The Swindon Mindful Employer Network is hosting its 2010 conference next month, with a host of accomplished and influential business speakers.

The event, Promoting Healthier Businesses, will demonstrate to employers how looking after staff well-being helps to create a business culture that can dramatically improve productivity and performance.

Taking place at the Swindon Marriott on Monday April 19, it will focus on the three Rs – resilience, recovery and reputation.

NHS Swindon’s acting chief executive, Heather Mitchell, said : “It has been proven that building positive attitudes and cultures, and having an understanding of mental health issues at work, can impact on business performance.

“Success in the workplace results from taking care of your staff in such a way that they in turn take care of your business.

“Employers need to ensure that there is a workplace culture that supports people in reaching their full potential.”

There will be a keynote speech by Dame Carol Black, national director for Work and Health, whose review of the health of Britain’s working age population, Working for a Healthier Tomorrow, is driving the new Government agenda around workplace health.

Dame Carol said: “Not only is it our duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of people of working age to enable them and their families to flourish, it is vital to the success of businesses and to the UK economy.

“That is why I am delighted to be involved in the Swindon Mindful Employer Network Conference in April. I understand that the network has been a great success in the town and I look forward to learning more about this important initiative.”

Dr Liz Miller, a GP and occupational health expert who shot to fame with her TV appearance on Stephen Fry’s The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive, will be joined by Jonathan Naess, director of Stand to Reason, a UK charity promoting positive attitudes to mental health issues. Jonathan Naess said: “Right now one in six employees in the UK are suffering some kind of mental illness. This is blighting the lives of many individuals and hurting families and communities at the same time.

“Businesses are not immune to the damaging effects of mental distress on their productivity and effectiveness. “I am really excited by the Mindful Employer Conference in April. This is a wonderful opportunity for local organisations to learn more about this increasingly essential topic and help their people and businesses become a lot more healthier.”

Louise Aston, from Business in the Community, will give a presentation on emotional resilience.

And Phil Parr, branding expert and author of Step Away From the Crayons, will highlight the importance of business reputation to every employer.

Following the success of last year’s conference and back by popular demand is Lynne Copp, managing director of The Worklife Company.

Lynne’s experience in corporate business and her inspirational speaking style have won plaudits throughout the UK and abroad.

Other speakers at the conference will include local network chair Melanie Richens, director of people at Thring Townsend Lee & Pembertons, Neil Cooper, managing director of Heart FM Wiltshire and Bath, Swindon Advertiser editor Dave King, Bill Cotton, director of economic development at Swindon Borough Council, Paul Briggs, chief executive of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, and BBC Wiltshire broadcaster Graham Seaman.

Mindful Employer Network project leader David Latham said: “In difficult economic times businesses need to consider new strategies to retain and motivate their people. The key to this success can be a positive attitude to mental health issues in the workplace, which promotes staff loyalty and commitment – much in need in a recessionary environment. The three Rs represent a route map for winning businesses and productive employees.”

Employers wishing to express an interest in attending this event can contact 01793 433571 or wilts@richmondfellowship.org.uk. Places are strictly limited.