Programme

Registration and networking

09:15

Welcome and opening remarks

R3 President welcomes attendees for an engaging full day programme, including extending thanks to our main sponsor CAPA.

Speaker

Tom Russell

Tom Russell

Director,
James Cowper Kreston

09:30

The future of the profession

How has R3 evolved to meet the changing demands of members and the profession. Hear what we have planned and what we predict for the future and how R3, and our members, can work together to drive the shape of that future.

Speakers

Tom Russell

Tom Russell

Director,
James Cowper Kreston

10:10

Class of 2025 – part 1

Hear from a range of members from within the profession in these short sessions. Each of the Class will share their respective story as to how they came into the profession and how this has helped inform and shape their approach to their role and work within the profession.

The thrill of the chase knows no professional boundaries with Philippa Lai

The 3 Cs: Coins, Cineworld and connectivity with Grace Whatman

Speakers

Philippa Lai

Philippa Lai

Associate,
Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP
Grace Whatman

Grace Whatman

Senior Vice President,
AlixPartners
Richard Obank

Richard Obank

Chair.
Partner,
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

10:30

The evolution of advice to directors in a post BHS world

This interactive panel session will cover how recent cases including Sequana and BHS have evolved the advice given to directors and considerations for advisors to boards in providing advice.

Speakers

Adam Brown

Adam Brown

Partner,
Jones Day
Joseph Curl KC

Joseph Curl KC

Barrister,
South Square
Laura Dymott

Laura Dymott

Partner, Forensic Services,
FRP Advisory
Nick Pike

Nick Pike

Chief Executive Officer,
Pike Restructuring Limited
Thomas Bond

Thomas Bond

Chair
Director,
Isadore Goldman

11:20

Refreshment break 

11:50

Welcome back and hear from Marsh

Attendees are welcomed back and will hear from R3 Key Sponsor Partner, Marsh.

12:00

Class of 2025 – part 2

Hear from a range of members from within the profession in these short sessions. Each of the Class will share their respective story as to how they came into the profession and how this has helped inform and shape their approach to their role and work within the profession.

Give a chance, take a chance – developing a restructuring career from an unlikely beginning with Adam Qadir
People do not buy what you do but why you do it… What is your why? with Magdalena Wegrzyn

Speakers

Adam Qadir

Adam Qadir

Director,
Teneo
Magdalena Wegrzyn

Magdalena Wegrzyn

Senior Associate,
Isadore Goldman

12:20

Future-proofing the insolvency profession – The next five years

Change is accelerating – how can insolvency professionals stay ahead? This fast-paced, interactive session explores the critical skills, innovations, and industry shifts that will define the profession’s future. From attracting top talent and mastering AI-driven insights to balancing regulatory demands with efficiency, we’ll be examining what it takes to thrive. Expect a dynamic discussion on everything from cross-disciplinary expertise to ethical restructuring. With live polls inviting audience engagement, we’ll be culminating in a bold call to action: What one change will you make to future-proof your practice?

Speakers

Mike Sheath

Mike Sheath

Director,
CAPA
Andy Pear

Andy Pear

Partner,
Moorfields Advisory Limited
Simon Bamford

Simon Bamford

Senior Director, Head of Corporate Recovery, EMEA,
Gordon Brothers
Alex Fox

Alex Fox

Partner, Commercial Dispute Resolution,
Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

12:40

Keynote session

Hear from Dr Paul Redmond who is one of the UK’s leading experts on generations, the future of employment, work and the workplace. He will share entertaining insights on the various generations in the workplace and how each group needs to relate to, motivate and understand the other.

Sponsored by:

Fladgate logo

Speaker

13:30

Lunch

14:30

Welcome back

Attendees are welcomed back and will hear from R3 key sponsor partner Manolete.

Manolete in 2040: The Future of Insolvency Litigation Finance

As insolvency landscapes evolve, so must the tools and strategies used to pursue claims. This session explores how litigation funders may look to embrace change—leveraging technology, and refining litigation funding to meet the challenges of the future. We’ll discuss the impact of AI and how insolvency professionals can collaborate to drive successful outcomes. Whether you’re an IP, lawyer, or funder, this session will provide insights into the next era of insolvency litigation and the role of Manolete in shaping its future.

Speaker

Andrew Cawkwell

Andrew Cawkwell

Chief Operating Officer,
Manolete

14:45

Crossroads of change: The Maltese way forward

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating look at the evolving world of insolvency law, practice and regulation in Malta following the recent introduction of the profession of ‘Insolvency Practitioner’ by way of statute, together with the Insolvency and Receivership Service as the regulator. It is a time of real change for our host nation of Malta and we are delighted to be joined by three leading Maltese academics and practitioners who will be sharing their insights on this brave new world.  

Speakers

Dr George Bugeja

Dr George Bugeja

Partner,
Ganado Advocates
Dr Tiziana Filletti

Dr Tiziana Filletti

Head of Department, Commercial Law - University of Malta,
University of Malta
Dr Wayne Pisani

Dr Wayne Pisani

Partner | Head of tax, regulatory and technology,
Grant Thornton | Malta
Charles Turner

Charles Turner

Chair
Partner,
Opus Business Advisory Group

15:25

Interview with the Insolvency Service

Tom Russell will interview the Insolvency Service on how they are evolving and changing to meet the different roles it now plays and how this impacts on the profession.

Speakers

Angela Crossley

Angela Crossley

Director, Strategy, Policy and Analysis,
The Insolvency Service
Tom Russell

Tom Russell

Chair.
Director,
James Cowper Kreston

15:55

Refreshment break

16:25

Class of 2025 – part 3

Hear from a range of members from within the profession in these short sessions. Each of the Class will share their respective story as to how they came into the profession and how this has helped inform and shape their approach to their role and work within the profession.

Thames under water? Lessons from a recent trip to the Court of Appeal with Imogen Beltrami

From the Netball court to the Restructuring and Insolvency profession with Emily Hayward

From market stall trader to Licensed Insolvency Practitioner – an unconventional route into the world of insolvency with Giuseppe Parla

Speakers

Imogen Beltrami

Imogen Beltrami

Barrister,
South Square
Emily Hayward

Emily Hayward

Assistant Administrator,
Quantuma
Giuseppe Parla

Giuseppe Parla

Director,
Menzies

16:40

Economic insights on insolvency, restructuring, and trade disruptions

Insolvency and restructuring play a vital role in reallocating resources to more efficient uses—an essential economic principle. Effective processes mitigate moral hazard, manage uncertainty, and balance bargaining power through robust institutions. However, global trade tensions and tariffs risk distorting these signals, fostering inefficiency, increasing uncertainty, and intensifying risk-taking. Such disruptions challenge traditional frameworks of priority and institutional roles, potentially reshaping insolvency dynamics. These developments carry implications for global and regional growth, interest rates, inflation, and the speed of market adjustments—key variables influencing the restructuring profession’s capacity to respond effectively to economic shocks and systemic imbalances.

Speaker

Dr Gordon Cordina

Dr Gordon Cordina

Leading Economist and Co-Founder,
E-Cubed Consultants Ltd

17:10

Closing remarks

R3’s President offers reflections and closing remarks after a full day of content and networking.

Speaker

Tom Russell

Tom Russell

Director,
James Cowper Kreston

19:00

Drinks reception and gala dinner

R3 will welcome all attendees to join us at the drinks reception and gala dinner. Taking place outside (weather permitting) with beautiful views of the coastline attendees will be able to catch up with colleagues on the day’s sessions and relax over a lovely dinner.