Growth strategies for forward-thinking firms discussed at the Alternative Accountancy Management Summit 2025.
The sunshine was out, and Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire was abuzz with activity as 200 senior partners and leaders from the top 300 accountancy firms across the UK came together for the Alternative Accountancy Management Summit 2025.
The invitation-only event provided access to key decision-makers from some of the largest accountancy practices in the UK. Representing Markel at our newly revamped exhibition stand were Justine Dignam, our Director of Tax Incentives and Reliefs, and Gio Giordano, Head of New Business for Markel Tax.
In partnership with Jerroms, we delivered a lively peer-to-peer discussion hosted by Lucas Markou. The roundtable focused on how to foster resilient growth, and also highlighted how strategic partnerships with specialist providers like Markel Tax can significantly increase revenue through services such as Fee Protection Insurance (FPI) and Tax Incentives & Reliefs (TI&R). The discussion also revealed that firms are striving to balance capital investment with preserving their unique culture and client relationships. By partnering with the right specialists, firms can expand their service offerings without compromising their independence.
Key insights from the event include:
- Independence vs private equity funding: Several mid-tier firms shared success stories of maintaining strategic control while leveraging PE investment for targeted growth. The consensus was that clear governance structures and alignment on long-term vision are critical success factors for PE-backed firms.
- AI-driven efficiency: Pioneering firms are implementing AI not just for routine compliance tasks but for enhanced client advisory services. Examples included predictive analytics for tax planning and AI-assisted risk assessment tools that are delivering measurable ROI while freeing staff for higher-value work.
- People-centric leadership: A recurring theme was the importance of empowering emerging leaders through structured development programs and decision-making authority. Firms reporting the strongest growth had invested significantly in leadership training and creating clear progression pathways.
If you were able to attend, we hope you enjoyed the event just as much as we did! If you’re interested in exploring how our partnership approach can help transform challenges into opportunities for your practice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email, or book a call.