3 minutes with Simon Watkins, Commercial Manager, FD Show

We sat down with Simon Watkins, Commercial Manager of the FD Show ahead of it’s launch on 13-14 May 2026, which is co-located alongside Accountex London.

What inspired the creation of the FD Show, and why is now the perfect time to launch it?

Accountex London has grown massively over the last few years, hitting its peak of over 12,000 attendees last year.  Our audience has historically been made up of mostly accountants in practice, but we noticed over recent years that accountants in industry have been attending at an extraordinary rate.

So, after consulting with various accountants, professional bodies, and vendors, we realised that it was high time this side of the profession benefitted from their own targeted event.

And that is how the FD Show was born.

Running alongside Accountex London, The FD Show will have its own entrance, exhibition, theatres and features.  And whilst attendees to Accountex and the FD Show will be able to walk freely between the two events, FD’s, CFO’s and finance professionals will, for the first time, be able to enjoy their own space with likeminded colleagues and peers.

And by the way, we have experienced the most incredible feedback on this launch.  We have already sold out of stand space with 3.5 months to go, it is going to be a busy couple of days!

What makes the FD Show different from other finance events out there?

Most events that target finance professionals, particularly FD’s, CFO’s and members of the C-Suite are, dare I say it, boring conference-heavy affairs with big ticket prices.

The FD Show flips that model.

Visitors will get world-class CPD-accredited content across two dedicated theatres, access to market-leading vendors and the latest products and services, as well as the chance to do real business – all for free!

No being penned into one stuffy conference room, this is the future.

What’s your vision for the FD Show – what do you want visitors to walk away with?

This event is going to be vibrant, exciting and packed with actionable takeaways that will benefit all attendees.

We want the FD Show to become the annual meeting point for FDs and CFOs – a place that offers genuine inspiration and, more importantly, practical help navigating the tricky economic landscape the UK faces right now.

Finance professionals carry huge responsibility, and we need to offer them a place to source robust technology solutions and advice that actually helps and makes a difference to their business.

Which types of exhibitors and solutions will be showcased – what problems is the show helping FDs solve?

The list of industry-focused exhibitors is already very impressive. We’ve got the likes of Yooz (AI-powered AP automation), Quadient (AP/AR automation), Crowe UK (leading audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm), Spendesk (all-in-one spend management platform), Scale XP (AI-powered SaaS finance platform), Fathom (financial reporting & forecasting), and RSULT – IT (NetSuite implementation & ERP specialists).

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Many more solution providers have already booked their stands.

Our aim is simple: to offer a solution to almost any problem that might face an FD or CFO in today’s complex financial landscape. Whether you’re looking to automate processes, improve forecasting, strengthen compliance, or streamline reporting – you’ll find the right partners at the FD Show.

Are there any standout features or surprises visitors can look forward to?

There is so much to see and do at the FD Show.

Our sister event, Accountex London is well known for unique features and amazing surprises, and the FD Show is no different.

That is all I will say for now, I really encourage you to come and see for yourselves. The FD Show will not disappoint.

The FD show and Accountex London are taking place at Excel on the 13-14 May 2026. You can register for your free ticket here. 

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