Human Resource Summit 2012 - Participant testimonials

Delegate comments 

“A very productive event, I've found ways to save us money and improve what we do. I also met with lots of charming and inspiring people who are facing the same challenges as me, and some very experienced people who've faced these same challenges and overcome them. A really very well run event, the expectation that you are there to contribute was set from the start.”
Polly Barnes, Talent & HR Director, StartJG Ltd

“I thought the entire event was superbly well organised. The Summit team were delightful and nothing was ever too much trouble for them - all I needed to do was ask and my request would be dealt with straight away.  This is the first supplier conference that I've attended where I felt entirely comfortable. There was no hard sell. The suppliers were more intent on networking and understanding our business. It felt as if building a relationship with their potential clients was the priority; it wasn't about forging a deal or closing a sale. I will definitely come back next year if you will have me! All brilliant - thank you”
Deborah Newton, Group HR Director, All3media International

“As usual the event was superbly organised. Good mix of suppliers and delegates and the event was a worthwhile two days out of my schedule.”
Clair Dyson, Head of HR, ASE Global

“A great way to really source and understand new suppliers, in a relaxed and informative way. Great speakers, interesting delegates, would thoroughly recommend it!”
Arlene Stone, Director of HR, Bath Spa University

“An interesting and varied agenda with a great opportunity to network, a great location free from the distractions of the office.”
Steve Smith, Head of Group HR, N Brown Group Plc

“Took an awful lot from each Strategy Group Session, very thought provoking and really interesting to hear some of the other delegates put forward their views and ask questions. Very well organised and great chance to network and above all learn and absorb from some very talented people both suppliers and delegates.”
Lee Bayman, Senior HR Manager, The Orchid Group

“I find the Summit Event to be immensely valuable. I have met some very interesting and helpful new contacts and potential suppliers. The setting is nice and informal and it's a great chance to network and compare notes with colleagues from very different industries.”
Gareth Williams, HR Director, Ramboll UK Ltd

“A good blend of sessions that were very relevant to my needs. Quality speakers and good facilitation. An excellent event that brings together senior HR professionals, quality suppliers and inspiring speakers in one place for a short period. The event provides an excellent framework for learning, networking and supplier discussions in a relaxed environment. Exceptionally well planned and coordinated.”
Richard Thomas, Group Head of HR, Scott Bader Company Ltd

“Best event I have been to. Really well organised to ensure the perfect relaxed environment to build effective relationships with delegates and suppliers alike.”
Linda Jodrell, Head of HR, Gala Coral Group Ltd

“A really good mix of useful supplier meetings, thought-provoking workshops and time for networking. The HR Summit is the best HRD event I am aware of, and I have attended several over the years.”
Kate Naylor, HR and Health & Safety Director, Natures Way Foods

“Very personal, relaxed and thought provoking. The sessions were well co-ordinated with sufficient gaps for reflection, also an excellent networking opportunity.”
Kelvyn Harris, HR Director, Waterstones Booksellers Ltd

“The management of the whole event was excellent. It must have been a logistical nightmare to get everyone attending the right meetings and then sitting next to different people at each meal, and it went off without a hitch as far as I could tell! Well done!”
Susan Doyle, Head of HR, BDL Management Ltd

“I enjoyed the friendliness of HR Summit staff. Very well organised event. There was an informal and open, yet professional atmosphere. Good balance between workshops, supplier meetings and 'free time’.”
Erna de Ruijter, Head of Leadership Development, Virgin Media

“A great event with every conceivable detail covered. The mix of supplier meetings/strategy groups and networking opportunities was also well balanced.”
Mark Traynor, HR Manager, TSC Foods, Ltd

“The Summit provides an excellent environment to meet with potential new suppliers and in a relaxed unpressurised way. Each Summit I have attended has either led me to a new supplier or provided a renewed opportunity.  The networking with colleagues is frankly invaluable.”
Nigel Pierce, Director of Personnel and Facilities, Public and Commercial Services Union

“Very interesting, met some good people - both suppliers and delegates. Good to speak to suppliers and find out what is out there in an unpressurised environment.”
Ingrid Armstead, Group HR Director, Robert Walters

“Useful content and supplier discussions, on balance a helpful 2 days.”
Richard Mills, Head of UK HR & European Talent Management, Panasonic Europe Ltd

“Very impressed by the event organization, quality of the presentations, very good networking opportunities - Congratulations...”
Laurence Bettini, Senior Manager Talent & Reward, The Walt Disney Company Ltd

“Very well organised, relaxed atmosphere. I liked the fact that there is no hard sell, the business meetings are just introductory meetings, after which follow ups can be arranged if required. It's also great to have the opportunity to meet varied suppliers and other delegates during business breaks and mealtimes.”
Geoff Hall, Head of HR, World Duty Free Group – UK Ltd

“A good way to see and compare lots of suppliers and some interesting learning and networking opportunities.”
Helen McCarthy, HR Director, APCO Worldwide

Supplier comments

“Really well organised, friendly Event Team, always happy to help, but without being too pushy.  Delegates responded well to this, as all appeared engaged and happy, not pressured or too tired.  A very good mix! High calibre delegates - decision makers -, who were engaged, relaxed and open to worthwhile discussions. Well done Summit - the best organised event of its type!”
Chris Moore, Head of Major Accounts, Simplyhealth

“Continues to be the best run event available”
Kevin Lawrence, Founder & Managing Director, The Odyssey Group

“The event met my expectations in every way. In general all delegates were of the level where they were the decision makers. “
Jane Wright, Chief Executive, Law at Work

“Very intense programme of meetings but pre-matching process helped to make this a highly productive use of time and potentially an attractive investment.”
John Sellars, Managing Director, Employmend Ltd

“In three days I had twenty-seven productive conversations with prospects who I would probably have had great difficulty to get an appointment with and if I did, it would have taken all year and a lot of travelling up and down and around the country. This event is a very cost-effective and time-efficient way of broadening our sales activity nationally (and to some extent internationally). It is a very comfortable environment for both delegates and suppliers, being large enough to give the diversity needed but small enough to facilitate several conversations with the same people.”
Stephen Peak, Associate Dean – Business Engagement, University of Wolverhampton Business School

“Stands out as best value and best service/atmosphere of all events of its type. I started attending Summit Events' HR Summit 18 years ago. We've never missed one since! That's because it is quite simply the best B2B HR event of the year: the best organised, the friendliest, and we keep on getting great results. Have already booked for 2013!”
Peter Gannon, Managing Partner, invigor8

“I was most impressed by the Summit - having been recommended by Geoff Hall I had been looking forward to the event and it exceeded expectations. The event was a valuable networking opportunity for professionals in an atmosphere of mutual respect enabling constructive conversations and qualified meetings with interested parties.  I was most impressed with the Summit and would highly recommend.”
Sarah Hopkins, Director of Business Development, Resource Bank

“A very organised and well run event. From a supplier perspective, you exceeded my expectations. A smaller amount of delegates but higher quality than other events I have attended. I genuinely feel that we will do some decent business from the introductions, and you will be part of that success story.”
Ben Rose, Corporate Account Director, Croner

“My third Summit representing Lorica, and each event has been different - new organisations, new contacts at familiar organisations and familiar faces with new challenges.”
Matt Duffy, Head of Online Benefits, Lorica Employee Benefits

“The support, organisation and delivery of the event was excellent and surpassed my expectations, well done! “
Christopher Hopkins, Managing Director, Caburn Hope

“All meetings organised were very high quality. As someone who really dislikes selling this event was superb!  Really well organised, high quality meetings with great companies.  An informal and relaxed atmosphere. Would highly recommend.”
Susy Roberts, Owner & Director, Hunter Roberts