The Executive Summit: An Inside Look at the Agenda and Key Topics for Industry Leaders

Ever wondered what the people in charge of the big money decisions actually talk about when they get together? It’s not always about boring spreadsheets. Sometimes, it’s about figuring out the future. And that’s exactly what’s happening at the Finance Futures: The Executive Summit, a major conference set to bring together some of the sharpest minds in the world of finance.

This isn't just any old meeting; it's a gathering of top-tier business leaders all in one room, sharing ideas that could shape how companies work. The whole event is designed to tackle the big questions in finance and leadership, making it a key date in the calendar for anyone from an ambitious CFO to a seasoned CEO.

Who's on the speaker list?

You can tell a lot about an event by who’s on stage, and the speaker line-up for this executive summit is seriously impressive. It’s like the Avengers, but for business. The organisers have brought together high-profile speakers from some of the UK’s most recognisable brands and innovative businesses. Think about companies you see every day. For instance, leaders from TransPennine Express will be there, alongside experts from financial giant Lloyds Bank. It's a real mix of industries and perspectives.

The list of confirmed business leaders is packed with experience and knowledge. They’re the people who have been there, done that, and probably designed the t-shirt. Here’s a little peek at who attendees will get to hear from:

• Jenny McMillan, Managing Director, Northern Bl°c

• Fiona Roberts, Finance Director, TransPennine Express

• Paul Kharbanda, Foreign Exchange Sales Business Lead, Lloyds Bank

• Ben Priestley, CFO, Mansfield Pollard

• Lou Ellis-Frankland, Founder & Managing Director, Mansfield Pollard

• Joe Bainborough, Finance Director, Pure Pet Food

• Jonathan Healey, Group Technology Director, IDHL

• Theresa Spencer, COO, G2M Group

• Ian Fullen, CFO, Unity Advisory

• Richard Pugmire, CEO, Answer Digital

• Diane Swift, Finance Director, Yes Energy

• Laura Lister, Partner, Walker Morris

• Steve Cross, Group Technical Director, PIB Insurance

• Karen Pitchforth, Associate Director, Headstar

And apparently, that’s not even everyone. There are whispers of even more high-profile speakers who will be announced closer to the date, adding a bit of extra excitement. Having such a diverse speaker line-up, including a CEO and a CFO, ensures that the conversations won't be one-sided, covering the full spectrum of modern business and finance challenges.

What's on the agenda?

Okay, so the people are interesting, but what are they actually going to talk about? The agenda for the Finance Futures conference is designed to cover the topics that are keeping business leaders up at night. The day is a mix of keynote speeches, live panel discussions, and interactive workshops, so it’s not just about sitting and listening.

One of the biggest topics will be the economic outlook for the year ahead. This is basically a big-picture discussion about what the economy might do and how businesses can prepare. Think of it like a weather forecast, but for money. They’ll also be getting stuck into leadership challenges. Being a boss isn't easy, and this part of the conference will explore how to navigate the tricky parts of managing teams and making tough decisions. A particularly interesting session will focus on career progression, looking at the journey from CFO (the top finance person) to CEO (the top person, full stop). It’s a path many in finance dream of, and this will offer a roadmap.

Of course, no modern finance discussion would be complete without talking about technology. The agenda includes a deep dive into the evolving role of finance teams and the practical application of AI. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, isn't just about robots; it's changing how finance teams work, helping them spot trends and make smarter decisions. This executive summit aims to demystify AI and show how it can be a powerful tool. The blend of panel discussions and workshops will give everyone a chance to get involved and ask the questions that matter to them.

More than just a chat, it's about professional development

While the chance to network and listen to brilliant speakers is great, the Finance Futures event offers something more tangible too. It's an official CPD-accredited event. What does that mean? CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. It’s a way for people in professional jobs to show they’re still learning and keeping their skills up to date. It’s a bit like earning gold stars at work that prove you’re dedicated to your career.

Attending this half-day conference provides 3.75 hours of recognised CPD learning. After the event, every attendee gets an official certificate to add to their professional development records. For anyone serious about their career in finance, this is a massive plus. It shows employers a real commitment to staying at the top of their game. This focus on CPD learning elevates the summit from a simple get-together to a genuine opportunity for career progression and skill enhancement, directly supporting the growth of business leaders.

The nitty-gritty details

If all this sounds like something worth checking out, the details are straightforward. The Finance Futures: The Executive Summit is happening on Wednesday 25th February 2026. It’s a morning event, running from 8.30am to 2pm, so it’s packed with information but doesn’t take up the whole day. The venue is the Leeds Marriott Hotel, a well-known spot that's easy to get to.

This conference is a fantastic chance for current and future business leaders to get a handle on what's next in the world of finance. From hearing keynote speeches from a top CEO to engaging in workshops on AI, the agenda is stacked. It's a perfect environment for tackling leadership challenges head-on and planning for the future economic outlook. Anyone looking to boost their professional development and understand the future of finance should definitely have this executive summit on their radar.