HM Chartered Accountants is delighted to continue its partnership with Arts & Business NI as headline sponsor of the Arts & Business NI Governance Conference 2026, taking place on 5 November 2026.
Now in its 14th year, the annual Governance Conference has become an important date in the calendar for trustees, board members, CEOs and charity leaders across Northern Ireland, providing an opportunity to strengthen governance knowledge, share experiences and connect with others working across the sector.
For HM Chartered Accountants, this marks the third consecutive year as headline sponsor, reflecting our continued commitment to supporting strong leadership, financial oversight and good governance across Northern Ireland’s charity and not-for-profit sector.
This year’s conference will focus on two of the most important responsibilities facing charity boards – fundraising and finance.
With organisations across the voluntary and cultural sectors continuing to face increasing financial pressures, trustees and senior leaders are required to make increasingly complex decisions while ensuring their organisations remain financially sustainable and focused on delivering their purpose.
Through keynote presentations and panel discussions featuring charity trustees and sector leaders, the conference will provide practical knowledge and insights designed to help boards approach these challenges with greater confidence.
Headline speakers for the 2026 conference include Alison Cowzer, Managing Director of The Company of Food, host of The Currency podcast, investor on RTÉ’s Dragons’ Den and Chair of Rough Magic Theatre Company.
She will be joined by Flora Raffai, an EMCC-accredited coach, trainer and consultant who specialises in helping small organisations make a big difference.
Commenting on HM Chartered Accountants’ continued support for the conference, Angela Craigan, Partner at HM Chartered Accountants, said:
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Arts & Business NI for a third consecutive year as headline sponsor of the A&BNI Governance Conference. Strong governance is fundamental to every successful charity, and finance plays a central role in helping organisations deliver on their purpose.
“Through our work with clients across the commercial and third sectors, we see every day the difference that informed decision-making, effective financial oversight and strong leadership can make.
“We are proud to support an event that celebrates the commitment of trustees and charity leaders while providing practical knowledge and inspiration to help organisations thrive.”
Holly Foskett, Arts Programme Manager at Arts & Business NI, also welcomed HM’s continued support:
“At Arts & Business NI, we're proud to support a community of trustees who give their time, skills and experience to help arts organisations thrive. Our Governance Conference is a chance for people to come together, share ideas, learn from one another and feel more confident in their roles.
“We're delighted to have HM Chartered Accountants sponsoring this year's event. As a valued member of the Arts & Business NI creative network, their support helps us continue investing in the people who make such a difference across the sector.”
The Arts & Business NI Governance Conference 2026 takes place on 5 November 2026 and is open to trustees and board members from charities of all sizes, as well as CEOs, directors and senior leaders.
Whether you are new to governance or have years of experience, the conference provides an opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas and gain practical insights that can help strengthen your organisation and the communities it serves.
Earlybird tickets are available until 31 August 2026.
Visit the Arts & Business NI website to find out more and book your place.
