Leaders of Great Britain

Emily Aklan is the founder and chief executive of Serenity Welfare, an organisation that offers comprehensive welfare services for children and young people.

Janet Jack is the CEO of the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers (IAB), an Ofqual-regulated professional and examination body for the bookkeeping and accountancy profession. She also heads up the International Association of Accounting Professionals.

David Rai is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sparta Global, a provider of technology training and careers for emerging talent in the UK.

Gary Homewood is a prominent figure renowned for his extensive contributions to the hospitality industry. Presently at the helm of Glewstone Court Country House, a distinguished Georgian country house hotel and a sought-after venue for weddings and events. Glewstone Court Country House, with its prestigious 2 AA Rosettes, stands as a testament to his dedication to culinary excellence. Homewood's prowess has garnered significant recognition, with the establishment earning the esteemed title of best Wedding Venue in Herefordshire in the 2019 Matrimony Awards.

Sonia Aitken (Cottom) is the Director of Pain Association Scotland, a national charity based in Perthshire, dedicated to helping people in chronic pain lead a better quality of life through self-management.

Sonia is an experienced third sector CEO, and a leading expert in chronic pain healthcare management across the UK. She has strong experience of developing business models which align with key performance outcomes and service re-design. Sonia was appointed Visiting Professor at York St John University in 2021 in recognition for her accomplishments in the field of healthcare management and, as such, has been keynote speaker at numerous conferences and is now working with other world leading universities.

Her research initiatives in the field of chronic pain and raising awareness are on-going. She contributes at national level through Parliamentary committees with the UK and Scottish Governments - advising on future policy to inform future strategic decision making.

Simon Franc is a career entrepreneur with a background in Foreign Exchange and Investment banking. Franc currently holds senior management positions at Forensic Equity and kulpa.

Ayesha Vardag is a prominent divorce lawyer and president of Vardags, a London-based international law firm specialising in private legal services for HNW/ultra HNW clients and their companies. The practice is world-renowned for family law, with offices in London, Manchester, Winchester, Cambridge and Newcastle. Ayesha herself has also been named Britain’s “Top Divorce Lawyer” by The Law Society, the Telegraph, and The New York Huffington Post.

Chris Germaine is a director at Optimal Solicitors, a modern and progressive law firm based in Manchester. The firm represents a wide range of clients, including private individuals and businesses, both nationally and internationally. At Optimal Solicitors, the emphasis is placed on providing excellent customer service and sound legal advice, ensuring that clients receive the support they need.

Matthew Scott is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent, an office that serves as the public’s bridge to the police service, and puts together a Police and Crime Plan.

Stuart Cooper is the CEO of Adelphi Group, a leading global healthcare agency headquartered in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Dave Radley is the owner of DMR Training & Consultancy, a construction training provider.

Maria Kotova is the head of UK & Ireland business development and market entry advisor at Dezan Shira & Associates [DSA], a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing market entry, legal, accounting, tax, HR, technology, and operational advisory to international investors.