Accountants, bookkeepers and finance professionals from across the UK came together at the NEC, Birmingham in March for the Festival of Accounting & Bookkeeping (FAB) 2025, where pressing issues like rising employment costs, the latest Budget changes, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) took centre stage.
What set FAB apart was not just its festival-like flair – it was the energy of real connections and a buzzing, collaborative vibe that elevated the event far beyond the typical trade show.
With a record number of visitors, a larger show floor, more exhibitors, and an expansive lineup of speakers, FAB confirmed its status as a must-attend gathering on the accounting calendar.
“We knew FAB 2025 would be special, but the turnout surpassed all expectations. Powered by AccountingWEB, we were able to leverage our strong relationships, deep expertise, and extensive network to bring in top-tier speakers from across the profession — and even unearth fresh voices to feature. This is one of the things that makes our event truly unique,” said Joanne Birtwistle, editorial director of AccountingWEB. “Our goal was to provide accountants and finance professionals with the practical insights they need, and judging by the feedback, we’ve certainly achieved that.”
With over 80 workshops and sessions, delivered by more than 120 speakers, there was a lot to see at FAB. It was a tough job to whittle them down to just a few, but here are some of our highlights from the event:
Benneyworth’s ‘tax titan’ set
Toward the end of day one, Rebecca Benneyworth delivered an essential tax update session that was compared to a headline Glastonbury performance. From changes in the minimum wage to employer national insurance (NI) hikes and business rates, Benneyworth struck a down-to-earth tone, expressing concern for clients facing sharp cost increases.
Among her key worries was the fast-rising national minimum wage for 17-year-olds, which some business owners say could alter hiring decisions. Benneyworth also drew attention to the knock-on effect of new rules disqualifying certain businesses from claiming employment allowance if they’re seen as public-service providers. Private nurseries stand to benefit from clarifications on this point, with further guidance expected soon.
Benneyworth wrapped up by exploring payrolling benefits and Making Tax Digital for income tax (MTD IT), two major reforms slated for April 2026. While she initially planned to transition clients voluntarily to payrolling benefits, a changed policy from HMRC could disrupt that. As for MTD IT, Benneyworth echoed a note of urgency: firms that fail to plan now risk falling behind.
AI: The tech that changes everything – or does it?
Elsewhere on the Circle Stage, 2020 Innovation’s Billie Mcloughlin chaired a lively session titled ‘Is AI really going to change everything?’ Joined by John Toon (Beever & Struthers), Nicolai Thomson (Jenesys AI), and Will Rush (XBert), the panel debated whether AI truly signals an industry-wide revolution.
Consensus formed around the idea that AI will affect how accountants work, rather than replacing them entirely. Toon spoke candidly about a “technology fallacy” – expecting perfection from new tools, when in reality no system, automated or not, is free of errors. Thomson underscored the importance of “human creativity” and the potential for AI to enable new services unthinkable until now.
The panel urged firms to begin small, using manageable AI tools such as note-taking apps and scheduling bots, before rolling out bigger solutions like Sage Copilot. They stressed that with AI adoption speeding ahead, holding off until it’s “perfect” might leave firms scrambling to catch up.
Standing out in a crowded market
While AI dominated many conversations, others zeroed in on differentiation and growth. In a session hosted by Ria-Jaine Lincoln, panellists Julie Spence (NOEXSPENCE), Liam Wilson (Elevate Accountancy), and Paul Redmond (RDA Accountants) discussed the importance of personal branding, client relationships, and honest feedback loops.
Spence highlighted how an authentic story and open communication can set a practice apart. Wilson emphasised that prospective clients often connect with a personal journey – sharing how his father nearly lost the family home sparked immediate empathy with new leads. Redmond encouraged practices to define their culture and values, explaining that it drives both client referrals and staff loyalty.
MTD IT: No time for ostriches
Throughout FAB, HMRC’s Craig Ogilvie urged accountants to “get ready” for MTD IT. Agents were reminded that letters would arrive soon for clients likely to join the scheme from April 2026. A sense of inevitability permeated the hall: “If you’re not planning now, you’ll be behind,” said Ogilvie.
Practitioners were advised to review client lists, prepare for new quarter-end surges, and consider how to integrate or train bookkeepers. As Paul Aplin put it, MTD IT also offers an opportunity – for instance, by bringing bookkeeping in-house or forging closer links with software providers.
Shifting role of the finance leader
In ‘The strategy co-pilot’ session, Becky Glover (Yutree Insurance) described how finance directors and CFOs have evolved from “bean counters” to strategic business partners. She emphasised how new technology frees up accountants to look beyond the numbers, focusing on growth initiatives, risk management, and team development.
According to Glover, balancing day-to-day responsibilities with forward planning is now an integral part of the finance function – a sentiment echoed by many mid-tier and enterprise leaders at FAB.
A festival for the future
Overall, FAB 2025 gave attendees a clear picture of the challenges – and opportunities – arising in the near future. From wage hikes and NI increases to MTD IT, payrolling benefits, and AI-fuelled changes, the message was consistent: accountants who embrace the evolving landscape head-on will stay ahead of the curve.
With thousands of visitors roaming the halls, a greater number of exhibitors than ever, and practical takeaways from each session, FAB cemented its reputation as a forward-looking, community-driven event for those who shape and support the accounting profession. And with the next edition already on the horizon, early signs point to an even bigger and brighter festival next time around.