Welcoming delegates to the Annual Conference and outlining the agenda for the day.

On the day of the US presidential election and swiftly following the first UK Labour budget in 14 years, Sharon and Dave will highlight upcoming accounting and tax changes while also considering the global political and economic position. From global to local, we will offer insight into the impact on UK accountancy practices, the services they offer and the advice they give.

Change may be our only constant as we head into 2025. But change handled well can spark growth and opportunity. Susie Palmer-Trew outlines key change management techniques that should be in the toolbox of all practice leaders.

Sharon Cooke and Billie Mcloughlin will introduce us to the conference sponsors and highlight what makes them good partners for 20:20 Innovation member firms.

With client needs in mind, we take a look at process mapping across key areas of the practice; from onboarding and client communications, through compliance work to added value services. Using this insight, we will consider what your firm can do to increase fees and service clients more effectively.

The UK accountancy sector is changing fast. Overworked and ageing owners and a talent shortage have led to “The Perfect Storm” for business succession in many firms. In this session Gordon and Ian will outline 3 key strategies to navigate those choppy waters:

1. Defining what you want from your firm for the future;

2. Understanding the choice between internal succession and selling the practice; and

3. Preparing an action plan to ensure “Success Assures Succession!”

This will include live case studies and current examples of actions taken by firms who recognise the need for new ways of doing things.

In this session, we review the current artificial intelligence (AI) landscape and explore how to leverage AI in the accountancy industry. This will include:

• a practical demonstration of easy wins;
• real-life examples of accessible AI tools;
• building an AI implementation plan as part of your 'Destination 2025' strategy; and
• enabling your team to be more efficient by using AI to address industry-specific challenges.

In another practical session, we look at the latest proven concepts for increasing efficiency and reducing working hours. Not only waving goodbye to 6 or 7 day working weeks, could we discover a world with ongoing quality client service and increasing fees alongside increased flexibility for us and our teams. If we get this right, we stand to make strides in inclusivity, diversity and general workplace productivity and wellbeing.

To conclude a packed day of ideas and insights, international speaker, TV personality and mentalist David Meade will bring the focus back to your 'Destination' for 2025 and how growth can be achieved. This high-energy, interactive session, will challenge us to think about the role of mindset and the drivers of decisions that achieve engagement. This will include:

• Understanding the growth mindset
• Leading engaged and motivated teams
• Utilising flexible thinking skills