1. Is the industry ready to face the challenges that it’s going to encounter over the next 12 months?

A: There has been a lot of effort made by those in the industry to 'level up' to face the challenges of the next 12 months - which I believe the restructuring and insolvency space, with our skill set is in a great position to assist with. The challenges of normalising the economy following what we have all lived through since March 2020 is exactly what professionals in this sector work with on a day to day basis, navigating uncharted territory for business and individuals facing financial distress and working out bespoke routes for them on a path to a more positive future. That is exactly what is needed now. Those colleagues who I regularly interact with in the industry and ready and able to partner with government and other stakeholders to work our way through what could be a tough period.

2. What changes must those in the industry make to face those challenges effectively?

A: Personally, I believe that that the industry needs to make better use of technology. There are advances in software which, if embraced by the industry could plug the gaps at a more administrative level, leaving the more cerebral work to those with the experience and skillset. Prior to the pandemic we did see many skills leaving the sector, which will be difficult to replace - this was due to a fairly benign economy. Making use of technology will systemise the routine and humanise the exception - allowing those with the knowledge and grey hairs to provide the bespoke solutions that will be vitally needed.

3. What do you think the industry will look like in the next five to 10 years?

A: I hope to see a real embracing of technology in the industry - providing an opportunity for new talent to help shape the new world. For the statutory work that we do, much of the legislation was written in the 80s and the world has changed vastly since then, including becoming more digital and faster paced and whilst there have been changes to the legislation, it's not enough. It would be good to recognise that at it's heart the legislation is sound, but the practices that have been built up around it cause a lot of unnecessary red tape.

4. Without giving too much away, what do you hope delegates will learn from your keynote at TRI Conference?

A: My wish would be that our session will provide a hope for moving forwards. It is an opportunity to restructure debt that has been left sitting due to the lack of a 'burning platform' to do something. I wholly support the government measures, however there is a real need for the restructure to happen in order that the economy can heal and begin to function more normally again - from my experiences since the lifting of these restrictions, I wish to bring real life examples of the work that I have been involved in, what the trends have been and where the directors are hoping to go, from the younger directors who are looking to dust themselves off and begin again or for those directors who are now looking forward to retirement! I hope that my keynote will provide some real insight for the delegates.