Whistle-blowing and the opportunities arising from public sector change are the themes for accountancy and financial advice firm Grant Thornton’s latest FD Club meeting this week.
The event, on Thursday at Grant Thornton’s regional office in Bristol, will hear from Fred Brown, the firm’s director of forensic and investigation services team in the region, and from John Golding, head of its South West public sector assurance team. 
Mr Brown will explore recent high-profile whistle-blowing cases and the relevant procedures businesses should have in place.
He said: “Having robust procedures in place is increasingly viewed as an essential safety valve of any good corporate governance framework and one which can benefit your business massively, protecting you from regulators and reputational risk and enhancing the culture of your company.”
Mr Golding will speak about private sector opportunities from public sector change. He said: “While local government austerity measures continue, increased opportunities are arising for private sector businesses to help them achieve efficiencies and better ways of working.
“The need to deliver services in the face of lower budgets and smaller teams mean in some areas they are more dependent on the private sector – making use of outsourcing and partnerships. We will identify what opportunities exist for private sector businesses.”
Established exclusively for finance directors and other senior decision makers, the FD Club’s quarterly meetings provide an opportunity to hear Grant Thornton specialists provide insight into topical issues.
The breakfast event takes place at Hartwell House, 55-61 Victoria Street, Bristol from 8am-9.30am. For further information please contact Laura Ketland at Grant Thornton on 0117 305 7604 or laura.ketland@uk.gt.com
