⬆️What went down at Workgroup Legal North?
Workgroup enjoyed some Northern hospitality in the sun as 50 GCs spent the day at the Hyatt Regency in Manchester for the very first - Workgroup Legal North!
The Northern debut was a landmark for Workgroup - marking our first full-fledged event outside of London. Our newfound northern GC community delivered 3 punchy panels and 10 exciting workgroups throughout the day.
“This is a real palette cleanser of an event. We are bombarded with legal events that tend to follow the same format and draw large numbers. This event is for you if you want to actually spend time getting to know people in a smaller setting and create meaningful relationships as well share discussions on key areas of practice. This is now my go-to legal event for GCs.”
Sheba Affridi EVP & Chief Legal Officer Trocah
As always, the signature workgroup format was front-and-centre and offered a brand new networking experience for GCs in the north. Informal discussion groups of 8 GCs, with each group ideated and facilitated by another GC. No sales reps, no recruiters.
With a new location, comes a brand new line-up of GCs leading the conversation. The Manchester GC cast included Lucie Grant (Dura-Line), Shiv Sibal (Marshalls), David Morgan (Warburtons), Dominic Kendal-Ward (Co-op), Tom Ferguson (Well Pharmacy), Phil Davies (Tata Chemicals), Sapna FitzGerald (LSL Property Services), Julie Finnemore (AO), Veronica Shackleton (Mamas & Papas), Pete Horfsall (Dechra), Kevin Massie (PZ Cussons), Karen Williams (Mitie), Theresa Casey (JD Sports), and Michael Astle (Quotient Sciences).
"Although I have worked in the public sector throughout my career, this is my first role truly in-house role. I wasn't quite sure of how to meet other GCs and I came away from Workgroup Legal North feeling like I was part of a community."
Gaz Koosar Head of Legal Services University of Manchester Innovation Factory
Attendees were spoilt for choice, with workgroup topics ranging from “GC career progression” and “hiring for personality vs technical perfection” to “KPIs for in-house teams” and “Ethics & brave boardroom conversations”
The first - charmingly titled, “When Sh*t hits the fan” - explored crisis management. How do GCs respond in the first 24 hours? The first week? 6 months down the line? How can GCs work to minimise reputational fallout? Moderated by Pauline Munro (Gateley), who was joined by Lucie Grant, Shiv Sibal, and David Morgan.
After lunch, our 2nd panel of the day debated the importance of singling out EDI metrics when engaging with outside suppliers. To what extent are GCs responsible for ensuring their suppliers are emphasising EDI, and is it realistic to set aside performance for more EDI focused suppliers? Danielle Ingham at Trowers & Hamlins moderated, and was joined by Phil Davies, Sapna FitzGerald, and Julie Finnemore.
Finally, we took a good look at ESG and how the expectation of social responsibility is affecting the way in which GCs operate. Touching on topics like greenwashing and regulation, but also on customer expectations for these factors. Simon Colvin at Weightmans moderated, and was joined by Theresa Casey, Michael Astle, and Veronica Shackleton.
“This should be called WOWgroup Legal....a fresh approach to sharing pain, advice and successes with fellow GCs. No more topping up on caffeine to get to the end of the day, the pace and interaction will keep you energised all the way through.”
Michael Astle Executive Director, Legal Affairs Quotient Sciences
Workgroup Legal will be heading back to the North in 2024 - so stay tuned to our LinkedIn page and website for more information in due course. For now, we turn our attention back to London for Workgroup Legal Autumn 2023. We also have two very exciting new events in the works, for the back half of 2023 and early 2024, which you will be hearing about very soon.
Thank you to all the GCs who joined us in Manchester, and of course to our fantastic event partners - Trowers & Hamlins, Gateley Legal, and Weightmans. It was a pleasure to meet and hear from all of you, and we’ll be seeing you again soon!
