PRESS INFORMATION ________________________________________________

Equal Opportunities is good business sense according to a landmark, national conference that will take place on June 18 at the Sheffield Moat House Hotel. Specially designed to meet the needs of small and medium sized businesses, the conference has been organised by Sheffield TEN (Towards Equality iNitiaitves), which is jointly funded by Sheffield Training and Enterprise Council, (TEC) and the European Regional Development Fund.

Key-note speeches will be provided by two leading, national figures - Sir Herman Ouseley, Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality and Kamlesh BahI, Chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission. A wide range of workshops will also give participants the opportunity to explore aspects of equal opportunities that directly relate to their business.

Sheffield TEN is run by a project team based at Sheffield College and aims to help local businesses implement effective equal opportunities and working practices. Participating companies have come from a wide range of sectors. including legal, manufacturing, construction, retail, training and insurance. foundation three years ago, thirty local companies have gained from the initiative.

Supertram, is just one of those that has been reaping the benefits, David Skirrow, Training Officer at the firm comments, "Sheffield TEN provided us with the skills and support we needed to implement an effective Equal Opportunities strategy. As a result, our staff are much more aware of customer needs, especially those of people with disabilities, which has significantly improved the service we provide, as well as our relationship with the public.

Another significant business benefit has been the transformation of our recruitment and selection policies. As a service industry, we realised that it was crucial to have a workforce that reflected the diversity of the local community. This is not only a major attraction to customers, but is also attractive to our potential workforce, providing us with an increasing pool of people with the right skills and qualifications."

Keith Davie, Chief Executive of Sheffield TEC concludes, "Through the work of Sheffield TEN, more and more companies have become aware that Equal Opportunities is not simply the right thing to do, but is an essential part of an effective business strategy. It is a major driving force behind business success.

The opportunity to hear from two such high profile speakers at the conference is generating a lot of interest, and we expect a high level of attendance on the day. With the many changes that have taken place recently, such as the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act, it will enable companies to examine what these changes mean for them, as well as providing a firm base from which to move forward."

For further information please contact Josie Johnson/Sinclair Mason, Te: 0113 236 0077/Fax: 01132360261.

To have your organisations news
published on these pages click here