Benson Wood & Co is an accountancy firm in Scotland, established in 1937. For years they focused on compliance, making sure accounts were accurate and deadlines met. But CEO John Moffat CA wanted his team to go beyond compliance – to help businesses make better decisions and grow.
Quickly, as they began scaling up, the need to future-proof the firm and develop ethical business advisers from within became paramount.
The firm’s decision to train Chartered Accountants with ICAS marks a pivotal step in its growth and transformation. Now, they help businesses beyond accounting, as John puts it, they “take clients from chaos to clarity” and position themselves as strategic partners.
The challenge
To give clients the advice they needed, Benson Wood required people with more than technical skills. They needed future leaders. But previous training programmes hadn’t delivered as promised.
“Before introducing a CA trainee, the quality of training we had experienced wasn't to the standard I wanted for our business. That led to stress for me and for the team.”
Past training programmes were “a bit disorganised” and lacked sufficient support. This caused stress and even lowered confidence within the team.
That changed when they partnered with ICAS.
ICAS delivered a far more organised and reliable learning experience, with clear tutor support and a well‑designed digital training journey. It gave Benson Wood the confidence to continue investing in trainees and build the next generation of ethical business advisers.
The solution
John, who, as a CA, has a strong drive for ethical leadership and doing the right thing, decided to introduce his trainees to ICAS and the CA qualification.
To start the journey, Benson Wood had to become an Authorised Training Office (ATO), enabling them to train Chartered Accountants. The process was straightforward, allowing the firm to make the move quickly.
“Becoming an authorised training office was very straightforward and very professional. Jamie, in the Business Development team, was a great support and very patient with me.”
What changed?
It’s early days, but the impact is clear:
- Trainees feel supported, engaged and confident.
- Ethics is part of business conversation, helping the whole team to be even more focused on doing the right thing.
- The firm is now attracting more talent and taking them through the CA qualification.
“The difference in the ICAS learning and course delivery is phenomenal…[our trainee] has seen confidence increase and is enjoying the learning experience.”
Future outlook
Benson Wood plans to continue investing in ICAS trainees, shaping future leaders who will help the firm thrive as trusted business advisers.
John's advice to employers
“It's a no-brainer, the benefit to your business will be huge… The syllabus, the support, the professionalism, the ethical side of it, I think ICAS differentiates itself in so many ways.”
Why ICAS and the CA qualification are the right fit
- Becoming an Authorised Training Office (ATO) with ICAS is simple and professional. You’ll have guidance at every step.
- Your trainees will benefit from flexible and well-organised learning that fits around your business needs.
- You’ll embed ethical leadership into your firm, building trust with clients and confidence in your team.
- From onboarding to ongoing queries, you’ll have access to caring expert help whenever you need it.
- By offering the ICAS CA qualification you’ll attract ambitious professionals and keep them engaged, shaping the next generation of business advisors.
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