Back to the Island

Released 13/11/2009

After the NASBM annual conference, Matthew Jane feels the message for the coming year is a positive one

Even the November rain that lashed down on the Hinckley Island Hotel could not dampen the spirits of the delegates at this years NASBM conference these past two days. There was an underlying feeling of optimism and hope for the coming year, despite the current financial difficulties and uncertainty around schools.

In one speech, Trevor Summerson, senior programme manager at the National College, gave delegates a rallying cry to remember the key goals for the coming year. He reinforced that school business managers will get the results, but you must have hope, and focus on that hope over the coming years.

As always with the NASBM conference, aside from the chance to discuss issues and hear some inspirational presentations, it also proved a chance for SBMs from around the country to let their hair down and have a dance with friends and colleagues at the gala dinner, while a comedy string quartet had the audience in stitches.

There was also a charity auction, with bidders doing battle for sporting memorabilia and mobile phones. It was all for a good cause and everybody got into the swing of things - ensuring that the party went on into the small hours.

The event proved a great success and the most important fact is that business managers were able to head back to their schools with fresh initiatives, renewed enthusiasm and a positive outlook for the coming twelve months.

Return to blog list