FROM THE PRESIDENT
ANDREW PITT

I was delighted to become President of the West of England Society of Chartered Accountants (WESCA) at their AGM on 20 May. I look forward to my year of office representing students as well as qualified Chartered Accountants in the West of England.

The Institute's quarterly Business Confidence Monitor for the first quarter of 2004 shows an upturn in confidence in commerce and industry compared to a year ago. This is a survey of Chartered Accountants to monitor the change in business confidence, quarter by quarter. Those in the IT industry were particularly upbeat. This is excellent news for your careers after you qualify - whether you stay in the profession, which will benefit from the upturn, or are looking to join a business.

The range of social events put on by your Committee is extremely wide, giving everyone a chance to participate. I encourage you to make the most of these.

And finally, good luck with all your exams!

Andrew Pitt

President
West of England Society of Chartered Accountants
(Andrew Pitt is a partner at KPMG in Bristol and heads their Private Client practice in the South).