

Remember that Friday feeling? Make the most of weekends whilst working from home but making sure you switch off from work and do something on those days that you don’t have time to do during the week. Take a walk, arrange a movie night, organise a video catch up with friends or family.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT UStoday for expert advice on your next career move.