CIMA CPD at Chatsworth House: Insights and key takeaways

Q1 2020 Banking Results
Young Enterprise Team Programme Celebration Event
18/08/2025
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CIMA CPD at Chatsworth House

Background

In September 2025 the team attended Chatsworth House for the CIMA CPD Conference, where speakers from Grant Thornton, Mole Valley Asset Management, University of Sheffield and University of Salford shared valuable perspectives on tax, governance, accounting standards, investment, and artificial intelligence. The session brought together finance professionals from across the region in a beautiful setting, providing both technical updates and the chance to step back and reflect on where the profession is heading.

Approach

The event focused on current challenges and opportunities for finance leaders, covering:

  • New governance requirements, including ESG reporting and the Failure to Prevent Fraud Act.
  • Major changes to FRS 102, especially lease and revenue recognition rules.
  • Investment lessons, from supply chain finance risks to opportunities in UK regional businesses.
  • The transformative potential of AI for communication and business operations.

Analysis

The key thread running through the day was adaptability. Governance frameworks must evolve to meet new regulations; accounting and tax teams need to prepare for shifting standards; and leaders must be proactive in understanding the risks and opportunities presented by technology.

For me, three points stood out:

  1. Governance matters more than ever — whether it’s preventing fraud, meeting ESG expectations, or preparing for tax changes.
  2. The profession is changing quickly — from new accounting standards to international tax developments, staying informed is essential.
  3. Technology is no longer optional — AI isn’t something for “someone else” to deal with; we all need to understand its opportunities and risks.

Conclusions

The Chatsworth House event was more than just a technical update — it was a chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and think about the bigger picture. It reinforced how important it is for finance professionals to balance compliance with strategy, and short-term pressures with long-term investment discipline.

Recommendations

I’d encourage anyone in the finance profession to attend these CPD sessions. They provide practical updates, fresh perspectives, and space to reflect — all of which are hard to find in the flow of day-to-day work.

Next Steps

If you’d like to attend a future CIMA CPD event, you can find the full programme here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aicpa-cima-59561249533

This document is written in general terms and is not advice. PryceWilliams accepts no liability for action or inaction as a result of any content in our various publications.
Cory Edwards
Cory Edwards

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