2026 The year ahead - Finance
Join the Institute of Directors for “2026: The Year Ahead – Finance”, a focused session for business leaders navigating the year ahead.
Industry experts, including Ben Timms, Commercial Director at Hamilton Court Foreign Exchange (a division of Marex), will share insights on building resilient commercial strategies, interpreting post-budget outcomes, and leveraging support to drive growth in the UK and abroad.
Known for his pragmatic approach and market insight, Ben offers valuable perspectives on leadership, risk, and opportunity in today’s evolving economy.
Key discussion points:
- How to develop resilient commercial strategies that can hold up in volatile markets
- Post-budget implications for UK business: what directors and owners should be mindful of
- Practical guidance for directors and business owners on leveraging support, networks and knowledge to drive growth
- International expansion: how UK-based businesses and their directors can move confidently into overseas markets
- Leadership, risk and opportunity: Gain a compelling perspective on the economic climate
Why attend:
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Gain actionable insights on post-budget implications for UK businesses
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Learn how to build commercial resilience in uncertain financial conditions
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Discover strategies to expand and diversify in overseas markets
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Network with fellow directors and finance professionals
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Leave equipped with tools and knowledge to guide your organisation confidently into 2026
Speakers
Ben Timms
As Commercial Director at Hamilton Court Foreign Exchange, a division of Marex (NASDAQ: MRX), Ben brings over two decades of leadership in financial services, specialising in risk and treasury management, hedging strategy, commercial growth, and client-centric innovation. With a career spanning global markets and high-performance sales teams, Ben has helped shape the FX and risk management landscape for businesses navigating international trade and currency risk.
At the Institute of Directors event, Ben, alongside a panel of fellow industry experts will share valuable insights on building resilient commercial strategies in volatile markets, post UK budget thoughts, providing guidance to directors and business owners, and how directors can leverage further knowledge and support to drive expansion within the UK and overseas. Known for his pragmatic approach and sharp market instincts, Ben offers a compelling perspective on leadership, risk, and opportunity in today’s economic climate.
Hayley Kingsnorth
Hayley is a Partner of Accounts and Business Advisory Services in the Azets Kent region, acting for SME’s across the entirety of Kent and into London.
Hayley is a member of the ICAEW with over twenty years of post-qualification experience as a trusted business advisor. Hayley enjoys helping small and medium sized businesses with tax planning, technology and strategic development.
Jack Thomas
Jack Thomas is a Branch Manager at Handelsbanken, leading the Maidstone branch and bringing over 10 years of experience in commercial banking. Recognised early in his career, Jack became one of the youngest branch managers in the Bank’s history, reflecting both his leadership capability and strong commercial acumen.
Jack specialises in supporting SME and owner-managed businesses, combining a deep understanding of local markets with a solutions-focused, values-driven approach. His work is centred on building long-term relationships, helping businesses navigate complexity, and delivering sustainable growth through thoughtful, tailored banking solutions. As a leader, Jack is known for his adaptable, growth-focused and results-driven style. He is highly approachable and brings a strong enthusiasm for problem-solving and longer-term strategic thinking, ensuring both clients and teams are well positioned for future success.
Jack is passionate about the role that relationship-led banking can play in supporting regional economic growth and is a regular contributor to discussions on leadership, values, and the evolving needs of UK SMEs.
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