Local leaders provide centralised SME employment support

Three Newcastle firms, peoplefusion, Skildare and Osborn Law joined forces in 2018 to create Workplace HQ – an initiative which provides a centralised source of specialised recruitment, human resources and legal expertise.

Workplace HQ (WHQ) understand an easy pathway to the best advice and information in these areas are vital to the success of any small-to-medium enterprise (SME).

That’s why a key part of their service is dedicated to providing regular breakfasts and webinars on an array of informative topic areas, with their next presentation at the Hunter Business Women’s Network (HBWN) dinner on 10 February at which they will be discussing – Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021… How the workplace can be back at its best.

Since WHQ’s commencement, the three firms have worked together providing access to experts within each firm to give clients the information they need when they need it most.

Osborn Law Solicitor Director, Christie Howson explained that noticing the gaps in knowledge and service can be difficult, which is why they are there to help SME’s locate those problem areas and mitigate their risk.

“We recognise these specialist areas often overlap, and when you are running a business it can be difficult to know where your need for one service finishes and another begins, “ she said.

“Unfortunately, that sometimes means things slip through the net, leaving your business vulnerable to the ramifications that come with failing to comply with your obligations in terms of recruitment, human resources and the law.

“That’s why Workplace HQ is invaluable. Our unique cooperative approach across these three crucial areas means we have you covered with the most up-to-the-minute information, the most professional advice and the most efficient service.”

Skildare Managing Director, Diane Loong said their next presentation will take a look back at 2020 and outline the lessons we can all take from the year that was.

“2020 was a year like no other and one that saw a lot of our clients, small and large, needing support in their HR space,” Diane said.

“We felt it important after such a difficult year to be able to provide some information on what we can take out of the workplace challenges and lessons of COVID-19 to springboard into 2021 to achieve positive workplace outcomes.”

peoplefusion Co-founder and Director, Ali Kimmorley added that the HBWN network was the perfect opportunity to reach out to a diverse audience who can all equally benefit and take something away from at least one of the panellists on the night.

“The Hunter Business Women’s Network represents a wide range of industries. Accordingly, we have developed a WHQ Panel discussion that contains something for everyone,” Ali said.

“This topic in particular will speak to specific 2021 workplace considerations including recruiting for a changing workplace environment; key leadership traits that are no longer just a nice to have to lead; and managing legal risks in a hybrid workforce.

“We are honoured to be involved with the HBWN, a local not-for-profit networking

organisation aimed at helping business women connect, grow and inspire and look forward to seeing all their wonderful members and guests at their upcoming February dinner.”

The WHQ Panel will include:

• Christie Howson – who practiced extensively in the area of employment law for over 20 years, including conducting in house training sessions for employers to assist clients and their managers on how to deal with effective performance management.

In addition to the employment law work, Christie manages major commercial litigation disputes, particularly those in the Supreme Court of NSW but also in the District and Local Courts.

• Diane Loong – commenced her 25 years of HR experience with a decade of corporate level HR with Arnott’s Biscuits and Woolworths before turning her focus to specialise in the SME market. As a HR leader, she is driven to provide smart, pragmatic HR solutions that achieves the required return on investment for her clients with close attention to the employee experience and mitigation of risk for employers.
• Ali Kimmorley – is a trusted advisor to her clients with more than 19 years’ experience in the industry, provides authentic and strategic advice at every stage of the recruitment process, and at every level of recruitment. Ali is an Accredited Professional Recruiter and has reached Member status with the industry body Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA). She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

For more information on Workplace HQ, or the HBWN event to secure your tickets please visit their website.