Agenda

Welcome address

Caroline Stockmann, Chief Executive, Association of Corporate Treasurers
Naresh Aggarwal, Associate Director – Policy & Technical, Association of Corporate Treasurers

Welcome address from NatWest

James Waud, Managing Director, Head of Banks & Transaction Services, NatWest

Keynote presentation: an economic update

The opening keynote will provide the context of macroeconomic developments, including DPO/DSO trends, along with the wider economic outlook, in advance of the discussions and talks later in the day.

Marcus Wright, Senior Economist, NatWest

Panel discussion: the impact of inflation on working capital

It is a considerable time since forecasts of sustained rises of inflation were experienced and so this discussion will delve into the strategic impacts of inflation on working capital and differing impacts on large and smaller companies, and between larger and smaller, more specialist banks, with the impact on supply chain financing for corporates important for the latter.

Paul Wilde, Treasurer, Shawbrook Bank
Dr John Whittaker, Senior Teaching Fellow, Lancaster University
Brian Shanahan, Director, Informita
Facilitated by Naresh Aggarwal, Associate Director – Policy & Technical, Association of Corporate Treasurers

Panel discussion: supply chain resilience

Supply chain bottlenecks from global shipping and HGV driver shortages along with the outstripping of demand compared with supply as we recover from the pandemic is causing many to rethink their supply chains. But the impact and actions vary based on the size of the company and whether it is more domestic or globally focused – what do the ongoing challenges mean for each? And as we look at enhancing resilience, what role can treasury play in the organisational mind-shift from a cost-based to strategic relationship? When considering existing suppliers, one company’s secondary suppliers are often primarily suppliers to another, and thus backup plans assume the world remains the same – what does this mean for financing?

Craig Gray, Head of Sales, Working Capital Sales, NatWest
Chris Southworth, Secretary-General, International Chamber of Commerce UK
Facilitated by Naresh Aggarwal, Associate Director – Policy & Technical, Association of Corporate Treasurers

Panel discussion: the latest working capital management technology – what will solve my problems?

The fragmented technology market, including that of TMS’s, results in different supply chain solutions and different ways of managing trade flows and finance. Greater visibility of data around the supply of goods can reduce risk and thus make securitisation easier. Can blockchain through initiatives, such as the Marco Polo Network, provide increased options for secure information sharing to gain greater data from suppliers, banks and wider partners?  What other technology solutions are available to the treasurer and more importantly, what problems can they usefully solve?

Nicolas Christiaen, CEO & Co-Founder, Cashforce
Gerry Daly, Account Director, Coupa Software
Royston Da Costa, Assistant Treasurer, Ferguson
Facilitated by Mirka Skrzypczak, Head of Working Capital & Trade Products, NatWest

Navigating the landscape of digital working capital finance solutions

The range of working capital solutions is becoming more complex – fueled by investors looking for yield enhancements and companies looking to fund their growth. How can a corporate determine what is the best solution and who is the best organisation to work with? This session explores the questions that a corporate should ask in order to narrow the field and identify the best possible solution to strengthen its working capital.

Ralf Kesten, Sales Director DACH, cflox
Facilitated by Naresh Aggarwal, Associate Director – Policy & Technical, Association of Corporate Treasurers

In association with cflox

Panel discussion: ESG and the purpose-led agenda for working capital financing

How can ESG working capital financing support your cash flow requirements in conjunction with your sustainability objectives? How can you assess your extended supply chain with respect to Scope 2/3 emissions – it may not be direct for you, but maybe for one of your suppliers? What products are available or in the pipeline to support your working capital financing beyond sustainable supply chain finance? And what benefits can striving for B-corporation status bring to give a more tangible status to your ESG efforts?

Rowan Austin, Head of Trade Finance Origination & Advisory, NatWest
Mark Douglas, Managing Director, Strategic Accounts – EMEA, PrimeRevenue
Romeo Effs, Founder & CEO, LUMORUS Corporation
Liz Barclay, UK Small Business Commissioner
Facilitated by Naresh Aggarwal, Associate Director – Policy & Technical, Association of Corporate Treasurers