Key highlights from FAB 2025: MTD, AI, and everything in between
Finance professionals from across the UK gathered at the NEC, Birmingham in March for the Festival of Accounting & Bookkeeping (FAB) 2025, addressing strategic challenges like rising employment costs, major Budget updates, and the transformative rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
FAB distinguished itself from typical conferences not only through its vibrant, festival-style environment but also through its focus on strategic business conversations, peer networking, and practical insights tailored for senior finance leaders.
With record attendance, an expanded exhibition space, and an extensive line-up of over 120 speakers, FAB reinforced its position as a key event for finance professionals to stay informed and strategically positioned for future developments.
Joanne Birtwistle, editorial director at AccountingWEB, remarked, "FAB 2025 exceeded our expectations. By leveraging AccountingWEB's deep industry connections and extensive market understanding, we secured influential speakers and curated a programme focused specifically on the evolving role of finance leaders. We aimed to equip finance professionals with practical, actionable strategies, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback shows we achieved exactly that."
With over 80 targeted workshops and strategic sessions, here’s a focused roundup of key highlights specifically for finance professionals:
Strategic tax challenges with Rebecca Benneyworth
At a packed session, renowned tax expert Rebecca Benneyworth addressed the implications of major policy changes from the latest Budget. Highlighting concerns around escalating employment costs, Benneyworth specifically drew attention to the compound increase of the national minimum wage – particularly the 43% hike affecting younger employees – and its potential impact on recruitment strategies and labour costs for organisations.
She also explored complexities around claiming employment allowance for businesses receiving state funding, such as private nurseries. Benneyworth urged finance leaders to proactively reassess workforce structures and forecast payroll expenses ahead of these significant changes, alongside preparing for mandated payrolling of benefits and Making Tax Digital for income tax (MTD IT) from April 2026.
AI and finance transformation: Opportunity or hype?
In the session "Is AI really going to change everything?" chaired by Billie Mcloughlin (2020 Innovation), panellists John Toon (Beever & Struthers), Nicolai Thomson (Jenesys AI), and Will Rush (XBert) dissected the role of AI in finance. The panel concluded that rather than threatening finance roles, AI represents an essential opportunity for finance teams to evolve into strategic business analysts and advisors.
John Toon highlighted the risk of waiting for AI to become "perfect," recommending instead a phased implementation strategy starting with manageable AI tools such as automated reporting, note-taking, and predictive analytics. Nicolai Thomson emphasised AI's potential to enhance real-time decision-making, empower finance teams, and allow them to create entirely new strategic value propositions.
Strategic positioning and personal branding
In a session chaired by Ria-Jaine Lincoln, finance professionals heard directly from leaders who have leveraged personal branding to drive business growth. Panellists Julie Spence (NOEXSPENCE), Liam Wilson (Elevate Accountancy), and Paul Redmond (RDA Accountants) shared practical advice on building credibility, attracting high-value clients, and establishing long-term partnerships through clear communication and authentic storytelling.
Finance professionals gained insights into positioning themselves not merely as number-crunchers but as trusted strategic advisors whose expertise shapes corporate strategy and decision-making.
Making Tax Digital: Preparedness required
Craig Ogilvie of HMRC delivered a clear message: preparation for MTD for income tax is essential, particularly for finance departments overseeing complex compliance requirements. He advised CFOs and finance directors to ensure robust internal controls, technology integration, and clear communication strategies with stakeholders. The panel emphasised the need to align MTD IT implementation strategically, leveraging the mandated changes as opportunities to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and deliver greater business insights through improved data management.
Finance leaders as strategic co-pilots
Becky Glover, Finance Director at Yutree Insurance, highlighted the evolving role of finance directors and CFOs in her session, “The strategy co-pilot.” She underscored the need for finance professionals to leverage technological advancements to shift from traditional financial reporting toward strategic partnership and proactive business growth.
"Finance leaders are no longer just 'bean counters' but strategic partners deeply involved in driving growth, innovation, and business resilience," Glover explained, emphasising the necessity for finance professionals to actively communicate their strategic value and adapt to a rapidly changing business environment.
A festival designed for finance leaders
Overall, FAB 2025 provided finance professionals with valuable strategic insights, highlighting immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in taxation, regulation, and AI-driven innovation. By exploring key issues through strategic lenses – such as rising employment costs, technology adoption, and evolving regulatory landscapes – FAB offered a powerful forum for finance leaders to align business strategy, manage risk, and position their organisations for future growth.
With strong attendance, increased exhibitor presence, and a clearly defined strategic agenda, FAB established itself as an essential event for senior finance professionals looking to stay ahead of emerging trends and regulatory shifts. As anticipation builds for next year’s festival, FAB 2026 promises even deeper insights and continued strategic conversations tailored to the evolving needs of finance leaders.
