London | 11 November
Join Ermal Krutani, your IFA Regional Ambassador, for the final London regional event of 2026.
This final meeting of the year offers a great opportunity to connect, learn and network with fellow members and peers before we break for the festive period.
We are pleased to be joined by Ian Stewart from Think Business, who will deliver:
The Lending Landscape and How It Has Changed: How a Broker Can Help Your Clients
Ian will explore the changing lending landscape and what this means for businesses and their advisers.
The session will look at how access to finance has evolved, the range of lending options now available and some of the challenges clients may face when seeking funding. Ian will also explain how working with a broker can help clients navigate the market, identify suitable finance solutions and improve their chances of securing the funding they need.
We are also pleased to be joined by Chris White from The Cyber Resilience Centre Network, who will discuss the fully funded cyber support available to IFA members through the Cyber Resilience Centre Network (CRC Network).
Chris will explain the current online threats facing accountants and introduce the free tools, resources and fully funded cyber resilience services available to help protect your organisation. The session will be jargon-free and focused on practical support, including how to access the services available.
This session will cover:
- Why accountants are being targeted by cyber criminals, including real-world case studies
- How to improve your protection against common scams and vulnerabilities facing accountants
- An introduction to the Cyber Resilience Centre Network and the fully funded tools, resources and services available
- How to access support and take your first steps towards improving your cyber resilience
Event details
- Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
- Time: 17:30 – 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.
This in-person event will also include:
A welcome and update from 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 meeting 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.
Venue
TBC
We look forward to seeing you.
About the speakers:
Ian Stewart, Think Business Finance
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.
Ian 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.
Chris White, The Cyber Resilience Centre Network 
Chris began his career with a multinational technology company before joining the police service in the mid-1990s. During his 30-year policing career, he served across a variety of departments, often specialising in technology-focused roles and embracing emerging innovations.
Driven by a passion for technology and problem-solving, Chris joined the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit as a Police Cyber Security Advisor. There, he helped deliver the UK's National Cyber Security Strategy, working closely with businesses and organisations to improve awareness, encourage positive behaviour change, and strengthen cyber resilience. Chris later joined the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East as Director and Head of Cyber and Innovation.
Having retired from policing after a 30-year career and as a member of the International Cyber Expo's Advisory Council, Chris now continues to help organisations reduce risk, improve preparedness, and respond more effectively when incidents occur as the Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East.
His approach combines practical guidance, real-world experience and clear communications, making cyber resilience understandable, actionable, and relevant.

