Yorkshire Credit Professionals Gather for CICM Yorkshire Ridings Branch Relaunch Event

Credit management professionals from across Yorkshire came together for a dynamic and forward-looking event marking the relaunch of the CICM Yorkshire Ridings Branch, hosted in partnership with Hays Recruitment.

Held in Leeds, the event welcomed a packed audience for a morning of insightful sessions, networking, and strategic discussions on the future of credit management. With a revitalised focus on supporting credit professionals across North, East, and West Yorkshire, the branch reaffirms its commitment to community, training, and excellence in these changing times.

A Strong Lineup of Expert Speakers

The event opened with a warm welcome from Claire McManus, Director at Hays, and Ian Torkington MCICM, Branch Chair and Head of Client Services at Cash room. Setting the tone, they highlighted the vital role credit management plays in today’s uncertain economy and the importance of re-establishing a strong regional network.

Dan Walker MCICM, Co-Founder of AI for Business, delivered an engaging keynote on AI in Credit & Collections. Dan explored how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the sector, with practical advice on deployment strategies, ROI measurement, and managing organisational change when integrating AI into credit teams.

Following Dan, Luke Sculthorp FCICM, Head of Strategic Relationships at CICM, presented essential updates on CICM's 2025 initiatives. His talk focused on the expanding CICM apprenticeship programmes, the value of CICMQ accreditation for organisations aiming to benchmark best practice, and the Institute’s renewed efforts to support career development, governance, and talent retention.

Rounding off the speaker sessions, Claire McManus from Hays provided a comprehensive overview of current credit recruitment trends, highlighting key labour market challenges, skills shortages, the impact of new government legislation, and strategies for both hiring and retaining top talent in the credit sector.

Key Themes and Takeaways:

• AI is here to stay: Credit teams need to start integrating AI thoughtfully to boost efficiency, reduce risk, and maintain competitive advantage.
• Talent development is critical: With rising employment costs and increased competition for skilled professionals, businesses must invest in training, apprenticeships, and flexible working environments.
• Market pressures require adaptation: From demographic shifts to wage inflation and societal demands for sustainability and diversity, credit management must evolve to meet new challenges.

Looking Ahead

The Yorkshire Ridings committee announced plans for further events later in 2025 and invited feedback from attendees to shape future agendas around real-world needs. They encouraged all professionals — CICM members and non-members alike — to get involved, strengthen networks, and help raise the profile of credit management in the region.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and an opportunity for delegates to network over lunch, setting the foundation for a renewed and energised CICM presence across Yorkshire.