Thames Valley AI - post event write up

AI is set to transform the turnaround industry, automating routine tasks and enhancing data analysis capabilities historically performed by junior professionals. Traditionally, these professionals have spent significant time on labor-intensive tasks and analysis. PwC Reading hosted the latest Thames Valley TMA event which featured a panel who delved into AI’s transformative effects on restructuring, advisory, and lending, and its implications for the next generation. Our sincere thanks to Daniel Drummond and Gareth Karim for coordinating the event, and to Anton De Leeuw, a TMA UK Board member, for expertly facilitating the session.

Anton kicked off the event with a brief history of AI, tracing its roots back to Alan Turing’s seminal question in 1950 which noted ‘If a machine can trick a human into believing it is also human, does it possess intelligence?’ This historical context highlighted the relevance of AI in today's business challenges, particularly in operational turnaround, restructuring, and strategic renewal. Panelists then introduced themselves and shared their initial views on AI before discussing its ethical considerations, competitive advantages, the future of work, and the changing workforce dynamics due to AI integration.

Kim Milward Oliver, Restructuring Partner at PwC discussed balancing AI-driven analysis with human decision-making, particularly with imperfect data in restructuring cases. He also outlined considerations on the breadth of AI's impact on key stakeholders, with the impact being varied across Companies (competitive landscape and quality of data and decision making), Advisors (who will need to be AI literate to work with companies and extract insights), and Funders (who will use AI to assess and monitor borrowers). Tim Ferguson of Cardo AI who has over 24 years of experience in financial services, expanded on how AI is revolutionising the landscape for funders, particularly in structured finance, where automation of manual and inefficient tasks as well as enhanced data analysis are aiding lenders and senior management in decision-making and growth.

Jessica Liew, CEO of Intriq and Jenn Beeston of LSP Leadership touched on the competitive advantage AI can offer and how some firms are rapidly embracing AI, while others are hesitant. The panelists debated the factors that differentiate firms successfully integrating AI from those that struggle, considering whether early adopters of AI will gain a compounding competitive advantage or if there is still time for late adopters to catch up. Jess highlighted AI's transformative power in accelerating insights, streamlining data analysis, and enhancing decision-making for professional services firms, ultimately driving more efficient and effective outcomes for clients. Jenn explored how AI can support leadership in managing teams, improving communication, and fostering a culture of innovation. She highlighted how AI can have a role in enhancing talent acquisition and performance management, helping leaders navigate organisational change and drive sustainable growth.

The impact of AI on the workforce was a significant theme with the panelists discussing how AI automates repetitive tasks, traditionally performed by junior professionals, exploring how this shift might affect the skills required for the future. This sparked a debate amongst the panel and attendees about whether AI can replicate the situational expertise needed in the turnaround space. The closing discussion debated whether AI will free up time for higher-level thinking and relationship-building as softer skills gain more importance, or if it will increase work expectations and cause staff to lose essential skills as AI takes over traditional tasks.

The panel concluded with each panelist giving their view on whether AI’s Disruption in Turnaround & Restructuring will be a threat or opportunity. The overall conclusion is that the impact of AI has been growing rapidly creating enormous opportunities and change. But with this disruption there may be a fundamental change to how turnaround and restructuring work is approached in the coming years.

What’s Next? Join Us at TMA UK’s Upcoming Events

London & Regional

14 May 2025 | London - House of Lords Annual Event

05 June 2025 | Reading - Networking evening hosted by BDO LLP

11 June 2025 | London - Annual TMA UK Summer Reception

12 June 2025 | Wellingborough - TMA UK Golf Day

12 - 13 November 2025 | London - TMA Annual Conference