David has been at the heart of the education sector for nearly 20 years, working with academy trusts since the academies act and guiding clients through conversions, MAT setups, mergers and growth. He is also Bishop Fleming’s lead partner for charities and not for profits. David is the executive author and editor of the Kreston Academy Benchmarking Report, a role he has held since the second edition in 2014. This long-standing involvement gives him a unique, in-depth understanding of the financial trends shaping the academy sector. His work ensures the report provides relevant, evidence-based insights that trust leaders can apply to both compliance and strategic planning. Through his benchmarking expertise and hands-on client experience, David offers practical, pragmatic advice that helps trusts and charities alike navigate the challenges of governance, financial sustainability, and long-term planning.