Eastern England | 27 April

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Join Ian Hornsey, your IFA Regional Ambassador, for the first Eastern England regional event of 2026. This meeting offers an engaging and educational start to the first quarter of the year, combining professional learning with valuable networking opportunities. 

We are pleased to be join by Ian Stewart from Think Business Finance who will deliver a talk on Why businesses need finance – and why the right broker bakes all the difference. 

Access to finance is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses, yet many business owners are unsure of the funding options available or when finance can support growth. This webinar explores why finance is often essential for business stability and expansion, and how working with the right broker can make a significant difference.

Designed for accountancy practices, the session will highlight how brokers help secure competitive funding for clients, streamline the lending process, and unlock opportunities that traditional routes may miss. It will also show how collaborating with a finance broker can add value to your client relationships and support better outcomes for small businesses.

Ian will discuss:

  • The Reality for Business Owners
  • Finance Fuels Growth
  • Why Businesses struggle to get funding
  • Where a Broker changes the Outcome 
  • The Opportunity for Accountants 6. Unsecured/Secured Funding Case Studies 
  • The Journey how the Partnership” model work

 

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Event details 

  • Date: Monday 27 April 2026 
  • Time: 18:00 - 20:00hrs
  • Delivery: In-person, UK 
  • Cost: Free of charge
  • CPD hours: 2
  • Refreshments: Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Please register in advance so we can cater appropriately. 

Venue

FRP Advisory
Jupiter House, Warley Hill Business Park
The Drive
Warley
Brentwood, CM13 3BE

This in-person event will also include: 

  • A welcome and update from the IFA, including introductions to new and existing members. 
  • A short business-focused presentation. 
  • An opportunity to refresh your knowledge, gain industry insight and earn 2 CPD hours. 
  • Dedicated time for networking with members and professional contacts. 

The event is open to non-members, and we encourage you to bring colleagues or professional contacts who may benefit from attending. 

Attendance in person is mandatory for CPD accreditation. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend, we kindly ask that you do not register for this event. 

Travel information

  • Train: Brentwood Station (Liverpool Street Line) – 20 min walk from the station via Warley Hill/B186. 
  • Bus: 351, 60, and 808 towards Waverly Business Park from Brentwood Station stop near Jupiter House (FRP Advisory, 2nd Floor). 
  • Car: On-site parking is offered at no charge. Please contact the IFA Events Team with your vehicle registration number to reserve a space. 

We look forward to seeing you.    

About the speaker:

Ian Stewart from Think Business Finance IAN STEWART

Ian D. Stewart ACIB has over 45 years’ experience in business banking and commercial finance. Between 1980 and 2010 he held senior roles within major financial institutions, including Relationship Director, Team Leader and Head of the Audit Team for Wales & the Southwest, while also contributing to lending innovation committees.

He later founded Think Business Finance Ltd, building it into one of the UK’s leading commercial finance brokerages and achieving FCA regulation before selling the business to a corporate group. Ian remains a director, overseeing the growth strategy.

He has completed over 20,000 business finance reviews, coached more than 1,000 business owners and mentors SMEs for Small Business Britain.