What happens when you bring together some of the most forward-thinking leaders in the accounting profession, put them in an iconic setting, and ask them to have honest, unfiltered conversations about the future?
That was QXcelerate London 2026.
Hosted at The Shard, the evening brought together close to 90 people in the room, all partners, directors, decision-makers, and industry experts from across the UK accounting landscape. From the moment guests walked in, there was a clear sense of intent. This wasn’t going to be another industry event. It was a room built for meaningful conversations.
And yes, the setting and the food certainly helped. But what truly stood out was the quality of dialogue: engaging, candid, and refreshingly practical.
The evening opened with a welcome and keynote address by Sagar Ahuja, CEO of QX Accounting Services.
Sagar set the context by addressing the structural challenges facing firms today – capacity constraints, talent shortages, increasing compliance pressures, tech infrastructure, and the growing need to scale without compromising on quality.
He also spoke about the shift underway in how firms are thinking about growth, moving from traditional, linear models to more dynamic, tech-enabled approaches.
As he put it:
“The challenge today isn’t just about growth. It’s about how you build the capacity and capability to sustain that growth without breaking the model.”
It was a fitting start to an evening focused on rethinking the fundamentals of how firms operate.
The evening was anchored around two panel discussions, each tackling a different but equally critical dimension of how accounting firms are evolving.
The first session focused on what is arguably the biggest shift happening within firms today: the redesign of how work gets done.
A recurring theme was clear: the traditional pyramid model is no longer fit for purpose. Firms are moving towards more flexible, tech-enabled operating models where data, automation, and global delivery play a central role.
As Pramith Naidu put it:
“This isn’t about doing the same work with fewer people. It’s about rethinking how that work should be done in the first place.”
There was also a strong emphasis on the role of AI, not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool. Firms are increasingly focused on identifying where AI fits into their workflows and how it can drive measurable impact.
The second session shifted the lens towards growth, investment, and leadership.
Private equity continues to reshape the profession, bringing both opportunity and complexity. While access to capital and operational discipline is appealing, it also introduces new expectations around governance, scalability, and performance.
At the same time, an interesting counterpoint emerged. Many firms are still consciously choosing to remain independent. Not by default, but by design.
As Mike Walton noted:
“The real decision isn’t just about valuation. It is about what kind of firm you want to build.”
There were also lighter moments that kept the room engaged, one of the more memorable lines being:
“It’s easier to divorce a spouse than your accountant.”
– James Sutton, Managing Director, Continuum Partners
Beyond the conversations, a few clear themes stood out, signals of where the profession is heading:
What made QXcelerate London 2026 special wasn’t just the quality of speakers or the strength of the discussions. It was the openness in the room.
Leaders sharing what’s actually working. What isn’t. And what they’re still figuring out.
That kind of honesty is rare. And it’s exactly what the profession needs more of.
If the evening proved anything, it’s this: the future of accounting will be shaped by firms that are willing to rethink, redesign, and act.
At QX, we’re committed to continuing these conversations, both in the room and beyond it.
Because this isn’t a one-off dialogue. It’s an ongoing shift. And we’re just getting started.
QXcelerate London will return in 2027 with a bigger agenda, sharp focus, and industry leaders in the room. Pre-register your interest here: QXcelerate London 2027
Pramith Naidu is an accounting and payroll expert with a deep understanding of accounting firms’ challenges. He helps accounting and payroll businesses achieve efficiency and cost savings through customised outsourcing solutions. His focus is on delivering engagement models that address both immediate priorities and long-term goals, enabling firms to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth.
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