North East London & Essex 2026 School Business Leaders Conference & Exhibition

Welcome to the North East London & Essex School Business Leaders Conference 2026

Join us on Thursday, 19th November for a high-value day of regional networking, expert insights and trusted suppliers. Tailored specifically for school business, finance, and administrative leaders, this year’s event features essential sessions on harnessing AI to streamline administrative workloads and practical strategies for building leadership resilience. Step away from the daily grind to connect with local peers and discover new ways to elevate your school’s strategy.

Delegate Cost: £30 Early Bird (ends 31st August 2026) / £35 Standard rate. Includes lunch, refreshments and free parking. Register below to book your spot.

Date: 19th November 2026

Time: 8.00am – 3.15pm

Venue:
London Chigwell Prince Regent Hotel,
Manor Road,
Chigwell,
Essex IG8 8AE

Main Sponsor

Speakers

Exhibitors

Venue Info

Event Speakers

Abi Agidee-Adekunle

Abi Agidee-Adekunle is a School Resource Management Adviser (SRMA), education finance and governance specialist, author, speaker and creator of the ABI Framework™: Assess, Balance, Improve, a practical approach that helps schools and trusts Align priorities, Build capability and Improve outcomes.

With expertise spanning financial sustainability, resource management, governance and organisational improvement, Abi works with schools, multi-academy trusts and local authorities to strengthen financial resilience and drive sustainable change. Known for combining strategic insight with practical solutions, Abi is a passionate advocate for effective resource stewardship and the vital role of school business leadership in improving educational outcomes.

Prof Paul McGee

Prof Paul McGee is an international speaker, author and coach. Creator of The SUMO Method. He delivers practical, engaging keynotes that help people think clearly, develop resilience and handle change and uncertainty more effectively.

Sandy Tomlinson

Sandy Tomlinson is an Essex-based School Business Professional and consultant with over 12 years’ experience across schools and multi-academy trusts. Having worked as a School Business Leader and CFO, she knows what it feels like to be the person responsible for the budget, the deadlines, the difficult decisions — and everything else that somehow finds its way onto an SBL’s desk.

Alongside her finance and operational experience, Sandy holds qualifications in Operational Leadership of Schools & Academies, a PgCert in Psychology of Mental Health & Well-being and a Diploma in Coaching.

Her passion is simple: helping people lead well without losing themselves in the process. Sandy brings warmth, humour and practical experience to conversations about the very real pressure of balancing stretched budgets while trying to protect your own wellbeing.

Because getting the numbers to work matters, but so does the person doing the working out.

Mark Yorke

Mark Yorke is the Co-Founder of Tablet Academy Ltd. (TA Education) and the newly established charity. Future Ready Foundation.

TA Education are recognised for supporting thousands of teachers, schools, and ministries of education to transform education through technology. With over a decade of experience leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, Mark has dedicated his career to ensuring that all learners—regardless of background—are equipped with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Driven by a deep belief that future-readiness should be a right, not a privilege, Mark also co-founded Future Ready Foundation, a charity focused on closing the digital divide and empowering young people with the competencies needed for tomorrow’s economy.

Across his work, Mark brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, educational insight, and a passion for social impact. At Tablet Academy, he has overseen projects that introduce emerging technologies—such as AI, immersive learning, and digital skills development — into classrooms across the UK and beyond, working with partners such as UNESCO, Microsoft, Intel, Adobe, and Google. Through the Future Ready Foundation, he is expanding this mission with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and long-term societal benefit.