by Sarah Palmer

Partnerships matter – particularly those rooted in shared purpose, long-standing credibility, and a commitment to raising professional standards. IAB’s collaboration with LCCI is one such partnership, and it reflects a legacy that continues to shape the future of professional education both in the UK and internationally.

Real roles
From its earliest days in the late 19th century, LCCI recognised a challenge that remains strikingly relevant today: the need for practical, high-quality commercial education that prepares individuals for real roles in business. In 1887, the Chamber established a Commercial Education Committee in response to concerns that clerks and office workers were not sufficiently equipped for the demands of the City of London. This was not simply about academic knowledge – it was about capability, employability, and standards.

That commitment led to the creation of the LCCI Commercial Education Department, which focused on subjects directly relevant to careers in commerce and industry. The Chamber soon began offering examinations in commercial subjects, and these quickly gained an international reputation. By the mid-20th century, LCCI qualifications were recognised globally, with examination centres in over 80 countries.

Innovation and relevance
What is particularly notable about this history is its focus on innovation and relevance. Following the Second World War, LCCI expanded its qualifications to include foreign languages and pioneered the use of pre-recorded audio to ensure consistency in assessment – an early example of scalable, quality-assured delivery. The introduction of qualifications such as the Private Secretary’s Diploma further demonstrated a clear understanding of the evolving needs of the workplace.

Over time, the structure behind LCCI’s educational work evolved. In 1967, its activities were formalised into a charitable entity, now known as the Commercial Education Trust, ensuring that its mission to advance commercial education remained focused on public benefit. In 2002, responsibility for examinations transferred to a specialist awarding organisation, but the LCCI name – and the reputation it carries – has continued to endure. Today, that heritage sits at the heart of our partnership.

Complementary
At the IAB, we share LCCI’s founding principles: that education should be practical, accessible, and aligned to real-world business needs. Through our collaboration, we can bring together two complementary strengths – the IAB’s focus on professional standards in bookkeeping and finance, and LCCI’s globally recognised qualifications in business and commercial skills.

Together, we are delivering qualifications that reflect both heritage and modern relevance. They are grounded in the realities of today’s workplace while maintaining the rigour and credibility associated with UK professional education. This is particularly important as businesses navigate increasing complexity, regulatory expectations, and digital transformation.

International demand
Our partnership also supports something broader: the international demand for UK-led standards. Across global markets, there is a continued appetite for qualifications that represent quality, integrity, and practical application. Through LCCI, and alongside our international work through IAAP, we are able to extend that value beyond the UK, supporting learners, employers, and governments in building capability and confidence.

Trusted
This is not about exporting a model unchanged. It is about translating proven UK standards into different economic and cultural contexts, ensuring they remain relevant, accessible, and impactful.
The world of work continues to evolve – shaped by technology, regulation, and changing expectations. But the underlying need remains the same as it was in 1887: individuals and businesses require practical skills, trusted qualifications, and clear pathways into employment and professional development.

Shared commitment
That is what the partnership between IAB and LCCI represents. It is a connection between heritage and future, between established credibility and modern delivery. Most importantly, it is a shared commitment to ensuring that education continues to serve its purpose – equipping people with the skills they need to succeed, and supporting the standards that underpin strong, sustainable economies.
This partnership will continue to play a vital role in how we support the profession, strengthen global capability, and uphold the value of UK commercial education on the international stage.

Sarah Palmer is chief executive of IAB
www.iab.org.uk