A new wave of challenges has been reshaping the role of the CFO in 2025 – from increasing complexity and shifting priorities to the growing pressure on time, tools and teams. In this session, we’ll explore key pain points drawn from the second edition of AccountsIQ’s CFO Mindset Report, including ERP regret, data strain, AI and the realities of digital transformation. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on what has been influencing finance leaders in 2025 – and learn exactly how to avoid common implementation pitfalls and future-proof your finance function.

As business costs rise, many companies struggle to maintain profitability while navigating economic uncertainty. Research shows that 70% of cost-saving initiatives fail, often due to poor strategy, lack of ownership, or a short-term focus on headcount reductions. In this session, we’ll explore why even well-intentioned cost-cutting efforts fall short - and how leveraging expert insights can uncover smarter savings that fuel long-term growth. Through real-world examples, we’ll highlight how businesses have transformed their cost management strategies, turning hidden costs into reinvestment opportunities. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that may change how you view your business expenses.

Managing uncertainty as a business owner can be one of the hardest and loneliest parts of the job. Especially if you want to grow. Gareth is Head of Business Management at Allica Bank, the UK's fastest-growing company (Sunday Times 100, 2024). With X years of relationship banking experience under his belt, here he shares what he's learned from helping hundreds of businesses to grow, and discusses his top five practical tips for business owners to sustain growth in the today's uncertain environment.

Business confidence and economic performance is fragile. Hot off the press, is the ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor. Running for 20 years, it provides an authoritative voice on the state of the UK economy and opportunities for growth. Also, we’ll discuss what the business leaders across the Yorkshire & Humber region think.

Join us to discover the crucial steps for preparing your business for investment and growth. Learn how to demonstrate your business's potential, explore various funding options, and understand strategies for mergers, acquisitions, and global expansion. We'll also cover effective growth strategies and the importance of investing in the right people, partners, and technology to ensure a successful growth journey.

In this seminar, we explore how artificial intelligence and automation technologies can streamline everyday finance operations — from reconciling statements and managing payment runs to deploying digital workers that handle repetitive tasks. Led by Richard Fishburn, Head of Technical Consulting at Spectrum, the session shares practical examples of how businesses are applying these tools to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and free up teams for more valuable work. Whether you're curious about AI or already exploring automation, there's something here for anyone looking to modernise finance processes.