Speakers

Ami Copeland is CEO of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers in the UK. Ami stepped in to the role of CEO in 2023 after many years successfully overseeing the marketing and communications arm of the organisation. This background gives Ami an in-depth knowledge of the bookkeeping profession which combines with a natural empathy and enthusiasm to place Ami as a champion for bookkeepers across the world.

Ian Holloway is a respected payroll practitioner, writer, advisor and trainer, ICB’s payroll policy advisor and host of the monthly Wages Wednesday webinars. With hands-on experience processing payrolls from all sectors, he focuses on the issues experienced by bookkeepers, agents and accountants, recognising they have an invaluable role to play in making sure UK plc is paid accurately, on time and compliantly.

2026 (and beyond) promises more issues with which to comply and Ian’s experience and up-to-date knowledge allows him to publish insights to UK professionals on various ways, always focusing on what you need to know and the practical implications.

Vanessa Aradia is Head of Learning at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), with over 30 years’ experience across payroll, accountancy, education, and organisational leadership. She specialises in designing intelligent, future-focused capability ecosystems where learning, compliance, and strategic transformation work as one.

At ICB, Vanessa leads the global education strategy across qualifications, apprenticeships, CPD, and training partnerships. Her work embeds AI readiness, regulatory rigour, and commercial relevance into every learner journey, helping individuals and organisations remain confident, adaptable, and future-fit. Working closely with executive leadership, she translates strategic intent into measurable capability outcomes using systems thinking, inclusive design, and AI-informed insight to drive retention, operational excellence, and long-term value.

Alongside her leadership role, Vanessa runs her own accountancy practice, bringing real world insight into the challenges faced by businesses and practitioners. She has worked across multiple industries in both corporate and public sector environments, and has taught and supported learners globally, giving her a grounded, international perspective on capability building and professional standards.

Vanessa holds an MBA in AI Leadership and focuses on the ethical enablement of human and AI collaboration, supporting organisations through complex change with clarity, integrity, and accountability.

Her guiding idea is simple: Work Smart, Live Well.

Blair McDougall was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade on 7 September 2025. He was elected as the MP for East Renfrewshire in July 2024.

Dr Jo Salter MBE BEng (Hons), MBA, DA (h.c.) is a pioneering leader whose career spans aviation, business and transformative leadership. Best known as Britain’s first female fast jet pilot, Jo’s journey from the cockpit of a Tornado GR1 to global boardrooms has inspired generations. Her story is one of resilience, inclusion and navigating change. Today, she shares that lived experience with audiences around the world as a sought-after speaker, leadership coach and advisor.

Jo joined the Royal Air Force at 18 and studied Electronic Systems Engineering at the Royal Military College of Science. She earned her wings in 1992 and became a combat pilot on the legendary 617 Squadron. She later served as a Qualified Tactics Instructor, flying the Hawk T1, and supported the next generation of Air Cadets, flying them on Air Experience Flights for more than a decade. Her trailblazing aviation career didn’t just break gender barriers - it laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to leadership and service.

Since leaving the RAF, Jo has built a rich and varied business career. She held multiple senior leadership roles at PwC, including Director of Global Transformative Leadership and Global Advisory Lead for GenAI. She played a key role in PwC Australia’s 2023 transformation response,  and shaped global digital strategies that helped upskill 270,000+ employees. Her work has influenced the way organisations approach leadership, risk, innovation and the human side of transformation.

Jo has also run her own consultancy, Saltin Ltd, since 2002 - delivering high-performance coaching, strategic programme management and thought leadership on transformation, resilience and mindset. A former Associate Lecturer for the Open University Business School, Jo is as comfortable in a boardroom as she is on stage - whether she’s leading a session on leadership or addressing 3,000 people at a conference.

She is the author of two books on personal energy and mindset, and regularly contributes to conversations around inclusive leadership, digital ethics and navigating emerging technologies like AI. In 2025, Jo was named the No.1 motivational speaker in Global Gurus’ official list of Top 10 Motivational Speakers to Hire for Corporate Events - selected by a panel based on client feedback and event impact. Whilst Jo’s accolades also include being named one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in the World by Harpers & Queen, what people often remark on most is how grounded, genuine and approachable she is - qualities that shine through in every interaction.

Beyond her professional work, Jo remains deeply involved in advocacy and charitable initiatives. She is a past Trustee and active supporter of the Royal Air Force Club, a livery member of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, a Trustee of Ripples charity and an Ambassador for Global Angels. Her media appearances have included TV, radio and live interviews with people such as Tim Peake and Rachel Riley. And there are not many people who can say that Tom Cruise asked to meet them at the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick!

Awarded her MBE by Prince William and an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University, Jo continues to champion leadership that is authentic, inclusive and grounded in purpose. Whether she’s in a cockpit, a boardroom or on stage, her message remains the same: when we lead with courage and clarity, extraordinary things are possible.

Zoe Whitman is an accountant who retrained as a bookkeeper and has spent the last five years helping over 36,000 bookkeepers build thriving businesses through The 6 Figure Bookkeeper. She hosts The Bookkeepers' Podcast (sponsored by Xero), has authored books including Rookie to Ready, and in 2025 co-founded Hey Monika, an AI-powered platform helping finance professionals build real workplace capability through simulation rather than study alone. She is a recognised leader in AI innovation in the bookkeeping sector, winning AI Innovation of the Year at the ICB Bookkeepers Summit LUCA Awards.

Helen Armstrong is the founder of a specialist bookkeeping practice supporting churches and charities. Since winning ICB Small Practice of the Year in 2023, she has grown her business by embracing a clear niche, adopting technology, and stepping into more complex, high-impact work. Known for bringing clarity to messy financial situations, Helen helps organisations move from confusion to control through better systems, insight and confident financial leadership. In 2025, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT). She is passionate about strong governance in the charity sector and is a trusted voice supporting fellow bookkeepers working in this space.

A toddler tantrum sparked Sam Mallabar’s move into finance! With a BA (Hons) in Business Administration, three years with the Army Officer Training Corps, and 20+ years in sales, Sam pivoted to bookkeeping to gain the flexibility and balance she needed for family life. Since 2019, she has built a thriving practice in Stony Stratford, helping small business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. Sam combines her business experience and practical financial expertise with relatable storytelling, inspiring audiences about career reinvention, achieving balance, and building a business that works around life.