Re-tuning your Firm – January 2026
Join us for the ‘Re-tuning Your Firm’ live show on Friday, 30 January 2026, at 9am. This 45-minute public webinar is open to all and free to attend.
Hosted by Richard Chaplin, Founder and Chief Executive of the Managing Partners’ Forum, this session brings together expert insight on the political landscape, sector trends, and the leadership challenges shaping professional services firms in 2026.
The agenda includes a political update from John Rowland of H/Advisors Cicero, findings from the Sector Trends Tracker Winter 2025 presented by Richard Chaplin, and a panel discussion featuring Dana Denis-Smith, Nigel Spencer, and Julie Gottlieb, exploring the emerging issues of greatest importance to firm leadership teams.
This session provides a valuable opportunity for managing partners and senior leaders to stay informed, benchmark priorities, and reflect on how firms are adapting to change across strategy, culture, and growth.
Agenda for the session on Friday, 30 January 2026
09.00 – Introductions from the host
Richard Chaplin, Founder & Chief Executive, Managing Partners’ Forum
09.05 – Political update
John Rowland, Managing Director at H/Advisors Cicero, shares insights on the political developments affecting professional services firms, drawing on his award-winning experience advising organisations in highly regulated markets.
09.15 – Sector trends survey findings
Richard Chaplin presents key findings from the Sector Trends Tracker Winter 2025, the Forum’s quarterly research study completed by senior leaders across professional firms. The tracker explores activity levels, leadership priorities, constraints on growth, and firmwide maturity across themes including AI, sustainability, innovation, and training.
09.30 – Panel discussion
Richard Chaplin, John Rowland, Dana Denis-Smith, Nigel Spencer, and Julie Gottlieb discuss the trends, pressures, and leadership questions currently shaping the profession, with practical reflections for firm leaders.
09.45 – Close
Speakers
-
Richard ChaplinFounder & Chief Executive of the Managing Partners' ForumRichard Chaplin is the Founder & Chief Executive of the Managing Partners’ Forum. He is a super-connector with a unique global network amongst CEOs and management teams at professional firms as well as external advisers to the sector. He helps members address their strategic leadership and management excellence issues. Also acts as an independent voice to UK Government on behalf of the professional services sector.
-
John RowlandUK Consulting Lead at H/Advisors CiceroJohn Rowland is UK Consulting Lead at H/Advisors Cicero, the award-winning political consultancy. A strategic communications consultant with 17 years’ experience working in London and Washington D.C., he has advised clients in financial and professional services, technology, global hospitality, defence and mining industries. He is known for his work on complex issues in highly regulated markets. He was named 2023 Public Affairs Professional of the Year in the PR Week UK Corporate, City and Public Affairs Awards. At the time of his award, PR Week said “the respected agency figure has built a formidable reputation, reflected in the value that clients place on his insightful and strategic counsel and proactive, enthusiastic style.”
