I’ve never been one to read endless business management books, but as I prepared to write this month’s blog I was struck by a quote from Stephen Convey, an American businessman and once a prolific writer of such texts. He once said, “There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles.” I agree and I’ll try to illustrate why I think so.
The ACT is only 35 years young but in that time it has been incredibly fortunate to have worked with, and been supported by, a wide range of enthusiastic, talented and committed professionals who were always happy to help build the ACT family, its reputation and its tremendous body of professional knowledge. Very sadly two of our family died recently. In their own way each demonstrated these constants throughout their lives. They had strong principles and they made one of their life’s choices to support the work of the ACT. They were also there to help and guide the ACT through crucial moments in our history. Indeed, we are fortunate that they chose to share part of their lives enriching ours in the public interest. We mourn their passing and I would like to take a moment to reflect upon their contribution.
Gay Pierpoint worked in the ACT during the mid-80’s and retired in 1998. She was a well-loved member of staff and to many, myself included, she was the welcoming face of the ACT. As a young treasury student I have very fond memories of Gay. I’m sure many of my contemporaries also do. She mothered us all through our ACT exams and made us all feel part of the ACT family. Gay understood just how important education was and was passionate about giving us youngsters the best start to our treasury careers. I know that she would have been thrilled to see the ACT launch its new qualification this month - Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF). If you wish to, please join me and the ACT in contributing a donation to the ACT Educational Trust so that we may continue to support a cause close to Gay’s heart and give the best chance to the treasurers of tomorrow.
Alistair Clark CBE, Hon FCT and a founder member of the ACT’s Advisory board has also sadly passed away. Alastair’s entire career was in public service. He was at the heart of the Bank of England for more than thirty years until he retired in 2007 as Executive Director and Advisor to the Governor. In recognition of his invaluable support to the ACT and the treasury profession for more than twenty years, Alistair was awarded our highest honour an Honorary Fellowship.
In 2009, following the financial crisis, and after an all too brief retirement, Alastair became a Senior Advisor to HM Treasury on financial stability. He subsequently became a member of the Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee between 2011 and 2013. Alastair was not just a loyal friend to the ACT and his loss will be felt right across London as he was also a non-executive director of LIFFE; Honorary visiting Professor at Cass Business School and Governor of King’s College School.
I have always valued Alastair’s wise words of support. His final words to us were, “I shall be rooting for you!” Thank you, Alastair.
We send our eternal gratitude and best wishes to Gay and Alistair’s families.
Finally, I always welcome the arrival of the spring with great optimism as we have so much to look forward to. The ACT team are currently working immensely hard to deliver this year’s award winning ACT Annual Conference in Manchester. This will be the ACT’s 11th annual conference as an independent professional conference organiser. Our decision over a decade ago to bring this conference in house has been essential to building a showcase for the treasury profession. The quality of the program has always been exceptional and this year is no exception.
Obviously in my opinion there is no better event to network with your corporate treasury peers, sharpen your technical skills and get exposed to the latest thinking, technology developments, and regulatory insights. As your Chartered treasury professional body we take your continuing professional development needs very seriously. So do employers.
Naturally I hope to see you in Manchester in May. Get in the spirit but remember the conference theme is 'This is the Age of Treasury' - not Aquarius…that was a decade earlier.
All the best