Agenda

Networking and Registration

Chair’s opening remarks

Economic Overview Presentation

Discussing the Future of SMEs In and Out of England in 2020

• Where do we go from here? - Discussing the bounce-back after Brexit and mitigating currency risks
• Considering threats and opportunities in the political landscape for your business
  
• The ins and outs of expanding into new markets in 2020 – from first contact to maintaining successful overseas and continental operations
  

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?

Networking and Coffee Break

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”

Expert 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

Roundtables

• Financial Reporting
• Mitigating credit insurance risks in an uncertain climate
• Cyber Security
• Working with PE/VC investors
• GDPR and data gathering
  
• Going public – Navigating IPOs
  
• Top Tips for Scaling-Up

​Lunch

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

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

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

Networking and Coffee Break

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

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 in 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

Expert Presentation

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

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

Chair’s Closing Remarks

​End of Conference and Drinks Reception