Conference Timetable

08:30

Registration & refreshments

09:30

Opening remarks

Stephen Briers, Editor, AM Magazine

09:40

Economic outlook where are we heading?

James Bellini, Business analyst & TV broadcaster

Are we heading for recession? Just where will the economy be in 6-12 months’ time? What is the outlook for consumer spending, fuel prices – and car sales? Renowned business analyst and TV broadcaster James Bellini will give you a steer on these and other vital questions.

10:15

How global pressures could shape the future of the UK Motor Retail sector

Nigel Ruddock, National Head of Automotive, Grant Thornton Automotive Services

Nigel Ruddock, Head of the Grant Thornton Automotive team, will give an insight into the current issues affecting the global automotive market, considering their impact on the whole sector and providing pointers for the likely outcomes for the UK motor retail industry.

10:45

Managing your bank relationships in difficult times

Keith Parry, Relationship Director, Barclays Commercial Bank

A good relationship with your bank is essential – but how can you be sure you are getting the best deal? And that you’re in control of your charges? In this session, Keith Parry of Barclays Commercial Bank will also discuss current hot topics that may affect your business including business and banking covenants, and LIBOR rates.

11:15

Questions & Answers

11:25

Break & Refreshments

11:55

Survival for a better future - what can you control?

Paul Burrows, Partner, Grant Thornton Automotive Services

There is no doubting that the sector faces tough times ahead. Cash will again be king. Is there a route to a successful future? Paul Burrows, Partner in the Grant Thornton Auto team, will look at the basics for success and the shape of things to come.

12:25

Take control of your cash: a case study

John O'Hanlon, Chief Executive, Ridgeway Group

This session will build on Paul’s presentation with a ‘case study’ element where a leading operator from among the AM100 describes how they manage their cashflow in practice.

12:50

Questions & Answers

13:00

Lunch

14:00

Selling cars to the green consumer

Colin Bruder, Managing Director, Network Automotive

When times are tough, selling cars is everyone’s job in the dealership – including the Finance Director! This session looks at the rise of the ‘green’ car buyer and how you can capitalise by connecting with them in your sales and marketing activities.

14:30

How to make more profit in your Service Department

Jeff Smith, Author

Increasingly, franchised motor retailers are looking to Aftersales to drive their revenue and profits. As well as exploring new paradigms in the Service Department, Jeff will explain how to get the three most important workshop KPIs to work in synergy with each other and provide some dynamic tips and techniques for you to implement into your business so that you can deliver more profit, more easily and more often.

15:00

Questions & Answers

15:10

Refreshments

15:40

VAT review - your checklist of key attention areas

Andy Foxall, Trade Sector Adviser - Automotive, HM Revenue & Customs

Get the inside track on what VAT inspectors are looking for when they visit a motor trade business. In this session, Andy Foxall of HM Revenue & Customs will help you to avoid VAT errors by highlighting the top ten problem areas.

16:10

Top entrepreneurs secrets of success

John Madejski & David Owen-Smith

John Madejski built up the Auto Trader brand into a £175 million business. In what is sure to be an inspirational session, he will explain what drive him to keep looking at new business opportunities and how, in most cases, he manages to turn them into gold.

Accompanying him will be David Owen-Smith, the MD at lotsof.net – an online car sales marketplace which John bought into in April ‘07 and which is aiming to transform the fleet and corporate car market.
 

16:50

Questions & Answers

17:00

Chairman closing remarks