NABS relaunches its service in the North West

 

Our committee in the North West has been doing fantastic work in support of those in need for years.  However, there has been a strong feeling that more could be done and that there are more people who could be benefitting from NABS’ help.

 

At the beginning of the year, NABS agreed to support its Head of Regional Development, Kate Harris, in her quest to relaunch NABS beyond London.  The first step was work alongside McCann Erickson to conduct a piece of research to find out what people think about their industry charity.  The research findings acted as a starting point for developing a plan to increase awareness of NABS and, more importantly, to ensure that anyone who needs help gets it.

 

This research showed that a large majority of people in the industry have heard of NABS but a real understanding of its role and scope of work was severely lacking.  Clearly, at a time when the industry is being badly affected by the economic downturn, NABS needs to make sure that everyone is better informed.

 

So, to kick-start a programme of raising awareness and gathering support, a breakfast was held on Wednesday 8th April, hosted by BJL.  Ian Tinker, Chairman of the NABS NW Committee welcomed the guests and then introduced Stephen Woodford, the current NABS President, who set the scene for the relaunch of NABS outside London.

 

The key findings of the research were unveiled, showing a real desire and need for all the services that NABS NW already provides and more: financial and emotional support, legal information, careers advice, flatshare, industry news, social and sporting events … all the things that NABS does in London and some of which have been provided in the past beyond the M25.  All of these things, the majority of respondents said, would be welcome and used.

In response to this, NABS has invested in recruiting a new Regional Support Advisor, Julie Stockton.  Julie has an industry background and skills that will enable her to bolster the work already being done by the North West Committee.  As time tells us how much need there is in the NW for this additional support service, Julie’s remit will extend to other parts of the country, with Scotland next on the list.

Another major part of the relaunch will consist of a “roadshow”, with Kate and Julie meeting with CEOs, MDs and CDs of all key organisations in the North West, to gather support.  They will be asking for a meeting with HR people, a staff presentation and also for a NABS Rep to be appointed – this person becomes the conduit for news and any other information NABS needs to get across to people in the industry.

 

There’s a lot of work to be done to convince people of this, but NABS is determined to succeed.  We just need everyone to support what we are trying to do. To find out more about NABS in the regions, contact Kate Harris at k.harris@nabs.org.uk