PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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Tuesday 17 November 2026
08.00 - 11.30
THE SHERATON | EDINBURGH
About
It’s a dynamic business story of our time: what is the future state of the professional services companies across the UK?
Every business needs an accountancy adviser and a tax expert. While the preparation of annual returns and the professional fees paid are now viewed as a lucrative and regular multiple for private equity companies who are supporting consolidation. It’s guaranteed income from loyal customers.
With senior partners and founders in smaller firms looking for a way out, and more time on the golf course, deals are being done all across Scotland. What are the multiples of turnover to secure a sale – and how are companies maintaining their culture and heritage after the sale?
This is also driving internal changes in practice as the prospect for new technology and AI takes over repetitive accounting task. How does it impact on the future of the accounting and advisory profession. What impact will this have on the training of the next cohort of accountants and advisers? What does it spell for professional associations such as ICAS, CIMA and ICAEW?
Key questions:
- What are the multiples of turnover to secure a sale?
- How are companies maintaining their culture and heritage after the sale?
- What impact will this have on the training of the next cohort of accountants and advisers?
- What does it spell for professional associations such as ICAS, CIMA and ICAEW?
The panel will include:
- A former president of ICAS, now running London private equity consultancy.
- The founder and head of dealmaking consultant.
- Managing director of leading Scottish accountancy firm.
- The chair of the Global Accounting Alliance.
Who should be attending this:
- Professional advisers seeking more information on consolidation.
- Legal professionals wishing to hear more about the financial opportunity.
- Those new to accountancy practices wanting a handle on the changing profession.
- Academics interested in covering the advisory profession.