The CISI Southern Branch held its annual social event on the evening of 22 November 2018 at the County Club, in Guildford High Street.
The Southern Branch President, Keith Churchouse, welcomed the attendees for a roundup of 2018, noting the early start to the 2019 calendar for our region’s events, with the first CPD session taking place on 15 January in Guildford. He was also able to mention the outline of a ‘Super-Event’ towards the south of our region being planned for Spring 2019, with more information to follow.
Our sponsors for the evening’s event were Charles Stanley and Schroders, and we thank them for their continued support of the CISI.
Keith thanked the Southern Branch Committee for their help, wisdom and energy during the year and was able to introduce Laura Thurlow, CEO of the Community Foundation for Surrey to open the night’s proceedings to detail the work they achieve in our region through philanthropic giving.
Our thanks go to James Stewart Smith as compere to Mr Jonathan Orr, our guest speaker, who is the Chief Financial and Operations Director of British Athletics. Jonathan has extensive experience in the commercialisation and staging of global sporting events and the profitable exploitation of media and other intellectual property rights. Skilled at operating in political multi stakeholder environments with a track record of financial probity, empathy for organisational goals, delivering strategic objectives and challenging convention, Jonathan maintains a deeply pragmatic approach to business and enterprise wide issues with a sharp focus on continuous business improvement.
A very enjoyable informal interview followed between James and Jonathan on many aspects of the business of sport and this was followed by a Q&A session. All agreed that it was an insightful presentation.
Drinks and canapes followed, and a good evening was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all who supported.
Keith Churchouse CFP Chartered FSCI
President, CISI Southern Committee