Agenda

Networking and Registration

Chair’s Opening Remarks

Raymond Jack, Executive Director, ACCA Global

Presentation

An Antidote to Heavy Numbers – Becoming the Modern CFO

• Looking at the evolution of the CFO role in the past decade
• Bringing your “whole human” to work – leveraging personality and interests to excel as a team leader
• Increasing involvement in strategic decision-making and claiming your “seat at the table”

Adrian Talbot, Financial Director, Hotwire

Panel Discussion

Integrating Innovative Tech Solutions into the Finance Function for a Competitive Edge

• Finding the right solution providers for your needs in an oversaturated market
• Sourcing capital to invest into value-enhancing tech solutions – from in-house development to expert outsourcing
• Finding the most productive and risk-free ways to gather and utilise data, drive forward business operations and maximise productivity
• Integrating tech enabled solutions into the day-to-day and addressing reluctance from within the team

Darren Cooper, Group Accountant, Travel Innovation Group

Tom Coward, Finance Director, Cytora

Paul Gordon, Managing Director SME & Mid Corporates, Lloyds Banking Group

Networking and Coffee Break

Expert Presentation

What Moves a Currency Market and the Economics Behind it

• Discussing the bounce-back after Brexit, potential impact of the upcoming US election and shifts in global relationships - macroeconomics factors affecting the currency markets in 2020 and beyond
• Managing event risk - what are the potential outcomes of these changes
• Protecting your business - what can you do to ride out and benefit from unforeseen changes
• Examples and lessons learnt

Ryan Nee, Director of UK Sales, Cambridge Global Payments
Dan Vanderputt, Senior BDM/NAM, Cambridge Global Payments

SAP Presentation

Growing Your Business Through Digital Transformation

• Embracing change and identifying where to start
• The role of finance and internal collaboration
• Challenges of scaling, staying efficient and keeping costs inline
• Measuring the impact of digital transformation on your business processes

Cassie Petrie, Senior Director, SAP Concur

Roundtables

• Expense Management - David Smith, CFO, Roomex
• Working with PE/VC investors - David Bateman, Non Executive Director, The Wimbledon Brewery Company (Formerly Paperchase)
• Currency Management - Ryan Nee, Director of UK Sales, Cambridge Global Payments
• Top Tips for Scaling-Up - Lloyds

​Lunch

Panel Discussion

Finding the Right Fit - Navigating Funding Options and Financial Risks

• From bank loans and ABL to venture capital and private equity - Finding the right funding option for your business
• Presenting your company as a must-see opportunity to potential investors
• Collaborating internally with your CEO and leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and productive distribution of capital injections
• Dealing with the risks of access to capital markets drying up – Preparing to manage in the current climate?

Peter Fredericks, CFO, Hallmarq Veterinary Imagery

Ricardo Laverty, CFO, Chemist4U

Investor Discussion

Understanding Private Equity and Venture Capital Perspectives on Investing in SMEs

• Understanding what investors are looking for in companies and leadership teams when considering new investment and after the deal is done
• Silent partners or controlling force – understanding the role of Private Equity and Venture Capital within the company structure
• Working with investors post-transaction, to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship

Andy Gregory, Head of Investments UK and Ireland, BGF

Case Study Presentation

The Role of the CFO in Planning for and Maximising Value on Exit

• Planning for exit from the start to deliver the right model to outperform upon exit
• Considering the crucial role of the CFO in valuation and deliverability of the transaction
• Evidencing and articulating your company’s growth story during the exit process
• Managing your time and prioritising to deal with the pressures of the exit process

Juliet Sturridge, Head of Finance, Matthews & Goodman

Tom Lewis, Interim Group Financial Consultant, Pharmaspectra

Networking and Coffee Break

Interview

Onwards and Upwards – Tracking the Journey from CFO to CEO

• Planning your career trajectory and preparing early to make the jump successfully
• Rethinking priorities in a new leadership role
• Navigating team-relationship restructuring after your transition

Will Edwards, Chief Executive Officer, Lovespace

Panel Discussion

Team Leadership and Talent Acquisition for Today’s Finance Function

• Navigating a diverse talent pool – from graduate schemes and apprenticeships to sourcing top of the line senior team-members
• Addressing gender and generational diversity within the finance function and finding the most productive way for diverse teams to collaborate
• Discussing staff remuneration and competing with other employers in a busy market

Edward Knighton, CFO, YO!Sushi

Simon Gretton, Finance Director, KBE Drinks

Alicia Thompson, CFO, DMD Ventures

Paul Gordon, Managing Director SME & Mid Corporates, Lloyds Banking Group

Sophia Meadows, Finance Director, Bloom & Wild

Expert Presentation

Know your Enemy – Hear the Latest in Cyber Security Developments and Keep Your Company Safe

• How has the landscape of cyber security threats changed in the past years?
• Identifying the risks SMEs face from cyber security breaches and how to mitigate them
• Lessons learned from high-profile breaches in the past decade

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Raymond Jack, Executive Director, ACCA Global

Networking Drinks Reception