The Swindon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced it will actively support the Swindon Mindful Employer Network fourth annual conference next month.
The network conferences, which focus on mental health and well-being in the workplace, have rapidly built up a reputation for excellence and are free of charge to representatives of employers in the Swindon area.
The local FSB will be sponsoring the pre-conference reception which is hosted by the Mayor of Swindon at the conference on October 15, which takes place the Swindon Marriott.
FSB Swindon branch chair Emma Faramarzi said: “I believe business people and employers in all sectors now have a greater awareness of mental health and well-being issues at work.
“The reality is that owners and staff in small businesses face the same pressures in challenging economic times as their colleagues in larger enterprises.
“I meet owners of small businesses every day and at times the stress of running your own enterprise can be overwhelming. I believe the work of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network in highlighting these crucial matters of concern is extremely valuable to Swindon businesses and local community.”
Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire’s David Latham, who manages the network, is delighted by the offer of support:
He said: “Due to the generosity of organisations like the local FSB we can once again provide another conference to local businesses free of charge. The FSB has been actively supporting the work of the network for several years and we are keen to continue this excellent association for many years to come.”
The pre-conference reception is at 11.30am with the conference running from 12noon to 2.50pm.
The keynote speaker is David Frost CBE, chairman of the National Network of Local Enterprise Partnerships, and former director general of the British Chambers of Commerce. He is also co-author of the Government-commissioned Health at Work – An Independent Review of Sickness Absence.
Other speakers include Melanie Richens, chair of the Swindon Mindful Employer Network, and John Gilbert, board director commissioning, Swindon Borough Council
The event will be hosted by BBC Points West presenter Ali Vowles.
For more information email david.latham@richmondfellowship.org.uk or go to www.mindfulemployer.net
