CIPD - Manchester branch - Indepedent HR consultants SIG

Manchester

SIGNet, The Special Interest Group for Consultants Operating in Small Businesses

SIGNet provides a forum for members of the CIPD who work as small, independent HR consultancy firms. Its aims include the provision of opportunities for:
•   The fundamentals of setting up and running a business
•   Networking, mutual support and social interaction
• Personal and professional development
•   Developing links with similar groups within and outside the
   CIPD

The fortunes of SIGNet have ebbed and flowed over the past few years. At one stage it had over 50 members but the formal membership has reduced as people have networked informally in smaller groups, returned to full time employment or moved away. Currently I believe there are a number of informal groupings as well the small core group. Many of their needs are met by other Special Interest Groups such as the Learning and Development Group (run by Julia Menaul) that has a thriving programme through the coming year.

In the Branch we believe there are new people who are deciding to ‘take the plunge’. If you are considering self employment we would like to make a contact with you so that we can discover what we can do to help you launch your new businesses and support you as you set off.

To achieve this and as a first step we are running one formal event, on commercial contracts. This is a fundamental requirement for small consultancy businesses (especially when times are tight and company budgets are stretched). We ran this topic a few years back and it proved to be very useful for people. There will be a chance to ask questions to help with personal circumstances. It will be of value for both new starters and experienced consultants. We plan to tailor additional events once we know what would be most helpful.

Please check out the event, “Self Employed Consultants Beware!” which is scheduled for 20 November at Chancellors (which is behind “The Toast Rack” in Fallowfield). You can see more about it on www.cipd.co.uk/branch/manchester or in the 2008-2009 programme booklet that accompanies this newsletter.

If any of this is of interest please or you have any questions please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you.

Dave Mettam, 0161 443 1420 dave@mettam.plus.com

Independent HR Consultants Special Interest Group - SIGNet,