The Manor Royal People Conference, held on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at Crawley College, brought together business owners, company managers, and HR professionals from the Manor Royal Business District for a dynamic event focused on building motivated, successful teams. Organised by the Manor Royal BID, the conference provided expert insights, practical strategies, and networking opportunities for those responsible for recruiting and managing talent in the region.
The event focused on a human-centred approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into HR practices, exploring how AI is transforming recruitment, employee engagement, and organisational culture. Attendees also received updates on Crawley College’s latest developments and the impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project in partnership with the RPD Foundation.
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of Manor Royal BID, opened the event with reflections on what the BID was doing and had planned in respect of supporting the people of the Manor Royal Business District, providing context for the day’s discussions.
Paul Rolfe from Crawley College then welcomed attendees, sharing exciting updates about the college’s brand-new Institute of Technology, which aims to equip the workforce with cutting-edge skills for the future. Find out more here.
The keynote address delivered by George Kunnath of the Roffey Park Institute, entitled “Cultural Integration of AI in HR: A Human-Centred Approach”, was a highlight of the event. Find out more here.
Drawing from his latest research, Kunnath explored how AI-driven tools, such as recruitment platforms and automated analytics, are reshaping HR. He emphasised that integrating AI is not just a technical shift but a cultural one, offering practical strategies to overcome challenges and embed AI effectively within organisations.
Daran Bennett from the RPD Foundation spoke about the CSR Brokerage – Connect, Support, and Respond initiative. This partnership between Manor Royal BID and the RPD Foundation supports businesses in achieving their CSR goals through volunteering and creating meaningful social value, showcasing the progress made and opportunities for companies to get involved.
Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of Manor Royal BID, commented: “The People Conference is a vital platform for sharing best practices and building connections among Manor Royal’s business community. This year’s focus on AI and CSR reflects our commitment to helping businesses adapt to new technologies while making a positive impact in the community.”
Following the People Conference, Roffey Park Institute in Horsham is offering an exclusive discount to Manor Royal companies for their upcoming OD Conference. 20% off tickets for the event taking place on 28–30 October.
Join Organisation Development professionals for two days of inspiring keynotes, practical workshops and networking – and be part of shaping the future of work. To claim your special Manor Royal discount, simply email hello@roffeypark.ac.uk
Find out more: https://www.roffeypark.com/events/od-conference-2025/
For more information about the Manor Royal People Conference or the Manor Royal BID, visit www.manorroyal.org.
Date Published: 01/10/2025