Theatre 6 – Future Leaders

Change is never ending - regulatory, legislative, technological, AI, security. There’s the competition for talent, hybrid working, the dilemma of succession planning – not to forget driving sustainable growth. How can you successfully lead your team, and your business through it all – whilst maintaining your sanity?

Leadership.

But leadership has been buried under a complex assortment of models, theories and experts. Peter reveals the ultimate truths of leadership are sharp, powerful and waiting to be applied! In fact, everything you need to know about leadership comes down to only two rules. The rest is noise.

Starting an accounting firm at 22 isn't easy —especially with no clients, no roadmap, and plenty of self-doubt. In this honest and relatable session, I’ll share the raw truth about building a business from scratch as a Gen Z entrepreneur. From tackling imposter syndrome to landing clients and growing a practice, you’ll walk away with actionable tips, lessons learned, and some laughs. Perfect for aspiring firm owners, young professionals, or anyone looking to challenge industry norms and succeed on their own terms.

Diversity is a major topic in the industry, yet it often feels mythical for those struggling to access certain spaces. My talk aims to go beyond employers speaking about diversity, it’s about empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace it. Many don’t see themselves as capable of thriving in top firms or becoming world-leading practice owners. My goal is to instill confidence in leading while being different, showing that diversity is not a barrier but a strength that can drive success and innovation.

Ready to Start Your Own Practice but Unsure Where to Begin?

More and more professionals are breaking free from outdated methods and launching their own practices. But taking that first step can feel overwhelming.

In this session, you’ll learn:

- The essentials to get started
- Key considerations for when to hire
- How to determine your pricing strategy
- Choosing the right technology partners
- Whether a logo really matters
- Take the first step toward building a practice that works for you!

This leadership session will focus on how we inspire those around us, and how we help others reach their potential.

As the accounting profession evolves so to do the expectations challenges and aspirations of the next generation of finance professionals. This leadership session will focus on how we inspire those around us, how do we help others learn and develop, providing opportunities for a career in finance, and supporting with career progression. Our panel will discuss different approaches to supporting the next generation of accountants and offer insights into inspiring tomorrows accountants & bookkeepers.

Many accounting practices struggle with succession planning and developing the next generation of leaders capable of delivering modern advisory services.

Discover:
-How to Identify, develop, and retain future partners who can drive practice growth and innovation.

-Practical frameworks for creating development pathways and building leadership capabilities.

-How successful firms have implemented mentoring programs and leadership development systems that ensure practice continuity.

-Actionable strategies for succession planning and developing future leaders who can thrive in the modern accounting landscape.

Accountants receive extensive training in technical skills, but leadership development is often overlooked. Many talented accountants struggle to lead effectively, impacting team performance and firm success. In this session, Nick Best shares his experience building Astranti from a start-up to a leading provider of Accountancy Training. While he’s had a lot of successes, he’s had as many from his failures too, and this experience has led to a vast array of leadership lessons, which he will share.

Cat's session helps attendees uncover subconscious patterns and limiting beliefs, guiding them to recognise "invisible cages" that restrict growth. She introduces the BREAK framework (Become Aware, Recognise, Energise, Attract, Keep Going), offering methods to challenge hidden thoughts and behaviours. Key takeaways include understanding how the subconscious prioritises safety, recognising self-limiting beliefs as learned, identifying the impact of looping thoughts, and leveraging innate strengths for lasting success.

Unlock the win-win-win of volunteering - helping charities maximise their impact - while benefiting you, your team, and the organisation you work for. This inspiring session from the team at Charterpath explores the rewarding world of skills-based volunteering, showing how accountants, bookkeepers, and finance professionals can contribute to a financially sustainable charity sector. Whether you're seeking to supercharge your own career, provide opportunities to develop the skills and well-being of your team or deliver on corporate ESG goals, join us to discover life beyond the balance sheet!

In 2016 I became a 24% shareholder in the practice I worked for, and by 2023 I owned 100% of the business. It only cost me £5k of my own money, but the outgoing owner got full market value and stopped working in the business back in 2016.
In this session I will share how we put the deal together to make this work for everyone, the lessons learnt along the way and what I'd do differently with hindsight.

In this dynamic panel, neurodiverse accountants and finance professionals share firsthand insights on how their unique ways of thinking spark innovation and drive success. We’ll address common challenges faced by neurodivergent team members, highlight practical steps for inclusive work environments, and reveal how these “different” brains can become a powerhouse in finance. Whether you’re curious about fostering workplace diversity or ready to transform your team’s potential, this session shows why neurodivergent professionals are true game-changers.

I onboard our franchisees and guide them through essential steps for success:

1. **Create a Solid Business Plan**
2. **Understand Your Legal Requirements**
3. **Establish a Budget**
4. **Choose the Right Location**
5. **Market Your Services**
6. **Build a Strong Network**
7. **Continue Learning**
8. **Resource Appropriately**

By the end of the session, participants will know the key actions and strategies needed to establish a successful practice from day one. It will also ensure they are prepared to work for it!