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 your business?

These were the questions being considered at the Essex Director event on September 11, 2025.

Held in association with our sponsors, Larking Gowen, Sound Financial and Sona Insurance, we welcomed more than 60 entrepreneurs, owners and managers to the Essex Business School, University of Essex for an informative and educational morning based around the theme – ‘What if?’. The focus was on business continuity, planning and strategy, with those present discussing 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 and engaging presentations from our keynote speakers.

First to talk was Mark Hart, Joint Managing Director of Barnes Construction. Reflecting on personal experience, he talked about the importance of having a business continuity plan in place, and how it should be something that is ‘tried and tested’. He also how the plan should always be kept with you, rather than in your office, as you never know where you will be when a crisis hits.

Following Mark and continuing the ‘What if…’ theme, we were pleased to welcome Rob Thacker, CEO of Sona Insurance, who reflected on the Twin Towers collapse in New York in 2001. He then entertained the audience with his thoughts about the type of ‘What If?’ events we might see in the future. These covered flooding and rising sea levels, to sinkholes and alien invasions.

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

Our speakers then took questions 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: can your business continue without you? How do you plan for succession? What are the cyber essentials to consider? And many more…

Chaired by Sue Wilcock, Editor of UK Director Magazines, the panel included: Becky Ames (Larking Gowen); Anna Butcher, (Sound Financial); Phil Slater (Ellisons); and Gary Rayner, (AnyIT).

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 Essex’s business leaders – big and small – and we look forward to hosting future events aimed at helping support you to run your business better.

Feedback

“This was an excellent event, thank you.”

“Really enjoyed the event Sue – great speakers as well 👏”

“Terrific event. Great presentations by Mark Hart and Rob Thacker, black swans, aliens and superhero’s I will never think insurance is dull again”

“Really thought-provoking presentations and a great panel discussion too.”

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.