MAKE A WISH Credit Management asked members of the CICM Think Tank what is on their Christmas wishlist and why? And how could

it change their jobs, their business and the world?

Martin Roseweir FCICM, Managing Director, Bill Gosling.

“WHAT I want for Christmas is a continuation of our journey to enhance our digital capabilities. This year was transformative for us and 2020 needs to follow to allow us to service our clients and their customers in a cost effective way. The roadmap is in place, delivery is key.

“And finally, an understanding across the industry that we should embrace all forms of communication to make customer journeys the right journey for the individual. We still have inconsistencies across the industry with some embracing the changing face of communications more than others. A consistent view of those ‘new’ communications methods would enhance our performance and customer experience.”

Jo Kettner, Managing Director, Company Watch.

“If you’d asked me for my summer wish list, I probably wouldn’t have said an 80-page consultation on the future of Companies House! In fact, though, I was really impressed by how radical some of the proposals were, so what I’d really like for Christmas is some clarity from Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on the next steps now that they have had three months to review the responses.

“For me, hearing that BEIS has understood the point we made about the need to include company verification alongside director verification is essential. I would love to engage with Government more widely about how other official data sources could be used to help close some of the loopholes which allow fraudsters to operate phoney companies; creating a business environment that is safer for everyone has surely got to be at the top of most people’s wish list. Of course, for this to happen we need a period of political stability – roll on 13 December.

“When I asked my young children what should be on my Christmas wish list, there was no hesitation: ‘to see the new Frozen film!’ I just hope that BEIS will embrace the chance to take a step into the unknown for the greater good and that the response will not be put on ice because it is seen as too difficult a problem to solve.”

O P I N I O N

Dan Hancocks MCICM, Managing Director, CoCredo.

“I have the classic issue of not having enough time on my hands. I am lucky enough to say that business has been fantastic this year, but with so many projects that I would like to be involved with sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

“So, on my Christmas wish list I would ask for more hours in the day. This would enable me to work even closer to my full potential and also allow me to do the things I love, such as spend more time with my children and friends. I would also spend this time focussing on raising more money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital, a charity that is very dear to me.

“I am currently exploring mindfulness and feel that this is benefitting both my work and home life as it has strengthened my positive outlook and highlighted the things I am grateful for every day. A quote from Isha Sadhguru said: ‘There is no such thing as work-life balance – it’s all life. The balance has to be within you’.

The Recognised Standard / www.cicm.com / December 2019 / PAGE 52

The Recognised Standard / www.cicm.com / December 2019 / PAGE 53

Richard Leonard, Head of Data Partnerships at Experian.

“NEW, high quality data is at the top of the Christmas list for any credit reference agency (CRA), and Experian is no different. I would like to see the Government make more data available to the industry. For example, if HMRC was to share data on small businesses then it could help Experian and other CRAs to score small businesses more accurately, while also reducing financial crime. A lack of financial data holds back many smaller organisations from accessing the growth funding they need to take their company to the next level – new data sources can unlock their potential.”

O P I N I O N

David Sheridan FCICM, Operations Director, ARC Europe.

“We are massively dependent on a vibrant consumer economy and yet we seem to be hell-bent on removing access to credit under the catch-all banner of protecting vulnerable customers. Creditors no longer lending seems to be met with applause from the media, government and consumer watchdog stalwarts and yet behind the scenes firms are trying to assess how they can operate and provide vital credit services in the face of regulators’ who sit on the side-lines and do nothing to deal with vexatious and predatory Claims Management Companies (CMC) firms who are fuelling the drive for compensation for alleged and in many cases unfounded breaches of lending standards.

“What I want for Christmas can be summed up as having confidence that providing credit in a responsible manner has a future in the UK and that the quest for consumer interest includes a vibrant and sustainable consumer credit industry fit for the many! Otherwise, I’d like everyone to have everything they need to meet their lifestyle requirements for free forever!”

Jason Braidwood FCICM(Grad),Head of Credit and Collections at Creditsafe.

“Almost every commercial business has debt owed at some point – even businesses in our industry! And it’s the people skills, problem solving and business acumen that gets that cashflow going. In my 25 years working mitigating financial risks for companies I have come across my fair share of challenges.

“Top of my wish list for what would make working life easier would be accessing more trade payment data information. Businesses don’t necessarily like to provide their Accounts Receivable data as they feel it may not be confidential enough – even though it’s an anonymous programme. From a credit management and risk perspective I’d benefit in my role along with others as this information is real-time and would aid in the collections environment – it would give me a much better payment profile of our own customers and how long it takes for them to pay their debts.”