Judges

Bev Flanagan is an accountant with a passion for nurturing growth in the accounting profession and is just coming up to 30 years in the field.

As the visionary founder of a 100% cloud based accountancy practice, she not only steered it into success but also orchestrated it’s seamless sale in the summer of 2022, marking a remarkable 17 year legacy.

Today, Bev channels her profound expertise into her consultancy business, dedicated to empowering accountants and bookkeepers to unlock the full potential of their practices. She thrives on fostering growth and prosperity within the accounting community.

In addition to her consultancy endeavours, Bev stands as a respected and engaged council member, director and trustee of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), a role that underscores her commitment to elevating the accounting profession.

For Bev, the accounting profession isn’t just a career – it’s a lifelong passion, and she’s on a mission to help accountants and bookkeepers alike thrive and excel.

Collins Ntim (PhD accountancy, Glasgow, UK; CPA Australia) is a Professor of Accounting at the University of Southampton Business School, UK.  He has previously served as a head of department, associate dean, and deputy head of school.  He has published extensively in the accounting, finance, business and management journals focusing on accounting, finance, governance, development and sustainability research interests. His work has generated significant research income, as well as cited widely, including by academics, policy-makers and the media. He has consulted widely for several organisations, such as the Financial Reporting Council, UK and World Bank, including leading the development of the National Corporate Governance Code for Ghana. Collins also served as a full sub-panel member for the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework and is the current President of the British Accounting and Finance Association and Independent Governor at the South Hampshire College Group.

David Potts is director of operations at the AIA and is responsible for maintaining the professional body’s international recognition and regulatory strategies.

David works with regulatory bodies across the world to ensure AIA members meet the appropriate standards of competence and professionalism.

David is a Professional Member of the International Compliance Association.

Derek has been a Chartered Accountant since 1994. He is one of two partners at Pinkham Blair, a general practice which he cofounded in 2004. The business specialises in assisting “corporate refugees” – those who have left large organisations to set up their own business.

Graduating from Essex University in Accountancy, Finance & Economics, Derek joined BDO in 1990 as an audit trainee, before moving to a small firm, Charles Rippon & Turner, based in Willesden Green, London, where he qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. From there, he moved to Morgan Brown & Spofforth (MBS) in Clerkenwell as an audit manager and became a partner in 2001, focussing mostly on corporate finance projects. MBS subsequently became the founding firm of Vantis plc, an AIM-listed consolidator, where Derek remained until co-founding Pinkham Blair.

Derek was born in Chester and grew up in the village of Rowton. He holds a keen interest in military history and enjoys touring battlefields. He serves as Honorary Treasurer of the Army Records Society and previously as Honorary Treasurer of the Western Front Association. He is also a member of several military history societies. He is also a season ticket holder to Saracens Rugby Club. He is married to Sue, a GP practice nurse, with whom he has two children. He will serve as ICAEW President from June 2025 to June 2026

Emma is Director of Public Policy at the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) – a charity and one of the leading professional bodies for those working in tax.  As Director of Public Policy, she leads the ATT’s tax technical and professional standards work, as well as acting as a key spokesperson.

Emma frequently contributes articles on topical tax issues to leading tax and accountancy publications. She has presented talks and webinars around the country, as well as appearing on Local and National Radio and Television to discuss tax issues and providing oral evidence to committees of both the House of Lords and House of Commons.

Emma is a member of the ATT and Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT), and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).  She is also a former Chair of the Leeds Branch of the ATT/CIOT.

Glenn Collins is responsible for engagement, advice and support to ACCA members on a range of business and policy issues, including financial reporting, business and credit advice, taxation, company and business law, ethics, export and access to finance. Glenn also liaises closely with UK government departments and agencies.

Graham joined the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) Council in 2012 and he is the Association’s President. He is Vice Chair of the Examination Steering Group and also serves on the Audit and Risk Committee and the Policy Review Group. He is a former Chair of both the Leeds and Birmingham and West Midlands Branches.

He became a member of the Association in 2005 and was appointed a Fellow in 2015. Graham qualified as a chartered accountant in 1983 and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in 1986. He is a former Associate Director at RSM, where he specialised in the taxation of charities and other not for profit bodies.

Dr. Kim Johnston is Regional Director for the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) supporting members across the North East, Yorkshire, and Humber. Prior to this Kim held leadership roles in telecommunications, including Chief Commercial Officer at MS3 Networks and Regional Partnership Director at CityFibre.

Kim is also Non-Executive Director for both Bolton Cares, a Local Authority Trading Company providing adult social care and also Future Transformation, providing awareness and opportunities for communities in tech.

With a PhD researching the impact of the integration of teams within the English health and social care system, Kim has an excellent understanding of partnership working and enjoys engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including local and regional policymakers, to achieve shared goals.

Lee Haywood has over a decade of experience in the UK accountancy sector, specialising in supporting micro- to medium-sized accountancy practices. Currently serving as the operations manager and company secretary at the Certified Public Accountants Association (CPAA), Lee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organisation. 

In this capacity, Lee works closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the CPAA effectively supports, represents, and regulates accountancy practitioners across the UK. Lee’s dedication to the profession is further highlighted by his leadership in developing the CPAA’s inaugural qualifications, which are tailored to equip small accountancy practitioners with the essential knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. 

With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by smaller practices, Lee is committed to driving initiatives that foster excellence and professionalism within the accountancy community.