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PQ magazine, Celebrating 250 issues
Celebrating 250 issues
Our October issue marks a milestone for PQ magazine – our 250th edition!
It has been an amazing journey and everyone at PQ magazine is proud to say this is our 250th issue!
We have loved every minute of it, and hope that we have been a guiding light at your side as you move from PQ to NQ. We have challenged the profession to change and pushed for that change. We believe just being around so long has meant we are also taken seriously! But we thought now is not the time to blow our own trumpet. Instead, we thought we would let other people do that:
Helen Brand, Chief Executive, ACCA: “ACCA warmly congratulates PQ on its 250th issue. It is an amazing milestone and throughout that journey PQ has done nothing but champion the interests of students and newly qualifieds from all bodies, including of course ACCA. Here’s to the next 250 issues.”
Andrew Harding, Chief Executive – Management Accounting, AICPA & CIMA: “Congratulations on reaching the 250 issues milestone! I remember the first edition so well, those of us around at that time will all be delighted with the success you have achieved. I can’t believe that it is now 20 years since we first saw PQ magazine. So much has changed in our world through corporate crises, regulatory change, digitisation, Brexit and war. But PQ has remained consistent and valuable.
“At the start, PQ met a need for a free-thinking publication which supported accountancy students. It has never deviated from that –it provides vital communication, holds the examining bodies to account and builds student capabilities.
“Graham, you and your team have done a great job. We have not always agreed, but you have always been a critical friend. Long may that continue.”
Sarah Beale, Chief Executive, AAT:
“Congratulations to PQ magazine on your 250th issue. This is a real milestone achievement, showing just how valued the magazine is among students for its high-quality content and details of what’s happening in the accountancy world, as well as tips, advice and support to help them complete their qualifications and go on to successful careers in the accountancy profession. We’re delighted to have worked closely with you on this over the years and hope to continue to do so well into the future. Here’s to the next 250!”
Rob Whiteman, Chief Executive, CIPFA: “From everyone at CIPFA, many congratulations to PQ on reaching its 250th issue. The magazine provides invaluable insights and news for trainees and newly qualifieds, so here’s to the next 250!”
Phil Turnbull, Chief Executive, Association of International Accountants: “250 editions of excellence, knowledge, and inspiration – a true testament to PQ’s unwavering commitment to inform, educate and hold the accountancy industry to account. Personally, working with Graham over the past two decades has been an absolute privilege and I wish a wholehearted congratulations on this remarkable milestone! In an ever-evolving media landscape, your enduring presence speaks volumes about your resilience and ability to embrace change while staying true to your core values.”
Prem Sikka, member of UK House of Lords: “Will you still need me, Will you still feed me, When I’m sixtyfour’, is a famous line from a 1960s hit song by the Beatles. Well, PQ Magazine has done far better. It has hit its 250th edition and we still love it and need it. Right from the first edition, PQ has been a champion of students and has given them a voice. It regularly calls professional accountancy bodies to account. It has campaigned on issues of tax transparency, representation of minorities, a better deal for students and much more. All this is due to the extraordinary efforts and vision of Graham Hambly, founder of PQ magazine. It has been a privilege and an honour to work with Graham over the past 250 editions and I look forward to next 250. The Beatles song will need to be rewritten.”
Professor Richard Murphy, Professor of Accounting Practice, Sheffield University Management School: “UK business could not function without the work done by the UK’s PQs. It is they who keep this country’s cash flowing. PQ magazine has supported these vital people in all stages of their careers over 250 issues and plays an absolutely essential role within the accounting profession as a result. Long may it continue.”
Professor Atul K Shah, City University of London: “PQ magazine has been a very rare and influential student voice in accounting for decades. Given the millions of students globally studying for the profession it is vital that young people are engaged and supported in their professional journey. Regular columns by influencers like Professor Prem Sikka have helped students understand the wider impact of accounting practices on the economy and society, sadly often leading to greater inequality and audit failures. It is so critical that students are able to see accounting beyond the textbook and understand how important it is to protecting public interest and what difference an ethical professional can make in wider society.”
Mark Ingram, Director of FMELearnOnline: “PQ focuses on ‘critical issues’ – whether it’s the accounting career attrition rates, social mobility, climate change, blockchain, ethics or AI, you’ll find it discussed in PQ. There are expert columns from some of the top ‘thought leaders’ of the accounting world, too.
“For me though, the real ‘meat’ of PQ is the issues it adopts and pushes – which frequently lead to real change. This is PQ ‘holding power to account’ (where’s the IFRS on this?). As PQ says: “We go where others fear to tread. We pride ourselves on our independent approach, seeking out the stories that matter.” Whether that’s exam fiascos, pass rates, well-being or pay levels, PQ is pushing for change – and attempting to get us to help ourselves.
“Like many ‘institutions’, and after 250 editions it is an institution, it is fragile. PQ doesn't always gain the support it should from the powerful. I guess it takes integrity to understand that having a ‘critical friend’ is more important long term than maximising your SEO score.”
Stuart Pedley-Smith, Head of Learning, Kaplan: “Becoming a qualified accountant is certainly not easy, it requires determination, hard work and support from tuition providers, employers, professional bodies, friends and family. But there is also a need to feel part of a community, a group of people effectively studying together, different subjects of course, but all facing similar challenges and asking similar questions. These can range from not understanding a specific topic, wanting to know how to study more effectively, to finding out what is happening in the sector. For 250 editions PQ has provided this service for accountancy students. It has also been the voice of the student, shining a light on areas that are of concern and when required holding to account those of us who work in accountancy education.”
Martin Taylor, CEO and chairman First Intuition: “I am old enough to remember Graham setting up PQ magazine. He wanted something that represented and supported students, that held institutes to account, that was fun but with a core of useful information in every issue. I think that over 20 years and 250 issues it is a testament to Graham and the team that they managed this and continue to. I know it is a tireless job to keep being able to bring relevant and up-to-date information to students, but the PQ team continue to do this. Well done to everyone involved over the years, a fantastic achievement!”
Tom Clendon, ACCA SBR online tutor, PQ award winner 2011 and 2023: “Three reasons why I love PQ magazine!
• I love PQ because it represents students’ interests, and holds the professional bodies to account.
• I love PQ because it publishes free useful, interesting and quirky content for students.
• I love PQ because of the PQ annual awards which celebrates our industry.”
Sunil Bhandari, ACCA AFM online tutor, PQ award winner 2020: “Personally, I want to say a big thank to Graham the editor and PQ magazine. When I set up my online courses nearly 10 years ago, I was very much a lone wolf in a market full of the big colleges. However, you were one of a very few people who helped and supported me, and I have never and will never forget that.
“From those beginnings FME Learn Online developed into what it is today, and I work with a great team of colleagues. I am a member of the pack and no longer that lone wolf.
“I was also truly honoured to get my PQ Editor’s Award in 2020 which still sits proudly in my office.”
Regwana Uddin, LSBF ACCA tutor, PQ award winner 2021: “PQ magazine was my source of news in the accounting world when I was a student. I was a mere 21 years old when I started studying ACCA, and my tutors would all recommend subscribing to PQ magazine straight away!
“I looked forward to the exam tips, news on the Big 4 firms and reading about an accountant’s typical day.
“Now that I am an ACCA tutor myself, I recommend the magazine to all of my students, especially the articles on mental health, positive thought processes and general well-being.
“Thank you PQ magazine, for giving me a telescope into the accounting world.”
Umar Tariq, Senior Training Consultant. FC Training: “I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on you reaching this remarkable milestone. This achievement not only speaks to the magazine’s dedication to excellence but also to its unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch content to its readers.
“PQ magazine has been an invaluable resource in the field of accounting and finance, providing insightful articles, industry updates and professional guidance to students and professionals alike. The magazine’s consistent quality and relevant content have truly set it apart as a leader in its domain.”
Sean Purcell, ACCA SBL online tutor, PQ award winner 2020: “Most people experience PQ magazine for a short window while preparing for their accountancy exams. As someone involved in helping students to be successful in their exams for nearly 30 years, I have known PQ magazine since its inception.
“I’d like to say thank you PQ, thank you Graham Hambly, for being the champion of the little person, and by the little person I mean the student.
“Whenever a professional body has stepped out of line or a student has been unfairly disadvantaged by something, causing distress, you can rely on Graham to step in on their behalf using the power of PQ and solve their problems. I’ve seen it time and time again and many students are indebted to PQ.”
Tony Margaritelli, MD at HMRC Enquires, Investigations and Powers e-magazine: “A huge part of my early career was training and helping our firm’s intake train and pass their exams and I always made sure they registered for the magazine. When I used to hold meetings with them, I would ask them questions that had been covered in the most recent issue.
“Now those days are gone but I still try to repost content on social media whenever possible, always ending with the same sentence that I used all those years ago: “Get a subscription, it’s free and it will help you pass”. Nothing has happened over the 250 issues to make me change my mind, except that I think it’s getting better and better, with more depth and insight and
“Now those days are gone but I still try to repost content on social media whenever possible, always ending with the same sentence that I used all those years ago: “Get a subscription, it’s free and it will help you pass”. Nothing has happened over the 250 issues to make me change my mind, except that I think it’s getting better and better, with more depth and insight and yes more tips and wrinkles to help pass.”
Gareth John, First Intuition and PQ magazine award winner: “Graham has been a great supporter of the accountancy sector for longer than I now care to remember. He genuinely has the interests of accountancy students and their employers at heart and is not afraid to raise difficult questions with the awarding bodies.”
Robert Sowerby, consultant and professional accountancy tutor: “How long? Graham you have certainly been on a journey. At PQ you have been a part of the firmament for so long that you have a perspective that many miss. PQ has retained its mix of reportage, fun and campaigning journalism through the trials and tribulations of the magazine industry. Further, it has spawned the awards, conferences and created a significant online space.
All this while focusing on the singular and laudable aim to put the student first. Here's to another 250 editions.”
Harri Dhillon, co-Chief Executive at e-Careers: “We encourage all our students to sign up to PQ magazine. With its comprehensive coverage of the latest developments in accounting and finance, it continues to equip our students with a wealth of invaluable insights and knowledge that prepares them for success in their professional careers.”
Will Holt, FCA, ICAEW Managing Director, Education and Training: “I would like to congratulate PQ magazine on reaching this significant milestone. It provides ACA students with crucial insights into everything that matters to the profession – from the latest sustainability standards to exam top tips.
“The accountancy world has changed significantly since the first edition of PQ in 2003, with the rise in new training technologies, new regulatory requirements and technological advances. I’m certain that PQ will continue to be at the forefront of providing guidance and information to accountants, and I look forward to another 250 editions.”
Clare Finch, partner HTFT Partnership: “PQ magazine really is more than just another magazine. For those of us who made accountancy training a career and for those going through their journey to become newly qualified it is the 'go to' place to know what is going on in the wider world of accountancy.
“PQ has its finger on the pulse of the latest news which includes changes to qualifications, changes to accounting standards and exam tips and feedback. It is a goldmine of inspiration, featuring student stories, aspiration, with great careers advice and information across all the accountancy qualifications.
“Graham Hambly, the editor and publisher of the magazine, is always a pleasure to spend time with, and runs the best industry awards each year!”
Polly Thrasivoulou, Head of members services, ICB: “PQ has always championed the student, regardless of the qualification they are studying. The magazine has been a constant in students' lives and mine! Well done for reaching such a milestone, I know you couldn’t have done it without me.”
• We have been forced to edit many of the quotes because some were so long! Thanks for all the kind words, and they will appear in full on the website… and if you want to add your two pennies’ worth then email graham@pqmagazine.com
