Trade barriers are going up across the globe. And cybercrime is on the increase. The link between the two? The value of trade secrets. As countries become increasingly protectionist as regards international trade, so their IP law has been changing, with the result that companies that previously would have sought protection through patents are opting to go down the trade secret route instead. But is this a high-risk strategy? Technology is changing and this is having an impact on forms of commercial co-operation. Collaborative or open forms of innovation by their very nature involve the sharing of intellectual property (IP), and in many instances this IP is in the form of valuable confidential business information (ie, trade secrets). Little surprise, then, that trade secrets disputes have increased accordingly. At the same time, the changes in technology make trade secrets more vulnerable to attack, misappropriation, theft. So just how effective are the legal protections for trade secrets? How can organisations safeguard the value in their IP (increasingly, the single biggest line in their balance sheets)? This programme is designed to help you address these issues. Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. This session is designed to give you a deeper understanding of: Emerging trends in trade secrets protection and exploitation The current situation in key jurisdictions Recent case law How leading companies are responding The importance of trade secret metadata Different external stakeholders and their interests Key steps for effective protection of trade secrets Note: this is an indicative agenda, to be used as a starting point for a conversation between client and consultant, depending on the organisation's specific situation and requirements. 1 What are trade secrets? Definitions Examples Comparison with other forms of IP (patents, confidential information, know-how, copyright) 2 Current trends The various changes taking place affecting trade secrets - legal changes, trade wars, cybercrime, technology, commercial practice The current position in the UK, Europe, USA, China, Japan, Russia Corporate best practice 3 Trade secret disputes - how to avoid them Trade secret policies, processes and systems Administrative, legal and technical protection mechanisms The role of employees The sharing of trade secrets with others 4 Trade secret disputes - how to manage them Causes Anatomy of a trade secret court case 'Reasonable particularity' 5 Related issues Insurance Tax authorities and investigations Investor relations 6 Trade secret asset management roadmap Maturity ladder First steps Pilot projects
About this Training Course Asset maintenance and equipment reliability teams play a significant role to ensure that there is no room for downtime and losses in production. They are often recognised for their contribution and ability to keep assets running productively in today's organisations. This 4 full-day Certificate in Asset Management course will provide those involved in Asset Management with a full explanation of the key processes to manage assets across their lifecycle. This course has been designed to equip participants with practical skills to take back to work. This course enables participants to ensure their organisation's assets are realising their full value in support of the organisation's objectives. Accredited by the Institute of Asset Management (IAM), this course will prepare participants to sit for the IAM Asset Management Certificate qualification. The IAM exam is offered as an option for participants of this course. Training Objectives Upon completion of this course, the participants will be able to: Understand the key principles, tools and terminology of Asset Management, and demonstrate how it will benefit their organisation Gain familiarity in the application of ISO 55000 in practice Access a range of models that will support the implementation of asset management in their organisation Have their understanding of Asset Management tools and concepts assessed Learn new Asset Management skills and models that will enhance their current performance Be better prepared for the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate Examination Target Audience This course will benefit maintenance managers, operations managers, asset managers and reliability professionals, planners and functional specialists. It will also be useful for facilities engineers, supervisors/managers and structural engineers/supervisors/ and managers. Course Level Basic or Foundation Training Methods Other than world-class visuals and slides, this course will include a high level of interaction between the facilitator and participants and group discussion among the participants themselves. There will be a number of exercises & quizzes to demonstrate key points and to give participants the chance to apply learning and appreciate key aspects of best practice. Participants will also have the chance to share examples from their own experience, discuss real problems they are facing and develop actions for improvement when they return to work. Trainer Your expert course leader is a is a highly experienced in maintenance and turnaround specialist. He is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, having spent 19 years working for BP in engineering, maintenance and turnaround management roles. During this time, he worked on plants at all ages in the lifecycle, from construction, commissioning and operating new assets to maintaining aging assets and decommissioning. He has taken roles in Projects, Human Resources and Integrity Management which give real breadth to his approach. He also specialized in Continuous Improvement, gaining the award of International Petrochemical Coach of the year. He stays up to date with the latest industrial developments through his consulting support for major clients. He is also the Asset Management lead and a VILT specialist, having delivered over 70 days of VILT training in the last year. He has an engaging style and will bring his current industrial experience, proficiency of VILT techniques and diverse content, gathered from a comprehensive training portfolio, to deliver a distinctive training experience. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information post training support and fees applicable Accreditions And Affliations
About this Virtual Instructor Led Certificate Training Course (VILT) Asset maintenance and equipment reliability teams play a significant role to ensure that there is no room for downtime and losses in production. They are often recognised for their contribution and ability to keep assets running productively in today's organisations. The Certificate in Asset Management Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) course will provide those involved in Asset Management with a full explanation of the key processes to manage assets across their lifecycle. This recognised VILT course has been designed to equip participants with practical skills to take back to work. This VILT course enables participants to ensure their organisation's assets are realising their full value in support of the organisation's objectives. Accredited by the Institute of Asset Management (IAM), this VILT course will prepare participants to sit for the IAM Asset Management Certificate qualification. The IAM exam is offered as an option for participants of this VILT course. Training Objectives By the end of this VILT course, participants will be able to: Understand the key principles, tools and terminology of Asset Management, and demonstrate how it will benefit your organisation Gain familiarity in the application of ISO 55000 in practice Access a range of models that will support the implementation of asset management in your organisation Assess your understanding of the current tools and concepts applied in Asset Management Capture new ideas and skills that will enhance performance and be better prepared for the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Certificate Examination Target Audience This VILT course will benefit maintenance managers, operations managers, asset managers and reliability professionals, planners and functional specialists. It will also be useful for facilities engineers, supervisors/managers and structural engineers/supervisors/ and managers. IAM Qualifications Syllabi This document details the scope of the individual topics which comprise the examination modules, and how the exams are assessed. It is important that prospective candidates understand the scope of the modules to determine the preparation required. Download here IAM Qualifications Candidate Handbook This handbook provides more detailed information on registering as a candidate, learning resources, training courses, booking an exam, exam regulations and what happens after an exam - whether you are successful or unsuccessful. Download here Course Level Basic or Foundation Training Methods The VILT course will be delivered online in 5 half-day sessions comprising 4 hours per day, with 2 breaks of 15 minutes per day. Course Duration: 5 half-day sessions, 4 hours per session (20 hours in total) Other than world-class visuals and slides, this VILT course will include a high level of interaction between the facilitator and participants and group discussion among the participants themselves. There will be a number of exercises & quizzes to demonstrate key points and to give participants the chance to apply learning and appreciate key aspects of best practice. Participants will also have the chance to share examples from their own experience, discuss real problems they are facing and develop actions for improvement when they return to work. Examples of the exercises that are used in this VILT course are as follows: Exercises: Aligning Assets to Business Objectives, Planning for Contingencies, Understanding Function and Failure. Group exercises: Asset Management Decision Making, Incident Review & Operations Optimisation. The workshop content will be adjusted based on the discussions, interests and needs of the participants on the course. Trainer Your expert course leader is a is a highly experienced in maintenance and turnaround specialist. He is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, having spent 19 years working for BP in engineering, maintenance and turnaround management roles. During this time, he worked on plants at all ages in the lifecycle, from construction, commissioning and operating new assets to maintaining aging assets and decommissioning. He has taken roles in Projects, Human Resources and Integrity Management which give real breadth to his approach. He also specialized in Continuous Improvement, gaining the award of International Petrochemical Coach of the year. He stays up to date with the latest industrial developments through his consulting support for major clients. He is also the Asset Management lead and a VILT specialist, having delivered over 70 days of VILT training in the last year. He has an engaging style and will bring his current industrial experience, proficiency of VILT techniques and diverse content, gathered from a comprehensive training portfolio, to deliver a distinctive training experience. POST TRAINING COACHING SUPPORT (OPTIONAL) To further optimise your learning experience from our courses, we also offer individualized 'One to One' coaching support for 2 hours post training. We can help improve your competence in your chosen area of interest, based on your learning needs and available hours. This is a great opportunity to improve your capability and confidence in a particular area of expertise. It will be delivered over a secure video conference call by one of our senior trainers. They will work with you to create a tailor-made coaching program that will help you achieve your goals faster. Request for further information about post training coaching support and fees applicable for this. Accreditions And Affliations
We discuss ideas and projects that use the arts to bring positive change to people who are or have been homeless. We are holding monthly global video meetings to give people in our network, or simply interested in arts and homelessness, a chance to get together remotely. The meetings are relaxed and fun and a place to share news, ideas and creativity. This year we are adding some amazing training sessions and professional development to the schedule. We are also cahnging from two sessions to just the one at 2pm every last wednesday of the month. Come and enjoy the space, learn some new things and maske some new friends.
he role of a CFO extends beyond day-to-day financial management and plays a pivotal role in preparing a business for an exit. The role of a CFO extends beyond day-to-day financial management and plays a pivotal role in preparing a business for an exit, whether it be through a merger, acquisition, or other strategic transaction. Here are some key points to consider: Financial Due Diligence: CFOs play a crucial role in conducting financial due diligence to assess the company’s financial health and identify any potential risks or issues. This involves reviewing financial statements, accounting practices, contracts, and other financial data to ensure accuracy and transparency. Valuation and Financial Modeling: CFOs work closely with the executive team, external advisors, and investment bankers to determine the company’s valuation. They develop financial models, assess growth projections, and analyze market comparables to arrive at a fair and realistic valuation range. Financial Documentation and Reporting: CFOs ensure that financial documentation and reporting are in order, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements. This includes preparing financial statements, management reports, and other financial disclosures necessary for the exit process. Negotiation and Deal Structuring: CFOs collaborate with legal and executive teams to negotiate the terms of the exit transaction. They provide financial insights and expertise to structure the deal in a way that maximizes value for the company and its stakeholders. Tax Planning and Optimisation: CFOs work closely with tax advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies for the exit transaction. They assess potential tax implications, explore tax-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations. Financial Communication and Investor Relations: CFOs play a critical role in communicating the financial aspects of the exit to internal and external stakeholders. They work with investor relations teams to ensure that key messages are effectively conveyed, providing transparency and clarity throughout the exit process. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-vital-role-of-cfos-in-business-exit-preparation/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Seminars Online Business Seminars #business #cfo #preparation #exit #vital
Technology and innovation and its profound impact on financial operations Technology adoption indeed comes with risks, particularly around data security and privacy. As CFOs, we must ensure robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict data protection regulations. It requires ongoing investment in secure systems, staff training, and proactive monitoring to mitigate risks and protect sensitive financial information. Change management is also crucial. The adoption of new technologies requires proper planning, training, and cultural adjustments. As CFOs, we need to foster a culture that embraces innovation and continuous learning. Clear communication about the benefits and objectives of technology adoption is essential to gain buy-in and drive successful implementation. Fantastic insights! Now, let’s discuss the future. What emerging technologies do you foresee shaping the future of finance functions? One area that holds immense potential is blockchain technology. Its decentralised and transparent nature has the potential to streamline financial transactions, enhance auditability, and revolutionize supply chain finance. We’re closely monitoring blockchain’s development and exploring pilot projects to leverage its benefits. I agree, blockchain is a game-changer. Additionally, as the internet of things (IoT) expands, we anticipate new opportunities and challenges. CFOs will need to adapt to the influx of real-time data from interconnected devices, leveraging this information to optimize financial processes, enhance risk management, and improve operational efficiencies. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts or advice for our CFO audience? Embrace technology and view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Invest in understanding the technological landscape and its implications for finance. Stay curious, adapt, and be open to change. Technology will continue to evolve, and as CFOs, we must evolve with it. Absolutely. Collaboration is key. Engage with IT teams, industry peers, and external experts to stay informed about the latest technological advancements. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can collectively navigate the ever-changing technology landscape and drive innovation within our organisations. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/technology-and-innovation-and-its-profound-impact-on-financial-operations/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Science & Tech Conferences #technology #innovation #financial #impact #operations
Ensuring learning and development contributes to improved performance in the workplace at an individual, team and organisation level.
The Fintech Frontier: Why FDs Need to Know About Fintech,” the podcast where we delve into the world of financial technology There are numerous areas where fintech can make a significant impact. For example, payment processing and reconciliation can be streamlined through digital payment solutions and automated tools. Data analytics and artificial intelligence can enhance financial forecasting, risk management, and fraud detection. Blockchain technology can revolutionize supply chain finance and streamline processes involving multiple parties. By understanding the capabilities of these fintech solutions, FDs can identify areas for improvement and select the right technologies to optimise their financial operations. Additionally, fintech can greatly enhance financial reporting and analysis. Advanced data analytics tools can extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of financial data, enabling FDs to make data-driven decisions and identify trends and patterns. Automation of repetitive tasks, such as data entry and reconciliation, reduces the risk of errors and frees up valuable time for FDs to focus on strategic initiatives. The adoption of cloud-based financial management systems also provides flexibility, scalability, and real-time access to financial data, empowering FDs to make informed decisions on the go. With the rapid pace of fintech advancements, how can FDs stay up to date and navigate the evolving fintech landscape? Continuous learning and engagement with the fintech community are key. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars and workshops, and engage with fintech startups and established players. Networking with professionals in the field, joining fintech-focused associations, and following relevant publications and blogs can help FDs stay abreast of the latest fintech developments. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and adaptability is crucial in navigating the ever-changing fintech landscape. I would also encourage FDs to foster partnerships and collaborations with fintech companies. Engage in conversations with fintech providers to understand their solutions and explore potential synergies. By forging strategic partnerships, FDs can gain access to cutting-edge technologies and co-create innovative solutions tailored to their organisation’s unique needs. As we conclude, do you have any final thoughts or advice for our FD audience regarding fintech? Embrace fintech as an opportunity, not a threat. Seek to understand its potential and how it can align with your organisation’s goals and strategies. Be open to experimentation and pilot projects to test the viability of fintech solutions. Remember that fintech is a tool to enhance and optimize financial processes, and as FDs, we have a crucial role in driving its effective implementation. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/the-fintech-frontier-why-fds-need-to-know-about-fintech/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Conferences Online Business Conferences #event #fintech #knowledge #fds #frontier
Talent Management and Succession Planning,” the podcast where we explore the critical aspects of attracting and retaining top finance talen Talent management is the lifeblood of any organisation, and finance departments are no exception. In a competitive business landscape, attracting and retaining top finance talent can make a significant difference. Highly skilled and motivated professionals drive innovation, improve financial performance, and contribute to strategic decision-making. By investing in talent management, CFOs ensure their organisations have the right people in the right roles, which is vital for sustainable growth and success. Talent management also enables CFOs to build a culture of continuous learning and development. By nurturing the skills and capabilities of finance professionals, we create an environment that fosters innovation and adaptability. This is crucial in today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where finance teams need to keep pace with evolving technologies, regulations, and industry trends. Talent management provides a foundation for building a resilient and agile finance function. Succession planning is an integral part of talent management. How do CFOs approach succession planning, particularly in finance leadership roles? Succession planning is a proactive approach to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles. CFOs need to identify high-potential individuals within their finance teams and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. This includes mentorship, training programs, and exposure to cross-functional experiences. By preparing a pipeline of future finance leaders, CFOs can mitigate the risks associated with unexpected departures or retirements, ensuring continuity and stability in finance leadership. Additionally, succession planning should encompass diversity and inclusion. CFOs recognize the importance of building diverse finance teams that reflect the broader talent pool. By providing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups and promoting inclusivity, we foster a culture of belonging and tap into a wider range of perspectives and ideas. Diverse teams drive innovation and improve decision-making, contributing to the overall success of the organisation. How do CFOs create a talent development culture within their finance teams, and what initiatives can be implemented to foster continuous growth? CFOs can create a talent development culture by prioritizing learning and development initiatives. This includes offering ongoing training programs, supporting professional certifications, and providing access to resources that enhance technical and soft skills. CFOs should encourage finance professionals to take ownership of their own development and provide opportunities for them to stretch their capabilities. This may involve cross-functional projects, exposure to different areas of the business, or participation in industry conferences and networking events. Additionally, mentorship and coaching programs play a crucial role in talent development. CFOs can pair experienced finance leaders with up-and-coming talent, fostering knowledge transfer, and providing guidance and support. Encouraging regular feedback and performance discussions helps finance professionals understand their strengths and areas for improvement, enabling targeted development plans. By creating a culture that values continuous learning and growth, CFOs empower their finance teams to reach their full potential. https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/podcast/talent-management-and-succession-planning/ Tags Online Events Things To Do Online Online Classes Online Business Classes #leadership #development #successionplanning #employees #talentmanagement
These events are designed to work on the ideas introduced in Level 1: Understanding & Dealing with Everyday Racism The Six Stages Framework