08:30 - 09:00
ARRIVAL, REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST NETWORKING
09:00 - 09:10
INTRODUCTION FROM THE NETWORK GROUP & CHAIRPERSON
A brief introduction to the event software, SNS – this software, unique to the industry, empowers our attendees to make the most effective use of their time at the event by maximising networking opportunities. The software designs a personalised agenda & enables attendees to arrange One-to-One meetings with each other. This will be followed by a welcome from the chairperson.
Sarah Watson, Director of Finance, Roffey Park
09:10 - 09:40
Navigating Uncertainty: Strengthening Operational Resilience in Finance
- Identifying the biggest operational threats in finance, from cyber risks to supply chain disruptions
- Implementing robust frameworks to ensure business continuity & agility in uncertain times
- Leveraging financial leadership to embed resilience into the corporate strategy
09:40 - 10:10
Beyond Finance: The Expanding Mandate of the CF
- Exploring how CFO’s are stepping beyond traditional finance duties to influence broader business strategy
- Developing key partnerships with other departments to ensure a unified approach to growth
- Understanding the role of the CFO in the digital development of an organisation
Craig Vale, Financial Director, Ryman
10:10 - 10:50
Panel Discussion: Maximising Value Through Effective Business Integration
- Ensuring financial strategy fully aligns with business strategy
- Adopting new technologies to streamline processes & enhance cross-functional collaboration
- Using real-time financial insights to drive company-wide transformation
Neil Hitchen, CFO, World Rugby
Michelle Clark, Head of Accounting & Control, Eurostar
Gwynneth Page, Finance Director, Wincanton
Saaima Ashraf, Commercial Finance Director, InHealth
10:50 - 11:00
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
11:00 - 11:25
Workshop 1
Hosted by Pagero
11:25 - 11:50
Networking
11:50 - 12:15
Workshop 2
Hosted by FloQast
12:15 - 12:40
Networking
12:40 - 13:05
Workshop 3
AI & ML
11:00 – 13:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Finance Data & Analytics
- AI in Finance Technology & Consulting
- ESG & Sustainability
- Financial & Business Reporting
- ERP
- Finance & Accounting Process Automation
- Risk Management
- FP&A
- Performance Management
- Treasury Management
- HR Systems & Payroll Technology
- Tax Technology & Consulting
- Supply Chain Management & Optimisation
- Travel & Expense Management
- Rebate Management
13:05 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
Stream 1- Growth Opportunities
14:00-14:35
Optimising FP&A for Sustainable Growth
- Enhancing forecasting accuracy with advanced tools
- Aligning FP&A processes with broader business strategy
- Creating flexible financial models that can quickly adapt to changing market conditions
Mark Johnson, Head of Commercial Finance, Browne Jacobson
Stream 2 - Financial Strategy
14:00-14:35
Balancing Financial Risk & Growth in a Changing Landscape
- Assessing financial risks in the face of economic uncertainty
- Navigating pathways for sustainable growth
- Balancing risk appetite with value creation through data-driven decision-making
Stream 1 - Growth Opportunities
14:35-15:10
Exploring the Growth Opportunities of AI in Finance
- Understanding how GenAI can streamline financial operations for enhanced efficiency
- Unlocking strategic insights through AI-driven analytics
- Building a roadmap for integrating GenAI into financial systems
Stream 2 - Personal Development
14:35-15:10
Prioritising Personal Development as a Finance Leader
- Unpacking the breadth of skills needed for leadership in finance
- Establishing areas for development & additional training
- Prioritising wellbeing as an essential tool for successful leadership
Sarah Watson, Director of Finance, Roffey Park
15:10 - 15:25
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
15:25 - 15:50
Workshop 4
Hosted by Yokoy
15:50 - 16:15
Networking
16:15 - 16:40
Workshop 5
Performance Management
16:40 - 17:05
Networking
15:25 – 17:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Finance Data & Analytics
- AI in Finance Technology & Consulting
- ESG & Sustainability
- Financial & Business Reporting
- ERP
- Finance & Accounting Process Automation
- Risk Management
- FP&A
- Performance Management
- Treasury Management
- HR Systems & Payroll Technology
- Tax Technology & Consulting
- Supply Chain Management & Optimisation
- Travel & Expense Management
- Rebate Management
17:05 - 17:50
Panel Discussion: Leveraging Data Metrics & Analytics for Financial Decision-Making
- Utilising advanced analytics that deliver clear strategic insights to drive decision-making
- Enhancing financial forecasting & optimising budget with data metrics
- Implementing real-time analytics tools to enable agile financial decision-making & respond quickly to market changes & emerging trends
Mark Johnson, Head of Commercial Finance, Browne Jacobson
17:50 - 17:55
Chairperson’s closing remarks
A short reflection on today’s discussions, & thank you to our audience & speakers.
19:00
Networking dinner & drinks reception
08:30 - 09:00
MORNING REGISTRATION & BREAKFAST
Informal networking over breakfast.
09:00 - 10:10
Roundtable discussions
Join group discussions with your peers on some of the most challenging & significant finance topics — please confirm attendance prior to the session. Each host will facilitate the discussion & give a short presentation of key findings in a wrap-up session.
Roundtable 1: ESG
Roundtable 2: AI & ML
Roundtable 3: Strategic Leadership
Ashish Sharma, Head of Finance, Casio UK
Roundtable 4: Transfer Pricing
Roundtable 5: Auditing & Tax
Roundtable 6: Data Structure
Roundtable 7: Finance Business Partnering
Roundtable 8: Revenue Management
10:10 - 10:50
ROUNDTABLE WRAP-UP
Each host gives a short overview of key findings from their discussion & creates an ideas board to be distributed post event with the presentations.
10:50 - 11:00
COFFEE BREAK & NETWORKING
11:00 - 11:25
Workshop 6
Data Integration
11:25 - 11:50
Networking
11:50 - 12:15
Workshop 7
Financial Planning
12:15 - 12:40
Networking
12:40 - 13:05
Workshop 8
Improving Cash Flow
11:00 – 13:05
One-to-One meetings
Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:
- Finance Data & Analytics
- AI in Finance Technology & Consulting
- ESG & Sustainability
- Financial & Business Reporting
- ERP
- Finance & Accounting Process Automation
- Risk Management
- FP&A
- Performance Management
- Treasury Management
- HR Systems & Payroll Technology
- Tax Technology & Consulting
- Supply Chain Management & Optimisation
- Travel & Expense Management
- Rebate Management
13:05 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
Stream 1 - Change Management
14:00-14:35
Data Storytelling for Finance: Turning Insights into Action
- Transforming complex data into a clear & compelling narrative
- Understanding why storytelling matters in finance
- Choosing the right visuals to convey your message
- Highlighting the action that should be taken from your insights & analysis
Suhaib Akhtar, Head of Finance Retail Operations, Thames Water
Stream 2 - Financial Strategy
14:00-14:35
Inflation-Proofing your Financial Strategy
- Creating dynamic financial models, allowing for adjustments to mitigate the effects of inflation
- Using strategic cost management techniques to protect profitability
- Reassessing investment strategies & diversifying portfolios
Stream 1- Change Management
14:35-15:10
Mitigating Risks: Financial Strategies for Supply Chain Disruption
- Assessing risk exposure across your supply chain
- Developing contingency plans to maintain continuity during disruptions
- Leveraging technology monitor and report on supply chain performance
Stream 2 - Corporate Responsibility
14:35-15:10
Sustainable Finance: Key Advice on Navigating ESG
- Exploring how ESG factors influence financial performance & risk management
- Developing a roadmap for aligning ESG goals with financial strategy
- Building stakeholder & customer confidence through ESG reporting
15:10-15:55
Panel Discussion: The Best Approaches to Recruitment & Retention to Address the Talent Gap
- Building a strong brand & creating compelling value propositions to attract top talent
- Investing in company culture & employee satisfaction to improve retention
- Cultivating inclusive hiring practices & considering reskilling schemes to broaden points of entry
Jon Vella, Finance Director, Just Eat Takeaway
Esther Leung, Global Director Commercial Finance, Condé Nast
15:55-16:00
Closing remarks from the Chairperson