The businesses that not only make it through to the other side of the credit crunch, but which are best positioned to grow and beat the competition won’t be the ones that spent their whole time huddled over their spreadsheets. Sure, good cost management is vital, but at best that can only help prevent failure.

Real success requires more than that. It involves talking to experts and peers, sharing ideas on the state of the market and on best practice in financial management. It calls for FDs who can see the bigger picture, the need to recruit and retain talented people, the ability to use controls and compliance as a platform for growth, not a constraint.

It is with all this in mind that we have built the programme for the Financial Director Summit 2008. Now in its fourth year, this already well-respected event is our best yet ­ thanks in no small measure to our readers. We conducted extensive research, as well as adding the feedback from last year’s 50-plus delegates.

We’ve gone even further than that by creating a unique advisory board, comprising FTSE-100 FDs and other leading experts who have advised on the key issues that need to be discussed ­ people such as Andrew Higginson, FD of Tesco, former Tomkins FD Ken Lever, Morrisons FD Richard Pennycook and ex-BAA FD Margaret Ewing (now with Deloitte).

You told us that the format of the event is just as important as the list of topics. So this year, we are creating many more breakout-style discussion groups, providing delegates with plenty of opportunities to share ideas with other FDs, instead of being stuck on the receiving end of back-to-back PowerPoint presentations.

Been there, done that
Few people know more about how to address the critical issues of the day than other finance directors ­ people who have been there and done it and are used to communicating their decisions to the investor world and the board. That’s why we have plenty of FDs taking a full, active part in the Summit.

Our headline sponsor this year is Oracle, and the Summit is also supported by Watson Wyatt and Abbey UK Corporate Banking. All will be available to you at your option to discuss the issues that matter to you.

All of this takes place on 25th-26th September in the exquisite surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel in Hook, Hampshire. Less than an hour outside London, our venue affords the opportunity to catch up with other FDs in a relaxed, private, and leisurely setting. Accommodation and meals at this five-star hotel are included in the conference fee of £995, as are conference materials and, of course, a champagne reception and our gala dinner.

We look forward to welcoming you.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
Tesco FD Andrew Higginson will be opening the programme with a keynote speech themed ‘The credit crunch and beyond’, in which he will set out the key challenges for FDs over the next three-to-five years.

Sir Michael Rake, chairman of BT and former chairman of KPMG International, will present a keynote speech on the challenge of regulation in the 21st century.

A panel discussion will feature Vodafone FD Andy Halford and HBOS chief risk officer Roger Dix on the balance between internal controls and business growth.

Nigel Wilson, FD of United Business Media, brings his M &A experience to a session on how to conduct a value-enhancing acquisition and Morrisons FD Richard Pennycook will explain how he helped turn around the supermarket chain.

Dennis Turner, HSBC chief economist, makes a welcome return to unveil his outlook for the economy.

Other sessions will look at tax strategy, outsourcing and the war for talent, and much more. For the full programme, visit financialdirector.co.uk/summit08.

CONTACT
For the full conference programme and to book your place, click here, or call Kiana on (020) 7316 9509.