Innovation at centre of Chartered Directors’ Conference
This year’s Chartered Directors’ Conference featured something of a coup – an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the production facility at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
Hosted by IoD North East (North), the conference attracted more than 60 members, both Chartered Directors and colleagues aspiring to join their ranks.
Branch chair Sarah Waddington CBE said: “Chartered Directors are committed to professional development and best practice so we specifically designed a conference that would appeal to them by taking their knowledge further.
“Innovation and productivity are key to directors and it was fascinating to tour the production line at Nissan and see the use of advanced manufacturing technologies alongside human talent which results in cars like the Juke and Qashqai coming off the production line to a very tight schedule.”
The Nissan tour was followed by an interactive workshop and two speakers to provide further learning and knowledge to conference attendees.
Dr Geeta Nathan from Innovate UK explored the link between innovation and productivity, signposting directors to what they could do to take their own businesses to the next level in terms of innovation and development.
CEO of the Good Business Charter Jenny Herrera spoke about raising the bar on business behaviour, encouraging responsible business practices such as care for employees, customers, suppliers and the environment.
Alan Hindley and Elise Williams from The Mindset Development Group followed with a session on building a thriving organisation by unlocking employee potential, thereby improving workplace productivity.
Sarah said: “Chartered Directors are lifelong learners and the conference delivered ideas around new thinking, responsible business and different approaches to take as directors.
“The conference was inspirational in so many ways – there was lots of interest, curiosity, positivity and great engagement between a community of directors who were sharing knowledge and experience and supporting each other. It was particularly lovely to see Chartered Directors offering support to those on their own Chartered journey.”
The IoD plans to hold two Chartered Director conferences a year and the next one is planned for this Christmas in the Home Counties.
The conference concluded with IoD North East summer drinks which enabled branch members to network with Chartered Directors and continue the conversation around the highly-regarded Chartered Director Programme.
Find out more about our Chartered Director Programme here.
