MOON News

 

On Friday 14th October, Moon Consulting co-hosted the first Board 2020: Future-Proof your Board conference with RBS, TLT, UWE, Strategic Value Partners and International Law & Compliance Partners.

 

80 delegates attended the event, with a wide variety of backgrounds, including 30 CEOs and Managing Directors, 12 Non-Executive Directors and 12 Finance Directors. Delegates came from a variety of business sectors too, from major legal firms and financial services to niche manufacturers and charities.

 

Feedback from the event was universally positive, ensuring that the next conference in the series can be planned for 2012. Particular praise was given to the innovative and interactive “World Café” sessions, facilitated by Malcolm Lewis and Viri Chauhan, where delegates took part in dynamic group discussions and were free to discuss the real issues facing their businesses.

 

The speakers also proved popular, as they gave practical advice and case studies that the delegates could apply to their own businesses. 

 

Speakers (l-r): Malcolm Lewis, Martin Hagen, Anwen Robinson, Nigel Irvine, Robert Bourns, Andrew Webber

 

Anwen Robinson, Managing Director of Unit4 Business Software, gave a fascinating case study of transforming a business to deliver growth. She spoke about the challenges of change management, including: consolidation, re-branding, and future business opportunities

 

Martin Hagen, a highly experienced non-executive director who holds several key positions, presented on regulation and compliance. He gave a timely insight into the effect of regulation on businesses in the past, present and future, along with suggestions for how businesses can influence future government policy.  

 

Nigel Irvine, Director of Business  Development at RBS, covered how businesses could manage risks and opportunities more effectively by deepening and widening their relationships with their banks . He spoke about overcoming the barriers to working  more closely with banks, what banks expect from a board and the significant mutual benefits that should result

 

Robert Bourns, Senior Partner at TLT, advised the audience about the steps businesses needed to take when hiring and removing board members to avoid legal issues

 

Andrew Webber, Partner at TLT, took us through the process of making a board fit for future challenges, including tips on corporate governance and practical examples of how to prepare for the most common future transactions that businesses face

 

Malcolm Lewis, Head of Strategic Value Partners, challenged delegates to think about improving their communications, managing a business strategy and how to link their individual values into corporate values to improve working. 

 

Director of Moon Consulting, Vanessa Moon said: “We are delighted with the success of Board 2020 and we look forward to planning next year’s event. I thank all the organisers and speakers that made the conference so popular. I would particularly like to thank Dr Lorna Collins, of UWE Business School, who was instrumental in pulling together the partnership that made this event possible.”

 

Delegates discuss the real issues at the World Cafe

 

Some feedback quotes from delegates:

 

“I just wanted to say that the Board 2020 was an interesting, well organised event. The location was very convenient to get to, and lots of space to mingle and network. Speakers and presentations were very good, and I thought the World cafe, was not only very good, but also could be used as a brainstorming event in the businesses that the attendees are involved in. Thank you again for the invite, and I look forward to next year’s event.”

- James Craner, Finance Director

 

“Board 2020: an interesting day with excellent speakers, relevant topics covered, insightful full of useful tips and advice. The day of the week, timings and venue worked for me. Easy parking and time to reflect afterwards. The World Cafe was thought provoking, a great vehicle for debate. I felt that the last session, with Malcolm Lewis could have been longer. There appeared to be a few gems waiting to emerge! Thank you to Vanessa and Team Board 2020. More of the same for Board 2020, 2012 please!”

- Keith Probert, Director of Viimi Ltd

 

“It was a well organised and relevant event. This subject tends to get examined on a reactive basis (when it's become an issue needing resolving) rather than on a pro-active - basis. The World Cafe sessions worked well and I think Malcolm Lewis's comments/observations were very enlightening at the end but perhaps got a little buried "in lunch time arriving". Thanks for the invite.”

- Steve Daykin, Chief Finance Officer for Seven Publishing

 

If you would like more information on Board2020, please contact Oliver Harrison on 01275 371200 or oliverharrison@moonconsulting.co.uk. You can also join our LinkedIn Group