London conference showcases R&I expertise

An audience of more than 130 heard restructuring and insolvency experts discussing recent cases, debating with litigation funders and insolvency practitioners and hearing from outside speakers, at HCR inc Sprecher Grier’s ‘In for the Win’ event.

The event, at the Museum of London, gave delegates a chance to hear a wide range of speakers, including Dan Sejas, head of the firm’s R&I team in London, who opened with a topical update ranging from the state of the retail sector to the considerable impact of COVID-19 on businesses.

Reuben Comiskey and Christopher Boardman from sponsors Radcliffe Chambers gave the conference a lively debate on the different arguments deployed in BTI v Sequana – Reuben, who introduced references to the Twilight Zone and the Walking Dead, won the popular vote at the debate’s close.

Former hostage negotiator and listening and communications expert Richard Mullender of The Listening Institute challenged and engaged the whole conference. Addressing the fundamental principles of how we communicate with each other, he set interactive tasks and asked delegates to reassess how they negotiated with others in future.

A panel discussion involving Chris Laughton (Mercer & Hole) Piers Elliott from sponsors Henderson & Jones, Dan Sejas and chaired by partner Alex Wild looked at two recent decisions involving the role of litigation funding.

They considered the duties of officeholders when pursuing or assigning litigation, how to minimise the risk of claims against them, how to assess causes of action and how litigation funders or purchasers can help officeholders.

Alan Meiklejohn and Nicolas Groffman (HCR’s Head of International) summarised the current Brexit issues and trends, and Kristine Scott, partner in HCR’s employment team, advised delegates on how the upcoming changes to IR35 would impact on businesses of all kinds and offered practical steps on how to prepare.

Paul Farbrace, former assistant coach to the English cricket team and current sporting director for Warwickshire County Cricket Club, rounded off the day. He advocated giving skilled professionals the space to contribute their best to a team effort without over-planning and also allowing internal competition to drive people forward.

Sam Payne, Head of Restructuring and Insolvency, said afterwards: “It was a superb event – I have received a lot of very positive feedback already. The speakers were genuinely excellent – many guests had favourite host speakers, but they enjoyed the mix and the chance to meet colleagues.”