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Forum 24 White

VENUE

Tuesday 2nd July 2024

Congress Centre,
28 Great Russell Street,
London,
WC1B 3LS

congress.centre@tuc.org.uk

FCSA FORUM 2024 WAS THE BIGGEST YET

This full-day event was packed with presentations, roundtable discussions and plenty of networking opportunities, with over 200 of the sector’s most influential in attendance.

Talks from key industry stakeholders drove the conference, with coffee breaks and a buffet lunch, allowing time to visit the trade stalls, with FCSA Business Partners and Independent Assessors.

Forum 2024 Sponsors

TrustID Sticker
MyDigital Table
Brabners Sticker
COHIBL Sticker
JMW Sticker
Qdos Sticker
FreeAgent Sticker
Smart Pension Sticker
Marsh Newsletter
isipp sticker
interactive investor logo
rsign sticker
ims decimal sponsor
SBF Sticker

Forum 2024 Itinerary

Click on the heading to see more information

Doors open for registration

Browse our sponsor stands and enjoy tea, coffee and pastries while you do.

Conference starts

Introduction from FCSA’s Chief Executive, Chris Bryce.

Realising your Investment and Planning your Exit – the Rise of EOTs in the Umbrella and Recruitment Industry

Many business owners face similar challenges when considering the future of their business, attracting and retaining talent, and realising the value that they have built in their company.

Employee Ownership Trusts (“EOTs”) are a succession solution that is becoming increasingly popular with umbrella company and recruitment business owners. Not only can employee ownership secure the future of your business by retaining your brand, culture and legacy; employee-owned businesses also continue to evidence increased productivity, more sustainable and resilient business models, and more engaged employees.

Stephen Hadlow, Head of Brabners’ specialist EOT Team, will explain how employee ownership works as a succession strategy and will explore the advantages of an EO model including:

• Safeguarding culture, independence and protecting legacy

• Favourable tax treatment – to both the exiting business owners and the employees

• Relaxed internally managed exit process

15 minute presentation Q&A 

A sneak peek into the future of Umbrella Payroll Tech

  • How to think differently about payroll?
  • AI is here, what changes should we expect and when?
  • How to manage change in your business?

15 minute presentation with a 5 minute Q&A.

Sponsor Roundtable

Your table host will chair some questions. This is an opportunity to discuss market insights and network with the people you are seated with.

15 minutes of discussion with 5 minutes where we discuss as a room at large.

Tea, Coffee & Networking Break

Enjoy some refreshments, network with other attendees and visit our sponsor stalls.

25 minutes.

Welcome back from break

Time to join a new table in the conference area.

5 minutes.

Unlocking Your Leadership Potential: Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

 

  1. Trust: Cultivate trust within your team by demonstrating consistency in your actions and communication
  2. Adaptability: Fostering a culture of flexibility and resilience, encouraging team members to embrace change and adapt to new challenges with agility and positivity.
  3. Knowing Strengths: Encourage self-awareness and recognition of individual strengths among team members and promoting collaboration based on each person’s unique abilities

 

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

You’re having a Lamjafjaf!

In this short talk, Simon will look at the recent judgment in the case of M Lamjafjaf v Runnymede Borough Council, which considered the employment status of an umbrella worker supplied to Runnymede Borough Council via an employment agency. As Simon acted for the Council in successfully defending the case, he speaks with some authority!

 

Takeaways:

1. A reminder of the current law on employment status and how it operates to protect end clients in the context of umbrella employees.

2. Contractual provisions to watch out for which may seek to push liability for status claims back onto the umbrella company.

3. How to spot a serial litigant.

 

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

Sponsor Roundtable

Your table host will chair some questions. This is an opportunity to discuss market insights and network with the people you are seated with.

15 minutes of discussion with 5 minutes where we discuss as a room at large.

Lunch & Networking Break

Enjoy some refreshments, network with other attendees and visit our sponsor stalls.

45 minutes.

Welcome back from lunch

Time to join a new table in the conference area.

5 minutes.

How will the landscape Employment Law change with a Labour Government

  • What changes are being proposed?

  • What effect will this have on business particularly those who rely on a flexible workforce

  • What can you do to prepare now?

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

Evolution of the D2C Investment Platform Market

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

Sponsor Roundtable

Your table host will chair some questions. This is an opportunity to discuss market insights and network with the people you are seated with.

15 minutes of discussion with 5 minutes where we discuss as a room at large.

Tea, Coffee & Networking Break

Enjoy some refreshments, network with other attendees and visit our sponsor stalls.

25 minutes.

Welcome back from break

Time to join a new table in the conference area.

5 minutes.

Pension savings – looking ahead at the next ten years

Hear from pension experts exploring how the next decade will impact contractors saving for retirement across three crucial scenarios:

  1. those with multiple pensions with various pension providers
  2. individuals investing in one workplace pension scheme
  3. those managing a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
 
Hear about the upcoming pension-related changes, including the introduction of pension dashboards, the concept of a pot for life, the benefits of salary sacrifice, one-off single contributions and investments in alternatives. Plus a chance to ask our pension experts a question.

 

15 minute talk and 5 minute Q&A

A panel with REC, APSCo & Team

20 minute talk and 10 minute Q&A.

FCSA closing address

FCSA Chief Executive, Chris Bryce, closes the conference with a Q&A.

15 minutes.

Networking & drinks

Delegates are asked to return name badges on the way out.

Forum 2024 Speakers

Chris Bryce

CEO

FCSA

SPEAKER BIO

Chris Bryce is an accomplished CEO with a record of achievement in delivering excellence, growth, cultural change and influence in complex businesses and non-profits, most recently as CEO of The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE).

Chris began his career in sales, becoming Sales Director of a business logistics company and then moving on to become its General Manager where he gained experience in operational management and computerisation. Following that Chris stepped into the world of contracting and consultancy starting as an analyst/programmer at a number of financial institutions, with clients including HSBC, CitiBank, Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan. He then moved into strategic change management, delivering multiple global-scale change programmes as a consultant Programme Director, again within Financial Services with clients such as RBS/NatWest.

Chris then spent seven years as CEO of IPSE, leading it to become a multiple award-winning non-profit and the go-to organisation speaking for the complex and diverse self-employed sector to Government and the media. During his time as IPSE’s CEO he also acted as President of The European Forum of Independent Professionals (EFIP), a collaboration of national associations from across Europe which represent independent professionals at EU level through targeted research and advocacy. He has also held a number of non-executive roles and advises on not-for-profit governance.

With 25 years of experience in the freelance and contractor industry, Chris has campaigned long and hard for the betterment of the entire profession and as he takes on the role as CEO of FCSA Bryce says, “I’m delighted to join FCSA as its new CEO. It’s my aim to ensure all parties in the supply chain, especially contractors served by FCSA members can expect the highest levels of compliance, transparency and reliability from FCSA accredited members as well as regarding the FCSA itself as a trusted partner, which will act independently and with integrity.”

James Burrows

CHAIR

FCSA

SPEAKER BIO

James has a first-class degree in Mathematics and an Executive MBA. He is a well-rounded leader with a diverse background, from running start-up businesses to leading global strategic change programmes.

Many years ago James set up his own PSC, offering strategic consultancy services to the construction and oil and gas industries. Through this experience he learnt first-hand about some of the intricacies and challenges within the temporary labour market, standing him in good stead to help influence future legislation and regulations.

He later ran the umbrella and payroll offerings for Danbro, Gabem, Trafalgar and Black Diamond until December 2022, gaining invaluable experience within the sector. James joined the FCSA Board in Sept 2020, and elected Non-Executive Chair by the Board and FCSA Membership in Jan 2022. He strives to make positive change across the sector and continually drive best practice throughout the membership base.

Stuart Reid

DIRECTOR OF WORKPLACE PENSIONS

SMART PENSION

SPEAKER BIO

Stuart has worked in UK pensions for over 25 years, and has seen significant changes over that time. This experience has allowed him to help many employers improve the retirement outcomes of their workforce. He has worked for consultancies and providers such as Scottish Widows, Hymans Robertson, Willis Towers Watson and Standard Life.

AHv2

Amy Hanson

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

MY DIGITAL

SPEAKER BIO

Meet Amy Hanson, a Business Development Manager who has been making waves in the umbrella payroll, recruitment, and software sectors since 2020. A proven expert in client management and payroll software, Amy’s innovative approach has dramatically transformed processes and operations for numerous clients. With her focus on maximising business efficiency and enhancing cost-effectiveness, she delivers unparalleled results that propel payroll businesses forward.

Gail emms picture 2

Gail Emms MBE

WORLD CHAMPION ATHLETE & OLYMPIAN

SPEAKER BIO

Gail Emms MBE is an icon of British sporting success, with a string of gold, silver and bronze medals achieved in a huge array of international competitions and Olympic Games.  As a former world champion and having won a silver medal at the Athens Olympic Games with mixed badminton doubles partner Nathan Robertson, Gail Emms MBE has now retired and can look back on a career that saw her reach the very top of her sport, taking on new and exciting projects.

As one of Britain’s inspiring Olympians, Gail Emms MBE represents the very best of the nation’s sporting offering.  She began playing badminton from the age of four and she has shaped her career around the sport representing her country for the first time in 1995.

Her appearances in both women’s and mixed doubles tournaments has seen her repeatedly decorated with  medals and she consistently achieved results that saw her reach the top of the world rankings.

Inspired by her family’s love of sport, Gail was always destined for a glittering career.  Now retired from professional competition, she has turned her attentions to sharing the hugely positive impact that sport can have on life and well-being, working as a Youth Sport Trust and Badminton Sport England Ambassador, inspiring young people to be more active and lead a healthy lifestyle.

David Laws v2

Rt Hon David Laws

STRATEGIC ADVISOR

GK STRATEGY

SPEAKER BIO

David Laws is a strategic adviser to GK Strategy, with a particular wealth of experience across education and skills. Between 2001 and 2015, David served as the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Yeovil.

 

He held various senior frontbench positions for the party in Parliament, including serving as its spokesperson on schools, children and families. David served an integral role in the negotiations of the 2010 Coalition Government, joining the Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and later serving as Minister of State for Schools in the Department for Education and Minister of State in the Cabinet Office.

Simon Horsfield

Simon Horsfield

FOUNDER & PARTNER

HORSFIELD MENZIES

SPEAKER BIO

Simon has been specialising in employment law for over 25 years. During that time, he has amassed a wealth of experience at some of the country’s leading law firms advising large corporates, SMEs and owner managed businesses on the full gamut of employment law issues. Whilst he describes himself as ‘sector agnostic’, he has gained significant experience along the way of working with recruitment businesses and umbrella companies, and has an in depth understanding of IR35 and the Off Payroll Working rules. Simon is a regular contributor to employment law blogs and articles, enjoys time in the ‘classroom’ as an employment law trainer, and is an accomplished public speaker. In 2021, he launched Horsfield Menzies along with his business partner, Angus Menzies. The firm specialises in delivering HR Legal, HR Tax and HR Consulting services. As the firm’s strapline suggests, every member of the Horsfield Menzies team is ‘passionate about people’.

SAM PHOTO apsco

Samantha Hurley

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

APSCo

SPEAKER BIO

As APSCo’s Operations Director, Sam has responsibility for the development of APSCo’s presence and reputation within the UK.  She ensures innovation, development and improved delivery of existing and new members services, resources, and engagement through the various delivery teams, and the continuing improvement and development of the operational running of the UK business.

Sam has over 30 years’ experience in the UK recruitment sector, and previously ran APSCo’s legal and public affairs offering. Prior to joining APSCo in May 2013, Sam owned and ran a legal services company and held senior management positions within the recruitment sector.

Simon JMW

Simon Bloch

PARTNER

JMW

SPEAKER BIO

Simon joined JMW in September 2017 as a Partner in our Employment department.

Simon has a specific expertise in working with clients in the recruitment sector and has worked with clients in this sector since 2007.

He has extensive knowledge and understanding about the Agency Workers’ Regulations and regulatory legislation that govern how employment agencies can operate.

Simon has worked with a number of the recruitment trade associations and their members.

Simon regularly assists businesses put in place compliant contractual terms.

Simon has significant experience and expertise in advising recruitment businesses with restrictive covenant disputes and has specific expertise in the issues arising from the use of social media.

In addition, Simon also has a general employment practice.

Paul Chamberlain bw

Paul Chamberlain

PARTNER

JMW

SPEAKER BIO
Brabners Speaker

Stephen Hadlow

HEAD OF EOT TEAM

BRABNERS

SPEAKER BIO
Andy Hallett

Andy Hallett

MANAGING DIRECTOR

RECSPAND

SPEAKER BIO

Andy Hallett has been in the Recruitment Agency space for 25 years, firstly part of the multinational firm SThree and latterly as an independent consultant to recruitment agencies and suppliers to the sector. He has also co-founded a network of 800 agency founders and continues to be a passionate advocate of contract recruitment both in the UK and globally.

Neil carberry bw

Neil Carberry

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

REC

SPEAKER BIO

Neil Carberry was appointed as Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation in June 2018.  In 1999, Neil began his career in recruitment working for executive search firm Fraser Watson before doing a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the London School of Economics and joining the CBI in 2004. He led the CBI’s work on the labour market, skills, energy and infrastructure. He is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the RSA and a member of the Company of HR Professionals. Neil is a member of the council of the conciliation service ACAS and a former member of the Low Pay Commission, which recommends UK minimum wages. A seven-time nominee to the SIA staffing100 in Europe, he is also on the board and exec of the World Employment Confederation and of a Multi-Academy Trust in England. Neil is an RFU-qualified rugby referee and coach and is one of the 8000 co-owners who made Heart of Midlothian the UK’s biggest fan-owned football club.

James derham

James Derham

HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

INTERACTIVE INVESTOR

SPEAKER BIO

As Head of Business Development at Interactive Investor (ii) James is responsible for new business and growth initiatives and is currently setting up a partnership model with accountancy firms and umbrella companies. He has been with ii for 9 years and was previously responsible for the groups corporate development activities including the acquisition of several other investment platforms and subsequent sale of ii to abrdn group in May 2022.  James was formerly at Kleinwort Benson Private Bank and Capco consulting group where he held senior finance roles as an ACCA qualified accountant.

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