The collapse of the US arm of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the subsequent administration of the UK arm sent shock waves through the business and tech worlds. Thanks to the quick action of the UK Government and the Bank of England, which led to HSBC’s acquisition of SVB, the outcome was positive.

What’s clear though is there is still instability in the global markets – what does this mean for founders of UK tech/science and knowledge-based businesses? What strategies can you put in place to manage the concentration of assets and mitigate financial risk?

We’ve assembled a panel of financial, legal and banking experts to explore the current financial environment and provide lots of practical hints and tips for managing your business finances and assets. You’ll have the opportunity to put your questions to the panel – just add them to the form below.

Panel

Suzanne Jones, Partner, Blake Morgan

Corporate Restructuring – supporting businesses and directors to identify and secure opportunities whilst avoiding crisis.

Suzanne is a legal expert who is dynamic, entrepreneurial and commercial and is always striving for the best results. She was called to the bar in 2006 and admitted as a solicitor in 2008. She has over 16 years of experience in both contentious and non-contentious insolvency-related matters and has particular expertise in providing strategic and advisory support to directors in all sectors. She has advised on many large high-profile restructuring and insolvency matters.

Ian Matthews, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith

Ian is a partner at Moore Kingston Smith, a leading UK multidisciplinary professional services firm, based out of its Redhill office.

For nearly 20 years Ian has advised owner-managed businesses across many sectors, utilising his broad experience to help his clients achieve their own personal and professional aspirations, simplifying complex issues for his clients and is focussed on providing commercial solutions. Ian works predominantly with SME businesses and their owners; he has particular experience working with clients in the property, technology and entrepreneurial business sectors.

Ian also has extensive experience providing guidance and insight for international businesses, in particular Indian clients who wish to invest or start a business in the UK.

Louis Spencer, Senior Relationship Manager, TMT Lead, NatWest Bank

With 12 years of experience in the finance industry, Louis is the technology, media and telecoms lead for the NatWest’s West of England commercial banking team. During his career, he has contributed to business reports and ecosystem initiatives including the WECA FinTech Strategy Review 2022 with Deloitte.