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Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges – Practical Insights for Financial Leaders
On Thursday 4 June, 9:30 – 11:30am, we’re teaming up with the leading accountancy, finance and technology recruitment business, Savant, to welcome senior business and finance leaders to our Reading hub for the Facing Tomorrow’s Challenges event.
This breakfast get-together is a space to connect with your peers and plug into fresh thinking. A chance to sharpen your technical edge across Audit, Accounting Standards, Tax, AI and Cyber Security. And the perfect way to start your day – and prepare for your future.
What to expect
Businesses are navigating a landscape that’s shifting faster than ever. Hosted by Steve Leith, CP’s Head of Tech & High Growth, and Richard Alborough, Savant’s Associate Director, our breakfast event is packed with technical knowledge across topics every leader needs to stay ahead of:
Accounting Standards
Mark Newbold, Audit Partner at Cooper Parry has unique insight into the regulatory updates and technical developments that matter right now – and what they mean for your reporting, governance and decision‑making.
He’ll be covering key upcoming changes and timelines, the practical implications for mid-market businesses, how finance leaders should prepare now, and how you can reduce disruption and improve audit-readiness.
AI & Cyber Security
Lisa Dargan, CEO at URM Consulting Services, and Mark Lockton, Partner at Cooper Parry Digital & CEO at embracent have seen the rise of AI, emerging risks, and the critical steps leaders must take to stay protected, compliant and competitive, first-hand.
Lisa will explain the latest regulatory developments, real-world guidance on reducing breach risk, incident response tips and elevating cyber security to a board-level priority. Mark will dive into common frustrations with finance tech and AI adoption, why AI isn’t a silver bullet, the critical role of data, and practical steps to become “AI-ready”.
Tax
Matt Appleton, Tax Partner at Cooper Parry will be bringing essential updates on the changes shaping tax strategy for private companies, now, and in the future.
They include the reliefs, incentives and risks when you’re investing in expansion and capital assets, due diligence considerations in growth or transactions, tax efficiency in a changing landscape, and how to prepare for Making Tax Digital (MTD).
Want to stay in the know?
Register your interest below.
HOST & SPEAKERS
Richard Alborough
Associate Director, Savant
Richard is a senior adviser at Savant, working closely with businesses and finance leaders on strategic and operational challenges. With a background in advising growth-stage and mid-market organisations, he brings a practical, real-world perspective on finance leadership, governance, and business performance.
Steve Leith
Head of Tech & High Growth, Cooper Parry
Steve is Regional Market Leader for London & the South and Head of Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry. He specialises in advising venture-backed and high-growth businesses, supporting founders and CFOs through scaling, fundraising, and complex growth challenges. With over 20 years’ experience, including building a leading tech practice, Steve brings deep insight into the priorities of fast-growth finance functions.
Mark Newbold
Audit Partner, Cooper Parry
Mark is an Audit Partner at Cooper Parry with experience spanning both practice and industry. He works across mid-market and international groups, with particular expertise in cash flow, financing, and operational performance. Known for his analytical approach, Mark focuses on challenging assumptions and helping businesses make better-informed decisions.
Lisa Dargan
CEO, URM Consulting Services
Lisa is CEO of URM Consulting Services, the cyber and information security specialist within the Cooper Parry group. She has built a strong reputation in cyber security, data protection, and risk management, helping organisations strengthen resilience and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Lisa plays a key role in integrating cyber security into broader business risk and assurance strategies.
Mark Lockton
Partner at CP Digital, Founder & CEO, embracent
Mark is a Partner within Cooper Parry Digital and co-founder of digital consultancy Embracent. He specialises in helping businesses unlock value from technology, data, and AI through practical, outcome-focused transformation. Mark brings extensive experience in scaling digital capabilities and aligning technology with commercial strategy.
Matt Appleton
Tax Partner, Cooper Parry
Matt is a Tax Partner at Cooper Parry with over 30 years’ experience advising a wide range of clients, from entrepreneurs to large multinationals. He specialises in delivering practical, commercially focused tax advice, helping businesses navigate complexity and optimise their tax position.
AGENDA
9.30am
Arrival, Drinks, Breakfast & Networking
10.15am
Welcome
10.25am
Speaker Session
10.35am
Speaker Session
10.45am
Speaker Session
10.55am
Speaker Session
11.05am
Panel Q&A
11.30am
Finish