The accountancy profession is changing fast and the pressure on practice owners and business leaders has never been greater. From people challenges and pricing pressure to rapid advances in AI, automation and Making Tax Digital (MTD), it’s easy to feel pulled in too many directions at once.

The ICAS Practice Conference 2026: Profitability by Design is about cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters, because growth doesn’t come from doing more, it comes from doing the right things well. This one-day conference is designed to help you strengthen the foundations of your firm, your people, your processes, your pricing and your use of technology so you can grow with confidence, not complexity.

Hosted by Richard Sergeant, Founder and Managing Director at Principle Point, this event explores the core themes shaping modern accountancy practices through practical sessions, panels and interactive workshops.

Core themes include:

• People and leadership
• Positioning, pricing and client advisory
• Technology and AI

View more details, including the full conference agenda, on the Practice Conference homepage.

If you’re looking to sharpen your strategy, strengthen your team and grow with confidence, register now.

Why should you attend?

With new demands and challenges arising within the accountancy profession firms need to be equipped to not just handle them, but to thrive in the new professional landscape.

• A chance to step back and work on the strategic direction of your practice.
• Engage with speakers and meet others facing the same challenges.
• An opportunity to collaborate with other like-minded professionals to encourage idea generation and sharing of best practice.

 

• ICAS students and members
• Non-members

• Richard Sergeant

  Founder and Managing Director, Principle Point LtdRichard works with software companies, international associations and media organisations to try and help them better understand and communicate with accountants. Although not an accountant, he sits on the side of the profession to drive better empathy and ultimately better products and services that can be used to build and sustain profitable practices.

• Alexis KingsburyEntrepreneur and Co-founder, Ukoru A serial entrepreneur and co‑founder of Ukoru and AirManual, he helps accountancy firms systemise their operations and reduce reliance on key individuals. He is author of The Accountancy Playbooks, creator of Accrual Intentions—the world’s first fully AI‑run accountancy firm—and hosts the De‑stress Your Business podcast. He regularly speaks at events including Accountex and the Alternative Accountancy Roadshow.

• James SundinJames Sundin, Co-founder and Chief Evangelist at R.E.P.R.E.S.E.N.T James Sundin is a multi-award-winning Co-founder and Chief Evangelist at R.E.P.R.E.S.E.N.T, helping ambitious accountancy firms build better businesses with less stress, stronger margins, and more predictable growth.

• Will FarnellFounder, TC Farnell ClarkeWill is founder of TC Farnell Clarke, one of the first 100% cloud-based firms globally way back in 2009. Will is also co-founder of App Advisory Plus and author of The Digital Firm and the more recent book The Human Firm published by Sage in 2023. Will is a respected speaker and mentor to accounting firms globally.

• Jordan VickeryCo-founder , VinylJordan is the Co-Founder of Vinyl, an AI meeting assistant built for accounting firms. He is focused on the real-world application of AI in accounting, moving beyond AI hype towards practical adoption that improves how accounting firms work and how their clients are served.

• Ian Mackie CADirector, Hall Morrice LLPIan Mackie is Operations Director at Hall Morrice LLP, where he leads the firm’s internal operations across finance, HR, compliance, IT, payroll, procurement, premises and people development.He has worked at Director and C-suite level across practice, listed groups, PE-backed businesses and independent firms. At Hall Morrice, he has led operational change across workflow control, reporting, automation, AI and data-led management information.

• Kirsty YuillJohnston Carmichael, DirectorKirsty is a Director and Deputy Head of Business Advisory, leading a team of over 200 people across Johnston Carmichael. She is ACCA qualified with 18 years’ experience, having qualified in 2012, and has spent her career supporting owner-managed businesses to grow and succeed.

• Melissa FogwillChief Technology Officer, Henderson Loggie Melissa Fogwill is Chief Technology Officer at Henderson Loggie, leading the firm’s technology strategy, cyber security, and digital innovation.She focuses on helping organisations manage cyber risk, protect data, and adopt technology in a way that is practical and delivers real value. Melissa is also the Regional Technology Ambassador for the Institute of Directors (IoD), supporting business leaders across Tayside and Fife.

Contact the events team