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.