Please note: The agenda and discussion topics may be adjusted slightly during the event to best suit the interests and needs of attendees.
A Networking Dinner for early arrivals to connect before the official program begins.
19:30
The Westin La Quinta, El-Matador Terrace
9th June 2025
TIC+ Market Development & Leadership
09:00
Registration, Networking & Coffee
--------------------------------------
09:25
Please take your seat
--------------------------------------
09:30
Welcome from Red Swan Partners
Talal Yousef - Red Swan Partners
--------------------------------------
09:40
John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Session Objectives
Participant introductions
Expectations Exercise
Agenda Overview
--------------------------------------
10:20
The Origins of TIC+: A Historical Perspective - Introduction
John Willox - Red Swan Partners
--------------------------------------
10:25
Reflections on 30 Years in TIC+: Evolution, Disruption & Opportunity
Paul Hesselink - Former CEO of Kiwa
Drawing on over 30 years of leadership in the TIC+ sector, Paul will walk us through the transformation the industry has undergone—from its early structure to today’s globalized, tech-driven landscape (The world we live in today – 2025 and the considerations that come with that). He’ll explore how certain services have been commoditised or disappeared altogether, the sectors that have risen in importance, and the major shifts in customer expectations and business models. Most importantly, Paul will share insights into the new opportunities emerging from these changes—and what leaders need to understand to stay relevant.
--------------------------------------
10:55
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
11:10
Navigating Standards and Identity in TIC+
Howard Kerr - Former CEO of BSI
As former CEO of BSI, Howard brings a unique perspective on how traditional TIC+ organizations must evolve to remain relevant. In this session, he’ll explore how companies rooted in standards and regulation can modernize without losing their core. From adapting to geopolitical pressures and sustainability demands to managing the tension between legacy and innovation, Howard will discuss what it takes to lead through transformation. He’ll also reflect on the identity challenges many TIC+ firms now face—and how redefining purpose, building trust, and staying agile are key to long-term resilience.
--------------------------------------
11:40
Case Study:
Reinventing Legacy: LRQA’s Transformation Journey
Ian Spaulding - CEO of LRQA
With origins dating back over 300 years, LRQA has undergone one of the sector’s most significant reinventions—from a traditional, standards-based organization to a forward-looking, private equity-backed global player. In this session, Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, will share how the business navigated its carve-out, the challenges of rebranding and redefining its market position, and the strategic acquisition of ELEVATE to lead in ESG and supply chain assurance. Ian will explore how legacy can be an asset—but only if paired with bold decisions, investment in innovation, and a willingness to challenge old assumptions.
--------------------------------------
12:10
From Automotive to Global TIC+ Player: DEKRA’s Evolution
Mark Thomä - EVP Strategy and Development of Dekra
For decades, DEKRA was synonymous with automotive inspection in Germany. Under evolving global pressures and shifting industry expectations, the company embarked on a transformation journey—expanding beyond its traditional roots into a broad, international TIC+ provider. In this session, Mark Thoma will reflect on the strategic pivots DEKRA has undertaken, the organizational mindset required to evolve a legacy brand, and what it takes to drive relevance in new markets while retaining credibility in the core. He’ll also share perspectives on balancing long-term positioning with short-term performance, and how a once sector-specific player can compete on a global, multi-sector stage.
--------------------------------------
13:00
Lunch Break
The Westin La Quinta, Sunsa Restaurant
--------------------------------------
14:00
Building a Challenger Brand: Phenna’s Rapid Rise in TIC+
Paul Barry - Exec. Chairman of Phenna Group
Phenna Group may be a new name in the TIC+ landscape, but under the leadership of Paul Barry—an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience—it has quickly become one of the sector’s fastest-growing platforms. In this session, Paul will share how Phenna has positioned itself as a credible, high-growth challenger through focused acquisitions, decentralized autonomy, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. He’ll discuss what it takes to build a TIC+ group from the ground up in today’s environment, the mindset required to compete with established giants, and the opportunities available to those willing to do things differently.
--------------------------------------
14:30
Case Study:
Applus Takeover Battle & Public Market Dynamics
Aston Swift - Investor Relations Professional, Former Applus
This session offers a unique look behind the scenes of one of the most talked-about M&A battles in the TIC+ sector: the Applus takeover. Aston, a seasoned investor relations professional, will walk us through key lessons from the public market’s valuation of TIC+ companies, the evolving expectations of institutional investors, and the strategic manoeuvres that shaped this complex, high-profile deal.
Expect sharp insights, practical reflections, and a rare investor-facing perspective on how public markets view value creation and leadership in TIC+.
--------------------------------------
14:50
Panel Discussion:
Redefining TIC+ – Where to Play and How to Win?
All - Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Facilitated discussions on what is now considered within the perimeters of TIC, TICC or TIC+. Does it include aspects of self compliance, annual compliance certification, verging on the FM sector?
We'll explore the core strategic dilemma many leaders face: when the opportunities are broad and growing, how do you choose where to play—and how to win? What’s essential, what’s adjacent, and what’s a distraction? And how do those decisions drive (or hinder) value creation?
--------------------------------------
16:00
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
16:15
M&A Intelligence Report: Trends, Rankings, and Strategic Insights
Talal Yousef - Red Swan Partners
M&A activity continues to shape the future of the TIC+ sector — but who are the most active buyers, what assets are they targeting, and what’s driving their strategy?
In this session, Red Swan Partners unveils insights from its latest M&A Intelligence Report, including a data-driven ranking of the most active acquirers in the TIC+ space. From private equity roll-ups to strategic consolidations, we’ll explore the evolving buyer landscape and what it signals for company valuations, sector focus, and competitive positioning.
--------------------------------------
16:30
Panel Discussion:
Strategic Growth - Aggressive M&A vs. Conservative Expansion
All - Facilitated by Paul Hesselink - Former CEO of Kiwa
This session will explore the contrasting paths of aggressive M&A versus steady, conservative growth We’ll look at what it takes to attract the right investors, when to scale versus hold, and how CEOs and shareholders can best position their businesses for future growth, divestment, or strategic repositioning.
--------------------------------------
17:30
Close of Day One
--------------------------------------
19:30
Red Swan Partners Retreat Dinner
BarBillon Marbella - Pick up at 19:00 from hotel
10th June 2025
Leadership – The Journey to Value
08:45
Networking & Coffee
--------------------------------------
09:00
Welcome to day 2 and warm up
John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Discussion Topics:
The Journey to Value
Unpacking some of yesterday’s strategy and direction sessions into Leadership and Talent introduction
--------------------------------------
09:35
Panel Discussion:
Leadership and Talent: Navigating Disruption and Building Resilience
Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Led by Ian El-Mokadem - Former CEO of Exova Group
In an industry facing constant disruption—from digital transformation to shifting workforce expectations—the ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent has become a defining factor in business success. Drawing on their deep leadership experience across both TIC+ and adjacent sectors, Ian El-Mokadem will explore the evolving demands on leaders, the cultural shifts shaping organisations today, and how companies can build future-ready leadership pipelines. From managing investor expectations to navigating identity crises and fostering high-performance cultures, this session will offer candid insights into what true leadership looks like in a complex, rapidly changing world.
--------------------------------------
10:20
Panel Discussion:
Future-Proof Leadership: Skills, Culture & Strategy in a Disrupted World
Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Led by Howard Kerr - Former CEO of BSI
Following on from Ian El-Mokadem and the plenary discussion on the evolving world of leadership and the role of the CEO, Howard looks at the specific leadership challenges within TIC+ and the array of leadership attributes that today's senior TIC+ leaders need to have mastered. As well as competencies, Howard looks at the areas of ethics and governance, stakeholder management, thought leadership, and draws on his vast experience from change and transformation at BSI.
--------------------------------------
11:05
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
11:20
Roundtable Discussion:
Leadership and Talent – Insights and Challenges in TIC+ and Beyond
Led by John Willox and Ian El-Mokadem
A broad roundtable discussion on how the future will be even more demanding for TIC+ leaders. What do we in the industry need to be doing now to ensure the pipeline of future leaders is prepared and also industry savvy enough.
--------------------------------------
13:00
Lunch Break
The Westin La Quinta, Sunsa Restaurant
--------------------------------------
14:00
Roundtable Discussion:
The Sales Engine: Crafting Effective Sales Models in TIC+
John Willox - Red Swan Partners
What does good selling look like in T, I and C. or is it all the same? Has any TIC+ organisation really come up with the perfect sales model, or is it still one of the big unsolved challenges within TIC+? In the discussion we will also look to explore the benefits of well adopted CRMs and other supporting tools as well as consider what sales leadership should look like in TIC+.
--------------------------------------
15:00
Roundtable Discussion:
Digitalisation in TIC+ Where Are We Really?
Led by Paul Hesselink and Ian Spaulding
This session will take a candid look at where TIC+ companies truly stand in their digital transformation journeys. Too often, digitalisation is misunderstood as a purely technical shift—when in fact, it’s a business transformation, with technology as a key enabler of efficiency, agility, and strategic growth.
While digital tools and platforms are increasingly critical to competitiveness, many organizations still contend with fragmented systems, legacy infrastructure, and unclear transformation roadmaps.
We’ll explore what digitalisation actually looks like on the ground—from data integration to workflow redesign—and why so many initiatives struggle to progress beyond early implementation. The session will focus on the organisational, cultural, and commercial barriers that prevent digital efforts from scaling.
This isn’t about AI hype. It’s about building the foundational digital capabilities that enable real innovation. We’ll examine how TIC+ firms can move from experimentation to enterprise-wide execution—and what it takes in terms of leadership alignment, investment discipline, and operational focus.
--------------------------------------
16:00
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
16:15
Roundtable Discussion:
AI in TIC+: Transformative Technologies and Practical Applications
Led by Emmanuel Kahembwe - CEO of VDE UK
This session explores how AI and emerging technologies are beginning to reshape the TIC+ landscape—enabling everything from predictive inspection models to real-time compliance tracking and intelligent data analysis.
Yet while the potential is clear, successful implementation is often hindered by deeper organisational challenges: fragmented operational processes—particularly in planning and scheduling—poor system integration, siloed thinking, and the weight of technology debt.
Speakers will share real-world insights from AI deployments—or the absence of them—what’s worked, where it's failed, and how companies are navigating these structural barriers.
As we close the day, this session prepares us for tomorrow’s focus: turning innovation into execution. How can TIC+ leaders think holistically, overcome legacy constraints, and use transformation not just to modernise—but to enable sustained growth?
--------------------------------------
16:45
Roundtable Discussion:
Recap and Takeaway
Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
--------------------------------------
17:30
Close of Day Two
--------------------------------------
19:00
Free Evening Activities
Pick up at 18:45 from hotel
11th June 2025
Digital Transformation in TIC+
08:15
Networking & Coffee
--------------------------------------
08:30
Panel & Roundtable Discussion:
Embracing Digitalisation – AI, Automation, and Market Disruptors
Led by Paul Hesselink and Howard Kerr
This extended session opens Day 3 with a two-part format designed to expose the practical realities of digital transformation in TIC+: first from the outside-in, then from the inside-out.
Part 1: Panel – Hearing from the Vendors (45 minutes)
The panel brings together voices from leading software vendors, digital disruptors, and platform providers. These are the people building the tools that claim to transform how TIC+ firms operate—so we’ll put them on the spot with deliberately provocative questions that cut through the marketing and surface the truth.
Expect candid answers about what’s working, what’s not, and what the software community really needs TIC+ clients to understand and change for transformation to succeed.
“If automation is so easy, why is manual scheduling still a full-time job?”
Part 2: Roundtable – Reflections from TIC+ Leaders (45 minutes)
This is roundtable discussions where attendees will reflect on their own organisations’ digital journeys, sharing challenges, missed opportunities, and the internal constraints that block progress.
Key themes will include:
Fragmented service planning and delivery systems
Under-leveraged data and disconnected workflows
AI pricing models and total cost of implementation
Organisational AI readiness: data, systems, leadership
Change fatigue, capability gaps, and investment misalignment
“The goal isn’t more strategy. It’s to understand where we’re stuck, what’s already working, and how to move from experimentation to impact.”
--------------------------------------
10:25
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
10:35
Roundtable Discussion:
Digital Trust and Cyber Readiness: Building Secure and Scalable Frameworks
Led by John Noble - Red Swan Partners
In TIC+, digital transformation can’t succeed without trust. Yet cyber maturity remains one of the most overlooked—and business-critical—gaps across the sector.
This session explores how cyber risk, weak governance, and unclear accountability are quietly stalling digital scale-ups, AI deployments, and system modernisation. It’s not just about stopping breaches—it’s about enabling secure growth.
We’ll cover:
Why cyber trust is becoming a strategic differentiator in vendor and tech selection
The new commercial risks—from data integrity to operational sabotage
Where TIC+ companies are most exposed—and why
What “readiness” really looks like, from leadership down to workflows
This is a session for leaders, not technicians. Whether you're buying, deploying, or investing in technology, this is about protecting what you build—and proving you're ready to scale it.
--------------------------------------
11:05
The Red Swan Vendor Radar – Measuring Digital, Cyber & AI Readiness
Kieran Walshe - Red Swan Partners
Digital transformation isn’t just about picking the best tools—it’s about choosing solutions that fit where your organisation is right now, and where it’s trying to go.
This session introduces Red Swan’s Vendor Radar and Digital & Cyber Maturity Assessment: a practical, independent view of the TIC+ tech landscape, built to help companies and investors see beyond the sales pitch.
We’ll explore:
How different vendors align to different stages of organisational maturity
Where tech often fails to deliver—not because it’s weak, but because it’s misaligned
What buyers, vendors, and investors need to understand to drive meaningful adoption
For buyers: a lens to evaluate vendor fit and de-risk digital decisions
For vendors: insight into what serious buyers expect—and why some offers don’t land
For investors: a way to distinguish capability from noise in a crowded market
This session offers a first look at a growing suite of tools designed to help the TIC+ market evaluate AI readiness, digital capability, and the structural factors that enable—or block—successful implementation.
--------------------------------------
11:20
Roundtable Discussion:
Strategies for Tech-Enabled Growth and Overcoming Legacy Constraints
Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
Attendees will explore how to build tech-enabled growth strategies, overcome legacy system constraints, and position their companies for the next wave of digital transformation. Expect peer exchange, tough questions, and shared lessons from the room.
--------------------------------------
12:25
Coffee Break
--------------------------------------
12:35
Recap and Takeaway
Facilitated by John Willox - Red Swan Partners
--------------------------------------
13:30
BBQ Lunch Buffet
El-Mirador Terrace – The Westin La Quinta
--------------------------------------
14:30
Optional Working Session (Informal)
From Concept to Capability: Implementing Digital Tools Across TIC+ Operations
What practical implementation really looks like — from field operations to compliance platforms-AI readiness vs. AI distraction: when is tech too early, and when is it overdue?-Aligning process, people, and platform to deliver value-Change management, pilot-to-scale execution, and cross-functional integration Bring your challenges, your in-progress ideas, and your hard-won lessons.
The goal: leave with something tangible you can test or use.
--------------------------------------
16:00
End of Event
--------------------------------------
17:30
Optional Golf
12th June 2025
Optional Golf/ Spa Day
A relaxed setting for informal networking, business discussions, and peer connections in a premium resort environment. (Additional Cost)
13th June 2025
Registration is closed
When
Tuesday - Thursday
10th - 12th June 2025
Who
Coming Soon
For the full list
