ABLE (Association of Business Leaders in Education) is a non-profit organisation led by a dedicated committee of experienced professionals working in education business support.
Our mission is to empower those in school, academy, independent school, and multi-academy trust (MAT) business roles through:
Practical support
High-quality professional development
Up-to-date guidance on education policy and best practice
Who We Support
ABLE champions a wide range of professionals working across the education sector, including:
School Business Managers (SBMs)
Office Managers and Administrators
Finance Officers and Bursars
HR and People Professionals
Facilities and Site Managers
Health & Safety Leads
Whether you work in a local authority school, academy, independent school, or across a MAT, we’re here to support you at every stage of your professional journey.
The History Behind ABLE
Where It All Began
In the early 1990s, schools gained the freedom to manage their own budgets under Local Management of Schools (LMS). This marked a major shift, placing new responsibilities on school administrative teams – particularly in finance, procurement, and operations.
A small group of five senior administrators in Nottinghamshire began meeting informally to support one another, share knowledge, and adapt to these changes together.
From Informal Group to Professional Network
As interest grew, the group secured funding through the National Bursars Association and formed a committee to organise regular meetings, professional training, and venues.
This marked the formation of the Nottingham Bursars Group, led by and for school support professionals.
Evolving with the Sector
In 2009, to align with national developments, the group rebranded as the Nottingham Association of School Business Management. This also welcomed Nottingham City schools into the membership.
Partnerships with local authorities and school suppliers helped the group grow, enhancing its reputation for quality CPD, networking, and events.
Becoming ABLE
In September 2017, the group relaunched as the Association of Business Leaders in Education (ABLE) to reflect the evolving role of school business professionals and the rise of Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs).
Today, just one of the original founding members remains actively involved in leading the committee, which continues to operate on a voluntary basis.
A Strong and Supportive Network
ABLE now supports over 150 members annually and welcomes colleagues from across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and beyond.
At just £95 per year, ABLE membership provides excellent value – including access to training events, peer support, and CPD opportunities. Thanks to the continued backing of trusted school suppliers, the group remains financially sustainable and able to invest in the professional development of school business leaders.
Celebrating Excellence in Our Profession
In June 2025, we proudly launched the first ABLE School Business Leader Recognition Awards, a celebration of the dedication, innovation, and impact of school business professionals across the region. The awards reflect our commitment to raising the profile of the profession and championing the vital role business leaders play in education.
Meet the ABLE Committee
Frances Rowland- Director
Frances Rowland has supported school business managers in various forms since 2007. She worked for Nottingham City Council in their Traded Services Team from 2007 to 2020. She joined ABLE (then Nottingham ASBM) in 2012 where she sat on the committee sourcing presenters for ABLE conferences. She became self-employed in 2020 doing project work for Nottingham Schools Trust and chairing the committee of ABLE. She is also Chair of Governors at Haydn Primary School in Sherwood, Nottingham. She has experience is sales, marketing, contract negotiation and procurement. She has worked in a number of industries including catering, software and more recently support for school business managers. She has lived overseas a few times but always gravitates back to family and friends in Nottingham.
Emma Cripwell- Chair
Emma has been a driving force behind ABLE since 2017, bringing energy, strategic insight, and over a decade of hands-on experience in education business support. Her career includes key roles within Nottingham City Council’s Traded Services Team and SAAF Education, where she developed expertise across operations, finance, marketing, sales, and membership management.
In 2022, Emma launched her own business, providing remote executive PA and operational support to ambitious SMEs, entrepreneurs, charities, and associations. Known for her calm, practical approach and people-first mindset, she specialises in streamlining systems, building relationships, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
As Chair of ABLE, Emma leads the network with purpose and vision, championing the vital role business professionals play in schools, academies, independent schools, and multi-academy trusts. She is passionate about supporting others, connecting professionals, and ensuring that ABLE remains a valuable source of training, insight, and community for its members.
Clare Stokes- Exhibitions Coordinator
Clare is a founding member of ABLE and has played a key role in the development of the network since its earliest days. As Exhibitions Coordinator, she works closely with ABLE’s trusted partners and manages all exhibition logistics at the termly conferences, helping to ensure a smooth and successful experience for both members and suppliers.
Clare recently retired after more than 30 years in school business management, most recently serving as School Business Manager at Newark Orchard School. Her extensive experience in education and operations continues to inform her work with ABLE and her wider contributions to the sector.
Now retired from education, Clare serves as a magistrate in both family and adult courts—something she finds both rewarding and meaningful. In her spare time, she enjoys relaxing in Norfolk, one of her favourite holiday destinations.
Neil Beeson- Treasurer
Neil is truly honoured to support ABLE and its members. With over 30 years of experience working in and with schools, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the education sector. For the past 25 years, his focus has been on school finance, including 15 years with Derbyshire County Council, four years with a large multi-academy trust, and most recently, four years as School Business Manager at the Ofsted-rated Outstanding Alfreton Nursery School. He also serves as a Governor at Swanwick School and Sports College, which is likewise rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Neil’s key strengths lie in finance, budgeting, forecasting, and the effective use of IT systems to support financial operations. He is known for being friendly, approachable, and solution-focused in all aspects of his work.
Beyond his professional life, Neil has been a committed Scout volunteer since the age of 16, serving as a Beaver Scout Leader for over 30 years—a role he finds both rewarding and enjoyable. He is also passionate about sport, regularly playing football and tennis and enjoying long cycling routes through the Derbyshire countryside.
Varinka Strong- Business Network Training Coordinator
Varinka has been a valued member of the ABLE Committee for over a year and currently serves as Business Network Training Coordinator. In this role, she leads on the development and delivery of additional training events offered outside of ABLE’s termly conferences, ensuring members have access to relevant, high-quality CPD throughout the year.
With 25 years of experience in education, Varinka spent her career at a large primary school in Derbyshire. She began as a school secretary in 1998 and progressed to the role of School Business Manager, gaining a deep understanding of the evolving demands and responsibilities of school business leadership.
Having witnessed the growth and increasing complexity of the SBM role, Varinka is a passionate advocate for its importance. She firmly believes it is one of the most critical posts in any school, supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning.
Now retired, she continues to dedicate her time to supporting fellow school business professionals, promoting ABLE, and helping to expand the network’s training offer to meet members’ diverse and changing needs.