For the first time, the spring Softworld HR and Payroll Solutions exhibition will run at two UK locations. As well as the London show at the Hotel Ibis Earls Court on 3 February, there will also be an event on 10 February at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
These free exhibitions offer an opportunity to see and test out the latest HR and payroll software, get expert advice, and update your software and IT knowledge.
“Our spring shows are designed to be very intimate, providing the opportunity for lots of face-to-face interaction between supplier and client, allowing visitors to really learn about the solutions on offer,” says Softworld marketing and conference manager James Reeve.
October’s Softworld HR and Payroll exhibition at London’s Olympia attracted visitors with £25m to spend – either on new systems or upgrades.
“Everyone has to justify their spending, especially now, so visitors were looking for products that improved productivity, that enabled greater online access, and reduced running costs,” says Reeve.
“Improving software capabilities really can improve business performance, so the visitors we expect to see next month are those who are serious about software and recognise its role in helping their business get through these difficult economic times.”
The size of the Reebok Stadium means Softworld HR and Payroll North can run on the same day as the Softworld Accounting and Finance show. And Andy Mather, portfolio director responsible for the event, says: “Exhibitors and visitors will benefit, as we find that around one-quarter of the audience like to visit both areas when they run alongside one another.”
Product innovations
TeamSpirit Software, a division of Bond International Software, will be demonstrating its HR and payroll software, an integrated package that can be configured to a client’s specific requirements without reprogramming. General manager Roger Moore says: “This tailoring allows business processes to be automated, improving efficiency by removing the need for duplication of data entry.”
Simply Personnel will unveil ClockIn 24/7, the newest addition to its HR product line, which allows employees to clock in and out from any internet-connected computer, any time of day. Visitors to the stand will receive a free five-user version of the tracker, plus a virtual time clock.
Carval has launched a self-service management solution that uses browser technology to deliver secure internet access to HR and payroll data. This single management view allows users to generate detailed, cross-function reports on areas such as headcounts, salaries or absenteeism. Users can also access staff profiles, photos, and qualification information, submit training requests, schedule regular reports or conduct modelling exercises, all without interrupting the HR team.
Human capital management software provider Cezanne Software will be showcasing its succession, career planning and talent management software. This suite of modules can be part of Cezanne’s core HR software offering, or can be run as separate entities.
Masterclasses
Softworld will also have a programme of masterclass presentations from industry experts, combining real-life case studies with practical advice.
The IPP’s Karen Thomson, associate director of policy and research, will be giving the keynote presentation at both shows, covering all the latest legislation updates and the hot topics for 2009. She will discuss CSA changes, personal accounts, salary sacrifice, the Equal Treatment Directive, and much more.
Other speakers include:
Phil Nilson, employer strategy manager at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), will give a topical update on HMRC-related issues affecting payroll, both now and in the medium and long-term.
The Financial Ombudsman’s HR manager, Ian Morgan, will present a case study on how the business uses Sage’s HR software to help manage information on its 300 employees. Morgan will also discuss the best approach to rolling out an online system to employees. This will also cover the use of flexible benefits programmes.
Caroline Graham, payroll systems and HR information manager at fashion brand Jacques Vert, will talk about how integrated HR and payroll can maximise resources to minimise costs.
Dennis Keeling, former Business Application Software Developers Association (BASDA) chief executive and founder of software features and functionality comparison website Business Software Intelligence, will give advice on which business software package to choose from the 1,000-plus available.
Seminars and demonstrations
Along with exhibitors and masterclasses there will be a programme of free exhibitor seminars and demonstrations.
3 February
Softworld HR & Payroll London
4 February
Softworld Accounting & Finance London
(Both at the IBIS Hotel, Earls Court)
10 February
Softworld HR & Payroll North (with Softworld Accounting & Finance North)
(Reebok Stadium, Bolton)
Exhibitors
Exhibitors at the February HR and Payroll shows range from smaller niche companies to the big names such as Sage and NorthgateArinso, and include providers such as Carval Computing, Simply Personnel, Pyramid HR and Ceridian.
Exhibitors include:
Institute of Payroll Professionals
For more information on the exhibitors, visit www.softworld.co.uk/hrp
