2025 in review and 2026 outlook: sector-specific Insights in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Mark Caldicott, Head of Travel & Leisure, White Heart Associates Ltd and Chair of the ICAEW Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Advisory Group
Mark joined WHA in 2002 from another general practice where he was the Tax Manager. He qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor with the Chartered Institute of Taxation in October 1999, as well as qualifying with the Association of Chartered Accountants in January 1996 and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales in August 2012.

Mark is an expert on all forms of personal taxation and taxation mitigation, from both a corporate and personal perspective and he heads up WHA’s thriving tax department. His work includes advising many companies on tax efficient share option schemes, such as Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) and Company Share Option Plans (CSOP) as well as individuals on tax efficient investments such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and completing their annual self-assessment tax returns. He also deals with all aspects of HMRC enquiries.

Robyn Duffy, Senior Analyst, RSM
Robyn is a member of the firm’s Industry Eminence Program, which positions its analysts to understand, forecast and communicate economic, business and technology trends shaping the various industries RSM serves. As a senior analyst covering the consumer markets industry, Robyn focuses on analysing industry themes and trends to provide forward-looking, insights to middle market businesses to support their growth in the United Kingdom and overseas.

With a particular focus on the retail, leisure and hospitality, hotels, travel and tourism sectors, Robyn’s day to day role in RSM UK’s Business Development and Marketing team finds her working alongside the consumer markets leadership team to drive thought leadership and other strategic projects that impact these industries.

Mark Hemming, Partner, Strategy and Transactions, EY
Mark is a Transaction Services advisor to corporate and private equity clients, with deep expertise across Travel & Aviation, Hospitality & Leisure, Transport & Logistics, Consumer Products & Retail, and Support Services. He specializes in buyside and sellside financial due diligence, refinancing, IPO advisory, and reporting accountant engagements.

Jane Pendlebury, Chief Executive Officer, HOSPA
Jane Pendlebury is a successful and well-known personality within the worldwide hospitality arena, her career has been dedicated to hospitality. Ambition and enthusiasm have resulted in high achievements and recognition in the field. Jane ran the Membership and Events office for HOSPA from 2014-2016 before being promoted to CEO. Her involvement in HOSPA (previously BAHA) started many years ago as a Member and a Corporate Gold Sponsor. Jane has been part of the operations team for HOSPACE since 2010.

Robert Pyle, Partner, Strategy, EY-Parthenon
Partner in EY-Parthenon's Strategy team, advising on M&A processes in the consumer products, retail and leisure sectors.

Robert has over fifteen years of experience working with private equity investors and management teams to evaluate investment opportunities, support successful sale processes, and develop strategic plans to deliver growth.