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Investigo Credit Professionals Business Breakfast Event

Investigo Guildford had the pleasure of hosting their first Credit Professionals Business Breakfast at Silvermere Golf and Leisure today. On the agenda, aside from a tasty breakfast enjoyed with views over the lake, were topics affecting the Credit Management world. 

Craig Moore, committee member for the Sussex and Surrey Chartered Institute of Credit Management opened discussions with the ‘Benefits of Promoting the CICM Qualification’ within credit departments. A common theme across the table was the delicate balance needed between keeping staff members engaged through investment in qualifications and providing progression for those successfully qualified. Board level Credit Directors are few and far between in the UK market which sees a narrowing of options for those looking to progress within credit management at the top level. For those managing a team of ambitious credit controllers the question of ‘what progression can you offer, for those looking to qualify, if the business already has a Credit Manager?’ contrasted against by ‘how do we keep good people if we don’t invest in qualifications?’ is a regular challenge.

Lana Wills from Investigo’s Guildford office led discussions on the subject of automation. Having started her career in credit management before moving into recruitment, Lana saw the beginnings of automation taking the burden of many of the more manual processes and put to our guests how much automation and robotics were impacting the role of the credit controller. A lively discussion around the pros; improved telecoms infrastructure, automated cash allocation, and cons; elimination of the human element in building relationships, ensued. It looks to be a conversation that will continue as more technology is developed. 

With representatives from the travel, publishing, FMCG and manufacturing sectors, all with exposure to the international markets, conversations naturally led to the changing global political landscape and its impact on the credit world. Cultural differences aside the challenges our credit professionals were experiencing most frequently centred around local VAT and withheld tax, an area we will look to explore further in the future. Brexit remains on the watch list but with no immediate impact felt as yet it seems it is business as normal for the UK’s credit controllers.

To hear more about this session or register for our next session please contact Lana Wills at lana.wills@investigo.co.uk