QX Accounting Services hosts QXcelerate London 2026 for senior UK accounting leaders

QX Accounting Services hosted the first edition of its leadership forum, QXcelerate London 2026, on 19th March 2026 at The Shard, bringing together close to 90 partners, directors, and senior decision-makers from Top 100 and Top 200 accounting firms across the UK.
Designed as an exclusive, invite-only forum, and exclusively sponsored by Karbon, the evening focused on candid, peer-level discussions on the structural changes shaping the profession. The event was chaired by industry commentator and advisor Rob Brown, who guided the conversations throughout the evening.
The panel featured a cross-section of industry leaders, including Daniel Abraham from Karbon, James Addison from BKL, James Gosling from AJ Chambers, James Sutton from Continuum Partners, Phil Broadbery from PKF Littlejohn, Charles Richards from Azets, Rick Chana from S&W Group, and Mike Walton and Pramith Naidu from QX Accounting Services.
An Evening Set for Meaningful Conversations
Guests arrived to an informal networking reception overlooking the London skyline, setting the tone for an evening centred on open dialogue rather than formal presentations.
The event opened with a welcome address by Sagar Ahuja, CEO of QX Accounting Services, who highlighted the key challenges facing firms today – talent shortages, capacity constraints, tech implementation, and increasing regulatory complexity.
“The challenge for firms today is not just growth,” Ahuja said. “It is about building the capacity and capability to sustain that growth without putting pressure on people or compromising delivery.”
Exploring Operating Models, Technology, and Capital
The first panel, “The Engine Room: Talent, Technology and Operating Models,” explored how firms are redesigning their delivery models. Panellists discussed the shift towards more flexible, technology-enabled structures, with automation, data, and global delivery becoming increasingly central.
“This is not about doing the same work with fewer people. It is about fundamentally rethinking how that work should be done,” Charles Richards, panelist, noted.
The second panel, “The Fuel: Capital, Investment and Leadership Transformation,” focused on the growing influence of private equity and investment in the sector. While external capital is reshaping growth strategies and governance, panellists emphasised that firms are taking a considered approach.
“It is not simply a question of valuation. It is about alignment and the kind of firm you want to build,” Rick Chana, panellist, said.
The discussion also touched on how technology, operating model maturity, and scalability are becoming increasingly important in how firms are assessed.
Focus on Scalability and Global Delivery
Across both sessions, there was strong emphasis on the evolving role of outsourcing and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Panellists highlighted how GCCs are moving beyond cost optimisation to become integral to building capacity and resilience, while outsourcing is increasingly embedded into firm-wide delivery models as a strategic lever for scale.
An Evening of Engagement and Connection
The discussions continued over dinner, with the informal setting encouraging further exchange among attendees. Feedback from the evening reflected the quality of both the conversations and the overall experience.
An instant photo booth was available throughout the evening, encouraging attendees to capture moments and share them on LinkedIn. As part of a post-event engagement initiative, QX Accounting Services invited guests to extend the conversation online, with a reward for the most engaging posts.
The three winners, Shilpa Chheda from KLSA, Margarita Ataliani from RSM, and Rogin Robert from Forvis Mazars, have been recognised for generating the highest engagement, with two additional attendees, Adam Flight from AAB and Michael McAllister from AMS Accountants Group, receiving special mentions for their contributions.
Winners will receive experience-based vouchers from Red Letter Days, offering a choice of curated activities ranging from dining and wellness to adventure experiences, adding a fitting continuation to an already memorable evening.
Attendee Feedback Reflects Strong Engagement
Attendee feedback from the evening highlighted both the quality of discussion and the overall experience.
“The conversations were refreshingly honest. It’s rare to see this level of openness in a room full of firm leaders.” – Andrew Subramaniam, Sumer Group
“Great mix of people, perspectives and practical insights. Definitely one of the more valuable events I’ve attended.” – Harriet Hodgson-Grove, UHY Hacker Young
“The setting, the discussions, and the format all worked really well. It felt more like a conversation than a conference.” – Emily Berry, S&W Group
Continuing the Dialogue
QXcelerate London 2026 forms part of a broader series aimed at bringing together industry leaders to exchange perspectives on the future of the profession.
The themes discussed throughout the evening reflect a period of significant change for accounting firms, driven by technology, evolving client expectations, and new approaches to growth and investment.