Programme
Day one provides opportunities to socialise with colleagues whilst day two and day three are full of practical, technical content as well as networking opportunities.
08:00 – Onwards
Golf at the Moor Hall Golf Club
New location for 2024. Play on the mature parkland golf course which is only a ten minute drive from The Belfry. The course is recognised for always being in excellent condition with fantastic tree lined fairways and wonderful greens. Whether you are playing from the back tees or the front tees, this is recognised as one of the best tests of golf in the Midlands, creating a great balance of difficulty and reward for every level of golfer.
Tickets include light breakfast on arrival, green fees and a light lunch post golf.
There will be rolling tee times from 09:15.
Sponsored by:
19:00 – Onwards
Welcome drinks and informal dinner
We are pleased to host all colleagues arriving at the Belfry for a welcome reception where you will be able to meet and network with colleagues while enjoying welcome drinks and an informal dinner.
09:30 – 09:45
Welcome and opening remarks
Stephen Rome, SPG Committee Chair, will welcome guests to the R3 SPG Forum 2024.
Speaker:
Stephen Rome
09:45 – 09:55
Postworks’ Growth Journey Through the World of Insolvency
Outdated mailing processes slowing you down? That’s where Postworks comes in. We’ve been helping insolvency firms streamline creditor communications—cutting through the chaos of paperwork with faster, smarter post and email solutions. Curious how we’ve grown to become the go-to partner for firms across the sector? Join us to find out.
Speaker:
Marvee-Lisa Booker
09:55 – 10:35
Standing up for justice: A sub-postmaster’s journey
Join Lee Castleton as he shares his compelling story of serving as a sub postmaster, the Post Office case and his subsequent bankruptcy – and the profound impact it has had on his life. In this session, Lee will recount his experiences, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the injustices he encountered. Through his narrative, Lee emphasises the critical importance of speaking up against wrongdoing, even in the face of adversity. This session promises to be both inspiring and enlightening with attendees gaining insight into the power of resilience, integrity, and the necessity of advocating for truth.
Speaker:
Lee Castleton
10:35 – 10:45
The triple bottom line, people, mental health & business success
Lorna will be addressing mental health as a crucial component of overall wellbeing in the workplace. She will explore the legal, financial, moral reasons for prioritising mental health support in business settings and advise on strategies for promoting mental wellness, creating a supportive work environment, and addressing the unique challenges that employees may face. By recognising the significance of mental health, businesses can foster a culture that values the holistic wellbeing of their workforce, leading to improved performance and overall success.
Speaker:
Lorna Feeney
10:45 – 11:25
Update from the Insolvency Service
Dean Beale, CEO of the Insolvency Service, will discuss the latest developments in regulation, insolvency policy and the agency’s Five-Year Strategy.
Speaker:
Dean Beale
11:25 – 11:55
Refreshment break
11:55 – 12:10
SPG stories
Hear from speakers from across the SPG community. In these bite size sessions.
Practical approach to embracing a culture of Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity with Bradley Parrott
After stumbling into the industry, building a career in insolvency, and being part of the LGBTQIA+ community; Bradley wanted to use this session to look at the practical aspects of implementing a DE&I culture in SME businesses.
Although resourcing this can be challenging for SMEs, you don’t have to be a big firm to influence change. This session looks at the awareness of the insolvency market and the recruitment and retention challenges faced.
Embracing, communicating and demonstrating D,E&I in business is essential, both internally and externally, to attract talent at all skill and experience levels from all different backgrounds – but let’s make this manageable.
My journey to becoming a sole practitioner with Francesca Tackie
Francesca will talk about the steps she took and the reasons she decided to go it alone and set up her own practice in 2016 including some thoughts, considerations, tips and potential pitfalls for anyone contemplating taking similar steps.
Bradley Parrott
Francesca Tackie
12:10 – 13:10
Ethics in action: Case studies for insolvency professionals
Ethics is more than just knowing the basics, it is about understanding the implications of, and identifying, ethical dilemmas. In this session we will explore a number of case studies in small groups, share real world experiences in a safe environment and engage in an open forum debate on all things ethical. The session aims to refresh our collective knowledge on ethics and raise awareness to help promote best practice in our industry.
Speaker:
Miles Hacking
13:10 – 14:10
Lunch
14:10 – 14:15
Welcome back
14:15 – 14:45
Unmasking deception: Identifying fraudulent entities and suspicious data on the UK company register
In this insightful session, we delve into the intricacies of the UK Company Register to uncover the tactics used by fraudulent entities. Attendees will learn to identify red flags and analyse suspicious data entries that indicate potential fraud. Through case studies, expert presentations, and interactive discussions, we will equip professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary to safeguard their organisations from deceptive business practices and ensure regulatory compliance. Join us to enhance your vigilance and protect your business from the risks associated with fraudulent corporate entities.
Speaker:
Craig Evans
14:45 – 14:55
Unlock 150% of Your R&D Claim in Just 7 Days with the Technology Growth Fund
Looking to unlock immediate cash flow for your clients? Join ZLX Ltd at our exclusive session to discover how our Technology Growth Fund can put 150% of any R&D claim back into your client’s bank account in just 7 days—whether they’ve filed their claim with us or not. If your client hasn’t made a claim yet, we’ll handle it from start to finish. Whether you are guiding companies through restructuring or liquidation, our fund can be a game-changer for maintaining operations and funding future growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to provide your clients with the financial lifeline they need!
Speaker:
David Purvis
14:55 – 15:25
R3 Technical update
An overview of the work undertaken by R3’s technical team so far this year together with some key reminders for members.
Speaker:
Michelle Butler
Stewart Perry
15:25 – 15:40
SPG stories
Hear from speakers from across the SPG community. In these bite size sessions.
Crypto – am I being hunted? with Nicholas Parton
Nicholas will provide insight about the risks of crypto, specifically the danger to life. As professionals, it’s rare for us to find ourselves at risk of physical threat. However, with crypto being more commonplace in cases, and the anonymity of the ownership of the crypto – are we potentially, and unwittingly, pursuing assets of the underworld? Nicholas explores this theme with some real-life cases, including his investigation into the UK’s largest fraud perpetrated against a crypto-exchange.
Nicholas Parton
15:40 – 15:50
Updates on s.423 and sham transactions
Hear from Manolete Partners Plc on recent important cases concerning transactions defrauding creditors, sham trusts and what relief might apply.
Speaker:
Charlotte May
15:50 – 16:20
Refreshment break
16:20 – 16:35
Welcome back
16:35 – 17:20
2024 Legal update
Jennifer Meech will provide an update on the most relevant legal developments for SPG practitioners in 2024. Concentrating on personal insolvency and cases relevant to smaller company insolvencies Jennifer will address three or four key judicial decisions and the most important take aways from those cases. The talk will address the BHS litigation, the Post Office scandal and other authorities that are affect the day-to-day practice of attendees.
Speaker:
Jennifer Meech
17:20 – 18:00
How fraud is impacting companies
Fraud represents approximately 40% of all crime in the UK. £100bn of money is laundered through the UK annually. Companies are regularly now caught up in fraud and experiencing increasing instances of losses from fraud. External and internal bad factors are an increasing threat to companies but what do these cases look like and how do they occur? This session will look at how fraud impacts SMEs, reviewing cases, threats and options for recovery.
Speaker:
Arun Chauhan
18:00 – 18:05
Closing remarks
From 19:00
Networking drinks and gala dinner
09:30 – 09:50
Welcome back and CEO update
Caroline Sumner will provide an update on all things R3.
Speaker:
Caroline Sumner
09:50 – 10:05
SPG Stories
Hear from speakers from across the SPG community. In these bite size sessions.
Why I made a career choice in R&I with Matthew Letts
Matthew will speak about his journey to become as a restructuring and insolvency lawyer, as a career changer, and why it is the area in which he has found a home and intends to stay.
Speaker:
Matthew Letts
10:10 – 11:00
Breakout session one
All three breakout sessions run simultaneously. Delegates can attend one in this timeslot and one at 11.20 as all breakout sessions are repeated twice.
Breakout session one: HMRC
Breakout session one: HMRC
Hear from HMRC on their latest updates as well as time to pose your questions.
Speakers:
Alan Bean
Mark Chisman
Breakout session two: Updates from your RPBs
Breakout session two: Updates from your RPBs
The session will cover issues arising from recent monitoring visits by the ICAEW and the IPA, as well as the current hot topics for the RPBs. There will also be plenty of time to pose questions in this breakout session.
Speakers:
Allison Broad
David Holland
Breakout session three: Working with AI: What will artificial intelligence mean for the work of accountants and IPs?
Breakout session three: Working with AI: What will artificial intelligence mean for the work of accountants and IPs?
In this session, we’ll explore the transformative impact of AI on the accounting and IP professions. From generative AI tools enhancing productivity to AI-powered risk assessments and transaction automation, new tools are reshaping the way professionals work. We'll cover the basics of AI, discuss real-world applications, potential risks such as bias and fraud, and the changing skillsets required to use its full potential. Whether you’re new to AI tools or already a regular user, this talk will provide insights into how AI can enhance your capabilities and your business.
Speaker:
Daniel Clark
11:00 – 11:20
Refreshment break
11:20 – 12:10
Breakout session two
All three breakout sessions run simultaneously. Delegates can attend one in this timeslot and one at 10.10 as all breakout sessions are repeated twice.
Breakout session one: HMRC
Breakout session one: HMRC
Hear from HMRC on their latest updates as well as time to pose your questions.
Speakers:
Alan Bean
Mark Chisman
Breakout session two: Updates from your RPBs
Breakout session two: Updates from your RPBs
The session will cover issues arising from recent monitoring visits by the ICAEW and the IPA, as well as the current hot topics for the RPBs. There will also be plenty of time to pose questions in this breakout session.
Speakers:
Allison Broad
David Holland
Breakout session three: Working with AI: What will artificial intelligence mean for the work of accountants and IPs?
Breakout session three: Working with AI: What will artificial intelligence mean for the work of accountants and IPs?
In this session, we’ll explore the transformative impact of AI on the accounting and IP professions. From generative AI tools enhancing productivity to AI-powered risk assessments and transaction automation, new tools are reshaping the way professionals work. We'll cover the basics of AI, discuss real-world applications, potential risks such as bias and fraud, and the changing skillsets required to use its full potential. Whether you’re new to AI tools or already a regular user, this talk will provide insights into how AI can enhance your capabilities and your business.
Speaker:
Daniel Clark
12:15 – 12:55
The economic and political outlook for 2025
Jeremy Mindell will be reviewing the economic, political and fiscal changes that made 2024 such an eventful and unpredictable year. The year of elections in 2024 will have made its mark on the international political and international scene. Jeremy will be looking at how these changes will affect business decision making in the next year. He will also look at how international agreements on trade and taxation will affect the international system and how businesses should plan for the next four years.
Speaker:
Jeremy Mindell
12:55 – 13:05
SPG Forum closing remarks
Closing remarks from a great few days.
Speaker:
Stephen Rome
13:05 – 14:05
Informal lunch
Please note programme sessions, times and speakers are subject to change.