Alliott Global Alliance Celebrates 100-Country Milestone and Unveils Ambitious ‘Strategy 2030’
The annual conference brought together 155 delegates from prominent mid-sized law and accounting firms across 39 countries. Over four days, attendees engaged in keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and focused networking, all dedicated to exploring the key professional, technological, and strategic trends defining the industry’s future. Delegates also had the opportunity to experience the famously vibrant culture and hospitality of Toronto, at a time when the Toronto Blue Jays were playing in the MLB Playoffs.
A Major Milestone: 100 Countries Strong
A pivotal moment of the Toronto conference was AGA’s celebration of reaching a remarkable 100-country milestone. This achievement, nearly five decades in the making, is a testament to the Alliance’s shared values, resilience, professional excellence, and enduring commitment to cross-border collaboration.
Following a warm welcome from Worldwide Chair Giorgio Marcolongo, AGA’s CEO, Giles Brake, launched the business sessions by presenting ‘Strategy 2030’. This five-year framework outlines key objectives: enhancing excellence and client trust, accelerating cross-border business growth, ensuring member firms’ future-readiness, and strengthening the Alliance’s overall resilience.
Excellence Awards
The conference also played host to this year’s Excellence Awards acknowledged member firm best practices in areas including international business development, brand ambassadorship, best referral, innovation, and social responsibility. Alliotts were proud to win and award for the firm, but also a well deserved individual award for Alliotts Partner, Qi He.
- Alliotts LLP – Global Winner – International Business Development: Recognising those who have proactively expanded the geographic business of existing clients or spearheaded business development initiatives with new clients.
- Qi He – Best Newcomer: Recognising those who have made an immediate impact within the AGA community, both personally and professionally. It honours members who have quickly become visible advocates and driven opportunities for others.
Insights and Best Practices
Breakout sessions provided members with valuable insights into practice innovation, technology adoption, and cross-border cooperation.
- Law firm attendees delved into new legal technology that is driving greater efficiency and fundamentally reshaping corporate transactions. The opportunities within the global private credit market were also highlighted by UK lawyer Phil Slater.
- Accounting breakouts featured Jeremy Hyman of JHA, who offered guidance on how independent accounting firms can strategically invest in AI and transformative technology to leverage their unique strengths. Additional sessions focused on fostering greater cross-border collaboration across the key service lines of tax, private wealth, and corporate mobility.
Conference Highlights
The conference program featured a diverse line-up of inspiring speakers and informative discussions:
- Billy Anderson, leadership coach and author, entertained and inspired attendees to embrace courage and step outside their professional comfort zones.
- Sue Warman of AICPA & CIMA provided sharp focus on AI and the future of work, emphasizing that AI serves as a ‘leveller’ for mid-sized firms, provided they maintain a human-centric approach.
- Tom Clark, Canada’s Consul General in New York, facilitated a timely fireside chat on navigating North American business in the context of the new U.S. political landscape.
- Returning speaker Bruno Strunz delivered a memorable and powerful presentation on buyer behaviour and practical strategies for enhancing cross-selling and revenue growth.
One of the most engaging sessions was a panel focused on the established trend of outside investors taking stakes in professional services firms. Led by Guy Longhurst and Paul Forsyth of law firm Ellisons, panellists from various countries compared developments across the accounting and legal sectors, debating the pros and cons of accepting outside investment and stressing the importance of selecting the right platform.
CEO Reflections and Future Vision
Reflecting on the successful event, Giles Brake commented:
“As one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, Toronto provided the perfect backdrop against which to celebrate our 100-country milestone. However, with significant volatility in the business and professional services markets, now is certainly not the time for us to sit back and admire the view. This year’s Worldwide Conference set out the vision for where AGA plans to be by 2030 and the must-win battles that lie ahead.”
“We believe the future remains extremely bright for strong mid-size firms that know what they need do to remain relevant to clients, maximize their resilience, and just as importantly, retain their independence. We firmly believe that AGA provides the optimum framework for such firms to thrive in the years ahead.”
“Finally, a big thank you to local member firms Prasad & Company and Wildeboer Dellelce for their outstanding hospitality. We now look forward to the next Worldwide Conference in Istanbul in October 2026.”
Awards night at Alliott Global Alliance sees Alliotts recognised in two categories
We’re delighted to share that we’ve won the International Business Development Award at the Alliott Global Alliance (AGA) Annual Awards Ceremony, held during AGA’s Worldwide Conference in Toronto.
As AGA’s independent accounting, audit and tax member firm in London and Southeast England, we are proud to be recognised by one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing global alliances. AGA brings together more than 240 law and accounting firms across 340 offices in over 100 countries.
It was also fantastic to see our colleague Qi He named Best Newcomer. This award recognises the positive impact she has made within the AGA community, both professionally and personally, and the way she has supported and created opportunities for others in the Group.
AGA’s annual awards celebrate firms that go above and beyond to support the alliance’s mission. The International Business Development Award recognises firms that actively create cross-border opportunities either by helping existing clients expand internationally through AGA member firms or by introducing new clients to the global network.
Partners David Gibbs, Sudheer Gupta and Qi He attended the conference and received the award on behalf of Alliotts
Reflecting on the firm’s achievement, David Gibbs said:
“We were named global winner in international business development after generating a number of cross-border referrals for major clients who needed international support. This wouldn’t have been possible without the established trusted relationships we have with high-quality member firms in key commercial centres globally. Being part of Alliott Global Alliance is central to how we support ambitious businesses and the people behind them.”
Attending Alliott Global Alliance Meeting in Dubai
Last week I represented Alliotts at a convention of legal and accounting professionals from 25 firms across 22 countries in Dubai for Alliott Global Alliance’s (AGA) Middle East, Africa & South Asia (MEASA) Meeting. Everyone there was focused on cross-border collaboration, business growth, and innovation.
The two-day event featured high-impact discussions, networking, and knowledge-sharing, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global business hub. Delegates visited the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Museum of the Future before engaging in strategic and interactive sessions on client needs and business development in high-growth sectors.
Key presentations included UAE lawyer Ahmed Odeh on setting client boundaries, IT consultant Jeremy Hyman on AI in professional services, and live AI tool demos. A special session on breathwork techniques by Ali Odeh and Eliska Vaea provided stress management strategies.
AGA CEO Giles Brake highlighted the event’s success, emphasising the Alliance’s commitment to innovation, strategic thinking, and collaboration. On behalf of all who attended he expressed gratitude to speakers, guests, and local hosts Alliott Hadi Shahid and MIO Law Firm for their warm and welcoming hospitality.
The opportunity to meet with AGA associates in person, share knowledge, exchange ideas and foster enduring relationships is at the core of AGA’s ethos and its success. It’s this that enables us to be able to provide our clients with international advice and services from trusted advisers who are known to us.
More About Alliott Global Alliance:
Founded in 1979, and with 225 member firms operating out of 340 offices in some 100 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent, law, accounting, and advisory firms, working across the world Together as One.
Alliotts Wins Outstanding Achievement Award at Alliott Global Alliance Worldwide Conference in Vietnam
Alliotts LLP (Alliotts) is proud to have won the Outstanding Achievement (Accounting) Award in the International Business Development category at the Alliott Global Alliance (AGA) Annual Awards Ceremony, held recently during AGA’s Worldwide Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
As AGA’s independent accounting, audit and tax representative member in London and Southeast England, Alliotts, part of the Shaw Gibbs Group, is honoured to be recognised by one of the largest and fastest-growing global multidisciplinary alliances, which has over 225 law and accounting member firms across 340 offices in some 100 countries.
AGA’s annual awards celebrate excellence within its membership, particularly those achievements that align with the alliance’s broader mission and goals and this prestigious award recognises firms that have demonstrated exceptional proactive business development, either by expanding the geographic business of existing clients through the services of AGA member firms or by attracting prospective clients for the benefit of the wider alliance.
Alliotts has embedded AGA at the heart of its operations, leveraging the alliance to consistently enhance its firm profile and attract international business opportunities. In 2024, the firm successfully connected these opportunities to other AGA members, significantly expanding their global reach and providing a seamless international service to clients expanding overseas.
International Corporate Tax Partner David Gibbs, commented:
‘We are incredibly honoured to receive this award, which reflects the hard work and collaboration of our entire team. By embracing the resources and tools offered by AGA, we’ve been able to build strong connections with fellow members and provide comprehensive, international solutions for our clients. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to grow and create even more opportunities for our clients and for the wider AGA community.’
About Alliott Global Alliance:
Founded in 1979, and with 225 member firms operating out of 340 offices in some 100 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent, law, accounting, and advisory firms, working across the world Together as One.
Each of our members share a common goal: to learn and share knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make the world smaller and their businesses stronger. We work with a spirit of generosity and openness — so that together, we can continue to fulfil our ambitions, gain greater experience, and drive mutual success.
Alliott Global Alliance is expanding fast, and the alliance has its sights set firmly on growing its legal and accounting membership to over 100 countries. Opportunities are available to independent professional firms in specific countries in Africa, Europe, China, the ASEAN region, Australasia, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Central and South America and in North America. For information about membership email membership@alliottglobal.com
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