People Consultants Network: Focus on marketing & building sustainability

About this event

For many independent people consultants, balancing client delivery with business development can be one of the most difficult aspects of running a successful consultancy. Whether you're newly independent or looking to grow an established practice, finding a steady pipeline of opportunities is critical for long-term success.

In this interactive session, we'll explore practical approaches to marketing your services, building your reputation and winning new clients in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Through discussion, shared experiences and peer learning, you'll hear what's working for fellow consultants and leave with ideas you can apply immediately to your own business.

We'll explore:

• What has worked for other people professionals, what challenges have they faced and what have they learnt.
• Tips from an expert on what works, tools and resources and what can you start implemeenting right away.
• Different tools available through your membership.
• Using your network, referrals and partnerships effectively
• Developing a marketing approach that feels authentic and sustainable
• Standing out in a crowded consulting market
• Converting conversations into client opportunities
• Building long-term client relationships that drive repeat business

You'll gain:

• Practical ideas to help grow your consulting practice
• Insights from fellow independent consultants
• An opportunity to discuss common business development challenges
• Fresh perspectives on marketing and client acquisition
• New connections within the CIPD People Consultant Network

Whether you're looking to secure your first client, increase your visibility, or take your consultancy to the next level, join us for a practical discussion focused on helping you win more of the work you want to do.

People consultants network

Our People Consultants Network is a dedicated space for CIPD members working independently or within consultancy firms, supporting a variety of client organisations.

Designed for people professionals who aren’t embedded in a single employer, this network brings together consultants delivering strategic or operational expertise across multiple clients. Whether you specialise in OD&D, EDI, reward, wellbeing, employee relations or other areas, this is your community to connect, collaborate and share insight.

Members benefit from opportunities to exchange experiences, explore client challenges, and build trusted professional relationships nationally. The network also provides a platform to contribute to CIPD’s research and policy work, ensuring the voice of consultants helps shape the future of the profession.

If your work supports organisations on a flexible, project-based or advisory basis, joining this network gives you access to a vibrant professional community where you can grow your impact and strengthen the role of consultancy within the wider people profession.

Key Information

Network membership eligibility

Important: These events are exclusively for CIPD members who have successfully joined the relevant People Professional Network. Our network events are designed as member-only spaces where professionals can connect with peers, share experiences and discuss challenges in a trusted environment.

To register for this event, you will need a network member access code.

All approved network members receive this code:

• In their network welcome email.
• In subsequent communications relating to the network.
• In invitations to network events.

You will be asked to enter this code on Eventbrite to access tickets for this session.

If you cannot locate your code, please contact operationsdelivery@cipd.co.uk before registering.

Not yet a network member?

If you are a CIPD member but have not yet joined the network, you'll need to apply before registering for this event.

You can apply to join the network here: networkapplication.co.uk

Once your application has been approved, you'll receive a welcome email containing your network access code, which you'll need to register for future network events.

Please note that event registration cannot be completed without a valid network member access code.

Participating in the session

This is a member discussion session, not a webinar.

Our People Professional Network events are designed to help network members connect, collaborate and learn from one another through active participation and peer-to-peer discussion.

Throughout the session, attendees will participate in breakout room discussions with fellow network members, sharing experiences, challenges, ideas and practical solutions.

To get the most from the session, please come prepared to contribute to conversations and engage with your peers. You do not need to be an expert; the value comes from members learning together.

Joining instructions

You'll receive your joining instructions again before the event, along with a reminder shortly before the session starts.

Guest speakers

Some events may include external speakers. Any views or opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CIPD.

Participating in the session

We encourage attendees to make the most of the discussion by using the chat, Q&A and other interactive features during the event. We ask that attendees participate directly and do not use AI bots or automated tools during the session as these will be removed.

Joining the event

To help us start on time and ensure a smooth check-in process, please join a few minutes before the scheduled start time. Where possible, use the name you registered with on Eventbrite.

Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Speakers bio:

Ruth George is the founder and director of Ruth George HR Consulting.

A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and the Chair of the CIPD Branch in Hertfordshire, Ruth is also the Founder of HR Indies a community for independent HR consultants. Ruth brings more than 30 years' HR experience, including senior roles and assignments with organisations such as Next, Homebase, Fujitsu, Travelport and Seiko.

For over 14 years, Ruth has provided independent, commercially focused HR support to SMEs and growing organisations, giving business owners access to experienced, senior-level HR expertise without the cost of a full in-house function.

Niki Hutchison

Niki Hutchison is a multi-award winning marketing strategist who studied marketing and advertising to PostGraduate level, before joining the industry in 2001.

Following an impressive career in advertising strategy, working for clients such as BBC, Channel 4, Land Rover, The Scottish Government and The NatWest Group, Niki started her own business in 2012 and has since used her marketing skills to build two successful businesses, including her own agency, Enjoy Marketing®, as well as co-founding annual marketing event Adventures in Marketing®.

Niki is a Trainer for Google Digital Garage, Enterprise Nation, Glasgow School of Art & The Royal Conservatoire, a Mentor for NatWest and a Global Ambassador for Adobe Express.

Since launching her own marketing agency, Niki has used the same methods she teaches to help clients create five and six-figure launches, as well as grow annual revenues to multi-six and seven figures. Niki is passionate about helping online business owners create the multi-channel marketing strategy that makes their success inevitable.

Please note:

1. Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder 15 minutes before the session begins.

2. The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.

3. The chat function will be used to engage with participants.

4. If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.

5. If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.