Travel Finance Conference

Aisha Anwar is Finance Director at On the Beach (OTB), a UK-based online travel agency generating £1.2bn total transaction value annually.

A Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) since 2016, Aisha earned two international Orders of Merit during her qualification. She brings experience from audit and manufacturing before joining OTB in 2020 during the pandemic. Since then, she has led the implementation of new finance and payroll systems, introduced data analytics capabilities, established tax and treasury policies, and driven significant improvements in forecasting, reporting and cash conversion. Aisha also served four years on the ICAEW Business Committee, contributing to the development and implementation of the institute's strategic initiatives.

Michael joined Travel Trade Consultancy as Group CFO in December 2023, leading the financial operations of TTC, The Travel Vault and Stonecot Trustees, as well as supporting clients with M&A and strategy projects.

Michael previously led finance teams in the media, advertising, tech and consumer sectors in both start-up and large corporate environments. This includes three years running a craft beer company, which really was as much fun as it sounds.

When his head’s not in a spreadsheet, he can usually be found knee-deep in mud – either dog walking in the Kent countryside with the family or trying in vain to keep on top of the patch of weeds that passes for a garden.

Farina is a leading travel law expert, specialising in regulatory compliance, commercial contracts and technology agreements for the travel sector. With 15 years of experience, she has built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor to online travel agents, corporate travel management companies, tour operators and travel associations.

Farina is known for her pragmatic and commercially focused advice, helping clients navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges. Her expertise spans the Package Travel Regulations, ATOL Regulations, IATA rules and global licensing regimes, making her a go-to lawyer for businesses looking to structure their operations efficiently and expand into new markets.

Farina has a significant profile within the travel industry, frequently speaking at major conferences and contributing to leading industry publications. She is Band 1 ranked in Chambers & Partners for Travel: Regulatory & Commercial and is also named in the Legal 500, where she is described as “an exceptional lawyer specialising in the travel industry.”

Before joining Fox Williams in May 2023, Farina was Head of Travel at Deloitte UK, where she advised on high-value, strategic projects for major global travel businesses. Her blend of private practice and Big Four consulting experience provides clients with a unique perspective that combines deep legal expertise with commercial insight.

Farina’s experience, industry standing, and ability to deliver clear, practical legal solutions make her a highly sought-after advisor in the travel sector.

Maya Beyhum is Finance Director at Byway Travel, the UK’s leading slow travel technology company and a certified B Corp. A Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) with experience across startups and global firms including Morgan Stanley, she specialises in financial control, operational resilience, and compliance. At Byway, she has led the setup of the company’s European operations, built its financial frameworks, and driven improvements in automation, reporting, and forecasting. Her focus is on helping growing businesses balance innovation with strong financial controls and sound governance.

Simon is a solicitor and ABTA’s Director of Legal Affairs and Company Secretary having joined ABTA as a Legal Adviser in 1996. Simon’s team is responsible for the provision of legal and regulatory guidance to Members; the advice and alternative dispute resolution services to customers of ABTA Members; and for the operation and enforcement of ABTA’s Code of Conduct. Simon the European Travel Agent and Tour Operator Association and is co-author, with Professor David Grant and Stephen Mason, of Holiday Law - The Law Relating to Travel and Tourism 6th Ed.

Richard Buxton is Owner and Chief Financial Officer at Inspire Europe Limited, a leading travel and sales promotion business based in Cheshire. Since joining Inspire in February 2013, Richard has overseen remarkable growth, with the business expanding from a gross booking value (GBV) of £3.8 million to £38 million this year, and an ambitious target of £50 million by the end of March 2027. Today, he is a joint majority shareholder, driving Inspire’s strategic vision and financial performance.

A qualified accountant (FCCA since 1997), Richard has held senior finance roles across a variety of industries, including TDG, Compass Group, and Linden Homes. Before joining Inspire, he spent seven years as a Senior Manager in IBM’s Global Financing division, where he specialised in structuring complex financial deals and building strong client relationships.

With a proven track record in financial leadership and business growth, Richard brings deep insight into operational resilience, strategic planning, and the evolving challenges of the travel industry.

Simon Cooper, a Partner in KPMG’s Accounting Advisory Services team, leads our Regions business and has extensive experience in providing accounting and reporting advice to various groups across multiple sectors. Simon will lead you through the key financial reporting updates including the upcoming amendments to FRS 102 and provide an overview of other areas of change in governance, controls and reporting. 

Jake is a qualified accountant with extensive experience in UK travel regulatory matters.

Prior to joining the Travel & Leisure Team at White Hart Associates in 2021, Jake was with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for almost 14 years, working as a Manager in the CAA’s professional team responsible for overseeing the financial health and regulatory compliance of the Top 100 largest tour operators under the ATOL Scheme.

During his time at the CAA, Jake also participated in overseeing high profile leveraged buy-out and refinance transactions of ATOL holders and was deputy-lead of the CAA flight repatriation exercises for passengers affected by the failure of Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook Group.

Jake now uses his experience to provide hands-on support and advice to a range of stakeholders across the travel sector that require solutions to finance, strategic and regulatory issues (often relating to ATOL, ABTA Membership and/or IATA Accreditation).

In his spare time Jake enjoys spending time with his young family and watching live sport, being an NFL fanatic and Arsenal season ticket holder.

Rachel leads ABTA’s financial protection, risk, claims and insurance operations, and is Director of a captive insurance company in Guernsey. She represents ABTA on the CAA’s Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee, and manages relationships with other key stakeholders including the Department for Business and Trade, banks, insurers and merchant acquirers. Her teams help businesses comply with the regulations and manage claims in the event of a financial failure.

Rachel previously specialised in insurance risk and regulation at KPMG and EY, advising some of the world’s largest insurers, and as an Ombudsman at the Financial Ombudsman Service. 

Lisa joined ABTA in 2020 and has been managing the Financial Protection team since July 2022. The team’s main role is to help members comply with their financial protection requirements under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 as well as ABTA’s requirements. Lisa works closely with the Director of Membership and Financial Protection on business planning and related activities, anticipating and preparing for potential regulatory change.

David is a strategy consultant with >20 years’ professional experience – addressing issues such as strategy development, growth, performance improvement, and M&A. He is based in our London office, where he leads KPMG UK’s Deal Strategy practice. His clients are primarily in Consumer-facing markets, with particular exposure to the Travel & Leisure sector and related services and technologies, and include Multinationals, SMEs, Start-ups and Private Equity investors.

Having joined Hays Travel Group in January 2021 as Non-Executive Director, Lisa took up the position of Group Strategy Director in July 2023, with responsibility for driving strategic initiatives as well as leading the product, marketing, tour operations, events, and communications functions within the organisation.

With a 38-year career in the travel industry spanning retail, cruise, touring and ski, prior to Hays Travel, Lisa spent four years with dnata as Managing Director of B2B Tour Operations, responsible for the much-loved and respected brands Gold Medal, Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys.
Before then Lisa held the role of Managing Director UK and Ireland at ultra luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises, having seen the launch of their ninth ship to the fleet Silver Muse, Lisa also sat on the CLIA executive board.

Mike co-leads KPMG’s UK consumer M&A team and is a senior member its global consumer and leisure team.  He has been advising on acquisitions and disposals across the consumer, travel and leisure sector for the last 20 years and has extensive experience in the UK mid-market and on cross border acquisitions and disposals, undertaking transactions in France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Latvia, North America and Latin America.   

Zoe is a Director at Xeinadin, specialising in Travel regulatory advisory.

Prior to joining Xeinadin Zoe worked at the Civil Aviation Authority as a portfolio manager for 2.5 years undertaking financial assessments on the largest ATOL holders within the UK travel industry. Undertaking refinances, restructures and acquisitions from a regulatory perspective. Prior to the CAA, Zoe worked for 9 years at Santander Corporate Banking as a Relationship Director specialising in Travel and leading on the banks Travel Trust Account proposition.

At Xeinadin she helps clients navigate their complex regulatory needs. As well as overseeing the sector strategy. 

Sue is an Indirect Tax specialist with more than 30 years’ experience of VAT, Insurance Premium Tax, excise and customs duties. She joined MHA in April 2017 and heads up the Indirect Tax services in the Kent region.

Sue spent 5 years as in-house Indirect Tax Manager at Saga plc. Before that Sue worked for a Big 4 firm in London and in Central Europe and initially she worked for HMRC. Sue is a Chartered Tax Advisor.

With experience with over 50’s tour operator Saga under her belt, Sue is a travel VAT specialist, helping tour operators understand the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme (known as TOMS) which calculates how much VAT is due on holidays. TOMS is also used in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) world.

Outside the office, Sue enjoys travelling, particularly island hopping in Greece in search of the perfect beach and the perfect taverna.

In the UK, Paul leads the provision of KPMG VAT advisory services in the travel sector.

He also heads up a KPMG EU Travel Sector network of VAT specialists.

Paul has considerable experience in advising on UK and EU TOMS matters and providing technical support on TOMS in the context of UK VAT Tribunal cases.

Paul advises a number of clients in the travel sector including tour operators (UK and non-UK), travel agents, travel management companies and event organisers.

Paul was also heavily involved in the 2017 European Commission project on the review of EU TOMS and options for reform.

Greg is a Partner and founded our Banking & Finance Team. His role is to support directors and shareholders with their strategic thinking from a working capital and debt advisory perspective.

Having worked in excess of 25 years in the financial services industry, Greg has advised Corporates & SMEs on matters such as new strategic initiatives, growth and expansion, as well as raising new and additional funding lines. He works with businesses across a range of sectors, including; Manufacturing & Engineering, Wholesaler, Retail, Recruitment, Healthcare, Distribution & Logistics, Technology plus Property Investment & Development.

Greg prides himself on offering honest, tailored advice and works closely with clients to become an integral member of their team.

Living in Surrey for the majority of his working life, Greg is a dad to two daughters, and he supports West Ham United.

Chris is the Head of Finance for InteleTravel UK, Ireland and Intele Travel Agency & Tours UAE.

With a strong focus on budgeting, financial performance and commercial finance reporting, Chris has played a key role in developing and enhancing global reporting structures across the organisation.

A qualified accountant, Chris recently expanded his working knowledge by completing a Chartered Qualification in Financial Forecasting, Budgeting, and Modelling.

He remains heavily involved in InteleTravel’s continued innovation, working with the IT team to develop effective AI solutions for the  business, and identifying improvements to support the company’s significant growth .

Chris brings extensive leadership experience within the UK travel sector, having held Head of Finance positions at JTA Travel and Solmar Villas. His background also includes senior finance roles in the wider private sector, where amongst other roles he served as Finance Lead across four Bosch UK business entities.

Outside of work, Chris is a passionate and active cricket coach. He coaches on the Derbyshire County Cricket Club Pathway, runs his own cricket coaching company, and is currently completing his ECB Level 3 Advanced Coaching qualification.