The Credit Excellence Awards

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The Credit Excellence Awards, in association with Arvato Financial Solutions, have established themselves as a real judge of excellence in the industry, as applicants compete to win one of only 11 awards, and to be on a finalists’ shortlist of only three. They are unique because applications for each category are open to the whole range of the industry in those sectors. So you can apply if you are an individual credit professional, a team, a consumer or commercial creditor, a supplier company, or a product. Each award is judged by a unique panel of three industry experts.

In 2021, amidst all the change in our industry and our society, the Credit Excellence Awards showcased all that is best about the work done by the credit, collections, and enforcement industry.

Application Packs are now available 2022’s Awards, to receive one, please contact Stephen Kiely, editor of CCRMagazine at stephen@ccrmagazine.co.uk.

For more details of getting involved as a sponsor of future awards, please contact gary@ccrmagazine.co.uk.

Winners For 2021

  • Newcomer – Swishfund
  • International and Export – Invictus Risk Solutions
  • Helping Vulnerable Customers – CDER Group
  • Collections – Oplo Group
  • Commercial Credit & Collections – Associated British Ports, Billing and Collections Team
  • Best Use of Technology – Hoist Finance and FICO
  • Risk Data, and Fraud Prevention – Credit Assist
  • Legal and Enforcement – Equita, part of Capita
  • Responsible Lender – GAIN Credit
  • Contribution to the Industry – Laurie Beagle and Lynn Christon, Forums International

Highly Commended Applicants for 2021

  • Collections – HighRadius
  • Commercial Credit & Collections – Adecco UK and Ireland
  • Best Use of Technology – Credit Resource Solutions
  • Risk, Data, and Fraud Prevention – Graydon Business Risk
  • Legal and Enforcement – Mortimer Clarke Solicitors, part of Cabot Credit Management Group

Finalists For 2021

International and Export

  • Invictus Risk Solutions LLP
  • Eddy Sumar, president and founder, ERS Consulting Services
  • Mohamed Eid

Vulnerability

  • CDER Group
  • Arvato Financial Solutions
  • Reventus Enforcement Agents

Contribution

  • Steve Savva CICM
  • Cedar Rose Int. Services
  • Laurie Beagle, managing director, Forums International

Collections

  • Wescot and Barclays
  • HighRadius Corporation
  • Oplo Group
  • Anthony Barrow, credit control manager, Masters Legal Costs Services LLP

Commercial

  • The Adecco Group
  • 4D Contact
  • Business Stream
  • Associated British Ports

Technology

  • EQ Credit Services
  • FICO and Hoist
  • Credit Resource Solutions

Risk

  • Credit Assist
  • Credit Kudos
  • Lending Metrics
  • Graydon UK

Legal and Enforcement

  • Mortimer Clarke Solicitors
  • Marston (Holdings)
  • Ascent Performance Group
  • Capita

Responsible Lender

  • Sonovate
  • Gain Credit
  • Ezbob
  • Snap Finance and Webio

Newcomer

  • Swishfund
  • Caitlin Guy-Holt, WEX Europe Services
  • Kayleigh Bagnall, WEX Europe Services
  • Aiswarya Ramachandran, Senior Analyst, Arum

The winners from the 2020 Credit Excellence Awards

  • Alternative Lender – Banking Circle
  • Newcomer to the Industry – Ryan Jones, credit controller, Adecco Group
  • Compliance – Ascent Performance Group
  • Commercial Credit & Collections – The Right Fuelcard Company
  • Export & International Credit & Collections – Cedar Rose International Services
  • Legal & Enforcement – Brachers LLP
  • Risk, Data & Fraud Prevention – Credit Kudos
  • Best Use of Technology – Webio
  • Collections – United Utilities
  • Contribution To The Industry – MyJar and Aptean

Highly Commended in the 2020 Credit Excellence Awards

  • Commercial Credit & Collections – Valor Hospitality, Credit Management Team
  • Legal & Enforcement – Mortimer Clark Solicitors
  • Collections – Business Stream

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Senior Management Forum (SMF) – 5 June

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What our members say

For more information and an information pack Email smf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meeting Format

Meetings start at 09.00 and run through to 15.30 with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided. There is an optional group dinner the preceding evening.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The Senior Credit Management Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Sessions are delivered through workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations.

We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

Membership Information

Membership criteria

Senior Credit Management Forum membership is open to senior finance & credit professionals. Membership is subject to acceptance of our membership terms & conditions.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £825 and covers all administration and meeting costs.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the Senior Credit Management Forum between meetings. There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other.

smf@forumsinternational.co.uk

All members’ contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from where copies of all meeting presentations and workshop outputs can also be downloaded.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

Senior Credit Management Forum (SMF)

Background

The Senior Credit Management Forum (SMF) has been the leading peer group for senior finance & credit managers since 2006. It provides a unique community for members to meet, network and learn. The aim is to equip members with the practical strategies they need to meet the challenges of a changing business environment, and add value to their roles.

The objectives of the Senior Management Forum are to:

  • share experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge
  • develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • improve skill levels
  • provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF) – 14-15 June

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What our members say

For more information and an information pack Email itrf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings a year, each of two-day duration. Refreshments & lunch are provided. There is an optional group dinner on the evening of Day One.

Venue

Two International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings a year are held in the UK and two are held in Europe. The Forums Administrator assists with hotel bookings/ transfer arrangements if required.

Data Exchange Session

The International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings include a formal data exchange session to enable members to discuss their customer  accounts. The session is run strictly in accordance with all legal requirements, including but not limited to relevant data protection and competition law.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The International Telecoms Risk Forum members have significant input into other sessions on the meeting agendas, to ensure that they are relevant and cover key areas of common interest. We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

The International Telecoms Risk Forum membership is open to senior credit & risk professionals from international Tier One carriers. All membership applications are reviewed by the steering committee I accordance with the forum membership criteria. Membership is subject to acceptance of the forum constitution.

Current Membership Sample

  • BICS
  • BT
  • BTS
  • Citic
  • Colt Technology
  • Deutsche Telekom
  • Gamma Telecom
  • Ibasis
  • IDT Global
  • KDDI Global
  • Liquid Telecom
  • MGI
  • Orange Telecom
  • Tata Comms
  • Telehouse Europe
  • Telefonica
  • Telia Carrier
  • TEO
  • Telenor
  • Telecom Italia
  • Virgin Media
  • Verizon
  • Vodafone
  • Wavecrest

Fees

Members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. This is subject to passing an initial company.

There is an annual membership fee of £1450. This covers all administration and meeting costs, as well as membership of the ITRF Knowledge Sharing Hub.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs. Administrative assistance with travel arrangements and  hotel bookings is available.

 

The International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF)

Background

The International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF) is the premier Risk Forum for the global telecommunications industry. It was formed over ten years ago to provide a community for Europe’s Tier One Carriers and other industry participants. It aims to promote best practice in the telecoms industry and to minimise fraud and bad debt. The focus is on providing an assured benefit to members.

The objectives of the forum are to:

  • Share customer experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge
  • Develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • Improve skill levels
  • Provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

Credit Professionals Forum (CPF) – 10 July

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What our members say

For more information and an information pack Email cpf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 Credit Professional Forum meetings a year, each of one-day duration. These are held at The Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell, Berkshire.
Meetings start at 09.30 for 10am and runs through to 15.00 with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The Credit Professional Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Sessions are delivered through workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations.

We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to finance & credit professionals from companies across the industry spectrum. Membership is subject to acceptance of our membership terms & conditions.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £660 and covers all administration and meeting costs.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs where required.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the Forum between meetings.

There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other.

cpf@forumsinternational.co.uk

All members’ contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from where copies of all meeting presentations and workshop outputs can also be downloaded.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

 

Credit Professionals Forum (CPF)

Background

Formed in early 1991 and originally known as the CMIG. The Credit Professionals Forum (CPF) is now in its 26th year of quarterly meetings. Over the years the Credit Professionals Forum has widened its scope into a cross-industry community to which finance & credit professionals from all types of business are welcome.

The Credit Professionals Forum equips members with the practical tools they need to meet the challenges of the current business environment. The focus is on providing an assured benefit to members – this is different to anything you have attended before.

The objectives of the forum are to enable its members to:

  • share experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge of credit & finance matters
  • develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • improve skill levels
  • provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

SAP User Group – 11 July

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For more information and an information pack Email sapug@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 SAP User Group meetings a year.

Meetings start at 10.00 and run through to 14.30, with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided.

Meetings are held at various venues in the UK. We aim to hold meetings at members’ premises where possible as this provides the best access to a live SAP system.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The SAP user Group Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Most sessions are workshop-based, or large and small group discussions.

We also source and invite knowledgeable experts to attend to present on specific subjects of interest.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to AR professionals from any company considering, implementing or using SAP systems. Membership is subject to acceptance of our membership terms & conditions.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £600.

Members are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the SAP User Group Forum between meetings. There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other.

sap@forumsinternational.co.uk

All members’ contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from where copies of all meeting output can also be downloaded.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

 

SAP AR User Group

Background

The SAP User Group was developed in 1996 as an independent, cross-industry user group to support users working in credit and finance. The focus is to maximise members’ use and  understanding of the SAP system and its modules.

The objectives of the SAP User Group are to:

  • Enable members to build a ‘self-help’ network to enhance their knowledge and skills;
  • Share experiences and problems with the aim of finding effective solutions;
  • Assist members to improve the efficiency of their SAP use; and
  • Make members aware of the add-ons and services available from third-party suppliers.

IT Distributor & Reseller Credit Forum (DRF) – 12 July

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What our members say

Good day as always, especially the “People Hacker Session! Thoroughly interesting and thought provoking session. – Kevin Corcoran, Director Credit Services, Techdata

For more information and an information pack Email drf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 IT Distributers & Resellers Credit Forum meetings a year. Each of one-day duration, held at the Stratford Manor Hotel,  Stratford Upon Avon

Meeting Format

The IT Distributors & Resellers Credit Forum meetings start at 09.30 and run through to 15.00 with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided. There is an optional group dinner at the hotel the preceding evening.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The IT Distributors & Resellers Credit Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas in order to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Sessions are delivered through workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations.

We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to finance & credit professionals from distributors & resellers in the IT channel, subject to our standard membership terms & conditions.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £660 and covers all administration and meeting costs.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the Forum between meetings.

There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other.

drf@forumsinternational.co.uk

All members’ contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from where copies of all meeting presentations and workshop outputs can also be downloaded.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

 

IT Distributors & Resellers Credit Forum (DRF)

Background

The IT Distributors & Resellers Credit Forum (DRF) was formed in 2003 in conjunction with Graydon. It focuses primarily on credit, collections & risk management and fraud prevention. Aiming to equip members with the practical tools they need to meet the challenges of a changing business environment, and add value to their roles.

The objectives of the forum are to:

  • share experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge
  • develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • improve skill levels
  • provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

Business & Office Supplies Credit Forum (BSF) – 17 July

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What Our Member Say

“I am a member of a number of the forums which Laurie and Lynn run and I really enjoy the chance to get together with like minded individuals who all have similar challenges and situations which they have to deal with day to day. It is good to be able to benchmark yourself against a similar peer group and pick up good ideas to take back to the office.” – Jackie Griffiths, Credit Manager, Neopost

For more information and an information pack Email bsf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 3 meetings a year for the Business & Office Supplies Credit Forum, each of one-day duration. The 2016 meeting dates are:

Meeting Format

Meetings run from approximately 9.30am to 3.30pm. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

Challenging & Instructive Agendas

The Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive Delivery

Sessions take the form of workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations wherever possible. We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

Current Member Sample

  • Office Depot
  • Office Team
  • Evo Group
  • Ryman
  • Neopost
  • Lyreco
  • Office 2 Office

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to finance & credit professionals from national and large regional office supplies resellers.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £660 and covers all administration and meeting costs.

Members are responsible for their own accommodation and travel costs.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the Forum between meetings.

There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other, and an electronic system for the exchange of fraud attempt and attack information.

All members contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from which copies of all meeting presentation slides and workshop outputs are also available to download.

 

Business & Office Supplies Credit Forum (BSF)

Background

The Business & Office Supplies Credit Forum (BSF) has been developed by FI Ltd and our partners Experian to benefit senior finance, credit & risk professionals within the office supplies re-seller sector. The Business & Office Supplies Credit Forum is a peer group with common interests, which equips members with the practical tools they need to meet the challenges of their business environment and add value to their roles in credit management.

The BSF provides an environment for members to:

  • share experiences and processes and draw on each others’ knowledge
  • develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • improve skill levels
  • exchange information about instances of customer default and attempted fraud
  • provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF) – 13-14 September

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For more information and an information pack Email itrf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings a year, each of two-day duration. Refreshments & lunch are provided. There is an optional group dinner on the evening of Day One.

Venue

Two International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings a year are held in the UK and two are held in Europe. The Forums Administrator assists with hotel bookings/ transfer arrangements if required.

Data Exchange Session

The International Telecoms Risk Forum meetings include a formal data exchange session to enable members to discuss their customer accounts. The session is run strictly in accordance with all legal requirements, including but not limited to relevant data protection and competition law.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The International Telecoms Risk Forum members have significant input into other sessions on the meeting agendas, to ensure that they are relevant and cover key areas of common interest. We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

The International Telecoms Risk Forum membership is open to senior credit & risk professionals from international Tier One carriers. All membership applications are reviewed by the steering committee I accordance with the forum membership criteria. Membership is subject to acceptance of the forum constitution.

Current Membership Sample

  • BICS
  • BT
  • BTS
  • Citic
  • Colt Technology
  • Deutsche Telekom
  • Gamma Telecom
  • Ibasis
  • IDT Global
  • KDDI Global
  • Liquid Telecom
  • MGI
  • Orange Telecom
  • Tata Comms
  • Telehouse Europe
  • Telefonica
  • Telia Carrier
  • TEO
  • Telenor
  • Telecom Italia
  • Virgin Media
  • Verizon
  • Vodafone
  • Wavecrest

Fees

Members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. This is subject to passing an initial company.

There is an annual membership fee of £1450. This covers all administration and meeting costs, as well as membership of the ITRF Knowledge Sharing Hub.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs. Administrative assistance with travel arrangements and hotel bookings is available.

 

The International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF)

Background

The International Telecoms Risk Forum (ITRF) is the premier Risk Forum for the global telecommunications industry. It was formed over ten years ago to provide a community for Europe’s Tier One Carriers and other industry participants. It aims to promote best practice in the telecoms industry and to minimise fraud and bad debt. The focus is on providing an assured benefit to members.

The objectives of the forum are to:

  • Share customer experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge
  • Develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • Improve skill levels
  • Provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

Export/ International Credit Forum (ECF & ICF) – 25 September

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For more information and an information pack Email ecf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meeting Format

UK meetings start at 10.00 and run through to 16.00, with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided

Meeting Criteria

Meetings are currently being held at different venues.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The export Credit Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Sessions are delivered through workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations.

We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership to the Export Credit Forum is open to senior finance & credit professionals with responsibility for trading across borders. Membership is subject to acceptance of our membership terms & conditions.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

Full Membership

Membership covers the UK meetings 4 meetings (4 days) per year

Annual subscription £660

ecf@forumsinternational.co.uk

The above subscriptions are subject to VAT where the billing address is in the UK

 

Export Credit Forum (ECF)

The Export Credit Forum (ECF) was developed by Forums International Ltd to provide a community for senior finance & credit professionals who have responsibility for trading across borders, whether that be in Europe, or globally.

International trade in a changing business environment presents specific challenges to UK businesses. As well as different business cultures, those transacting and operating in different jurisdictions need to understand diverse legal and banking rules and corporate structures. The Export Credit Forum equips members with the practical tools they need to meet those challenges. The focus is on providing an assured benefit to members – this is different to anything you have attended before.

The objectives of the forum are to:

  • Share experiences and draw on each other’s knowledge
  • Develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • Improve skill levels
  • Provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.

Credit Professionals Forum (CPF) – 9 October

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For more information and an information pack Email cpf@forumsinternational.co.uk

Meeting Format

Meetings

There are 4 Credit Professional Forum meetings a year, each of one-day duration. These are held at The Coppid Beech Hotel in Bracknell, Berkshire.
Meetings start at 09.30 for 10am and runs through to 15.00 with breaks. Refreshments & lunch are provided.

Challenging & instructive agendas

The Credit Professional Forum members have significant input into meeting agendas, to ensure that sessions are relevant and cover key areas of common interest.

Interactive delivery

Sessions are delivered through workshops and discussions rather than lecture-style presentations.

We source and invite knowledgeable subject experts in order to ensure that content is of the highest standard.

 

Membership Information

Membership Criteria

Membership is open to finance & credit professionals from companies across the industry spectrum. Membership is subject to acceptance of our membership terms & conditions.

Fees

Prospective members are invited to attend their first meeting free of charge and without obligation, to assess the benefits of membership for themselves. Thereafter the annual membership fee is £660 and covers all administration and meeting costs.

Members are responsible for their own hotel, accommodation and travel costs where required.

Membership is not just about meetings

We encourage members to draw on the network of peers provided by the Forum between meetings.

There is an established electronic communications channel for  members to ask questions and stay in touch with each other.

cpf@forumsinternational.co.uk

All members’ contact details are available on the restricted-access area of the forum website, from where copies of all meeting presentations and workshop outputs can also be downloaded.

A LinkedIn Group has been established, membership of which is strictly limited to forum members and genuine prospective members.

 

Credit Professionals Forum (CPF)

Background

Formed in early 1991 and originally known as the CMIG. The Credit Professionals Forum (CPF) is now in its 26th year of quarterly meetings. Over the years the Credit Professionals Forum has widened its scope into a cross-industry community to which finance & credit professionals from all types of business are welcome.

The Credit Professionals Forum equips members with the practical tools they need to meet the challenges of the current business environment. The focus is on providing an assured benefit to members – this is different to anything you have attended before.

The objectives of the forum are to enable its members to:

  • share experiences and draw on each others’ knowledge of credit & finance matters
  • develop and enhance best and new practice in credit and risk management
  • improve skill levels
  • provide access to a network of like-minded professionals and relevant industry experts.