What If? 
Business continuity, risk management and strategy

Welcome

Have you considered what would happen to your company if you were taken out of the picture? Have you got a plan in place for any incidents or accidents that may cause disruption to the business?

These were the questions being considered at the Suffolk Director event on March 4, 2025.

Held in association with sponsors, Ensors Chartered Accountants and the University of Suffolk, we welcomed more than 50 entrepreneurs, owners and managers to The Atrium for an informative and educational morning discussing some possible scenarios and challenges they may face on their business journey – and, of course, how to be prepared.

The occasion also provided a great opportunity for the assembled business leaders to network with like-minded professionals and glean expertise from a range of industry sectors.

Features

After some refreshments and time to meet fellow delegates, the event got underway with two informative, engaging – and occasionally emotional – presentations from our keynote speakers.

First to talk was Dave Courteen, Managing Director of Mosaic Spa and Health Clubs (including Riverhills in Ipswich). Having spent nearly four decades working in the hospitality industry, he has had to overcome a variety of tough situations, including the fallout from a social media storm and a devastating building fire. Speaking to fellow business leaders, he kindly shared his own experiences and valuable lessons learned along the way, including the importance of “defining the crisis” and controlling media communications. While it is impossible to foresee all eventualities, his story has given everyone present a lot to think about!

Following Dave and continuing the ‘What if…’ theme, we were pleased to welcome Colin Low, Founder and Managing Director of Kingsfleet Financial Services. Speaking from the heart, he gave an open and honest talk about the sudden death of his colleague, Gary, and its impact on the company and his employees. You could have heard a pin drop as he described the grief and how they dealt with the news. Of course, there were implications for the business and clients, but his primary focus on the people affected is an inspiration and lesson to us all. We all know that death can be hard to talk about, and we thank him for his willingness to start the conversation.

A funny, touching and interesting morning, full of great advice and suggestions on how to ensure you are ready for the unexpected.

Our speakers then took questions – and listened to a few comments from people who had been through something similar – before a break to enjoy some refreshments and network.

Q&A

After the break, a panel of experts answered questions on a range of topics that included: how to establish a protocol for dealing with a crisis, why you should backup the backups, and the importance of succession planning.

Chaired by Sue Wilcock, Editor of UK Director Magazines, the panel included: Graham Lawes, Group Director at Tinderbox; Simon Martin, a Partner in the Corporate Finance Team at Ensors; Craig Starling, Director at ICS; James Potter, Managing Director at Superstructures; and Mark Hart, Joint MD of Barnes Construction.

This lively, closed-door discussion is a core feature of our regular event plan, allowing delegates to share knowledge and experience in a safe space; a space where no matter the size of business or problem encountered, issues can be voiced and potential solutions offered by anyone present, secure in the knowledge that what happens in the room, stays in the room.

Thank you to all who attended.

We are thrilled know our work continues to support and connect Suffolk’s business leaders – big and small – and we look forward to hosting future events aimed at helping you to run your business better.

Feedback

“Really enjoyable morning with lots of useful insights. The keynote speakers and the Q & A panel were excellent.”

“A very interesting and thought-provoking session Sue, which I am sure has left us all reflecting just a little bit more.”

“An interesting, insightful and very well attended event.”

What’s next?

Plans are underway for UK Director Magazines’ next event. Watch out for more information on Suffolk Director, Norfolk Director, and Essex Director’s social media platforms.