Business Forum moves to bigger setting

Jason Gault MD of TeamJobs addresses the largest ever Connect HR Forum

The latest Connect HR Forum hosted by TeamJobs and Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors was moved to bigger premises to meet demand.

Around 50 delegates representing 36 companies applied to attend the quarterly event, prompting the move from Steele Raymond’s client suite in Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, to the Hilton.

The Connect HR Forum started in January 2018 to enable human resources professionals and business leaders to discuss the hot topics affecting business, from harassment to data protection and staff engagement.

Guest speaker at the latest Forum was Niall Cluley, Partner and Director of consulting at Dragonfish, which has worked with businesses including Carnival UK, Motorola and the National Trust.

Cluley presented an overview of the consultancy’s latest research on high-performing cultures and discussed how organisations can shape their own culture to fuel growth.

He advised delegates: “Do less but do it brilliantly and go with the energy in your organisation. Also think of employees as customers – but more demanding.”

His presentation attracted so many questions from the audience that it was extended to include a Q&A session.

The Forum also welcomed back its regular legal expert, Amy Cousineau-Massey from Steele Raymond, following her maternity leave.

Amy discussed how businesses can remove ‘draining factors’, use incentivisation and provide protection to improve their culture.

Louise Southam of Beyond Belief life and business coaching, said: “I don’t network locally but I always attend the Connect HR Forum because it attracts the decision makers from the industry whom I really want to talk to, as well as relevant guest speakers like Niall.”

Raquel Gonzalez of the marketing agency Astute Ltd, based in Bournemouth, was attending the Forum for the first time.

She said: “I’m here because I’ve heard it is very helpful. It’s really good to meet other professionals, pick up relevant information and share ideas.”

Sally Bennett, Executive Manager of the TeamExecutive division at TeamJobs, said: “The Forum is regularly over-subscribed, but this is the first time we have had to move location to meet demand and Niall’s presentation was obviously a contributing factor in that.

“It also shows that Connect HR is doing exactly what it was set up to do – educate, inform and ultimately encourage businesses to work more effectively together.”

The Connect HR Forum is free to attend but spaces are limited and all delegates must pre-register.

For more information on the next Forum phone Suzi de Villiers at TeamExecutive on: 01202 037 999.