Career transition specialists, The Icarus Partnership has launched the north-west’s first members’ only forum for HR professionals to be known as The Professional Partners Group (PPG).

Representatives from the region’s top 500 companies attended a launch on Concorde at Manchester Airport on the 29 March 2007.

 The Icarus Partnership’s managing director, Robin Rose says: “To address companies’ recruitment and retention issues the PPG will manage and run local dedicated forums of 10-15 members. The forums are designed to deliver up to date sector information, analysis and debate. Our members will participate in regular discussions on issues such as how to manage absenteeism, employment law, work-life balance, training, development and technology issues. This will also support and contribute towards their continuing professional development.

“It’s the group’s aim to become the ‘voice’ of the north-west HR industry by providing a cohesive lobbying body raising issues affecting members and their businesses to local and central government agencies. This will not only benefit the members but we hope will raise the profile of the HR professional in her or his sector.”