Partner Article

Free HR Programme Launched to Support North East Businesses

Zenith Training unveils Recruit, Retain & Thrive initiative as part of regional Economic Inactivity Trailblazer scheme.

North East businesses struggling with recruitment and retention challenges now have access to free expert support, following the launch of a new programme designed to strengthen regional workforces.

Zenith Training has introduced Recruit, Retain & Thrive, a comprehensive series of workshops delivered in partnership with The North East Combined Authority's Economic Inactivity Trailblazer initiative. The programme brings together employment and skills services to support employers in building more resilient teams.

The initiative responds to growing concerns among North East businesses about talent acquisition and staff retention. With many organisations facing extended vacancies and higher turnover rates, the programme offers practical solutions through expert-led workshops combining HR guidance, AI-driven tools, and peer learning.

"Staff recruitment and retention remain critical challenges for businesses across the region," said Steven Welsh, Client Relationship Manager at Zenith Training. "This programme provides North East employers with the practical tools and strategies they need to attract diverse talent, improve onboarding, and keep their best people engaged."

The Recruit, Retain & Thrive programme consists of four distinct workshop sessions, each lasting 2-3 hours. Businesses can attend individual sessions or the complete series, with no obligation to commit to all workshops.

The sessions cover:

• Inclusive Recruitment That Works (3 hours) – Redesigning recruitment processes to attract diverse talent without compromising on standards, including alternative interview formats and access to local talent networks.
• Inclusive Onboarding That Sticks (3 hours) – Creating welcoming experiences that boost retention from day one, with strategies to support new hires and accelerate productivity.
• Fix It Early – Managing Retention Challenges (3 hours) – Identifying early warning signs of disengagement, conducting effective check-ins, and using flexible role design to prevent staff departures.
• AI in HR Masterclass (2 hours) – Leveraging Microsoft's AI tools to reduce administrative burden, increase efficiency, and support inclusive recruitment practices.

The programme forms part of The North East Combined Authority's designation as an Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, bringing together employment and skills services to support individuals into work and the businesses that employ them.

By supporting employers with inclusive recruitment and retention practices, the initiative aims to create opportunities for economically inactive individuals while addressing regional skills shortages.

Thanks to funding from The North East Combined Authority, the workshops are offered free of charge to qualifying North East businesses. The programme is designed for SME's, establishing their first HR systems or for established companies, modernising their people practices.

Business owners, HR professionals, managers, and anyone responsible for recruitment and staff development can benefit from the practical, action-oriented sessions.

Spaces are limited to ensure participants receive personalised attention. Businesses interested in attending can register for individual sessions or multiple workshops based on their current priorities.

For details or to register for please visit: Recruit, Retain & Thrive - Qualified HR Advisory | Eventbrite

Zenith Training delivers employment and skills programmes across the North East, working in partnership with regional stakeholders to support business growth and individual development. The initiative brings together employment and skills services to support individuals, helping them into work while providing employers with the tools to create inclusive workplaces.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Zenith Training .