Phil Wild, the Chief Executive Officer of James Cropper PLC and Group HR Director David Nicholson are to be interviewed by Sue Howorth of The Family Business Network at an event created to address the problem of attracting talent to Cumbria. This will be the first time Phil and David have spoken in this way about the ‘people’ element of James Cropper PLC. The company, which makes paper and technical materials is the largest employer in the South Lakes, employing over 250 staff at the Burneside factory alone. Frequently recognised as a top company to work for, the pair intend to share best practise, their expertise and the story of the papermill with attendees.

Interviewer, Sue Howorth said “It was important to Cartmell Shepherd and I that we brought together exciting speakers who are the best at what they do to give their views and share their experiences.  Getting the right person for the job is a very real issue for businesses in the region but there are some excellent examples of businesses succeeding. They manage to not only attract, but retain talent in their businesses and we can certainly learn from them. James Cropper PLC is still chaired by Mark Cropper, who is the 6th generation of the Cropper family, and as a company with family business heritage looking after people properly has remained at the fore throughout their evolution into a PLC. I am really looking forward to interviewing Phil and David in September, I have worked with them on a number of projects with the network and know they have much to share with the audience, it’s going to be a great day.”

The event, ‘How to Attract Talent’ takes place at Stoneybeck Inn, Penrith on Thursdsay 20th September. Organised by Cumbrian legal firm Cartmell Shepherd in partnership with The Family Business Network, the day has been designed to tackle some of the issues surrounding recruitment for businesses in the area. Recent surveys indicate that recruiting and attracting talented staff is one of the biggest concerns facing SMEs in Cumbria and further afield. Other top brass speakers include; Mark Bowman, Chief Executive of Inspira, Julia Cater, Owner of People Decisions, Zoe Pluckrose-Norman, People Director and Stephen McCullough, Marketing & Business Development Director both of Armstrong Watson. Taking place between 09:30 and 13:00 the session is free to attend but places must be booked, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-the-right-person-for-the-right-job-how-to-attract-talent-tickets-48831449179?aff=erelexpmlt to book.