BBG hosts CEO discussion forum on attracting and retaining senior management talent

The event, which was hosted by the British Business Group (BBG), was organised as a direct result of discussions in July this year, where leaders of Dubai companies unanimously decreed that the biggest problem facing employers in the UAE is finding and retaining good senior managers.

The event was chaired by Brian Wilkie, former Chairman of the BBG and Managing Director of Universal Express, who led a host of expert panelists dedicated to the issue. Panelist and BBG committee member, Ian Giulianotti, Associate Director - HRM Consulting for Nadia Recruitment, agreed that staff retention needed to be addressed.

"In the global market place retention of staff is a key strategic issue for senior management," said Giulianotti. "The current situation within the Middle East market place where companies face challenges in attracting talent combined with the increasing economic pressures makes staff retention a priority for any successful business. At this forum we shared best global practice and provided senior managers the opportunity to discuss and give insights to situations which may be unique to the local market."

The event, which took place at the World Trade Centre, allowed Dubai's business leaders an open forum in which they could freely discuss these sensitive issues with peers. Brian Wilkie provided his own perspective when he commented that CEOs could "consider paying slightly more than the market price in order to incentivize potential employees to not only apply for positions, but grow with the company too".

The BBG hosts a number of Special Interest Group (SIG) events throughout the year to provide a platform for people working in the same industry, or for those working at the same level within their business, to come together and discuss relevant issues.

"This event provided the opportunity for CEOs to candidly discuss the implications and problems of staff retention," said Elizabeth Sellwood, BBG Director for Special Interest Groups. "Sharing best practice and knowledge leadership is vital for the ongoing development and growth of Dubai and the Northern Emirates."

"The BBG has identified 12 categories of interest for members, which include banking, education, energy, real estate and young professionals, and each category is chaired by an expert business person from that industry," she added.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary year, the BBG has undergone huge growth in recent years and now has almost 1,000 members. The Group, which is widely recognized as one of the largest and most active business groups in the Gulf, holds around 80 networking events, forums and seminars each year.