HR Retreat - Building Back Better

7 Oct 2021

Building Back Better

We recently hosted our Autumn HR Retreat in partnership with Forbes Solicitors in the stunning grounds of Crow Wood Hotel and Spa. We were thrilled to finally be able to host a face-to-face event after two years of virtual events and it was great to have so many HR professionals in one room.

We showcased a selection of excellent speakers who provided insight into various topics across the HR spectrum. This included:

The changing role of the leader - Sarah McDowell

As the owner of the Leader Centre, Sarah knows everything there is to know about the transformation of teams and the development of commercial strategy to improve business operations. Sarah discussed the changing roles and responsibilities within leadership and development and educated our audience on how to have a positive impact across all business areas.

An interactive employment law update - Forbes Solicitors

Although the Pandemic has kept us busy with new concepts such as furlough leave, changes to SSP provisions, new H&S measures etc the Tribunal system has still been moving along, albeit slower than usual! Andrew Halpin, Senior Associate, and Abigail Lynch, Associate both from the Commercial Employment team, took delegates through an interactive employment case law update with discussion of key cases from the last 12 months.

The impact of changing the way we work - Forbes Solicitors

Emma Swan and Amy Stokes, Partners in Forbes Commercial Employment team, explored the impact that Covid and Brexit has had on the recruitment and employment of staff. Emma discussed the practical and legal impact of the future of work as many organisations move to hybrid and remote working. Amy examined the impact that the ending of free movement of people between the UK and the EU has had on business travel, recruitment and the resulting challenges many businesses now face.

Finding top talent - Four Recruitment

One of the biggest challenge’s businesses face in the recruitment market is attracting top talent and subsequently, retaining them. There are lots of factors that can impact recruitment, particularly in today’s climate when the job market is flourishing but the availability of good quality candidates is decreasing. With over twenty years of combined recruitment experience, Gemma and Claire Sofield shared their experiences and that of their clients to provide solutions to overcome these challenges.

We rounded off the morning with an inspiring and motivating speech from Andy Grant. Andy lost his leg during a tour of Afghanistan serving as a Royal Marine, he now strongly believes that the adversities we go through in life don’t have to define us. Andy delivered a tailored speech especially for the HR Retreat which undoubtedly moved everyone in the room.