2007 Seminar Speakers - 14.00
ACHIEVING CULT STATUS
Diane Savory (Managing Director) - Cult Clothing
Content: Cult Clothing is a business with a story to shout about. We heard the success story of this Cheltenham-based retail business Cult Clothing - from humble market stall beginnings two decades ago to Gloucestershire 2006 'Business of the Year'. The company's growth has been consistently impressive, now with annual sales of over £32million a year, with 13 stores around the country, a booming export business and own-brand clothing worn by celebrities including David Beckham. Managing Director Diane Savory will take you through the journey she has been on with Cult and share her stories of opportunity, challenge and success.
This seminar appeald to anyone with an interest in hearing about entrepreneurial drive and business growth, told through the eyes of the managing director of this Gloucestershire-rooted retail business. we were inspired by the story of dynamism and entrepreneurship at Cult, taking away lessons, thoughts and experiences which help you drive continued success in your own business.
Diane has gained a wealth of retail experience since leaving Art College, obtaining a retail design qualification and then going on to design retail concepts for fashion chains. She joined Cult Clothing 16 years ago, after retraining in finance, and now manages the company's multi - million pound turnover. Within her role she oversees the finance function and operates the day-to-day running of the business, along with planning strategically for continued growth.
PUBLIC RELATIONS: CHANGING THE FACE OF BUSINESS
Averill Gordon (Senior Lecturer PR) - University of Gloucestershire
Content: We discovered how to deal with your public relations issues in this seminar with some of the UK’s leading PR practitioners running nation-wide campaigns here in Gloucestershire. We had a chance to ask questions of the experts and see snippets of their award-winning programmes. We found out the latest developments in public relations, how to communicate in a world of fragmenting and global media and why PR is now an essential part of a business strategy.
The session was hosted by Averill Gordon MA MCIPR, who set up and ran a division of an international PR agency in London, turning it into an award winning division within two years. Averill is the course leader and senior lecturer for the University of Gloucestershire public relations degree and also writes a monthly column on PR education for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Click here for Averill Gordon's presentation
HOW TO PROFIT FROM EXPORT
Steve Lobley and Richard Partos - UK Trade & Investment
Content: Are you trying to export, just thinking about it, or already doing it but not getting as much out of it as you think you could be? Did you know there is an organisation specifically set up to help you? With a network of global resources, the government organisation UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) offers a variety of services and help that will maximise your success in exporting. If you are starting up, need specific information or just want to know where to look there are people in place to help.
Steve joined the UKTI in July 2006 after working for 20 years in a variety of businesses within a large US global textile company. The last 10 years were in business and general management so he has a wide knowledge and experience of international trade, business strategy and the successful implementation of long range plans.
Richard joined UKTI in December 2005 having previously worked as a Business Adviser with Business Link Gloucestershire and has nearly 20 years experience in practical exporting, including senior positions with the Linguaphone Institute, Webley & Scott Gunmakers and Barker Ellis Silver Co. Ltd. He is formally trained in export procedure, having worked in Merchant Banking and Forwarding houses both in the UK and Europe.
Click here for the presentation
HR MANAGEMENT IN SME'S
Kevin Ball (Principal) - West HR Consulting and John Hepworth (Human Resources Consultant)
Content: This seminar presented research on the personnel issues which face leaders of small and medium-sized businesses and will cover what the problems are in managing people within the law, what you can do to make sure that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities and how you go about sourcing and implementing HR advice which improves the performance of your business.
Conducted with the support of the University of Gloucestershire, the research consisted of face to face interviews with managers who grapple with these issues every day. The findings represent an up to date view of what good and not-so-good practice looks like and gives practical guidance on what works and what doesn't.
Kevin Ball and John Hepworth have more than forty years combined business experience in both General Management, Marketing Management and HR Management roles with businesses large, small, local and international. They are practical people with a shared mission to help businesses improve performance through pragmatic HR solutions.
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