A high-profile HR network has been re-launched in South Wales, providing interactive seminars to keep HR professionals up to date on their ever changing field.

Newport-based recruitment and training specialist Acorn has teamed up with specialist business solicitors Greenaway Scott and financial advisors Seer Green to revive the South Wales HR Network, a support system for HR directors, managers, consultants and advisors.

The network will allow its members to discuss new regulations, meet other managers who are facing the same issues and share best practice - providing a voice for HR specialists in South Wales.

The South Wales HR Network was originally launched in 2005, running five events per year in partnership with Cardiff Chamber of Commerce, but the initiative was put on hold in 2008 when the chamber went into administration.

The network is being re-launched on Thursday April 10, with a free-to-attend seminar on the topical HR subject of pensions and auto enrolment.

Sarah Jones, marketing manager at Acorn, said: “The refreshed South Wales HR Network will give members a place to discuss common technical and legislative issues, and to learn from the opinions and advice of leading HR professionals; it should give companies across South Wales a real boost.”

Kate Matthews, HR consultant at Greenaway Scott, said: “Members of the South Wales HR Network will be kept up to date with the latest laws and regulations, and have the opportunity to explore topical HR issues, which will help them to avoid the pitfalls which a lack of knowledge can bring.

“We are aiming to create a friendly and open forum with participative events that add real value to attendees. Getting HR right is not always easy, but the South Wales HR Network will endeavour to help shape best practice.”

Siobhan Mail, director and corporate pensions expert at Newport-based Seer Green, said: “There is a clear requirement in the SME sector for a forum of this nature; far too many businesses are failing to utilise the value of human resources.

“Managing and administering day-to-day HR operations, as well as providing training to keep up with the latest statutory regulations, all consumes valuable time but is vital to a firm’s success.”

Kate Matthews and Siobhan Mail will both be speaking at the next South Wales HR Network event, covering the topical HR subject of pensions and auto-enrolment, on April 10 at Cardiff’s Park Plaza Hotel.