Partner Article

thinkchange Supports Business Improvement

The shortlist of 29 finalists for this year’s CIPD North East of England HR&D Awards has been confirmed.

The awards, delivered by The Journal and associate sponsors Nigel Wright, feature 10 categories, including the SME HR&D Award — sponsored by CIMA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

This year’s categories span learning and development, technology, diversity and more.

Esh Group one of Thinkube’s key clients has been short-listed in both the “HR & D Technology Award” and the “Employee Engagement Award” categories. The excellent work undertaken by the Esh Group has been supported by our “thinkchange” Idea Management and Engagement software.

The ideas which have been implemented include:

• The development of an innovation forum
• Video conferencing across the business generating efficiency savings.
• Introduction of a cycle to work scheme
• Extension of health and safety equipment and provision of onsite defibrillators
• The resurrection of the annual staff dinner dance to reinforce the brand and build constructive relationships
• Electric charging points for vehicles
• Employee benefits scheme

The wider business benefits include improvements in customer service, health and safety and staff morale.

Finalists from across the industrial spectrum will be at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead on June 11 to find out if they are among the winners.

Last year’s dinner attracted more than 370 guests, and this year Metro Radio stars Steve and Karen will lead the evening.

The Awards are in association with Nigel Wright and sponsored by CIMA, Cintra HR & Payroll Services, Clarke Mairs LLP, NCFE, Sullivan Brown Resourcing Partners, Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, and Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Kevin Kerrigan, executive dean at Newcastle Business School, said: “Sponsoring these awards with the CIPD and The Journal is also a perfect way for us to engage with the business community.

“Our CIPD-accredited MA Human Resource Management & Development programme develops the next generation of HR talent. We’re very much looking forward to the awards evening.”

The CIPD North East of England HR&D Awards recognise the HR and development efforts of regional SMEs with workforces under 250 people.

The programme is designed to allow companies to share best practice and inspire future practitioners and businesses.

This year’s judging panel includes Sage Group director of talent, Andy Hill; head of Centres of Expertise at Nestle UK, Adrienne McFarland; head of people and organisation development at Virgin Money, Steve Morton; Nigel Wright Group’s Sue O’Donovan; group HR director at Northumbrian Water, Sarah Salter; and GE Oil and Gas UK’s Julia Smith.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ian Conway, Managing Director, Thinkube Ltd .