On 17th June 2025, professionals from across the credit management and accounts payable communities gathered at the Hays offices in Birmingham for the highly anticipated CICM / APA Conference. Hosted in collaboration by the Chartered Institute of Credit Management (CICM) and the Accounts Payable Association (APA), the event brought together leading experts, thought leaders, and industry practitioners to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore the future of AR & AP in an evolving economic landscape. Special thanks to the event sponsors, Hays, Esker & Aveiroe.
With a packed agenda also featuring expert speakers, interactive sessions, and valuable networking opportunities, the conference served as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned credit manager, an aspiring finance professional, or simply interested in how the credit industry is adapting to new challenges, this blog will take you through the key highlights and takeaways from a day of inspiration and insight in Birmingham.
The conference began with a powerful joint address from Jamie Radford, CEO of the Accounts Payable Association and Sue Chapple FCICM, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management. Together, they set the tone for the day by emphasising the critical importance of collaboration between the credit and accounts payable communities. Their message was clear: in a rapidly changing economic landscape, bringing these two worlds together is not only beneficial—it’s essential for building stronger, but more agile organisations.
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