# Event Details - **Event Name**: Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey - **Event Start and End Date**: Tue, 22 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm – Tue, 22 Sep, 2026 at 09:00 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: Meet FD of J D Wetherspoons and CIMA Council Member & seasoned CFO at this CIMA event!About this EventJoin CIMA for an insightful evening in Leeds, bringing together senior finance leaders and aspiring executives for a practical exploration of what modern finance leadership looks like in action.This event will showcase how finance teams are driving commercial performance through ESG, alongside an honest look at the realities of stepping into CFO and FD roles - whether in a traditional organisation or through a portfolio career.Our guest speakers1.Responsible Finance in Practice: Turning ESG into Commercial Advantage – with Ben Whitley, Finance Director, J D WetherspoonBen will share his journey to Finance Director at one of the UK’s most recognisable hospitality brands, offering practical advice for finance professionals aspiring to senior leadership roles.You’ll gain insight into the evolution of the Wetherspoon business philosphy, its finance team and the strategic role it plays in supporting business growth, as well as what lies ahead for the organisation and how finance is helping to shape that future.Drawing on his team's 2025 award, Ben will explore how ESG has moved beyond compliance to become a driver of commercial value, covering how to justify investment, engage stakeholders, and position finance teams at the forefront of ESG delivery. He will also highlight the key skills finance professionals need and provide practical guidance on where to start if ESG feels overwhelming.2.Becoming a Portfolio CFO/FD: Where Do I Start? – with Bradley Channer, CFO, UBIO & CIMA Council MemberBradley will deliver a practical, no-nonsense session for those considering a move into portfolio CFO/FD work - or looking to refine their approach.This session will cut through the myths of consultancy life and focus on what actually works: how portfolio CFOs get started, attract clients, price their services, and build a sustainable pipeline of work. Bradley will also share insights on the types of businesses that truly value senior finance support, alongside common pitfalls, professional considerations, and how to protect yourself in the role.Expect honest insights, real-world experiences, and actionable takeaways you can apply straight away.Why attend?Earn valuable CPD while gaining practical, real-world insightsLearn how finance teams are turning ESG into commercial advantageUnderstand different pathways to CFO/FD roles, including portfolio careersHear directly from experienced finance leaders at the top of their fieldBuild connections with fellow finance professionals in Leeds and the wider regionNetworkingThe evening will include dedicated time to connect with peers, speakers, and fellow CIMA members over drinks and nibbles—an excellent opportunity to expand your professional network and continue the conversation.Open to CIMA members, students, and non-members working in finance or business.Agenda🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PMArrival, registration, refreshments🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:15 PMResponsible Finance in Practice: Turning ESG into Commercial AdvantageHost: Ben Whitley, Finance Director, J D Wetherspoon🕑: 07:15 PM - 08:00 PMBecoming a Portfolio CFO/FD: Where Do I Start? Host: Bradley Channer, CFO, UBIO & CIMA Council Member🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:20 PMIn conversation with Ben & Brad🕑: 08:20 PM - 09:00 PMNetworking - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991 - **Event Categories**: art, fine-arts - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 3 hours - Location: LOWER GROUND LOUNGE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 20, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Leeds - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: LOWER GROUND LOUNGE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre - **lat**: 53.7987243 - **long**: -1.5439297 - **full address**: LOWER GROUND LOUNGE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre, The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/6ac5898e0bf37bd684f14d97c6978d4918918212f203900b6b2e6d5c9e73feaa-rimg-w1200-h600-dc013340-gmir.jpg?v=1778965392 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey being held? - **A:** Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey takes place on Tue, 22 Sep, 2026 at 06:00 pm to Tue, 22 Sep, 2026 at 09:00 pm at LOWER GROUND LOUNGE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre, The Headrow, Leeds, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey? - **A:** Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey is organized by AICPA & CIMA. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Leeds, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Finance leadership in practice: ESG, commercial value & the CFO journey", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events9/banners/6ac5898e0bf37bd684f14d97c6978d4918918212f203900b6b2e6d5c9e73feaa-rimg-w1200-h600-dc013340-gmir.jpg?v=1778965392", "startDate": "2026-09-22T18:00:00+01:00", "endDate": "2026-09-22T21:00:00+01:00", "url": "https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991", "eventStatus": "https://schema.org/EventScheduled", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "LOWER GROUND LOUNGE, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "The Headrow", "postalCode": "LS1 8TL", "addressLocality": "Leeds", "addressRegion": "EN", "addressCountry": "GB" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "53.7987243", "longitude": "-1.5439297" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Meet FD of J D Wetherspoons and CIMA Council Member & seasoned CFO at this CIMA event!", "offers": [ { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-16", "availabilityEnds": "2026-09-22T21:00:00+01:00", "validFrom": "2026-05-16", "lowPrice": "0.00", "highPrice": "20.00", "price": "0.00", "url": "https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-16", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-05-16", "url": "https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991", "price": 0, "name": "CIMA Member" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-16", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-05-16", "url": "https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991", "price": 0, "name": "CIMA Student" }, { "@type": "Offer", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "availabilityStarts": "2026-05-16", "availabilityEnds": "", "validFrom": "2026-05-16", "url": "https://allevents.in/leeds/finance-leadership-in-practice-esg-commercial-value-and-the-cfo-journey/100001989368250991", "price": "20.00", "name": "Non-CIMA Attendee" } ], "organizer": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "AICPA & CIMA", "url": "https://allevents.in/org/aicpa-and-cima/21681573" } ] } ] ```