At HLB, we aim to be recognised for our innovative products, services, and approach to business. Achieving effective and sustainable innovation requires a comprehensive and systematic approach; it is not simply about having good ideas on occassion. True value comes when innovation is embraced and implemented across our whole organisation, becoming part of our everyday ways of working.
As a core pillar of our Innovative People, Brighter Futures network strategy, we have identified four key concepts to approach the subject of innovation to consistently adapt, improve and evolve over time:
Building an innovation mindset
We are promoting change management across the network. Partnering with renowned institutions and business schools, we are providing innovation-themed training programmes and leadership workshops – including within HLB conferences.
Innovation resources
Adoption of the ISO 56000 Innovation Management standard as the anchor for a structured innovation framework, we are supporting the expansion of the HLB Affinity programme, and of our external ecosystem.
Fostering collaboration
We are launching a brand-new HLB Technology & Innovation Symposium, which will serve as a platform for internal and external experts to exchange insights and best practices in innovation.
Recognising innovation
We are introducing a recognition program to celebrate both innovation successes, and well-intentioned failures, to promote a results-oriented innovation culture throughout our network.
HLB's strategic partnership with Hype Innovation has been fundamental to the execution of our network strategy. By leveraging Hype's extensive expertise and technology stack, we continue to build an innovative culture and mindset within our member firms; equipping them with the education, frameworks and tools to ideate, experiment and tap into the collective brainpower of our global network.
By partnering with Connect Earth, we have sought to strengthen our ESG capability offering by enabling our global community to comply with and stay ahead of international climate regulation. These partnerships enhance opportunities to attract new customers and drive revenue by offering an innovative, fully compliant carbon accounting solution to the SME market.
We are pleased to collaborate with industry-leading software vendors such as Karbon. Their innovative, collaborative cloud platform revolutionises workflow and communication within accounting firms, helping teams to deliver exceptional client work. Our network partnership supports HLB's efforts in adopting innovative practices and solutions throughout our global community.
HLB Innovation series
The innovation series is an important knowledge sharing tool for all HLB member firms across the world. Through this series, we share common collective challenges, from resourcing to reporting, and advise actionable solutions on how to overcome these challenges. Below are just a few such stories from our firms from 2024. Together we innovate.
HLB HAMT
HLB HAMT's digital transformation solutions offer AI-powered document management tools to automate and enhance business processes. The system supports integration with various data sources, ensuring consistent, branded output through customisable templates. It also facilitates team collaboration, robust security, and scalability for enterprises. Leveraging AI, HLB HAMT's system improves efficiency in document retrieval, organisation, and workflow automation.
HLB Djibouti
ISQM ChatGPT is an initiative designed to enhance HLB Djibouti's compliance with the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM 1). This project integrates advanced technologies and methodologies to streamline quality management processes and ensure the firm meets the new norms by 2025. A cross-departmental interdisciplinary approach promoted a culture of collaboration, enabling the firm to navigate change management effectively.
Withum (HLB USA)
The Withum (HLB USA) finance department had performed multiple processes manually three times a year to roll forward clients and projects. These processes involved many team members; the equivalent of 5 FTEs. By deploying Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technologies, the firm saved time for people to focus on higher value tasks and increased team member satisfaction, as well as enabling faster project initiation with a consistent, ongoing approach.
