A WORKSHOP aiming to help businesses head in to the New Year with new optimism is focusing on the importance of employees.

The Maximising People Performance in 2009 event on Thursday features leadership and management expert Andy Hanselman, who has written two books on improving competitiveness.

Delegates will work on defining their goals for 2009 and looking at what they need to do to achieve them.

At the event, organised by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, employment law expert Stephen Elliott, of Ward Hadaway, and Sam Colquhoun, from Right Hand HR, will talk about the legal and tactical issues involved in planning.

Entrepreneurs’ Forum chief executive Carole Beverley said: “This is the last event of what has been a record-breaking year for the forum, but our focus is already on ensuring a prosperous 2009.

“The Christmas holidays and a bit of time away from the office can allow business owners to gain clearer perspective on the challenges we face and this workshop will be an invaluable help in achieving that.”

The event is at the Marriott Hotel at the MetroCentre.

For more details contact the Entrepreneurs’ Forum on 0870 850-2233.