In the first one of its kind, the event -- titled "Making Work Happy" -- focused on the latest techniques for boosting happiness in the workplace.

The seminar was held on March 20 in Oxford (Said) Business School and attracted a wide range of interest from businesses, public sector organisations and the general public.

Organised by the Oxford-based consultancy iOpener, the seminar brought together five of the happiness gurus who were filmed for the BBC-2 series last year.

"We showed in Slough how our techniques really can make a big difference," said iOpener CEO Jess Pryce-Jones, whose role in the TV series was to transform morale at a building supplies company.

"We realised during the making of the programme that by harnessing the best research and combining it with a really pragmatic approach we had some powerful tools and techniques that could help everyone. The aim now is to show how individuals can really enhance their working lives, building on what's good to make it even better."

“Happiness at work matters more than anything else because it leads to engagement, creativity and productivity. That of course means results – and profit. Happiness makes sense for everyone."

Speakers included Jess Pryce-Jones, iOpener Managing Director Philippa Chapman, social entrepreneur Andrew Mawson, psychotherapist Brett Kahr and economist Richard Reeves. The day-long event, which included interactive workshops was chaired by BBC science correspondent David Shukman.

Notes to Editors

1. The series, Making Slough Happy", was screened on BBC2 during October and November 2005.

2. iOpener, founded in 2003, is a consultancy which provides a wide range of services including consulting, coaching, learning & development and research.

3. Clients include Baxter Healthcare, Cisco Systems, Computer Associates, General Physics, London Business School, Oxford (Said) Business School, Puma, Tetra Pak, & Vodafone.
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