FD Show Arrives in Manchester for the First Time 

The FD Show made its Manchester debut on 15 September, joining forces with Accountex Summit Manchester at Manchester Central for the first time. 

Built specifically for Finance Directors, CFOs and accountants in industry, the FD Show gave finance professionals from across the North their own dedicated theatre and programme – following on from its successful launch at Accountex London earlier this year. 

Event Manager, Simon Watkins said: “We’ve seen huge demand from Finance Directors and CFOs across the North for content and connections built specifically for them, and that was clear on the day – the theatre was packed from start to finish. The reception from the industry has been fantastic, with speakers, exhibitors and attendees alike telling us this is exactly what’s been missing from the North’s finance calendar. This is just the beginning for the FD Show in Manchester, watch this space!” 

“I came away with new ideas and lots to think about for my business and future’ 

Across the FD Show theatre, the day’s programme placed AI adoption firmly at the heart of the conversation, with sessions exploring Copilot and agentic AI in day-to-day finance operations, cloud ERP transformation, and the automation of routine tasks such as reconciliations. 

Speakers from across the industry – including Microsoft, SAP, Mhance and GenFinance.AI, shared real-world insight into how finance teams are putting AI to work today. 

Other sessions turned to broader strategic themes shaping the finance function, including the realities of scaling a fractional finance business and the M&A opportunity created by an approaching wave of baby boomer business exits. 

Another standout was the CFO Reality Check panel, bringing together senior finance voices to discuss cost pressures and economic resilience heading into 2027. 

‘Technology is moving incredibly quickly, so keeping up with new software and innovations is becoming more and more important’ 

Alongside the theatre programme, FD Show attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with software and service providers relevant to finance leadership, from ERP and automation platforms to AI-powered finance tools. Attendees had the chance to compare solutions side by side and speak with vendors face-to-face to get personalised demos. 

‘I’m already excited for next year!’ 

Reflecting its strong reception, the FD Show is set to become a permanent fixture of Accountex Summit Manchester, giving senior finance leaders across the North a dedicated home within the wider event for years to come. 

‘Having a dedicated space for FDs made all the difference – this is exactly what the North needed’ 

The FD Show’s Manchester debut took place as part of the seventh edition of Accountex Summit Manchester, which brought together over 3,200 visitors, exhibitors and speakers across the day. Alongside the FD Show theatre, attendees could explore 135+ software and service providers, take in a CPD-accredited seminar programme spanning five stages, and connect with the wider accounting and finance community. 

Looking Ahead 

Accountex Summit Manchester, incorporating the FD Show, returns on 14 September 2027. 

Ahead of that, Accountex London and the FD Show return to Excel London on 12–13 May 2027. 

Register your interest here. 

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