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AoC Finance Conference and Exhibition 2024

Venue: Holywell Park, Loughborough, LE11 3GR

Date: 14 May 2024

Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Fee: Starting from £325 + VAT per delegate

The AoC Annual Finance Conference and Exhibition will be returning to Loughborough in 2024 and will, yet again, make it possible for college finance leaders to stay on top of the key issues of the day. 2024 will be general election year in the UK and the conference will cover everything from the major political and funding changes to cost control and accounting consolidation.

The conference runs for one day in a purpose built university venue with on-site accommodation that you can book yourself to make best use of your time.

Download the programme here

Why attend?

  • Gain insights: The conference will have inputs from Shelagh Legrave CBE DL, Further Education Commissioner and Andrew Thomas, Director of Finance and Provider Market Oversight, Education and Skills Funding Agency
  • Attend interactive breakout sessions: Participate in workshops designed to address the key financial issues and provide practical solutions
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and industry professionals to exchange ideas and forge valuable connections
  • Exhibition: Explore a diverse range of products and services specifically tailored to the needs of the further education sector.

Fees:

  • AoC Member fee – per delegate £325 + VAT
  • Affiliate member – per delegates - £350 + VAT
  • Non-member institutions – per delegate - £375 + VAT
  • Non-member commercial – per delegates - £750+ VAT
  • Stand Support – per person - £100

A 10% discount will be applied for AoC members who book 2 or more delegates from the same organisation.

Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with the latest news: @AoC_Info


Exhibitors

Inenco

Inenco is a leading energy management and sustainability consultancy. Our team of experts are helping a growing number of colleges to implement effective energy procurement strategies, define a clear path to achieve carbon net zero and reduce energy consumption to better control rising costs.

Website: www.inenco.com

Mindful Education


At Mindful Education, we produce flexible, award-winning, blended learning courses and apprenticeships that continue to set new standards in digital education. A compelling mix of academic expertise, technology and creativity, our media-rich courses bring learning to life and achieve outstanding results. Working in partnership with hundreds of colleges and employers, we support thousands of learners each year, helping people to take the next step in their careers.

Website: https://mindful-education.co.u...

ION


ION provides best in class true-cloud accounting software that enables finance leaders and their teams to transform their financial operations and deliver better educational outcomes for all. ION is Sage's Intacct Partner of the Year.

Website: www.ionhq.co.uk

The Beattie Partnership Limited

We advise clients across the education sector on scope for business rates and Council Tax savings. Since the 2023 Rating Revaluation there are potentially new opportunities for colleges to obtain savings. We can also advise on the anticipated obligations within Duty to Notify that once in place will introduce new obligations on ratepayers surrounding occupier, lease and site changes. Be one step ahead and come and talk to us on our Stand.

Website: www.bepart.co.uk

Access PaySuite

At Access PaySuite, we specialise in delivering tailored payment solutions designed to meet the unique needs of colleges and educational institutions. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the education sector, we offer innovative payment solutions that streamline financial processes, improve operational efficiency and provide colleges with the flexibility, security, and convenience required to meet the diverse payment demands of students, all while improving the overall payment experience for students, staff, and administrators.

Website: www.accesspaysuite.com

AppsAnywhere

AppsAnywhere is a global software delivery provider that revolutionised how students and higher education staff access applications on campus computers or on personal devices. Since 2009, AppsAnywhere has been at the forefront of digital innovation, providing seamless digital experiences for more than 4 million students in 300 institutions across 22 countries.

Website: www.appsanywhere.com

Gallagher

Experienced Insurance and Risk Advisor for the Further Education Sector

Website: www.ajg.com

Crescent Purchasing Consortium

Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC) is a registered charity, not-for-profit, public sector buying authority, owned and run by the education sector. CPC provides 93 bespoke education sector compliant purchasing frameworks, with 15 being approved by the Department for Education. In addition, it’s competitively priced consultancy service, provides a team of procurement specialists to deliver onsite support, expert consultancy and advisory services with a 27-year reputable track record delivering improvements, transformations, compliance and value for money.

Website: https://cpl.group/

Drake Lane Associates

We provide market leading software and consultancy services to the education sector, working with colleges, independent training providers, local authorities / adult education providers and higher education institutions. Our specialist focus is quality, curriculum planning, funding, audit and data analysis. 4CAST – curriculum planning software to simplify complex funding rules and keep in control of income, costs and contribution. SCORE – ILR data optimisation software to secure maximum funding potential, maintain Ofsted readiness and retain audit compliance.

Website: www.drakelane.co.uk

eEnergy

eEnergy makes net zero possible for colleges without upfront capital investment. We do this in three ways:

•Reduce: Energy efficiency solutions including LED lighting.

•Generate: Onsite solar energy generation.

•Charge: Electric vehicle (EV) charging for your staff and visitors.

Our data solutions help eliminate energy waste and validate your savings. Our unique Net Zero fund, backed by NatWest is specifically designed for education, providing a competitive, compliant, off-balance sheet decarbonisation funding mechanism.

Website: www.eenergy.com

CIVICA

Civica provides software worldwide that enables schools, academies, colleges and libraries to save time and money, and improve teaching and learning.

Website: www.civica.co.uk

Embridge Consulting

Embridge Consulting is a digital transformation consultancy, respected for our expertise in implementing cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions and business change. We are in partnership with Xledger UK offering the FE sector the ideal combination of strategic digital transformation consultancy delivered through powerful ERP ecosystems and supported by best-of-breed finance technology. Our collaboration provides a comprehensive and cohesive solution that will enable the FE sector to achieve cost savings, automate processes, gain valuable insights, and scale effectively.

Website: https://embridgeconsulting.com/

Fidelity Systems Ltd

Fidelity EPoS - experts in college EPoS and cashless campus solutions At Fidelity EPoS, we provide a single EPoS solution for across your college campus retail and hospitality operations, allowing you to manage everything in one place. We provide cashless campus solutions with seamless integrated free meal provision and reporting. Options for loyalty schemes, eCommerce integration, ordering app, and much more.

Website: https://www.fidelitysystems.co.uk/


Exhibitors
Jordan Rassas
Head of New Business, Inenco
Jordan Rassas photo

Jordan Rassas has over 10 years’ experience of helping leading organisations to define the most effective energy procurement strategy and how best to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. He has held several senior roles with leading consultancies and is now leading Inenco’s new client acquisition. As well as coaching clients in how to think holistically around energy procurement, he is equally passionate about helping them to optimise consumption and chart a path to carbon net zero.

Jordan Rassas photo
Becky Edwards
Deputy FE Commissioner, FE Commissioner Team
Becky Edwards photo

Becky joined the FE Commissioner’s Team in March 2020, becoming a Deputy FE Commissioner in September 2023. She has previously been responsible for financial management in a small tertiary college and a large GFE. She holds a Masters degree in financial management.

Becky Edwards photo
Anne Whitworth
FE Adviser, FE Commissioner Team
Anne Whitworth photo

Anne joined the FE Commissioner’s Team in September 2023. She is a chartered accountant and has worked for several FE colleges in senior finance roles, both in an interim and established capacity.

Anne Whitworth photo
Fiona Whistlecroft
Head of FE Consolidation and Reporting, Department for Education
Fiona Whistlecroft photo

Fiona Whistlecroft is the Head of FE Consolidation and Reporting at DfE, working to Nick Todd to ensure the successful consolidation of the sector. Fiona has worked for the DfE since 2012 where previously she was responsible for managing the audit and production of the accounts for several Executive Agencies and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), alongside managing the budget and monthly outturn for TPS. Fiona is a Chartered Management Accountant with over 40 years’ experience and has worked for the several blue chip and small companies as well as two Universities and a College of FE.

Fiona Whistlecroft photo