We are pleased to share a number of important updates as we look to the year ahead.
Welcoming Kirsten Knight as Head of Operations
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kirsten Knight as our new Head of Operations. Kirsten brings dynamic energy and valuable expertise to the Group, drawing on her background in Fintech SaaS start-ups, events and incentives, and market research. She has already begun contributing meaningfully across our meetings and Centre operations, and we look forward to the leadership she will bring to the role.
Governance and Community Updates
We are also pleased to confirm the appointment of several new Chairs across our committees and taskforces:
New Chairs
- Membership Services Committee (MSC): Paul Gibbon, Joint Managing Director, Wake Smith
- Quality Assurance and Standards (QAS): Andy Malpass, Audit Partner & Director of Operations, WR Partners
- Benchmarking Taskforce: James Abbott, Director, Abbott Moore
- Agriculture Committee: Roy Jackson, Rural Partner, WR Partners
We extend our thanks to the outgoing Chairs for their dedicated service:
Outgoing Chairs
- Membership Services Committee (MSC): Andy Jay, Managing Director and Firm Principal, Fiander ETL
- Quality Assurance and Standards (QAS): Paul Stafford, Partner, TBL Accountants
- Benchmarking Taskforce: Andy Jay, Managing Director and Firm Principal, Fiander ETL
- Agriculture Committee: Andrew Heskin, Partner, Moore Thompson
Looking Ahead: Our key 2026 events
Our 2026 calendar has been designed to support our member firms, develop your people, and enhance client service through forward-thinking insight and practical learning. Key dates for your diary include:
- International Forum – 17 April, Dublin
- Growth Unleashed – 13-14 May, London
- Strategies for Success Summit – 15-16 September, Banbury
- Leaders Forum – 7 October, London
- Annual Conference – 11-13 November, Belfast
Across all events, our aim is consistent: to equip you and your teams with practical ideas to take back to your firms, and to strengthen our collective focus on quality, leadership, and succession for the next generation.
We encourage all members to share these dates internally, to partners, managers, and emerging leaders alike, so that they can make the most of the opportunities ahead.
For more information, contact us here:
T: +44 (0)1252 350 733