Elevate UK was an event to remember, with a full lineup of expert speakers gathering in Birmingham to share their unique insights and experiences with inquisitive attendees.

From cutting-edge strategies to networking opportunities, the agenda was full of opportunities to learn from and connect with some of the best and brightest minds from across the supply chain. Their inspiring sessions touched on topics from advancements in AI to the “science” of incentive programs and everything in between.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some key takeaways from Elevate UK. Let’s explore some of the fascinating new insights and best practices shared at this year’s event.

Rebates Reimagined

After Enable CEO Andrew Butt kicked off the conference with an invigorating keynote session, K Wright Consultancy Ltd founder Keith Wright took the stage to discuss “toxic rebates:” how businesses can handle them, how they impact what he calls the “relationship ecosystem,” eleven common points of failure, and the true power of strategic alignment.

As Keith explains, toxic rebates can be harmful to trading partnerships, leading to stress, conflict, or a weaker relationship. They may be too complex, there may be too much cash tied up in the deal, or they may be driving the wrong behavior (or not driving any behavior). His advice? Start with a clear plan in mind and stay closely aligned. Collaborate across teams and trading partners to ensure your rebates continue to drive shared success and mutual benefit.

The Economic Outlook and its Impact on Rebate Management Strategy

Douglas McWilliams, founder and deputy chairman of CEBR, shared some insightful analyses and predictions about the impact of the US election results on trading relations and the global economy. He takes a practical look at rising inflation, the US’s proposed tariffs, population changes, government deficits, and other circumstances driving or stifling growth in the economy.  

McWilliams predicts that the world is in for an unpredictable few years, with the potential for even higher inflation, higher national insurance, higher minimum wage, international tariffs, climate levies, and more. He also suggests that, in light of recent geopolitical conflicts impacting global trade, rebates are likely to play an even more critical role in maintaining trading relations going forward.

A Fresh Take on Rewriting the Rebate Management Playbook

For this insightful panel discussion, Enable CFO Nick Rose was joined by Paul Errington (Head of Finance at WEX Photo Studio), Darren Peart (Head of Supplier Relations at Vets4pets), Pavandeep Roome (Control Accountant at Geberit), and Matt Alcraft (Finance Director at APP Wholesale Ltd).  

First, they took a moment to explore why rebate management is so complicated, then they shared some key strategies to combat complexity and improve performance before finally chatting about best practices for collaborating with your trading partners to drive the results you want to see. They also explored the difference between tactical and strategic relationships, as well as the power of rebates to drive collaboration across whole industries and sectors.

More Insights from Elevate UK

In his session, Enable’s Mark Gilham shared some data-driven insights on the science of crafting effective incentives, drawing many parallels to Formula One racing—namely the impracticality of a “pedal to the metal” approach, and the importance of having the right tools and support at your disposal.  

To explore the transformative impact of AI on rebate management, Enable CPO Marty Labelle was joined by Graeme Storey, Head of Commercial Finance at WSH, and Ed Hutt, Group CIO of Impellam Group. Together, they shared their unique perspectives on the fast-rising impact of AI—its potential to empower human workers, its capacity to enhance rebate management, the importance of transparency (or explainable AI), and more. They emphasize that now is the time to start building AI into your rebate management processes in order to stay ahead of the curve.

Exploring the Future of Rebate Management at Elevate  

Elevate UK is the place to be when it comes to staying up to date on the latest trends, solutions, and strategies in rebate management. This year’s conference was a truly inspiring conjunction of expert insights, practical takeaways, and best practices that attendees can take home to implement in their own organizations. Elevate is all about bringing great minds together to explore, prepare for, and reshape the future of rebate management together.

Missed the live sessions at Elevate UK? Watch the recordings on demand here for even more fascinating insights.