TO BE PUBLISHED April 2026
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Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This conference will consider next steps for UK professional and business services following the publication of the PBS Sector Plan and the Industrial Strategy.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to consider implementation of sector-specific measures. Areas for discussion include AI and technology adoption programmes, the rollout of new PBS Hubs across five UK regions, and initiatives such as the export support guarantee for SMEs and the Made Smarter-style tech adoption pilot. Delegates will assess implications of place-based interventions and local growth strategies for PBS firms across the UK, including those outside the initial hub areas.
The conference will be an opportunity to examine key funding and finance challenges, looking at the impact of skills shortages and apprenticeship funding reform, the availability of growth finance through the British Business Bank, and how regulation can be developed to help create optimal conditions for investment, innovation and resilience across the sector. Coordination between the PBS Council, Skills England, Innovate UK, and regional authorities will be discussed, as well as the role of the proposed Office for PBS and new Industrial Strategy Council in overseeing implementation and tracking progress across IS-8 sectors.
Further sessions look at evolving frameworks for compliance, governance, and reporting. Areas for discussion include forthcoming changes to Money Laundering Regulations, the creation of ARGA, and the development of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards, alongside how these can be developed to most effectively improve regulatory clarity and expectations across the sector.
Strategies for further developing the UK’s position in global professional services will be assessed, looking at trade access and regulatory compatibility, as well as internationally-focussed promotional initiatives such as the recently launched concierge service for overseas firms. Discussion is also expected on implications of public procurement policy and mutual recognition arrangements for international access and competitiveness.
Overall areas for discussion include:
- sector plan delivery: priorities for implementation of the Sector Plan and the Industrial Strategy - early rollout risks and dependencies - links to other IS-8 sector approaches
- business productivity: factors that influence uptake of AI and digital tools - options for deploying targeted support - role of the British Business Bank and tech adoption pilots
- workforce needs: implications of Apprenticeship Levy reform - shortages in accountancy, legal, and consultancy roles - collaboration with Skills England and regional partners
- regulation and planning: business impacts of changes under Money Laundering Regulations - interaction with wider reforms in governance and supervision - role of regulatory clarity in market confidence
- reporting standards: effects of the creation of ARGA and UK SRS - burden on smaller firms - potential divergence from international frameworks
- local growth strategies: coordination between new PBS Hubs and non-hub areas - priorities for local authorities in implementation - regional accessibility to support
- oversight and delivery: remit and coordination of the PBS Council, Office for PBS, and the Industrial Strategy Council - avoidance of duplication - tracking progress across sectors
- international links: implications of procurement rules and recognition arrangements - access to overseas markets - evaluation of the new concierge service and global engagement efforts
