News
08 Nov 2022
We were delighted to partner with the team at Education Mutual to bring our popular ‘Invest in You’ school business and estates professionals conference to the North East.
More than 50 delegates attended the one-day event at Ramside Hall in Durham to meet with a variety of exhibitors focused on providing products and services to the education sector and to hear from a varied line up of speakers.
The theme of the day was wellbeing, with the aim of allowing school business managers some much-needed respite from the challenges they currently face and a break from balancing the books. Goodie bags were on offer on arrival and delegates took advantage of the availability of a masseuse providing clothed back, neck and shoulder massages.
Continuing the theme of wellbeing, Vic Goddard, Head teacher at Passmore’s Academy and star of Channel 4’s Educating Essex, kicked off the content, bringing some light hearted humour while offering front-line empathy with the challenges faced by those in the room. Vic has been very vocal about the challenges faced by schools and passed on his wisdom to delegates about how to manage the pressures. Building on the wellbeing theme, Pauline Aitchison from Schools North East delivered a session on Peer-to-Support, with an interactive quiz to help delegates identify their personality type and leading on to advice about how to surround yourself with the people that provide what you need. Psychologist Sandi Mann completed the wellbeing content with her popular session on how to overcome imposter syndrome. Other sessions throughout the day provided useful content and advice to take back to school, including how to start the net zero journey; how to navigate the energy crisis; how to generate income from your school facilities; and a case study with George Watsons College on IT for education.
Event prize draws saw three lucky delegates win a bottle of whiskey; a bottle of champagne and an overnight stay at the hotel with spa use or a round of golf.
“Good event. Very informative and good networking and communication.”
“It was a lovely event – felt friendly and informative.”
“Fab venue – looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Excellent day. I feel re-energised! Thank you!”
Asked if exhibitors and delegates would like to see the event being put on again came a resounding ‘yes’, so we look forward to the same again next year! Watch this space.
Two of the Zenergi team took advantage of being in the area to volunteer at National Energy Action, one of Zenergi’s charity partners. Armed with leftover goodie bags and cakes for the NEA team, Bryan and Rhi spent a morning putting together Winter Warmth Support Packs for those facing fuel poverty. Read more.
