Dealers are being advised not to let the macro economic outlook distract them and to stay positive in the face of doom and gloom media reports, according to Anthony Hilton Evening Standard financial editor and chair at next month’s AM Financial Conference 2011.

Hilton will be moderating the conference on November 15 at the Oxford Belfry as well as providing his own expert analysis of the economic outlook for next year.

Hilton said: “Underlying economic conditions are much better than markets and the media would have us believe.

“Consumer spending will remain subdued next year, but the housing market will begin to recover. The Olympics and Queen’s jubilee will help dispel gloom.

“History suggests the recovery will be stronger and faster than expected.”

Hilton will also comment about foreign markets, the impact of The City, continued currency weakness and the changing pattern of world trade.

Other speakers confirmed for the event include: Paul Burrows, principal, Grant Thornton UK LLP, John Kiff
senior faculty, Lean Enterprise Academy, David Powell, Auditeloverhead management specialist, Dennis Foley
head of Mapfre Warranty, Keith Parry, Barclays Corporate relationship director and David Chittenden director, national head of automotive and roadside at Colliers International.

The conference will feature sessions on transactional activity up to the new block exemption and beyond, the new legal framework under the block exemption regulations, lean thinking and efficiency, reducing overheads without compromising resource, funding access, protecting profit margins and property values.

For more information on speakers at the conference or to book your place online see www.am-online.com/am-finance