15 October 2025
Thursday 18th September 2025 – The Professional Alternative (TPA), a market leading compliance and learning and development platform for Accounting and Law firms, today announces the completion of a management restructure following the exit of two of its cofounders, ushering in a new era of growth under a refreshed leadership team, and newly appointed board of directors.
The Transaction was led by Derek Southall – the sole remaining co-founder, who will remain as Chair, and has been with the company since inception in 2020. This marks a strategic transition, ensuring continuity while positioning the business for its next stage of development and growth. As part of the transaction co-founders Sarah Katherine Bagshaw and Steve Parrott have decided to leave and will cease to be shareholders. The Professional Alternative team thanks them for their contribution to date.
Joining Derek Southall into the leadership team are Paul Fletcher as Managing Director, and Dan Wales as FD and Chief Commercial Officer. Paul brings a wealth of expertise in leadership, and growing companies – Dan is a proven technology entrepreneur and investor, with a strong focus on revenue and profitability growth whilst increasing shareholder value.
The new Board will continue to be supported by a strong operational board comprising Claire Batchelor – Director of Customer Success, Jack Constant – Director of Sales and Ian Sherred – Head of Content Development.
Fletcher comments “I am delighted to be joining The Professional Alternative at what is a hugely exciting moment in its growth. The business has a great team behind it and huge potential in what is a fast-growing sector. I would like to thank Sarah Katherine and Steve and very much look forward to helping the company fulfil its full potential. We have big plans and some exciting years ahead of us”.
Wales comments “Having been a founding investor in TPA, I have followed the company’s formation, success and growth to-date. I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to join in a more dedicated strategic role, adding my experience to drive forwards our business plan alongside Derek, Paul and the team”. Wales continues “We have a solid and happy customer base, and we will see double digit growth this year – it’s a really exciting time to be involved”.
“Despite its huge growth to date, a point has been realised where it is necessary to bring on board full time new management to support the company through its next stage of growth – Paul and Dan have already made a huge impact and we are delighted to have them on board “, added Southall. Under its new leadership, The Professional Alternative will continue to prioritise the delivery of effective and current learning, development, and compliance content via a streamlined and user-first technology platform, whilst driving forwards customer success, operational excellence and profitability. The refreshed governance structure is designed to provide both stability and agility as the company enters its next chapter.
About The Professional Alternative
Professional Alternative is a fast-growing eLearning and Compliance Platform dedicated specifically to law firms and accountancy practices. It has made huge progress with clients. For more detail, please visit The Professional Alternative at The Professional Alternative.
Media Contact
Paul Fletcher – paulfletcher@theprofessionalalternative.com