My highlight of being in The Network is looking back at what we've created over the years. I've tried to create a business that I would like to be employed by and that's what's really special!"
Nigel Finch – Wigan, Manchester & Liverpool

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Spotlight on David Hudson

Following his recent induction David Hudson has now launched The HR Dept Clapham office. We caught up with David to discover a little bit more about what makes him tick and the important influences in his career.

What inspired you to get into HR?

I was a late entrant to HR. During my early career I worked in operational management roles within people-based industries, such as retail and charity. There came a time when I was thinking about the next step in my career. I realised that the one common denominator in the jobs I really enjoyed was people! After being given a secondment to the in-house HR department of a training company I quickly realised that it was the path I wanted to follow. I’ve never looked back!

Tell us some career highlights.

There are many times in my career which I look back on fondly.
For example, learning what HR is really about as a people manager with Asda. And then there was being the HR lead during the start-up stage of a data centre business in the US & Singapore. This included negotiating with the unions in Chicago. I am proud of my role in developing last year’s winner of the CIPD Rising Star award and business partnering the CEO of a $6bn organisation. By far the most exciting highlight, though, is realising my dream and breaking out and entering this new world of SMEs and The HR Dept.

What is your secret to success?

Determination and focus are an important part of my recipe of success, mixed with humour, humility and respect. All topped with perspective – you need important things like friends, exercise, wine and chocolate to be the best you can be!