How Not to Plan a Conference

Kirsty Wilson
Director Corporate Finance at Knill James

By Kirsty Wilson, Director Corporate Finance at Knill James

It was the longest three hours of my life. I was watching the clock and wondering if the lunch break would ever come. To be honest I had not arrived at the conference hall with great expectations. When you are sent to a conference entitled 'Mezzanine Finance – Structuring Debt to Optimise the Formula of Cost and Leverage' you do not expect to be inspired, and predictably I wasn't!

After at lunch I was sat next to a Solicitor who looked relaxed, even excited by the event. I was rather surprised and asked him what had attracted him to the conference. Did he perhaps specialise in Mezzanine Finance? “Oh no” he replied cheerily, “I only do criminal law, but it is the end of the year and I needed a few more CPD hours, and this conference was only £150. So I've been relaxing over The Times crossword this morning, only 9 across to go! Did I miss anything interesting?”

There are many reasons for attending conferences, but buying cheap CPD (continuing professional development) hours is clearly not the best use of our valuable time and resources!

I would also say that over the years I have attended numerous conferences at the other end of the scale which I will remember as great developmental experiences. Conferences that have truly enhanced my professional skills.

Our time is precious and it's important that we get the maximum possible return from the time invested in attending training events. Conferences will ideally both develop me as a professional and provide great networking opportunities. Which brings me nicely to the point of this blog. On 30 November, we are holding the UK200 Corporate Finance Conference in York (further details to follow). I'm truly excited about this event, which promises to deliver on both of the above objectives.

The focus of the conference is acquisitions, this has been chosen because it's topical, timely and appropriate in the current economic environment. As a corporate finance consultant I love working with my acquisitive clients more than any others (although I know we shouldn't have favourites!)With an acquisition we get the enjoyment of acting in a lead advisory role but we then get to keep the client (which generally does not happen with a disposal). The client will then come out of the process bigger and better (which will generally be reflected in ongoing fee income), which is a definite win-win all round.

But more than that, acquisitions play a crucial part in keeping the local business community effective and prosperous. I regularly tell my clients that acquisitions help make the world a better place.

We have an ageing business population in my local community and all too often an owner-manager will give no thought to succession planning or disposal. A good example is this; Jane Smith will be running a successful business, employing around15 employees and providing a vital service to the local community. Having not planned for retirement, she will then reach retirement age and simply close the business.  As a result 15 people will have lost their job and Jane faces a retirement in potential penury, huddled on her rickety rocking chair, while the rain batters at her windows.

There is however, a much more positive alternative. I would advise and assist one of my suitable clients to expand, buying out Jane's business. Jane will then have the money to enjoy her retirement, perhaps even having the money to book a sunny cruise to celebrate! Meanwhile, her staff remain in employment and the service to the community continues.

Our conference will cover the practical details on delivering this type of service. We will cover such exciting topics as due diligence, legal aspects, tax, finance and sharing experiences. Well, admittedly they're not all exciting – but I assure you they will be well-delivered, not a cross-word in sight!
Another aspect we can definitely guarantee at this conference is quality networking with your fellow UK200 Members. The litmus test of a good conference is always two-fold;

1. Have you learned something new?
2.  Have you made a meaningful business connection that will prove a useful resource? 

I promise that this conference will do both.

So, book your place today Book Here and enjoy the experience of a conference that informs, engages and doesn't just fill a time quota. I'll be there on the day to welcome all your feedback, so please do come and say 'Hi'! And if you mention the blog when saying hello you will win a Lollipop – so you will definitely not go home empty handed!

By Kirsty Wilson, Director Corporate Finance at Knill James