Where will you be on 16 April? I only ask because I expect a significant number of our readers to be at the UK Treasurers’ Conference in Birmingham, ready for three days of education, enlightenment and, believe it or not, entertainment (if the presentation last year by Dennis Turner of HSBC is anything to go by). The conference brings together the considerable treasury expertise of the Association with the excellent organisational skills of EuroFinance and it should be even more successful than last year, with over 400 expected to attend. It is not too late to register, so please contact Makayla Rahman on 020 7213 0703 or email mrahman@treasurers.co.uk.
I hope that those of you who are there will take the time to come and visit the hardworking ACT team (see last month’s Editorial piece) at our stand. I can’t promise not to pressgang you into writing for us or buying the new edition of the Handbook, but it will give you a chance to make your views known about The Treasurer and the other activities of the ACT. You will also have the opportunity to test out the fascinating e-learning programme for the International Cash Management Certificate which has been pioneered by the ACT.
The past few editions have included articles from a number of speakers at UKT. Mary Keegan of the ASB contributed last month and this time we include an article from Christopher Huhne MEP on why Britain should join the euro. Love or hate the idea, or any points in between, it should be an interesting debate.
On the final day of the conference, Jack Large discusses corporate treasury outsourcing and he provides a major feature within this month’s Spotlight on Outsourcing. His article includes a detailed breakdown of what outsourcing services are available. Many of the Spotlight contributors are keen to persuade readers of the benefits of outsourcing, as you might expect. If you are considering outsourcing any aspect of your treasury function, the articles provide useful insight and practical advice, as well as some words of warning.
Finally, Wednesday 13 November may seem a long way off, but the Annual Dinner is proving more popular than ever, with the Guest Speaker the Rt. Hon Sir Edward George proving to be a major attraction. Prospective hosts need to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment – over 100 tables have already been reserved, and if you have a preference for the balcony or for downstairs, you should ask now before you are allocated a spot you don’t want.
MIKE HENIGAN
Managing Editor