Twenty-seven emerging professionals from AGN member firms came together in Birmingham on 14–15 May for the 2026 AGN-UK NextGen Conference — a practical and engaging two-day programme focused on strengthening client relationships, communication, and commercial confidence within professional services.
The strong attendance reflected the continued commitment from AGN member firms to invest in future talent and leadership development. Bringing together delegates from across the UK and wider AGN association, the conference explored the skills increasingly important for long-term success: effective communication, business development, personal branding, and relationship management.
As firms continue to respond to evolving client expectations and a changing business environment, developing future leaders remains a priority. The NextGen Conference provided delegates with the opportunity to strengthen practical skills, exchange ideas with peers, and learn from experienced professionals working across advisory, leadership, and business development.
Strengthening Client Relationships Through Communication
A central theme throughout the conference was the role communication plays in building trust and delivering strong client service.
Sessions explored how professionals can strengthen relationships by listening more effectively, asking better questions, and understanding different communication styles. Delegates were encouraged to think beyond technical expertise and consider how their approach, behaviour, and interactions contribute to client experience and long-term business relationships.
Workshops and discussions focused on helping attendees:
- Build stronger trust and rapport with clients and colleagues.
- Develop confidence in client conversations.
- Improve active listening and questioning techniques.
- Better understand communication preferences and behavioural styles.
- Approach networking and business development with greater confidence.
These discussions resonated strongly with participants already taking on increased responsibility within their firms and client relationships.
Abbey Kerr, Senior Payroll Associate at CT: Accountants Advisers, reflected on the event following the conference:
“The event focused on developing critical client service skills, networking, business development and the importance of building strong relationships and personal brands within professional services.
Really interesting sessions around communication styles, trust, active listening and how everyone in a firm can play a role in growing relationships and delivering value to clients.”
Keri’s comments reflect one of the conference’s key messages: building relationships and supporting growth is not limited to leadership teams or business development specialists. Every individual within a firm contributes to client experience and long-term success.
Insights from Expert Speakers
The programme featured a range of experienced speakers and facilitators who shared practical insight from across professional services, leadership development, marketing, and advisory.
Speakers included:
- Chris White, International Marketing and Branding Specialist
- Marlijn Lawson, Regional Director, AGN EMEA
- Alex Shacklock, Director and Performance Improvement Consultant, theGrogroup,
- Andy Bewick, Partner, Corporate & International, Ballards
Sessions explored the growing importance of communication, influence, and relationship-building as professionals progress in their careers. Delegates were encouraged to consider how they present themselves professionally, contribute to conversations, and build credibility with clients and colleagues.
Discussions also highlighted the value of personal branding, visibility within professional services, and creating collaborative environments where professionals at all levels feel confident contributing to relationship development and client conversations.
Guest speaker, Alex Shacklock commented:
“This was a fantastic opportunity for this group of Next Gen Leaders to take a step back, to think about their current and future impact, approaches, relationships and goals, and the steps they can take to make a real difference to their clients, their teams and their firms.
What was really impressive, was the quality of action takeaways and their commitment to be proactive and take the lead.
Developing leadership mindsets and capability is so important for professional services firms and it was a real privilege to be asked to support AGN with this initiative”
Building Connections Across the Association
Alongside the formal programme, the conference created valuable opportunities for delegates to build relationships with peers from across AGN member firms.
For many attendees, the event offered the opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and strengthen professional connections within the association. With 27 delegates participating, the conference created a strong environment for discussion, collaboration, and shared learning.
The social activities also played an important role in encouraging conversation and relationship-building in a more informal setting.
As Abbey Kerr shared on LinkedIn, “It was also great to spend time with people from firms across the AGN association including some slightly competitive darts in the evening! Such a fun couple of days, thank you AGN!”
These shared experiences continue to strengthen relationships across the association and support future collaboration between member firms.
Supporting the Next Generation
The 2026 AGN-UK NextGen Conference reinforced the importance of developing future leaders with a broad range of professional and interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
As firms prepare the next generation of advisers and leaders, communication, relationship-building, and commercial awareness remain essential capabilities for long-term success.
AGN Global Talent Solutions
For firms focused on attracting, developing, and retaining future talent, AGN Global Talent Solutions provides additional support in leadership development, recruitment, and long-term workforce growth.
Learn more: https://agn.org/global-talent-solutions/
