The BDPMA autumn 2008 Management Development Seminar
A one-day event titled: A Journey Through Finance

• Do you know the difference between a budget, a forecast and a business plan?
• Can you read and interpret a set of accounts?
• Are you confident that you understand business and financial terminology?
• Can you use management accounts to achieve your business objectives?

BDPMA Conference Celebrates Competence

‘Lovely venue, brilliant content, friendly atmosphere, great networking opportunity; all round great - looking forward to next year!’ That was the view of one delegate and representative of the feedback to this years BDPMA conference.

The Conference and Celebration Dinner entitled, Building Competence & Confidence in Management, was held at the Ettington Chase Hotel and Conference Centre in Stratford upon Avon on June 13th and 14th. Delegates attended over the course of two days to hear a variety of speakers representing the NHS and private sectors.

What does competence mean to a modern DPM

The busy agenda began on Friday afternoon with Stephen Hancocks (OBE) presenting a session entitled, ‘What does competence mean to a modern DPM’. His entertaining talk highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing managers and practices as commercial pressures influence their business approach.

Stephen was followed by coach, Clare McNamara, who provided delegates with an interactive session that focused on understanding personal strengths and weaknesses.

Following the presentations delegates took some time to attend the conference exhibition where trade partners were available to discuss the latest in products and services. The evening concluded with a buffet and some much-valued networking.

During Saturday’s agenda, delegates heard from a variety of speakers. Bridge2Aid discussed the benefits of determining a corporate responsibility policy; representatives from the NHS gave an overview of potential issues and discussed the way forward; and speakers from BDA Good Practice and Investors in People highlighted the advantages of undertaking the process of their respective accreditations.

Celebration Dinner

Following a drinks reception, guests took their seats as the evening was officially launched with a perceptive and entertaining history of the BDPMA’s journey by current treasurer, Amelia Bray.

New BDPMA Chairman, Teresa Witchell, and Simon Gambold, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Henry Schein, presented a cheque for £2500 to Mandy Bishop, the 2008 BDPMA & Henry Schein Career Development Grant winner, and following dinner, guests enjoyed networking and dancing until the early hours,

Teresa Witchell, BDPMA Chairman commented, ‘We were delighted to present delegates with a range of speakers covering a variety of topics and meeting the needs of both private and NHS managers. It was really pleasing to have so many members of the trade present; our exhibition was varied, stimulating and according to delegates, extremely useful and informative. We look forward to pursuing our strategy to help managers improve their practical business skills and will be announcing a range of new initiatives later in 2008’.

To view conference images, click on the links provided.

http://www.filskifoto.com/BDPMAconf/index.html

http://www.filskifoto.com/BDPMAConfdinner/index.html

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