From living our best lives on our beloved patch to dealing with death, Humber Business Week’s range of topics will tackle almost everything inbetween.
Social media, corporate culture, health and wellbeing and much more is being analysed, explored and embraced as the annual festival returns.
With SMEs offering specialist advice and umbrella organisations like the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce bringing in senior civil service might, it looks set to be an inspirational and informative week, as we scratch the surface of some highlights.
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Starting with our place
To launch, Bondholders will shine a spotlight on the importance of ‘place’ and what we call home.
The event at the MKM Stadium from 8.30am on Monday, June 5 will “embolden delegates “as the people that make our place, to be proud and excited as the Humber defines itself through renewed confidence, ambition, investment, and opportunity,”.
It aims to kickstart conversations and inform the development of a shared narrative.
Topics and themes with relevance to all workplaces will be explored, providing a comprehensive look at the characteristics that make the Humber region our place, while recognising the importance of progression and evolution, and answering the question of ‘what’s next?’
Interactive elements and table discussions will provide the opportunity to contribute to the while there will be emotive event takeaways, in the form of live visual art created by Calvin Innes, and poetry written and performed by Vicky Foster.
Helping shape the agenda will be John Till, founding director of Thinking Place, a strategic promotion and development consultancy, will be joined by KCom’s CEO, Tim Shaw, Hull University Students' Union chief executive Jane Stafford, founder and creative director of The Culture House,Charlotte Bowen, and and strategic lead for culture at North East Lincolnshire Council, James Trowsdale.
Trading on green
Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming Marian Sudbury OBE, from the Department for Business and Trade, as the director of UK regions to discuss green energy and international trade opportunities for the Humber.
She will speak alongside Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, who will give a ‘state of the city’ address at the Hull Mercure Grange Park Hotel, Willerby, on Tuesday, June 6.
It will be an invitation only dinner event alongside the annual Chamber Expo, where businesses will be showcasing products and services.
Whatsup with your workforce?
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP will explore the risks employers face from the increased use of digital platforms, including social media, and how to maximise opportunities.
The panel event, chaired by Dominic Ward, senior partner, will take place on Tuesday, June 6, and Andrew Jackson’s team of advisors will include Nick Wilson (employment), Elizabeth Rowley (regulatory), and Mike Wilson, (litigation and dispute resolution). Joining them is communications specialist Dani Sewell of Hull-based Fred Marketing, who will share her insight into managing reputational risk when it comes to social media and some of the key principles to apply when things go wrong.
Mr Ward said: “We are delighted to host what looks set to be a lively and insightful discussion about the impact of the use of digital platforms and social media – not only how businesses can protect themselves, but how best to take advantage of the opportunities they create.”
Register by emailing business.week@andrewjackson.co.uk
The ultimate loss in business
Hull Business Women’s Breakfast Club is starting a meaningful conversation about death with a panel of experts.
If someone dies unexpectedly, personal lives are thrown into disarray, but what happens if that person is critical to the company, and what if that person is you?
Making arrangements can offer peace of mind to know that when the inevitable happens and your wishes are taken care of, all your family, business partners and employees must do is grieve.
Death is a difficult topic to discuss as it usually brings up feelings of anxiety, fear, awkwardness, and sadness. We tend to pretend, as a culture, that it won't happen.
The free buffet lunch event on Thursday, June 8 from 12pm to 2pm will see a panel of experts explore the topic and discuss how employers can support people who are grieving or have a terminal illness, and how the death of a key employee or business partner can impact the business.
The panel includes Pam Medhurst, independent celebrant; Suzanne Pack, funeral director; Lucy Trynka, an employment lawyer from Rollits; Jo Kentm,a specialist in suicide prevention at Bloom; Rebecca Brambles, a family support officer at Dove House Hospice and Kay Locker, a HR professional.
Culture club
Fellow law firm Rollits LLP will present Corporate Culture – why it matters and how to build it at The Deep between 3pm and 5pm on Tuesday, June 6 .
The line-up features Harry Rix, chief digital officer of Rix Group, Diana Taylor, managing director of Future Humber and Bondholders, and Caroline Neadley, a partner at Rollits and a specialist in employment law.
Pat Coyle, director of marketing and client relations at Rollits, said this year’s event will look at the importance of developing a good workplace culture where employees feel valued,
respected, and supported and are encouraged to share ideas.
Pat said: “The idea came from our annual staff conference building on the event we held
last year about wellbeing and resilience.
“We’ll look at the benefits of a positive workplace culture in terms of attracting and retaining top talent and fostering innovation, creativity and loyalty amongst staff.
“We’ll also look at what it takes to create such an atmosphere. It doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time, effort, and commitment from everyone involved.”
Log on to health
Breakfasting like champions will be on offer with Tommy Coyle and KCom at a special networking event.
The former Commonwealth lightweight boxer turned entrepreneur will be sharing his insights into how to put the health and wellbeing front and centre of a business at the free event on Thursday, June 8, from 9am to 11am at KCom’s Carr Lane HQ .
As well as showing how physical and mental wellbeing can boost your business performance, the event will also feature a healthy breakfast, a fun rowing challenge and exercises for those feeling particularly motivated.
Tommy said: “Our performance in business is very much linked to the well-being decisions we make every day.”
For more information about the full programme of events visit the Humber Business Week website.
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