The
Personnel Manager's
Yearbook
Editor's Introduction
Alister Barclay
Editor
Change is something that is all encompassing and an ever present. We are, for example, regularly reminded about climate change and the increasing influence of humankind on naturally variable systems. when change impacts upon us in our business lives, as with climate change, it is sensible not to ignore it, resort to denial or attempt to suppress it.
Business and the way we do business is, of course, changing. We are increasingly reliant on computer equipment and the electronic delivery of business-critical information. The way we communicate and share that information is becoming increasingly mobile. As organisational structures become more disparate, the importance and maintenance of good networks becomes critical. The Personnel Manager's Yearbook is changing to accomodate this need. It is now a combined pritn and web package. Our new websie, www.personnelmanagersinfo.co.uk, integrates the information in an easy-to-use electronic interface and is able to incorporate many other companies and contacts from our database. For the first time, we are able to include listings for over 2,000 European companies. The website also links into our other web products: www.findasupplier.info, which lists over 8,000 HR suppliers and our regular email news service The People Bulletin.
This is not the only significant change for us this year. Back in February, AP Information Services, the publishers of The Personnel Manager's Yearbook, was acquired by Waterlow Legal & Regulatory. Becoming part of a larger organisation, and the change associated with it, has been an interesting experience. We have learnt to adapt to a different set of business priorities and Waterlow has had to get to grips with our culture. the new management team have clarified its commitment to The Personnel Manager's Yearbook and its portfolio of associated products. This should mean that we have the resources to further improve and enhance our services.
I am grateful for the continued support of the editorial team for all thier hard work and the contribution they have made towards the publication of this edtion of The Personnel Manager's Yearbook. Thanks to Jackie Orme for her insightful contribution. We wish her every success in facing the challenges ahead in leading the HR profession forward. Thanks also go to Croner Reward for allowing us to publish HR data from Management R£WARDS 2008 and Hina Belitz and Gordon Turnre rof Partners Employment Lawyers, who have updated the Legal Section to take account of recent changes in employment law.
We are entering a time of economic uncertainty and the inevitable end of cheap fuel and commodities. How organisations respond to this, whether they bury thier heads in the sand or embrace this change, will be critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of thier business models. change managment, and the core role that HR plays in ensuring smooth transitions, remains at th eheart of business strategy.
"When change impacts upon us in our business lives, as with climate change, it is sensible not to ignore it, resort to denial or attempt to suppress it "
