Leaders' Debate: Panel biographies

Phil Orford, chief executive, Forum of Private Business
Forum of Private Business chief executive Phil Orford began his career in sales before starting his own business at the age of 21. Between 1983 and 2007, he was involved in a number of start-up companies as diverse as scientific supplies and hazardous waste management. Phil is passionate about supporting the small and medium-sized business sector, which he believes is the backbone of the UK economy.

Chris Barling, chief executive, Actinic
Chris Barling, chief executive officer, co-founded ecommerce and EPOS solutions vendor, Actinic in 1996. He has some 30 years experience in the IT industry. He is a prolific writer of articles and blogs for a large range of small business media including a blog on BusinessZone.co.uk.

Steve Collings FMAAT FCCA DipIFRS, audit and technical director, Leavitt Walmsley Associates Ltd
Steve Collings joined LWA as a semi-senior accountant in May 2000 where he trained and qualified. He was later appointed audit and technical manager and recently promoted to audit and technical director. He is the author of ‘The Core Aspects of IFRS and IAS’ and lectures on financial reporting and auditing issues, as well as being a regular contributor to AccountingWEB.co.uk.

Elizabeth Eyre, sole practitioner
Elizabeth Eyre worked as an accountant in business for 12 years before setting up her own accountancy firm, Elizabeth Eyre Limited in February 2009. She is based in Malvern, Worcestershire and is a member of AccountingWEB's Class of 2009, a project that brings together start up practices online.