With interest rates on the rise, costs increasing and the financial implications of high staff turnover, it’s never been more important for organisations to understand what they can do to help future-proof their business. The current business climate is raising these kinds of questions about our strategic planning and what we can do to promote future success. This Giants Business Breakfast networking event will give you an insight into what different businesses are currently doing and encourage you to reflect on how this might be relevant to your business.
Carol Sibbald, Business Development at Huddersfield Business School will host the conversation with our guest speakers for the event:
Andrew Watson, Commercial Director at Huddersfield Giants
Andrew Watson is the Commercial Director of Huddersfield Giants and has been in the professional sporting industry for 30 years. He has previously held positions both on and off the pitch playing professional football for five years as a defender for Huddersfield Town and Exeter City and then worked his way up to become Chief Executive Officer at Huddersfield Town before joining Huddersfield Giants.
Wayne Topley, Managing Director at Cedar Court Hotels Group, Chair of LHVA, IoH Fellow, Harrogate BID board member
Wayne Topley is a professionally qualified hospitality leader with extensive experience of building strong teams and driving hotels to achieve great results with a consistent focus on the guest, the investor and the team. With an extensive experience, gaining tangible results across a range of Hotels including destination conference venues, airport hotels, city centre properties and 5-star golf and leisure resorts. Leading from the front is a personal passion, and is demonstrated by a drive of results, and clarity around expectations and a reputation for success. A hospitality stalwart, Mr Topley is a passionate advocate for the industry, vocally lobbying for hospitality recruitment, financial support and recognition for the efforts of hospitality colleagues during the pandemic. The challenges of the last 3 years have had a significant impact on the way we deliver Hospitality and as an industry Wayne has been at the forefront of those challenge and solutions.
Paul Collin, Group Risk Director- Aceso Health & Group Risk
Aceso are Employee Benefits solutions specialists, advising on and offering client benefit packages that meet varied business budgets and requirements, whilst supporting today’s diverse workforces. Paul will provide an introduction to some of the most common Employee Benefits solutions that firms can employ to aid talent retention and attraction Paul has 25 years experience within the UK Financial Services sector, working for FCA regulated provider and adviser firms throughout and with extensive experience in both Financial Services and Insurance regulated environments alike He is also a registered member of the Society of Insurance Broking and the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds CertPFS/CII accreditation. He is also a registered member of the Society of Insurance Broking and the Chartered Insurance Institute and holds CertPFS/CII accreditation
Professor Abhijit Sharma, Huddersfield Business School
Abhijit Sharma is a Professor in Economics and Finance, as well as School Director of Graduate Education, at Huddersfield Business School, having previously worked at the University of Bradford, the University of Kent, Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield. He is an experienced academic with an established track record of completing high-quality research, developing research networks, and securing research funding where he has demonstrated research leadership and producing high-quality research outputs. His research interests include innovation and firm theory, well-being, corporate finance, international economics and applied econometrics.
The event will take place in Huddersfield Business School’s Executive Suite (No. 9 on the below campus map, Charles Sikes Building)
The Huddersfield Giants have been working in partnership with Huddersfield Business School since 2019, delivering quality business events for the community. Eorl Crabtree, the former professional rugby league player, now works as a Club Ambassador and supports the partnership by attending all our events.
For more information including contact details please visit the Huddersfield Giants’ directory listing –
