finest chair David Webster of the Hanley Economic Building Society looks forward to a brighter future for North Staffordshire in challenging times.
As finest enters its seventh year and as I reach the mid point in my two year term as Chair of finest, what better time to reflect on the achievements of finest to date and look forward to the finest of futures.
Few of us will have escaped the impact of the global downturn in economic activity and the effects of a severe recession. Against this backdrop, finest has had to consider how to do more with less and continue to add value to members, the sector and the region.
finest has maintained membership levels of over 100 professional services sector organisations based in North Staffordshire. futurefinest, our young professionals network, is flourishing with our ‘leaders of the future’ actively involved in professional development activities and developing their own personal business networks.
A key focus over the last twelve months has been to start preparations for an economic upturn. The highly successful Graduate Works Programme pilot has enabled over 40 employees from member firms to participate in a development programme to better equip them for the challenges of today’s market place.
As a result of finest leading this pilot project, many more young graduates across the region will have the opportunity to benefit from this programme. The Future Senior Manager programme, launched in April 2010 will help develop those new to first line management positions and further strengthen our business to manage the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Developing business opportunities for members is another important area for finest. This year, in addition to our regular Working Groups, a new Collaboration Group has been working on a ‘Highway Code of Collaboration’. This will raise awareness of the spectrum of collaboration opportunities and how to approach them for success.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members and partners for their continued support of finest and futurefinest.