Agenda

Breakfast: Strathearn Restaurant

ICT Investment Forum Breakfast Briefing (the Ballroom)

In this session Knight Corporate Finance Director Adam Zoldan will share insights into current comms sector M&A trends, assess the themes reshaping deal structures and explore the key aspects of successful M&A decision making in 2024 and beyond.

Welcome back to Conference - The Henry Hall

Guest Keynote - Cally Beaton: Getting out of the weeds and daring to lead

In this session leadership coach Cally Beaton will draw on her many years experience working at the top of the media industry and as an executive coach to some of the most high profile people in the world – and shine a light on how to build organisational cultures that cultivate braver, more daring and more authentic leaders. She advocates that true business leaders are visionaries, value builders and positive influencers, and shows how choosing courage over comfort can help you build a winning culture.

Panel Session Two

Why thinking more strategically about culture will give you a competitive advantage

For culture to become a source of competitive advantage it needs to be developed with consistency and authenticity. Therefore it is important for business leaders to understand how their approach to culture can both support or hinder their growth prospects. It is equally important to authenticate cultural declarations with effective actions. But our survey findings suggest that strong beliefs in the power of culture as a driver for positive change may not in many cases be maximised or acted upon. In this session, we lay out evidence that shows how competitive advantage may be weakened by cultural shortfalls, and highlight opportunities to resolve the culture-related mismatches revealed by our research.

Panelists

• Alex Tempest, Managing Director, BT Wholesale
• Andy Smethurst, Channel Sales Director, Gamma
• Steve Hackley, Managing Director, Sky Business
• Raza Baloch, Head of Business Partners, Virgin Media O2 Business
• Cally Beaton, Leadership Coach

Guest Keynote - Dan Cobley: Building a culture of innovation in a technology-led world

Based on his deep experience working with Google and market leading fintech start-ups, Dan Cobley will share insights into what drives a sustainable culture of innovation and how that translates into long-term growth. Using rich examples gained from hands-on experience Dan will bring a practical perspective to innovation as a source of competitive advantage and driver of positive change.

Panel Session Three

Does technology and market planning need a serious reality check?

There is a strong correlation between a channel company's capacity to develop a powerful technology capability and its overall competitive performance. But we know from our research that many channel businesses may fall behind and be less able to react to what’s coming next unless challenges are addressed, wider opportunities are embraced and the channel ecosystem becomes more tightly interconnected. With this in mind, our third insight session aims to shed light on technology areas where channel businesses may need to rethink their strategic outlooks to create not only a more competitive organisation, but also build greater value in significant markets not currently maximised or addressed.

Panelists

• Gavin Murphy, Propositions Principal, BT Wholesale
• Paul Heritage-Redpath, Head of Products, CityFibre
• Matt Worboys Business Development Director, Gamma
• Nathan Marke, Chief Operating Officer, Giacom
• Neil Wilson, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, TalkTalk Wholesale Services
• Emma Keedwell, Head of Innovation, Vodafone Business

1-to-1 Networking and Boardroom Sessions

Lunch: Strathearn Restaurant

Welcome back to Conference - The Henry Hall

Panel Session Four

Unravelling collaboration trends and solidifying competitive advantage through alliances

Unleashing the full power of strategic alliances is fast becoming a mainstream goal for a growing number of channel companies. To get a full understanding of this important trend our research provides a solid foundation for our final insight session which will explore the most important challenges and opportunities that can be addressed through game changing collaborations. We also examine how combining ingenuity and strategic intent can be achieved and supported in practice, and how best to drive the collaboration agenda for a competitive advantage. Moreover, the data puts a spotlight on why business leaders may need to consider combinations of collaboration moving forward to achieve, for example, Net Zero goals and assure strategic alignment with key partners and customers on a broadening scope of requirements.

Panelists

• Gavin Jones, Channel Partners Director, BT Wholesale
• Andy Wilson, Sales Director, Wholesale Channel, CityFibre
• Dale Parkinson, Managing Director, Connectivity, Giacom
• Sam Weller, Head of Wholesale, Sky Business
• Paul Smith Chief Sales Officer (Partners), TalkTalk Wholesale Services
• John Chester, Director of Wholesale, Fixed, Virgin Media O2 Business
• Tom Robinson, Head of Commercial Indirect, Vodafone Business

Guest Keynote - Mandy Hickson: Choosing your flightpath

Former Royal Air Force pilot Mandy Hickson will open a window into the personal and strategic lessons she learned as a fast jet pilot operating in hostile environments. From remaining calm under pressure, leading from the front and making strategic decisions in the face of high risk, Mandy will provide vivid insights into how to communicate, empower and draw the best from yourself and others in high-pressure situations.

1-to-1 Networking and Boardroom Sessions

Drinks Reception: Century Bar

Gala Dinner: The Ballroom

Breakfast: Strathearn Restaurant

Sports Activities: Golf & Clay Pigeon Shooting

Lunch: Strathearn Restaurant

Coach Transfers to Edinburgh Airport

Coach Transfers to Glasgow Airport