Independent Research Group
Background
With an increasing number of initiatives, user organisations and service providers, there is a demand for informed and independent comment and advice on Supply Chain Finance, particularly Early Payment Programmes, inter-company Working Capital and extended, or end-to-end, Supply Chain Cash Flows.
Oxygen Finance Limited (OFL) has agreed to be the launch sponsor of an independent research group to meet, discuss and communicate information and guidance on the opportunities and challenges for buyers, suppliers, financiers and governments.
OFL hopes that other organisations will commit to supporting and co-funding the group once it is established.
Objectives
The Group’s objectives are to:
- Understand the challenges and opportunities in financing the supply chain of goods and services from the points of view of buyers, suppliers, intermediaries and regulators.
- Commission and contribute to academic, industry and government research and forums as appropriate.
- Educate the market, though constructive debate.
- Understand and challenge planning assumptions, factors, ratios and proposed processes.
- Endorse standards where-ever possible and develop insights on the pros and cons of alternative approaches in different circumstances, industries and geographies.
- Communicate these publically, becoming a leading voice and opinion former.
- Contribute to conferences, workshops, training sessions etc.
- Review and comment on publications, articles, blogs and announcements in the area.
- Engage with any other group, public body or private organisation with an interest in this area – the nature of the engagement to be agreed on a case by case basis but will be on general/overall topics, rather than specific advice.
Membership
The Group’s core membership will be made up from the various disciplines and bodies, with a prominent figure as the Chair. This core membership will act as a Steering Group. We envision 5-10 people drawn from the following areas:
- Academic – Business School and/or Research body
- Professional Groups – such as Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), etc
- International – EU, International Finance Corporation (IFC), etc
- Public Policy - Treasury (HMT) and/or Dept of Business (BIS) and/or Bank of England (BoE)
- Industry analysts
In addition to this other individuals will be invited to participate or address the group on a regular or ad hoc basis. Below is a selection of the areas where the group would want to engage:
- User Communities : CFO’s/FD’s, Treasurers, AP Managers, CPO, Supply Chain Leaders
- Payment Processors
- Advisory and implementation consultancies
- Trade and industry bodies, CBI, FSB,
- Suppliers, vendors and providers of services in this market
- Banks
- Legal advisors
