Sarah Sillars of the Institute of the Motor Industry is to chair the industry’s inaugural People Skills conference.

The conference is called Recruiting, Developing & Retaining The Right People and is designed to help motor retailers of all sizes increase profitability by focusing on their most important asset – their staff.

Speakers include David McVean, deputy director of the Workplace Skills Unit (introduction); Chris Donkin of Courland Automotive (leadership); Guy Liddall of Motor Trade Selection (HR management); and Tony Salt of Investors in People (staff retention).

It also features a range of seminars offering best practice guidelines in a number of key areas. Delegates can choose which ones they want to attend, up to a maximum of three:

  • Growth – the HR challenges, Derek Day and Mike Taylor, Hutton Turner

  • Incentivising staff retention, Dominic Doe, Maritz

  • A more scientific approach to recruitment, Rod Cornwell, Thomas International

  • Recruiting the right management material, Jess Starley and Tim Bryant, rts Consultants

  • Building an outstanding management team, Gordon Roscoe, Blue Water Partnership

  • How to be a better coach, Steve Benfield, Beech Consultancy

  • How to spend your training budget wisely, Geoff Bloom and Damien Scully, Lorien Training

  • Profiting from online learning, Simon Bowkett, Symco Training

  • Employment law for the motor trade, Ben Thornber, Martineau Johnson

    There is no other event like this in the marketplace.

    Recognised experts with a track record of success will offer clear, impartial guidelines and focus on practical solutions, that don’t cost a fortune to implement. It’s a unique opportunity for motor dealers and HR specialists working in the industry to step back from their business for a day and bring back some new ideas for improving performance.

    Recruiting, Developing & Retaining the Right People takes place on Tuesday September 12, at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham, and is presented by AM magazine in partnership with the industry’s official training body Automotive Skills. The headline sponsor is leading training and development organisation, Carter & Carter.

    “The IMI is dedicated to helping the industry improve performance by developing its people”, said Sillars. “I’m delighted to be taking part in this conference.”

    For more information, contact Luke Clements at EMAP Automotive Events on 01733 468 325, or luke.clements@emap.com or go online at www.ampeopleskillsconference.com.