The major annual
conference for the credit collections and risk industry is the CCR Interactive
Event. If last year’s event is anything to go by, the 2013 conference will be a
big success. The event was sold out in 2012 – making it the most well attended
one-day conference in the UK credit industry.
Industry-specific
conferences perform a number of very useful functions. They enable networking
and an informal exchange of ideas and perspectives. The CCR event is no
exception. Last year’s networking breakfast and lunch was hugely popular.
Conferences also enable delegates to mingle in a more relaxed setting – as
demonstrated by the success of last year’s formal dinner that raised over £40,000
for charity.
Most importantly, a
conference of this nature is a very useful means of ensuring that the latest
principles of best practice become more widely known throughout the industry.
This is especially important in the financial services sector in the aftermath
of the global economic downturn. The credit industry faces its own very
specific challenges in light of the current economic climate. Increasingly over
recent years, this niche has provoked commentary from the media in which
examples of bad practice have been highlighted – including the perceived
heavy-handed tactics employed by some less reputable players within the
industry. Sensible and professional companies who adhere to strict ethical
standards such as this year’s main sponsor, Wescot Credit Services can set a positive example to the rest of
the industry.
By following the
example of Wescot Credit Services in
areas such as compliance, appropriate data handling and treating customers
fairly, delegates ought to be able to lean some very useful lessons to help
move their businesses forward. Crucially, it will be able to avoid being tarred
with the same brush as certain ‘fringe elements’ of the industry whose actions
have perhaps caused a dent to the industry’s reputation over recent years.
It is always helpful
to the prestige of any event of this nature if the main sponsor is a major
player within the industry. Wescot
Credit Services certainly fits the bill so far as size is concerned. The
company has a nationwide base of customers and employs in the region of 650.
The company also has a solid reputation – and indeed has played a role in
consultations over the future of the industry. This all bodes well for the 2013
conference.
