Topics

Rebecca Benneyworth, MBE BSc FCA

Topic: Helping clients navigate change: key tax developments for 2026

Rebecca will cover recent developments in tax, including key content from the Finance Act 2026 and suitable advice which flows from the changes. Focusing on advice for owner-managed businesses and personal tax clients, this session will look at recent changes and issues on the horizon.

Myrtle Lloyd, Chief Customer Officer, and Director General for Customer Services, HMRC

Topic: Transformation: HMRC’s vision for better customer service

Nearly a year after the publication of HMRC’s ambitious transformation roadmap, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer Myrtle Lloyd will share how HMRC is working more closely with agents and accountants to help taxpayers and improve customer service.

There will be an opportunity for a short Q&A following the session.

Henry Vaile, Principal Policy Advisor for Accounts & Reporting, Companies House

Topic: Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023): an implementation update 

Henry will give essential updates from Companies House on the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) and what it means for small businesses and small practitioners.  

This session will provide practical guidance to help you understand upcoming changes and stay compliant covering: 

  • Progress update on the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (2023) 
  • Identity verification: what’s changing and what you need to prepare for 
  • Updates to accounts filing and the impact on small businesses and small accountancy practices 
  • How to stay informed about ongoing Companies House changes and updates 

Simon Baker, Cyber Crime Unit, Metropolitan Police

Topic: Cyber awareness essentials: protecting your data at work and home

This interactive cyber awareness session is designed to help you stay safe online in both your professional and personal life. It will make cyber security clear, practical, and accessible, equipping delegates with straightforward advice they can apply immediately to better protect their data and systems.

Delegates will also gain insight into common cyber vulnerabilities and learn how preparation and good cyber hygiene can significantly reduce risk.

This session will cover: 

  • The importance of strong, secure passwords
  • The dangers of social engineering and how attackers manipulate behaviour
  • Common vulnerabilities and the importance of preparation
  • How to identify and respond to phishing emails 

Chris Downing, Director for Accountants and Bookkeepers, Sage

Topic: Doing more without doing more: creating capacity without working longer hours

Accountants and bookkeepers are being asked to do more than ever - more compliance, more communication, more advisory support and more value for clients. Yet for many firms, the challenge isn’t capability; it’s capacity.

This session explores where time is really being lost across the modern firm and how leading practices are rethinking the way work gets done. From reducing manual effort and simplifying workflows to considering the role of automation and AI, discover how firms are creating capacity without simply working longer hours. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, ideas and approaches to help rethink how time and effort are spent across their firm.

Andrew Conway, CEO, IPA Group

Topic: IPA Group update

Andrew will give an insight into recent and forthcoming developments for the IPA Group.