Regional press releases: 2026

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) West Midlands Local Network Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Gemma Jones, Partner at FRP Advisory, as Chair, and Louise Rudd, Partner at RSM Birmingham, as Deputy Chair.

Wales has always been at its best when we work together with a shared sense of purpose. That is why I want to warmly welcome Adam Price to his new role as Cabinet Secretary for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, and to do so with both optimism and realism about the task ahead.

Energy security and regional growth are often treated as separate goals. In reality, they can reinforce each other. As the UK builds a cleaner energy system, the Humber and the North East are well placed to become national hubs for low-carbon hydrogen.

As Director of ICAEW in Wales, I have always believed that Wales’ professional and business community has a distinctive voice — one rooted in resilience, innovation and a deep sense of place. Nowhere is that more visible than during Wales Week London, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary. A decade on, the initiative is a highlight in the calendar and continues to showcase Welsh ambition on a UK and global stage, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs and organisations who are shaping the future of our economy.

Wales has the talent, ambition, and resources to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Yet too many businesses face barriers that hold back investment, innovation, and growth. Here ICAEW provides a member-led briefing for manifesto and policy leads.

The most significant change to personal tax administration in nearly three decades is on its way and it will affect thousands of Yorkshire’s sole traders and landlords. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax, which becomes mandatory for many from April 2026, represents a major shift in how income is recorded and reported.

The chartered accountancy profession stands at a crossroads. As sustainability once again climbs the business agenda across the UK and beyond, chartered accountants are uniquely positioned to play a transformative role.

As we step into 2026, businesses across Wales find themselves navigating an economic environment that is as complex as it is full of possibility. The past year (or more) has tested the resilience of organisations of every size, and the year ahead will demand the same blend of adaptability, strategic clarity and long term thinking. From my vantage point at ICAEW Wales, it is clear that Welsh businesses are entering a period where informed decision making and forward looking leadership will matter more than ever.