Walter Akers
Founder – In2 the Bargain Limited

For most of my working career I have been involved with commercial contracts. I started out studying commercial law and went on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. At first, I spent five years working as a forensic accountant in a litigation support role, mostly dealing with commercial disputes. I then worked in industry for several years managing commercial relationships. For the last 21 years I have worked as a business adviser, consultant, coach, lecturer and speaker.

I am passionate about helping organisations maximise the value they derive from their commercial contracts. I particularly enjoy helping individuals develop their commercial acumen and working with teams to build commercial capability. I am fascinated about commercial contracts and trading relationships – the complex fusion of suppliers’ and buyers’ diverse objectives – what makes some contracts successful whilst so many others are disastrously dysfunctional – the behaviours that commercial contracts drive – and how organisations strive to make their commercial relationships work best.

I have extensive experience in training and coaching commercial teams. I am a guest lecturer at University College London on their MSc and commercial training programmes and I am an accredited assessor on the UK Government’s Commercial Capability Programme. I am a Fellow of the World Commerce & Contracting Association (formerly IACCM).

Along the journey of my career, I have had the chance to meet many wonderful people who have inspired and encouraged me along the way. I hope to do the same for others.