We’re delighted to welcome back Nicole Newbury and colleagues from the Large Business directorate at HMRC to update attendees on a range of topics of relevance to corporate taxpayers, including policy implementation; working with international tax authorities; and resourcing.
Awaab’s Law in Focus: Sector Response and Government Outlook
Awaab’s Law, introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, set a new legal framework requiring landlords to address reported damp and mould within strict timeframes. The legislation has been a catalyst for accountability and change across the housing sector, but questions remain about how effectively the first version has been implemented and what future iterations could entail.
SPEAKERS
Cathy Steeghs, Health, Safety & Repairs – Awaab’s Law, Social Housing Directorate, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government | Anabelle Harraway, Policy Advisory, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government | Megan Stuart, Policy Advisor – Health, Safety & Repairs – Awaab’s Law, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
The in-house tax team will typically have a close involvement in acquisitions, most obviously conducting due diligence to assess any exposure to tax risk in target companies, supporting the negotiation and arranging W&I insurance to cover any residual risks that might remain hidden.
CHAIR
Louisa Gonzalez, Head of Tax, Advisory Member
SPEAKERS
Peter Bellini, Group Head of Tax, The Ardonagh Group | Darren Tish, Tax Senior Manager, M&G Plc
Human, Skills & Agentic AI – The Rolls-Royce Story
In 2023, Rolls-Royce faced a critical crossroads: every division in the company was heading toward a major skills shortage. To solve it, the organization didn’t just recruit; they fundamentally redesigned how work happens.
SPEAKERS
Stuart Evans, Director – Future of Work & Digital Employee Experience, Rolls-Royce
“The Skills Gap”: Bridging the Divide Between Education and Industry
The UK faces a growing misalignment between the skills graduates leave university with and the capabilities businesses urgently need. With automation, AI, and demographic shifts reshaping entry-level roles, organisations are struggling to source talent equipped with both technical expertise and the human skills of resilience, empathy, and curiosity.
CHAIR
Alastair Procter, SVP, Strategic Human Resource Operations, The Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG)
SPEAKERS
Phil Beach CBE, Chairman, Energy & Utility Skills | Ruchika Karakoti, Founder and Principal Consultant, Karakoti Consulting Limited | Steve Saville, VP, People, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
Managing The Unspoken C-Suite Conflict – For a CEO, the greatest asset isn’t just a talented team—it’s one that pulls in the same direction. When an undercurrent of hesitation replaces honest conversation, or when leaders challenge each other but fail to truly listen, progress stalls. These dynamics can breed quiet resentment and “circular” arguments, slowing down decision-making and business output.
In this session, Claire Foy from Flying Iguana draws on her deep expertise in team dynamics to help you move your board or senior exec team beyond “polite” dysfunction or ego-driven debate. Claire reveals how to bring tricky subjects to the surface calmly, turning hidden friction into renewed energy.
You’ll leave with a sensible guide for building a high-trust culture where leaders feel safe to be honest and open to being influenced. Join us to find out how Claire’s work can get your leaders back on the same page, boosting output and giving you the confidence to lead your company to its next big win.
From Vanity Metrics to Value Metrics — Reframing What ‘Success’ Means
In a climate marked by intense scrutiny on marketing investments and rapid AI integration, CMOs are under unprecedented pressure to move beyond surface-level metrics. This session offers a clear roadmap to quantify and articulate your true P&L impact. The discussion will focus on shifting from ‘vanity metrics’ like impressions and engagement to value metrics directly tied to pipeline, closed deals, and tangible business revenue.
SPEAKERS
Juliet Machan, Director, Global Audience & Measurement, EY
As AI agents and humanoid robotics move from science fiction to the boardroom, the traditional silos of HR and IT are beginning to crumble. Moving beyond the “what” and into the “how,” Stuart will detail the practicalities of the Rolls-Royce transformation, a journey that saw the organization shift from empowered, separate business units to a centralized, enterprise-wide operating model that treats people, AI agents, and robotics as complementary value-generating assets.
SPEAKERS
Stuart Evans, Director – Future of Work & Digital Employee Experience, Rolls-Royce
Join this high-impact masterclass led by Paul R Smith, creator of the SOSTAC® planning framework and author of SOSTAC® Guide to Your Perfect Digital Marketing Plan. Ideal for directors and CEOs seeking a powerful, proven framework for marketing success.
You’ll gain a structured, practical approach to digital strategy—perfect for leaders who want to plan, execute, and optimise digital marketing that delivers real results.
Don’t miss this opportunity – reserve your place today!
TRAINERS
Paul Smith, TEDx Talker, international speaker and author, SOSTAC® Plans, PR Smith Marketing
