Understanding the latest trends and best practices in the accounting industry is crucial for staying competitive. That is why in a special employer-focused FITT Forum, FI offered an exciting preview of the key themes, expert speakers, and innovations they will be bringing to The Talent Theatre at Accountex— a brand-new feature curated by FI for two action-packed days of insight, inspiration, and forward-thinking discussion.

In this session, First Intuition colleagues, along with expert speakers, discussed:

• The key themes and topics that will be covered in sessions in the FI Talent Theatre across the two-day expo
• A taster of what will be discussed across the speaker sessions at Accountex, including ‘WTF – Where’s the funding’, ‘Unlocking Data Potential: Strategies to Attract Staff, Clients and Future Investment’, and ‘The Future-Ready Business: Leveraging Technology for Talent Growth and Digital Transformation’
• Heard from the organisers of Accountex about the event and what employers or their colleagues can gain from attending

Speakers and panelists

• Andi Lonnen FCCA BSc, Founder & CEO, FBP Academy
• Caroline Hobden, Event Director, Accountex
• Becky Glover, Finance Director, Yutree Insurance
• Felix Mitchell, Co-CEO, Instant Impact
• Gemma Gathercole, Strategic Engagement Lead, ACCA
• Aaron Westgate, ICAEW Programme Lead & Sustainability Lead, First Intuition
• Louisa Matheson, Digital Programme Manager, First Intuition

You can watch the recording of the session below.

The Talent Theatre: Spotlighting the Future of Accountancy

This year, First Intuition is proud to host The Talent Theatre, showcasing the evolving face of the accountancy profession. From skills development and recruitment to leadership, sustainability, and digital transformation, the Talent Theatre aims to explore how firms can stay ahead in a changing landscape. Key themes include:

• Funding and Investment: The provocatively titled session “WTF – Where’s the Funding?” will explore the evolving funding landscape and how businesses can future-proof themselves financially.
• Unlocking Data Potential: Experts will unpack how firms can leverage data not just for analytics, but to attract staff, clients, and investors.
• Future-Ready Business: With the rise of AI and digital tools, this session examines how businesses can use technology to drive growth and talent retention.

What to Expect at Accountex

Caroline Hobdon, the Event Director at Accountex, described Accountex as “the best and busiest industry event”. With over 11,000 visitors, 300+ exhibitors, and 12 seminar theaters, it promises unmatched opportunities to connect, learn, and discover new tools. Noteworthy features this year include:

• “All You Say” audio streaming – giving attendees crystal-clear access to sessions via personal headphones
• A Solo Traveller Lounge – for those attending alone, helping make meaningful connections
• A Quiet Room – providing space to recharge during a packed schedule
• The LinkedIn Lounge and Content Creation Clinic – for those looking to network, build their personal brand, or boost visibility
• Session recordings – available after the event, so you won’t miss out even if you can’t attend everything live

Insights to Expect from the Experts

FI will be joined by an impressive lineup of speakers, including industry leaders such as Lord Bill Amoria, Michael Itza, and experts from ACCA, AAT, ICAEW, UCAS, CMI, and CBI.

Felix Mitchell, Co-CEO of Instant Impact, will dive into global talent megatrends, examining demographic shifts, Gen Z expectations, and the influence of AI on workforce planning.

Becky Glover, an experienced accountant and board member, will reflect on generational differences in the workplace, growing demands for sustainability, and the role of digital transformation in modern finance roles.

Aaron Westgate, from FI, will share insight on how sustainability is becoming as fundamental to accounting as ethics once was. With carbon accounting growing and frameworks like TCFD and CSRD gaining traction, there’s a strong call for upskilling in green finance.

Learning & Networking Opportunities

• Offers a rich mix of content, from tax and tech to recruitment and neurodiversity.
• First-time attendee-friendly – Solo traveller lounge and quiet rooms help make networking and breaks more comfortable.
• Ideal for both practitioners and in-house finance teams, with a noted balance of 2/3 practice and 1/3 industry professionals.
• Encourages meaningful conversations and connections, even for those attending alone.

Views about Accountex from Speakers

• Viewed as “the best and busiest” industry event — buzzing yet welcoming, with a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
• Regarded as an essential calendar event for professional development, especially by ACCA and other leading institutions.
• Offers valuable free CPD opportunities, with recorded sessions available post-event.
• Becky Glover: Emphasized the event’s welcoming vibe and offered practical tips (e.g., comfortable shoes, regular breaks).
• Louisa Matheson: Highlighted excellent networking, easy navigation between theaters, and a “buzzing but structured” event experience.
• Gemma Gathercole (ACCA): Called Accountex a “valuable opportunity to hear from experts” and share new insights on talent trends.

Don’t Miss Out

Accountex 2025 promises a rich blend of CPD, conversation, and cutting-edge insight. From evolving talent trends to game-changing tech and sustainability practices, the FI-curated Talent Theatre is the place to be!

Find out more information and book your free place at Accountex here.

See First Intuition’s full speaker programme here (We are Theatre 3).

Accountex Details:

Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 9:30 am – Thursday, 15 May 2025, 4:30 pm

Address: Accountex, ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL