Inspire March 2018

INSPIRE.25 The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce March - April 2018

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2018 - page 4

n Big Interview Nick Carver Leading the debate in a challenging health landscape - page 6

n Big changes are afoot in St Albans Business Improement District (BID) will bring investment - page 8

n Global Trade Opportunities in America and Germany - page 14

funerals@austins.co.uk www.austins.co.uk hpc@crematorium.co.uk www.crematorium.co.uk

Welcome

From the Chief Executive This magazine goes to print soon after country-wide snow blizzards and Hertfordshire’s plunging temperatures just as we ought to be relishing spring.

Spring is Chamber’s time for its Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, and it is always a relish to receive the Award entries from members and non-members alike. It is a pleasure to see how well local businesses and organisations are doing, evidenced in their Award entries and general business aspirations.

Inspiring Hertfordshire This year I am looking forward particularly to the family business award (new category) entries.

Among our numerous multinational corporations in Hertfordshire — with their massive, highly qualified, superbly resourced teams — it is always uplifting to see businesses at the other end of the scale.

These are the businesses, many of which are kitchen-table startups that carve out markets and trading prosperity that involve husband and wife, partners, sons and daughters, in harnessing the synergies of their passion, skills, knowledge of local markets and faith.

This is our second year of running business awards for Hertfordshire North, South, East and West.

The Chamber looks forward to receiving entries from a wide scale of businesses across product and service industries.

Our closing date is Monday 19 March, 09.00, which gives the time-pressed entrants a weekend of peace to finalise their entries (see pages 4 to 5).

Health in Hertfordshire After decades of decline, parts of Hertfordshire are now well served with a new generation of hospitals to serve us.

The repurposed QEII (Welwyn Garden City), Hertford County Hospital and Stevenage’s Lister Hospital (regenerated at a cost of £150m) sit beside Hertfordshire’s two multinational pharmaceuticals, GSK (Ware and Stevenage) and Roche (Welwyn Garden City), as well as the private clinics.

These healthcare institutions and organisations are important to our county, not only for the patient and healthcare benefit, but also as the apex of supply chains to smaller businesses.

I urge you to read our Big Interview with Nick Carver, Chief Executive of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust.

It makes good reading, considering the changes he has brought about; no mean achievement from someone who started out as a hospital porter (see page 6).

St Albans continues to inspire We have a very good item on the St Albans Business Improvement District, a not-for-profit company that deploys raised funds from local businesses to improve St Albans.

It wouldn’t be surprising if this initiative was mimicked in other urban centres (see page 9).

The Green Triangle initiative is another inspirational development for the city’s economy, based on environment and agri-business (see page 10).

Professional sector members All businesses need accountants and tax advisers, and many need legal advice. We are very fortunate that many of these professional firms are Chamber members, and freely share their knowledge at our various networking events and on the pages of this magazine. Carillion has been uppermost in much media speculation. There is a good article that reviews business situations and options by VWV, a Watford law firm (see page 21).

Patrons step up The Chamber is immensely grateful for the support of our Patrons. Bulletproof is a new name to us, but already they are making big waves; engaging with the Chamber in meaningful ways as headline sponsors of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards.

They demonstrated the ease of hacking our private information at our February Chamber Lunch, and in this edition, introduce their cyber security expertise to our members (see page 17).

A long-standing Patron is Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club. They are in the middle of a £1.7m renovation project to update their technology and facilities (see page 30).

There’s something about Mary It seems Mary Sykes has been a part of the Chamber for ever, but that she’s been with us for just five years is testimony to her commitment, her personality and what she has achieved in that time.

She shares her memories, and more importantly, her tips to members for extracting as much value from their Chamber membership as possible (see page 16).

And lastly In a few weeks’ time, most of us will be taking an Easter break.

We hope it’ll be full of sunshine and an enjoyable respite.

Yolanda Rugg Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Contents Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 4-5 Big Interview 6-7 Focus on St Albans 8-11 Hertfordshire Global 14-15 Chamber People 16 Patron Focus 17 Economy 20-21 Past Events 24-25 Chamber Events 26-28 Tourism 30-31 New Members 32-33 Member Benefits 34 Health & Wellbeing 35-37 Members News 39- 41 Young Chamber 42 Finance for Business 43-44 Development 46-47 Members News 49 Last Word 50 •••• Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 502180 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Chief Executive: Yolanda Rugg Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published March 2018 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1563 •••• Disclaimer Inspire is published for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members.

All correspondence should be addressed to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Views expressed in Inspire are not necessarily those of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. ©2018 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards

Inspiring Hertfordshire - it does what it says Winning is great. Being a finalist is good.

Not entering ... nothing.

In recognising Hertfordshire’s varied industry, service provision, supply chains and businesses — small, medium and large — it strikes one as sensible to recognise territorial competition.

Last year Hertfordshire Chamber introduced Business of the Year for the county’s four corners: Herts North, South, East, West.

Judging from 2017’s entrants in this category, the introduction was well served by the inspirational stories told in these Award entries. Undoubtedly it will be true for this year also.

Awards rewards

In 2011 when Yolanda Rugg (Hertfordshire Chamber’s Chief Executive) first mentioned to me the idea for a Hertfordshire-wide business awards programme.

She said, “The awards have to be about both inspiring people and other businesses.”

Good-practice business fundamentals The Awards categories are still based on business fundamentals — people development, customer service, innovation, technology and entrepreneurialism, all predicated on firm operational and financial results.

Business with education, environment and community Hertfordshire Chamber’s soft spots have always been about businesses embracing young people's education, the environment and the community, each with its relevance to the now and the future.

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Since inception, three industry categories remain fundamental to Hertfordshire’s economy: manufacturing (Made in Herts), tourism and export.

Kitchen table to global brand This year, recognising an emerging tide of business growth in Hertfordshire, there is a new category: family business.

Many global brands began life in someone’s garage somewhere.

Is it full circle that businesses are being planned and conceived once again with small scale family resource and giant scale ingenuity and faith? There is something refreshing about that.

The vitality of competition Being the strongest, fastest, brightest, best has been the human story for eons. Many businesses thrive on competitive adrenaline while others pace themselves with steadfast planning for progress and success. Many businesses are built on both.

Entering business awards nurtures goodwill and good practice. It is also both inspirational and aspirational; let us remember the heart of these Awards!

Today, we share, we like, we comment. Winning an Award, or being a finalist is the outcome of what we have accomplished.

People like. People comment.

This is useful marketing.

Award winner or Award finalist; both are good for business.

We get seen as people with pride in what we set out to do… and did. It is a quick win, with durable advantage.

Entering Awards is good business. It scrutinises areas of excellence. It produces new team dynamics and rewards individual and collective endeavour.

It benchmarks our place in our sector; it raises our profile in our local community, and it draws peer recognition.

A winner or finalist Awards logo appended to emails or website looks pretty good to customers, clients, staff and stakeholders — it doesn’t look too good to competitors.

A company’s vision, with its people and their achievements,

is the narrative of human endeavour. Entering awards celebrates the vision and the people who make it happen.

Surely these are sufficient motivations for entering?

What makes a winner?

There are just two essential constituents: story and strategy.

The story is always about the human endeavour, the uplifting factor — the inspired, inspiring and inspirational.

It commands absolute admiration. It bestows instant esteem. It offers hope to others and profound job satisfaction to those involved who exceeded standard operating procedure.

Strategy encompasses the goal, the plan and the execution.

The goal starts and ends with the appetite to win. It directs the plan and the people.

The plan, simple and agreed is a statement of intent, approach and resources,a schedule and record of deployable evidences.

It must be respected by entry writer, supervisor and chief executive.

The execution is where it can unravel. Keep to the agreed plan. Keep eyes on the prize.

Advice Read the rules, dissect the questions and back up with evidence. Never ignore the human endeavour in the story.

Make it an inspirational read for the judges; they too are human.

Sponsorship makes it possible Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards is enabled, year on year, by the support and engagement of businesses and organisations in the form of category sponsorship.

Fiona Wilkinson (Guinea Fowl Creative)

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards

This year’s Awards' Sponsors Community Champion

Investment in Young People (IiYP)

Individual/organisation's volunteering achievements making significant impact in local community.

Spire Harpenden Hospital A private hospital providing clinical excellence and expert care.

Employer’s efforts and commitment to young people in their workplace.

Entrepreneur of the Year The individual who is instrumental to the success of a business.

Stevenage Borough Council We work in collaboration with organisations to respond to business needs.

Excellence in Customer Service Customer-centric vision and strategy for measurably proved customer satisfaction.

Austin’s Family Funeral Directors The Austin family caring for bereaved Hertfordshire families for over 300 years.

Excellence in People Development Excellence in promotion and implementation of a learning and development culture.

Tate Apprentice and Training Award winning office recruitment and training specialist.

Achievement in International Business Significant or sustained increases in export activity.

Sponsorship available

Family Business of the Year (new) Family business that employs its unique core values for business growth, to guide best practice, and to triumph over challenges.

Ashbourne Insurance We provide independent advice on ‘insurance as individual as you!’

Innovation through Technology Business that fully exploits technology to improve business performance.

Focus7 International We blend strategy, ingenious marketing and software to drive real marketing transformation.

Education in Employment Schools, FE/HE institutions, academic trusts, mentors or coaches that motivate students to think beyond their immediate experiences, helping them gauge choices for their future.

University of Hertfordshire A leading business-facing university... innovative, enterprising challenging individuals to excel.

Aubrey Park Hotel Contemporary hotel noted for modern, comfortable rooms; proud to be independent and flexible.

Made in Herts Local manufacturers that demonstrate efficient, innovative and profitable businesses.

Barclays Bank Committed to supporting Hertfordshire businesses, helping them to develop and grow.

Most Promising New Business Businesses (trading less than three years) that demonstrate outstanding performance and future projections.

Broxbourne Council: Ambition Broxbourne We provide an environment where community and business can thrive.

The Environmental Award Organisations that employ responsible business practices in relation to the environment, community and people.

CS Recycling We work with commercial businesses to create sustainable recycling solutions.

Business of the Year: South Herts Local businesses demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Sponsorship available

Business of the Year: West Herts Local businesses demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Porsche Hatfield Proud to sell, service and maintain sports car from the iconic German brand.

Business of the Year: small to medium Business demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Hertfordshire LEP Accelerating Hertfordshire’s economic growth; supporting our people, places, and businesses.

Business of the Year: medium to large

The most significant contribution to Hertfordshire’s tourism economy - venues, tourist attractions, leisure or sporting activity.

Sponsorship available

Businesses demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

SA Law Our professional legal advice unlocks situations and creates value.

Business of the Year: East Herts

Inspiring Business of the Year

The Tourism Award

Local businesses demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Longmores Solicitors Longmores is a long established law firm, with a forward-thinking approach.

Business of the Year: North Herts Local businesses demonstrating high levels of growth and a robust plan for sustainable financial performance.

Reed Employment REED is the biggest family run recruitment business in the world.

Awarded to the Hertfordshire business selected from all the winners.

Hillier Hopkins Helping Hertfordshire businesses to grow and prosper for more than 80 years. ___________________________ BulletProof: we are the best defence against cyber threats.

We are Bulletproof.

Outstanding Contribution to Business Awarded by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

VWV law firm We offer expertise, genuine teamwork and client commitment.

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Big Interview

Leading the debate in a challenging health landscape When Nick Carver took over as Chief Executive of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, he inherited a situation as bleak as could be imagined at the organisation’s hospitals.

Crumbling masonry, leaking roofs, protestors objecting to changes in accident and emergency services all summed up a health trust in serious decline.

Sixteen years later, Nick has overseen a dramatic improvement with many millions of pounds having been invested on the Trust’s sites.

The process has not been without controversy and Nick and his team have worked hard to keep critics and supporters alike informed of the reasoning behind the changes.

They are important debates and, with an ageing population placing ever greater strains on the health service, Nick believes that the time is right for a full and honest discussion on how we care for those who fall ill.

Nick knows what he is talking about. After initially working as a hospital porter, he qualified as a Registered Nurse before developing his interest in health service management. In addition to his registered general nurse qualification, he holds a BA (Hons) in political theory and government, as well as an MSc in health care management.

He was appointed as Chief Executive in November 2002, having previously been Chief Executive of the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire, prior to which he held senior NHS roles in the West Country and South Wales.

Nick, who has led the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust through major service change and delivered public and political support for the plans, said: “I came into a very bad situation.

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“The buildings were in a lamentable state. We had one of the hospitals wrapped in netting because pieces of masonry were falling off, in another we had buckets catching water that came through the ceiling when it rained and we had protestors at the gate.

“What was even more worrying was that the Trust did not appear to have a strategic vision and, as a result of all this, staff morale was at a very low level.”

The years that followed saw significant changes. The New QEII Hospital, which is on the same Howlands site in Welwyn Garden City as the building that was in such poor condition, opened fully to patients on 15 June 2015, with CT and MRI scanning, as well as the breast clinic, moving to the new facility.

That allowed the old hospital to be closed so that the land on which it sat could be sold for the development of housing, including affordable homes.

There has also been significant investment in the Lister, a 730bed district general hospital in Stevenage which offers general and specialist hospital services for people across much of Hertfordshire and south Bedfordshire.

By October 2014, the Lister had been transformed following the investment of £150 million in new facilities into the Trust’s specialist hospital for emergency and inpatient care for east and north Hertfordshire and south Bedfordshire.

Then there’s the Hertford County.

Based in the county town of Hertford, it is the oldest of the Trust’s hospital sites.

The original hospital was built in the early 1800s and in 2003 work began on the development of a new hospital on the same site. The new £8.5 million facility opened its doors to patients in November 2004. The hospital provides a wide range of outpatient, ante/post-natal, diagnostic and therapeutic services to the people of south-east Hertfordshire.

“We had evidence from America and Australia that this was not the case and we attended every meeting. I thought it was important that I go to these meetings to answer the questions from members of the public.

Even if we knew we were going to be ‘ambushed’ we went. We went to meetings with hundreds of people and ones attended by two men and their dog.

However, there are now no A&E or related services at Hertford County; the nearest services are an urgent care centre at the new QEII Hospital, and a full A&E at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

“I believe that most people are reasonable. They are not stupid and we sought to have rational discussions with them.”

Some of those changes proved controversial. Nick said: “I think the key to bringing about change is taking people with you, not just hospital staff but service users, local stakeholders and politicians.

“It may sound an odd thing to say but I based our strategy on lessons from Samuel Beckett’s characters in his play Waiting for Godot, where they are waiting for someone else to make decisions about their future.

“I believed then, and believe now, that we have to make these decisions ourselves and do so locally. There is a real collaborative flavour to what we do. It helps that in the county council we have a strong partner who can help people quickly make the transition from hospital back into the community.

“I am a big believer in having these type of discussions.

During the changes, for example, we had people saying that people would die because we planned to send them to A&E departments that were further away than they had been.

In 2013, Nick’s approach was recognised with the Inspirational Leader of the Year award by Health Education, East of England. He is committed to leadership development and is the Chief Executive lead for the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Aspiring Directors Development Scheme and chairs the Midlands and East Regional Talent Board.

In his capacity as a leader, he believes that there is a need for a big debate on the future of the NHS. He said: “We came through the winter better than most but every day you see headlines about how the NHS is failing.

“Staff are not unaffected by that and I try to meet our staff as often as I can and as a Trust we will continue to invest in our services and strive to achieve value for money.

“However, we do need a wider debate on the future of the health and social care service.

These are challenging times.

Austerity has had an effect and we have a population that is growing older and presents us with often complex needs and significant challenges.”

Big Interview

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Focus on St Albans

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Focus on St Albans

Business Improvement District makes a difference in St Albans Big changes are afoot in St Albans and one of the key local economic initiatives came about after local businesses voted to set up a Business Improvement District (BID) that will bring investment to the city centre.

St Albans BID is a private sector-led, not for profit, limited company funded by local businesses, for local businesses and managed by local businesses.

Helen Burridge, BID Manager, said: “The City of St Albans is majestic, historic, vibrant and full of untapped potential.

Public purses are stretched and core services are increasingly seeing demand outstripping budget.

“St Albans Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit company which uses funds raised directly from local businesses to improve all aspects of our beautiful City.

We are justly proud of what we have achieved so far.

“The BID have worked in the City streets and behind office doors. We have talked to the public sector and we have listened to our levy payers.

We have improved benches, bins and baubles. We have delivered one-off events to drive footfall to our City and worked with key stakeholders to plan for long-term change, too.

“Since coming into existence in April 2017 we have repainted nearly 400 bollards, 20 benches and one CCTV column over three stories high!

We have deep cleansed the city pavements, taking away years of grime and muck, restoring lighter, brighter stonework for us all to enjoy.

“Clean streets make a real difference to a city centre.

People have a greater respect for the public realm and cities often find this reduces the dropping of litter, cigarette butts and gum. The city has never been busier so the BID is keen to ensure that visitor experience is at its best to encourage repeat visits and longer dwell times which will then convert into visitor spend.”

Other initiatives have ranged from installing LED lights on the 36 trees running the length of St Peter’s Street to producing 65,000 St Albans Christmas brochures, publicising the St Albans Food & Drink Festival and working on events with local small businesses.

Helen said: “The work of the BID is visible in the public

realm, supporting businesses that benefit from footfall and tourism. However, the BID represents more than 500 businesses, many of which are professional services based in our City. We are keen to work with owners and their staff to make sure that they continue to choose our City to survive and thrive in business.

“We are working with a utility evaluation service to help BID levy payers reduce their utility bills where possible. We are also looking at waste and recycling, another key cost to businesses that is often cumbersome and expensive and rarely fit for purpose.

“The BID will work with independents and chains, entrepreneurial start-ups and established businesses, boutiques and bars, and will seek to capitalise on all opportunities to bring additional investment into the city centre.

The BID will invest in St Albans to make sure that this City is a destination of choice: a vibrant and desirable place to live, work and visit.

And we’re only just beginning.”

INSPIRE Photos courtesy of Stephanie Belton

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Focus on St Albans

Innovation at the heart of district economy Exciting things are happening in the St Albans district with much of the business landscape being shaped by a belief in the importance of enterprise.

Playing a key role in the development of the local economy is a strong enviro-tech sector and one of the most innovative partnerships is the Green Triangle, which aims to raise the profile of the area as a centre for green technology.

The Green Triangle is a partnership organisation based around three world-leading research institute’s focused on supporting the growth and acceleration of green industries.

Through the collaboration of BRE, Rothamsted Research and The University of Hertfordshire and with the support of St Albans City and District Council and Oaklands College, the Green Triangle aims to establish Hertfordshire as a globally renowned centre of excellence.

Rothamsted Research is the longest running agricultural research station in the world, and the associated Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise (RoCRE).provides a hub for agri-tech businesses.

There are plenty of examples of innovation. For example, farmers stand to benefit from cutting edge research into plant and animal nutrition after Timac Agro UK established its head office at the RoCRE. The firm, which specialises in crop and livestock nutrition from

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fertiliser to mineral blocks, has moved to the Hertfordshire site to further develop its research and industry links. Timac Agro manufactures everything from arable and grass fertiliser to bio-stimulants, soil conditioners, mineral blocks, bedding and slurry enhancers.

Cyril Cappe, general manager, said: “We want to help build a sustainable business for farmers and for the next generation of Timac Agro UK. To do that we need to go a bit further than everyone else, working with scientists and experts in their field to increase nutrition efficiencies.”

With the support of its parent company Roullier Group which has an 8,000m2 global innovation centre in Brittany, France, Timac Agro UK has already funded a Rothamsted PhD project on the control of tillering in wheat, and is developing a demonstration platform on the facility’s 400ha farm.

Mr Cappe said: “We will be able to carry out trials and bring farmers along to see what we’re doing. We also have access to the large conference facility and a network of like-minded agritech companies which will help us to extend our innovation and ability to think outside the box.”

Modern farming owes much to long-standing research, something that will be celebrated at a three-day international conference in May.

The focus on global research is one of the things singled out by local MP Anne Main, who said: “St Albans is the jewel in the crown of Hertfordshire.

The Future of Long-Term Experiments in Agricultural Science, from 21-23 May, is being organised by Rothamsted Research at the Rothamsted Conference Centre to mark the 175th anniversary of the start of scientific investigations on the site.

“We have some of the most highly-skilled jobs in the country, with some of the most creative industries. From research and development to tech, St Albans leads the way.

Keith Goulding, Conference Chair and Rothamsted’s Sustainable Soils Research Fellow, said: ”We are uniquely positioned to assess the continuing value of long-term experiments. We will identify the new questions that need to be asked and how best to go about answering them.”

Achim Dobermann, the institute’s Director and Chief Executive, said: “Like Rothamsted, the conference will be forward-looking. We will focus on how these experiments can contribute to the sustainable intensification of agriculture in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

Besides scientific presentations and debates, the conference will include live streaming, flash talks and visits to some of the longterm experiments under way.

“Moreover, we have great schools, a highly educated workforce, and a very wellinformed pool of consumers.

‘The local economy is healthy and varied. We have everything from financial and business services, green technology, tourism and many other industries. This ensures that there is a wide offering for business and a good environment to improve on skills and develop opportunities.”

MP Anne Main

Focus on St Albans

Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise (RoCRE)

Rothamsted Conference Centre

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Sphere Data Protection Ltd

Getting data protection right for your business As information becomes

increasingly essential to our

business and social way of life,

there are some key

considerations that have pushed

data protection and information

privacy up the agenda.

is a small company based in St Albans.

They support small and medium sized businesses, including sole traders, to ensure that they are ready to conform with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), coming into effect on 25th May 2018, by offering expert guidance and practical help.

This new data protection legislation massively changes the data protection landscape (the last laws were made before the advent of tablets, smartphones and devices that most businesses use every day) and will affect every business that processes data that can be classed as ‘personal’ i.e. everything from someone’s name and address to their health or family details and much more.

The penalties for noncompliance, whether deliberate or incidental, could be heavy. Serious breaches can attract penalties of up to 4% of turnover, so it is in every business’s interest to take notice, and take action, now.

Sphere Data Protection know, from their individual conversations with small businesses, that many (or probably most) do not really know whether they comply with the current data protection law, or where to begin with tackling their requirements for compliance with the new laws. Many are simply not aware of their obligations or just how much even a relatively low-end penalty could impact their business and their brand reputation.

There are hundreds of small companies in St Albans and the surrounding areas, for whom GDPR will have significance, and this matters to Sphere Data Protection a great deal – they are passionate about reaching out to as many businesses as possible, even if it is just to help with general awareness.

Kim Bradford, Director at Sphere Data Protection Ltd, is a professional CIPD qualified Consultant and GASQ Certified EU GDPR Practitioner, with a varied client, project and experience base. Her key skills are translating complex legislation into practical business operational terms for SMEs. Kim is working with a variety of small companies, helping them apply the requirements for GDPR to their own business.

Sphere Data Protection Ltd has associate agreements in place to deliver awareness training through Exemplas and Hertfordshire Community Foundation. Sphere have also developed a number of options for small businesses, from DIY toolkits to combined packages, designed to suit the budgets of small organisations. There is a wealth of free information about GDPR on the website www.spheredataprotection.com

Sphere Data Protection can offer bespoke half or full day practical bespoke GDPR training workshops to individual companies, addressing their particular requirements. These are often run on-site for clients, enabling departmental leads to come together and explore their GDPR issues together.

Additionally, groups of GDPR leads from the same sector can join forces and be trained together, for best practise sharing and cost efficiencies - for example GP Practice Managers / Healthcare professionals.

For further details please call

01727 375078 or email

info@spheredataprotection.com www.spheredataprotection.com

Herts Global

UK Ireland trade – Open for Business Mr Pat Breen, Ambassador Adrian O’Neil

23rd Jan 2018

How do you get more English Companies to trade with Ireland?

The answer is simple – smother them with true Irish hospitality The Irish are such a hospitable race and well known for the love of Guinness, their national dish, so I was delighted to be invited to the Irish Embassy in London on the 23rd Jan 2018 for “UK Ireland Trade – Open for Business” event in conjunction with the BritishIrish Chamber of Commerce.

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The event was exceedingly well attended with UK companies in every sector present. The recently appointed Ambassador of Ireland in London, Adrian O’Neill, gave an excellent keynote speech to really push home how important Irish-UK relations are as the UK is the Rep. of Irelands second biggest customer for exports.

In 2017 this rose by 1.1 billion Euros to 14.5 billion Euros, the Rep. of Ireland is the fifth biggest for UK exports. This was reinforced by Pat Breen T.D. the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Dublin is an ideal base within the EU post Brexit that many UK companies have

already pinpointed for relocation or to set up a satellite office and could be classified as a homefrom-home. Many thanks to Eoin O’Neill - President, John McGrane - Director General, Paul Slevin and the rest of the team at the British-Irish Chamber for the Guinness and Jamesons, I would have come along anyway!

Herts Global

Setting up Business in America or Germany 26th Feb 2018 Germany could also be a new base for some post Brexit and none more attractive than the North Rhine-Westphalia State, the industrial heartland that encompasses Dusseldorf, Essen, Duisberg, Dortmund and Cologne to name but a few.

L to r : Russ Froneberger, Mary Lilley, Stephan Jungen, Michael Kordus, Brenda Daniels, Keith Moore On the 26th Feb 2018 The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce played host to Michael Kordus and Stephan Jungen from NRW.INVEST, an Economic Development Agency, who spoke to a full house of delegates regarding a base in the region which boasts easy shipping, air, road and rail connectivity to the rest of Europe and beyond amongst its many virtues.

Brenda Daniels from ElectriCities and Mary Lilley from Greenfield based in North Carolina USA.

The North Rhine-Westphalia region comes out as Number 1 over its counterparts for foreign investment and GDP, with 21% of all foreign companies in Germany based in the region

Brenda and Mary offer many services free of charge and can offer invaluable assistance for those companies who are seriously considering a relocation or additional facilities “over the pond” and have many years experience in the sector.

Russ Froneberger from Global Consulting, South Carolina, was our facilitator who was able to invite Michael and Stephan from NRW. Russ also came along with fellow countryman

For many UK companies America is quite a tough market to get into and having experts “on the ground” is a great asset to have especially with site location, taxation and other incentives not only in the Carolinas but other States throughout the U.S.

If you have any queries regarding overseas contacts, please email keithmoore@hertschamber.com

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Chamber People

Mary C Sykes BA MCIPR Time certainly flies when you are having fun…and five years has certainly flown by!

Awards, supporting a member’s charity fundraising function at the House of Lords and attending a Big Cat Health Check at Paradise Wildlife Park are only a few of the highlights during the past five years.

Five top tips to achieve great value from Herts Chamber Membership include: It has been a pleasure and honour to help support hundreds of organisations since I started in 2013 including SME businesses, local authorities, education sector, charities, MPs, multinational corporations, Chamber Patrons, educational institutions, exporters and so many others.

You really can’t imagine all the work that goes into delivering important membership benefits, inspirational and educational events together with offering expert global exporting support, until you work here.

My colleagues help make the work both enjoyable and rewarding so that it is easy to be a chamber Ambassador both on and off duty. And travelling the width and breadth of the

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beautiful county of Hertfordshire helps me appreciate how it is an enviable place to work and live.

I am proud that Herts Chamber, being 90 years young, continue to innovate to remain relevant to our members in 2018 and encourage the greater business community to engage with us across themed events, the Inspiring Herts Business awards, training sessions and social media channels.

Honouring long standing members who have been with us for 10/20/30 and 40-years, facilitating a member-to-member introduction helping claim back tens of thousands of pounds, introducing an Olympic athlete at the White Water Rafting Centre, judging the Herts Building and Construction

1 The free and discounted benefits are being enhanced all the time so please do check the website regularly… www.hertschamber.com/ business-benefits 2 Make the relationship with Herts Chamber and members two way, invest in getting to know one another.

Use suppliers listed on Business Finder and update you records accordingly www.hertschamber.com/ business-finder 3 Join in the conversation online. We have over 8000 @Hertschamber Twitter followers and actively share events, news and polls on LinkedIn; from Brexit and GDPR to BCC reports and Inspiring Herts Business Award finalists

4 Send us your press releases for the News Section of the chamber website, shared on social media and for consideration in Inspire Magazine editorial@hertschamber.com 5 Attend our training and Events published in the magazine and online. www.hertschamber.com/ training-and-events It has been a fantastically rewarding five years of service and I look forward to many more.

Patron Focus

Bulletproof Cyber Security comes to the Chamber One of our newest Patrons is Bulletproof, who are working with the Chamber to help spread awareness of cyber security to businesses across the county, along with practical advice on how Bulletproof can help organisations stay secure against growing online threats.

Cyber security is a growing area of concern for businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to multi-national enterprises. After all, a hacker doesn’t care who you are, only if you’re an easy target. That’s why Bulletproof was born – to offer the services and guidance that businesses need to stay protected.

Mark Boost, CEO of Bulletproof, said: “In particular, many smaller organisations think they don’t have the time or the resources needed to keep adequately protected from cyber criminals. We’re here to show them that’s not the case.

“It’s also not just hackers that businesses need to worry about these days – rogue ex-employees, ransomware or even accidental deletion of data can all seriously disrupt, or even destroy a business. Thankfully, these are all problems that Bulletproof can solve.”

Bulletproof already has strong links to the Chamber through its parent organisation, the ServerChoice Group. ServerChoice have been longstanding Patrons of the Chamber and were sponsors of the Innovation

Through Technology category of the Inspiring Herts Awards for the last five years. This legacy has now been picked up by Bulletproof who, along with being Patrons, are also headline sponsors of the Inspiring Herts Awards.

Mark Boost said: “We’re very proud of our long history with the Chamber and are excited to pass the baton from our core ServerChoice brand to Bulletproof.

Cyber security is a high-profile concern at the moment, with almost weekly news stories about dangerous new threats to businesses. We think our message of staying protected harmonises with the Chamber’s reputation as a force for good, for businesses across the county and beyond.”

Bulletproof has invested in a state-of-the-art Security Operations Centre (SOC), a command centre for running their cyber services, right here in Hertfordshire. It’s staffed round-the-clock by certified cyber security professionals and continues to grow, leading to increased employment opportunities for the county at the leading edge of technology.

With the heightened awareness and decreasing timeframe around GDPR, Bulletproof have recently added certified GDPR consultants to their diverse staff roster.

We asked Jason Charalambous, Bulletproof’s Head of Information Security, for five top tips businesses can do to keep their systems secure:

Update, update, update The most important thing any business can do from a security standpoint is to keep their systems updated. Check regularly for everything in your IT estate and don’t waste time in applying security patches. The key is making it a part of your BAU processes.

Anti-virus & 2FA Having an anti-virus system on every machine is the most basic protection. It won’t stop a dedicated attacker but can guard against casual threats.

As mentioned previously, always keep it up-to-date.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another quick win – easy to setup and manage, and can dramatically increase the security of your vital accounts.

Staff training Your staff are your first line of defence, and a large amount of cyber attacks could’ve been prevented if staff had behaved differently. At a basic level, this includes things like knowing when not to click an email attachment, or when someone on the phone isn’t who they claim to be.

Best practices There are many best practices around to help. Policies like enforcing good, strong passwords are simple but effective starting points. Adhering to security standards helps too. UK Gov’s Cyber Essentials covers the basics, whilst for those who want more there’s things like ISO 27001.

Security services All the above is just a foundation to protecting your data and keeping secure online.

For stronger threat protection, ask about penetration tests and 24/7 security monitoring (SIEM).

Given the looming deadline, our GDPR consultancy service is very popular at present.

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HR Initiatives Limited are a friendly, professionally

qualified Human Resources consultancy based in North Hertfordshire covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and North London.

We provide affordable outsourced Human Resources Services and Solutions to the small to medium sized business who have little or no onsite HR support.

As a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges and opportunities facing the small to medium sized business and we tailor our HR Services to each client, and to suit their individual needs.

Contact us to discuss how we can you make the most of your human resources on 01438 742056 or email us at info@hrinitiatives.co.uk www.hrinitiatives.co.uk

The Nexus Building, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. SG6 3TA

The University of Hertfordshire boasts two beautiful and modern campuses along with a bespoke day conferencing centre; The Fielder Centre. Our focus on becoming the UK’s leading business-facing university has led to the development of: • Large green areas • Modern meeting spaces • Learning focussed facilities • A 440 seat auditorium • Mock Crown Court • State of the art gym with Olympic size pool • Over 3000 en-suite bedrooms

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Want to make your employees this happy?

Our ground breaking Car Benefit Scheme allows you to do just that, and save some money. It’s the ultimate employee benefit.

Call 0333 4000 554, email hello@tuskerdirect.com or visit tuskerdirect.com/inspire18 to find out more.

The Car Benefit People

In a constantly changing business world we can successfully deliver a variety of conferences and events all year round.

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Hertfordshire’s Largest Executive Car Company Reliable. Professional. Trusted.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS | BUSINESS TRAVEL | CORPORATE AND SPORTING EVENTS

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Lewcon AV are highly experienced specialists in the integration of audio visual, collaboration and unified communications solutions.

Video Conferencing | 4K LED Displays | Digital Signage Wireless Connectivity | HD Projection | Audio Conferencing Control Systems | Room Booking Systems | TV Distribution

Lewcon AV design, install and maintain new and existing AV systems.

• Meeting rooms and huddle spaces

• Conference rooms and Boardrooms

• Training rooms, auditoriums and reception areas

40D Wilbury Way, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 0AP 01462 457886 | info@lewconav.com | www.lewconav.com

INSPIRE

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Economy

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Economy

Carillion Liquidation Businesses Affected and their Employees The ripple effect of Carillion's failure is likely to have a significant impact on the many businesses and individuals connected to it - from its employees and hundreds of sub-contractors through to individual trades such as plumbers and electricians, and in sectors such as education, recruitment and catering.

Carillion has 43,000 staff, including 20,000 in the UK. It is building part of the HS2 high-speed rail line, it maintains 50,000 homes for the Ministry of Defence, and manages nearly 900 school buildings nationwide.

For many sub-contractors and suppliers a contract with Carillion will be, if not their largest, then certainly one of their most significant sources of revenue.

With those contracts at risk, these businesses face an uncertain and potentially catastrophic future.

If you sub-contract with or supply to Carillion, you will most probably be left in the unenviable position of being owed substantial debts and a loss of future revenue. At the same time, any recourse normally available against a solvent company is unlikely to be appropriate or legally possible.

4 Practical Steps to Take Now • Check whether your contract is with one of the Carillion companies that has entered liquidation. The Insolvency Service is reporting that Carillion Plc, Carillion

Construction Ltd, Carillion Services Ltd, Planned Maintenance Engineering Ltd, Carillion Integrated Services Ltd and Carillion Services 2006 Ltd have gone into liquidation.

• Review the terms of your contracts carefully. A well drafted contract will cover what is to happen on the insolvency of either party.

It should, for example, clearly state whether the contract is to terminate automatically or only at the instigation of the other party. A contract for the supply of goods may include a so-called 'retention of title' clause, which should allow an unpaid supplier to retain ownership of and reclaim possession of its goods.

• Consider whether the agreement that you have with a Carillion company in liquidation can be transferred to another contractor.

• Take action now to prepare for the worst and minimise the fallout. Get advice from experienced insolvency professionals to review

What About Employees of Sub-Contractors and Suppliers?

It is likely that the majority of money that employees will be owed in the event of their employer's insolvency will rank low in the order of priority when their employer's assets are distributed. Employees may however be able to recover some of the money owed to them through the National Insurance Fund.

Employees of sub-contractors or suppliers also face an equally uncertain time. Frequently, employees will be among the last to know when their employers are facing liquidation - generally it will be in the employer's best interests to maintain employee morale and keep its workforce engaged with the tasks needed to stave off liquidation.

Employees whose employer is insolvent and whose employment has been terminated can pursue claims through the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) for some unpaid debts owed to them by their employer, specifically Statutory Redundancy Pay, arrears of pay (capped) and statutory notice pay.

contracts and options available in the event that all or a significant part of your revenue dries up as a result of the failure of Carillion, or you find yourselves with a large non-collectable debt.

“Frequently, employees will be among the last to know when their employers are facing liquidation - generally it will be in the employer's best interests to maintain employee morale and keep its workforce engaged with the tasks needed to stave off liquidation.”

For more information, please contact Mark Tempest, at Watford-based law firm VWV, at mtempest@vwv.co.uk

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TURN IT OFF, AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN. (For all your other business IT needs, try TMB.) TMB GROUP I.T. SUPPORT & SERVICES | WWW.TMB.CO.UK | INFO@TMB.CO.UK | 0333 900 9050

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The 4MATIC SUV range.

4MATIC gives you total control of the road. Enhanced performance for everyday journeys. Effortless handling through every turn in town.

Experience our all-wheel drive system, with offers now available across the range.

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Monthly rentals from £349†

GLC 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line including optional metallic paint.

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48-month Personal Contract Hire agreement.

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48-month Personal Contract Hire agreement.

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Mercedes-Benz and smart Hertfordshire Foxholes Business Park, John Tate Road, Hertford SG13 7LB 0330 333 4260 corporatesales@landlautomotive.co.uk

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the Mercedes-Benz range: urban 16.2(17.4)-72.4(3.9), extra urban 23.9(11.8)-88.3(3.2), combined 20.5(13.8)-134.5(2.1). CO2 emissions 322-48 g/km. Official EU-regulated test data are provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors.

Models featured are a GLA 220 d 4MATIC Sport at £33,710 on-the-road, a GLC 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line at £41,000 on-the-road including optional metallic paint at £685, a GLE 250 d 4MATIC AMG Line Night Edition at £54,690 on-the-road and a GLS 350 d 4MATIC AMG Line at £72,530 on-the-road (on-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates and first registration fee). Specification imagery may show optional features. †Finance based on a Personal Contract Hire agreement. All rentals include VAT at 20%. 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the duration of the contract. Orders/credit approvals on selected GLA, GLC, GLE and GLS models between 1 January and 31 March 2018, registered by 30 June 2018, excluding Mercedes-AMG GLA, Mercedes-AMG GLC, Mercedes-AMG GLE and Mercedes-AMG GLS models. Over 18s only.

Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. L & L Automotive Group Ltd is registered in England (No. 4415393), its registered office is Foxholes Business Park, John Tate Road, Hertford SG13 7LB. Prices, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions correct at time of broadcast.

Past Events

Employment Tax Seminar We were joined by Rob Ennis, of WMT Chartered Accountants, who discussed the latest changes and tax-efficient options for remunerating, motivating and rewarding employees.

January Chamber Lunch in partnership with Ambition Broxbourne We welcomed Michèle Dix CBE, Managing Director of Crossrail 2, Transport for London, who discussed how the new train line will affect Hertfordshire and the wider South East.

“Thanks to Rob Ennis (Employment Tax Director: WMT Chartered Accountants) for talking us through the minefield of employee remuneration and reward, so that we come out the other side safely, and better informed and guided.”

Inspiring Hertfordshire 2018 Awards Launch We launched our Inspiring Hertfordshire 2018 Awards campaign at Sopwell House on January 25. With entries now open, we encourage you to visit www.hertschamber.com to apply and become a winner in 2018.

Headline Sponsors: Hillier Hopkins, Bulletproof Cyber Security.

Category Sponsors: Barclays, Spire Harpenden Hospital, REED Employment, Ashbourne Insurance, Focus7 International, CS Recycling, Longmores, Austins Family Funeral Directors, Broxbourne Council, SA Law, VWV law firm, Stevenage Borough Council, Tate Apprentice and Training.

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Past Events

Hertfordshire PA Club Ruth Randall, of Ruth L Randall Coaching, discussed the topic of health and wellbeing at Aubrey Park Hotel for our February PA Club, where delegates enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch and champagne.

"Our monthly lunches are very popular events; Herts Chamber brings many businesses, sectors and supply chains together in an informal environment that we believe fosters good business relationship building. We are especially happy that we have as a Patron Bulletproof. Their enormous insight into the dark, perpetual menace of cyber-crime, and their helpful manner of explaining what we need to do, and know, to protect our businesses, is hugely helpful."

February Chamber Lunch Bulletproof wowed our audience by demonstrating just how easy it is for hackers to attack business who aren’t prepared. At this Chamber Lunch, we were also joined

by Julie Lloyd, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, who shared her top tips on tackling cyber-crime.

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ChamberEvents

Forthcoming Business Events The Big Debate Do too many school leavers go to university?

Date: 20 March 2018 Venue: North Hertfordshire College - Hitchin Campus, Cambridge Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 0JD Time: 18:00 – 20:00 Price: £15.00 members £20.00 non-members FOC for FE colleges, universities or any other educational organisations.

Join us for the Big Debate with the Institute of Directors There has been a significant rise in school leavers attending university, with (according to UCAS) record numbers of 18-year-olds now attending, rather than going into the workplace. Are schools and parents fixed on the idea that children should go to university, rather than going into alternative careers, such as apprenticeships? Is university the best pathway to a good career?

If so, should everyone be entitled to a university education? Come along to this debate, share your thoughts and enjoy a glass of fizz and some tapas.

March Chamber Networking Lunch: Colourful Boardrooms Date: 22 March 2018 Venue: Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Price: £27.00 members £35.00 non-members Sometimes we come to a place where the old ways no longer work. Attitudes and behaviours that generated success in the past no longer get the results we want.

Accolades, challenges and achievements that once made us proud no longer fill us up.

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All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated

Strategies for growth no longer deliver results. Brands and businesses that once thrived now limp along, failing to inspire the people they serve or employ.

Somehow, without any logical explanation, the ‘success formula’ that worked so reliably in the past simply stops working. And we know, like it or not, it’s time for change. What do we do when we hear this call for change? Find out in this fascinating presentation from Kath Roberts and Kate Griffiths, Art of Leadership, based on the essence of their book Colourful Boardrooms!

ChamberEvents For more information on any event: 01707 502180, bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

The Personal, Financial and Legal Challenges encountered by Family Businesses Date: 17 April 2018 Venue: Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QA Time: 09:30 – 13:00 Price: £36.00 members £45.00 non-members This seminar, brought to you in partnership with Ambition Broxbourne, will explore some of the challenges encountered by family businesses and how to overcome them.

Presentations will be illustrated by a number of case studies and the personal experiences of our speakers.

Subjects covered will include: Business Ownership: Sibling rivalry, inheritance tax and the critical issue of succession planning to ensure the business passes safely from one generation to another.

Competence of the Board: Corporate Governance, Shareholders’ rights and agreements.

Survival in the market place: Employment issues including employee retention, incentivisation and the importance of good communication channels.

April Chamber Lunch: The Rise of Cyber Crime How to protect yourself and your business Date:

19 April 2018

Venue: Aubrey Park Hotel, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn, AL3 7AF Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Price: £30.00 members £39.00 non-members

With Cyber Crime in the news on almost a daily basis it is important to understand how you can take steps to protect both yourself and your business from this everincreasing threat.

This presentation from Barclays will help you to understand the importance of Cyber Security, the likely impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the growing impact of Big Data.

Our speaker, Samiul Hussain, Barclays will use case studies and video clips to illustrate the risks and how to overcome them.

INSPIRE All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated

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ChamberEvents

Forthcoming Business Events Building Information Modelling: The Advantages and Challenges of Adopting BIM This presentation, delivered by our Patrons, Middlesex University, will provide an overview about the relationship between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and different management aspects of a construction project, including information, design, construction, project and supply chain management.

Date: 24 April 2018 Venue: One Hatfield Hospital, Hatfield Avenue, Hatfield, AL10 9UA Time: 18:00 – 20:00 Price: £18.00 members £30.00 non-members

Emphasis will be provided on the advantages versus challenges of adopting BIM within the whole lifecycle, as well as demonstration of some Key Performance Indicators from previous case studies.

Members Masterclass: Writing a Marketing Plan Date: 26 April 2018 Venue: Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Time: 10:00 – 13:00 Price: £10.00 members £12.00 non-members

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All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated

This three-hour interactive Members Masterclass, delivered by our Patrons, Focus 7 International, will provide a structure and level of understanding that will enable you to write a meaningful marketing plan for your business.

The Masterclass will include the following information: • Carrying out a situational analysis • Crystallising your company vision and values • What to consider in a SWOT Analysis • How to influence the outcomes of your analysis • Identifying your USPs • Creating SMART and SMARTER objectives • Building a marketing strategy • Selecting the right media for your message • Creating tactics to achieve the strategy • Formulating an action plan • What to monitor and how to keep control

ChamberEvents For more information on any event: 01707 502180, bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

May PA Club: Personal Branding Date: 10 May 2018 Venue: Rothamsted Conference Centre, Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Price: FREE members £10.00 non-members

Our guest speaker at the May PA Club will be Rebecca Mitchell, House of Colour. Fed up of wearing 15% of your wardrobe 85% of the time? Tired of feeling overlooked?

Then the tips in this presentation may just be the answer you are looking for! By learning more about who you are and how you can translate it on the outside, you will feel empowered to achieve more and believe in yourself more than ever before.

Tour of Newsprinters Date: 10 May 2018 Venue: Newsprinters Broxbourne, Great Cambridge Road (A10), Broxbourne, EN8 8DY Time: 10:30 – 13:00 Price: £18.00 members £25.00 non-members The world’s largest newspaper plant, based here in Hertfordshire, is opening its doors once again to the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and our members.

Brought to you in partnership with Ambition Broxbourne, this is an amazing opportunity to gain insight on Newsprinters - a wholly-owned subsidiary of News UK - and a business that has realised its ambition of building the biggest and greenest newspaper plant, whilst overcoming the challenge of declining print sales.

More efficient than it has ever been, the factory currently prints for a large roster of national publications, including The Times, Daily Telegraph, The Sun and more.

On the day, you will first be treated to refreshments and receive a presentation from a senior member of staff, which will include information about the enterprise, and how they arrived at building the innovative complex. Following that, a one-hour tour will be given, providing a unique look at the process behind delivering the nation’s newspapers.

Limited availability for this event.

May Chamber Lunch – Recruitment: What does good look like?

Date: 17 May 2018 Venue: Needham House Hotel, Blakemore End Rd, Little Wymondley, Stevenage, SG4 7JJ Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Price: £30.00 members £39.00 non-members Research shows that 5% of your workforce produces 26% of the output (the other 95% produce only 74% of your output) and that only 19% of hires are an ‘unequivocal success.’

For all its importance and for all the investment we have made why is it so hard to hire good people? Why are we no better at hiring good people today than we were in the 1940s? This seminar will answer these questions and more. We will consider: • The financial impact of hiring in order to help build a business case • What the blockers are and detail some simple (and surprising) things that impact your ability to hire good people • Three practical models that you use immediately to hire more good people By the end of the session we will give you tools to help you increase the number of good hire in your business.

INSPIRE All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated

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Tourism

Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club carries out £1.7m renovation The investments to Hanbury Manor have continued into 2018 with a renovation project directed by Award Winning Lucid Interior Design to enhance the event facilities.

The project aim is to celebrate the hotel’s history and enhances its “sense of place” in terms of location and heritage.

Hanbury Manor’s location and setting make it a premium choice for meeting and event planners searching for a destination of distinction and for couples seeking a wedding venue.

Robert Hanbury – a senior partner in Truman, Hanbury and Buxton, one of the biggest brewing firms in London at that time – inherited Hanbury Manor in 1847. He was a keen horticulturist, and, in 1865, engaged James II to construct a conservatory, fernery and dropping well.

It is also known that he built a rose garden, as part of his work at Poles Park, and there can be little doubt as to its provenance.

Rose gardens were one of the firm’s specialities, frequently featuring a quatrefoil design within the garden fountains.

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Simon Andrade, Managing Director of Lucid Interior Design, said: “The quatrefoil is a geometric form that allows us to develop, modernise and refresh the conference and events areas within Hanbury Manor. With an unparalleled relevance and an opportunity to bring back a part of the history that is so deep within Hanbury Manor, this form can blend the details and allow us to create something very special."

The enhancements to the meetings and events space will bring a contemporary and modern uplift including the hotels three signature event rooms, i., Poles Hall which was formally the chapel during 1923 to 1986 when Hanbury Manor was run as a convent school, ii., Thundridge, formally the school Assembly Hall and iii., The Grade II Listed Garden Court Summer House and Conservatory which boasts impressive views into the original scented Walled Garden.

The main premise of the renovations is to create an events hub allowing meeting delegates to move between rooms with ease, to include engaging technology and flexible workspaces that inspire collaboration and creative solutions.

"This has been a major source of investment for the hotel and we are excited for our guests to see the new space once completed," said General Manager Russell Prior.

"It is part of our wider commitment to providing our guests with the very best stay in technology and facilities whilst enjoying this magnificent setting."

Ideally suited for offsite retreats, conferences and weddings the hotel's largest renovated space, The Thundridge Suite, will offer a meeting room capacity of up to

200 guests theatre style, and Poles Hall will receive a contemporary facelift and a unique lighting system bringing a whole array of new effects into the former chapel. Many rooms will be equipped with innovative technology such as Write on Walls, ClickShare connectivity, LED screens, Bluetooth sound bars and an integrated event signage system.

Hand finished rugs; solid wooden floors and luxury upholstered furniture will take centre stage in the Assembly Hall, whilst bespoke carpets with subtle references to the local area of Ware and Thundridge are layered into the design.

A colour scheme of rich browns, steel blues, and polished copper cultivates a welcoming atmosphere which is also enhanced by the carefully selected artwork.

For more information regarding Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club, please visit www.marriotthanburymanor.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1920 487 722.

The main premise of the renovations is to create an events hub allowing meeting delegates to move between rooms with ease, to include engaging technology and flexible workspaces that inspire collaboration and creative solutions.

Tourism

Watford Football Club Revolutionising Football Hospitality Following Watford FC’s success in achieving promotion to the top-flight in 2015, the Hornets took the decision to ensure their off-the-field facilities were of a Premier League standard too.

In the summer of 2016, Watford entered into a long-term partnership with US-owned Fabulous Fan Fayre (F3), a company whose ambition is to revolutionise football hospitality in the UK. Furthermore, the South West Corner was transformed to create two incredible new lounges, The Gallery and The View, while all other hospitality areas at Vicarage Road were transformed via refurbishment.

Now a sustained Premier League club, Watford can boast some of the best hospitality facilities in the Premier League, particularly when it comes to The Gallery,

which offers a five-course meal from a freshly-created à la carte menu.

“It is incredible to think of the change here in the last two years. Once we were promoted we knew we had to become a Premier League team off-the-pitch, which would take an enormous amount of vision, investment and hard work. We are now delighted with our offering and the incredible feedback we receive.”

Paul O’Brien – Head of Sales, Watford FC “Watford FC and F3 are embarking on a journey to revolutionise football hospitality.

In any of our facilities at Vicarage Road

you will find food of incredible quality and impeccable service, all in the impressive surroundings of the club’s new or refurbished lounges.”

Stuart Street – General Manager, F3 “The offering is first-class and, without fail, I always receive incredible feedback from our guests about the atmosphere, the setting and the quality and choice of food.”

Terry Pearce – Easycopiers For further information on hospitality packages contact Holly Maxwell, Commercial Sales Manager e: Holly.Maxwell@watfordfc.com

Do you need to book a new venue in Hertfordshire?

Make sure you follow us on Twitter: @HertsCVenues Other conference venues in Hertfordshire interested in the Hertfordshire Chamber Venues website please contact Nick Fox at nickfox@hertschamber.com or visit the website www.hertschambervenues.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/HertsChamberVenues

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NewMembers

Welcome to new members “I am delighted with my CoC membership already due to the support I was provided by QDOS. They were exceptionally professional, and I was hugely impressed. The person there, Mike, was very approachable, didn’t make me feel daft with my questions, supportive and efficient. NOT what I was expecting!! Thank you so very, very much. I shall without doubt be using their service again” Laura Moxham Managing Director Your Business Angels 01727 298040

Foxy Data Ltd

Ladybird Voice Solutions Ltd.

Software Company hello@foxydata.co.uk www.foxydata.co.uk Business & Technology Centre Stevenage Herts SG1 2DX

Telecoms - supplier of fixed line services and voice solutions

Toys & Games, Leisure mark.evans@gamestoget.co.uk www.gamestoget.co.uk 5 Butterwick Way Wilshere Park Welwyn, Herts AL6 9GH 32

INSPIRE

Health & Safety Consultancy/ Mgt. Standard Delivery/ Formal & Bespoke Training Courses rao.safety@btopenworld.com www.owenspartnership.com 5 Roman Way Puckeridge Hertfordshire SG11 1SH

Peter Knight Consulting Group Ltd Recruitment, HR Consulting & Outplacement peter.knight@pkcg.co.uk Web: www.peterknightrecruitment.com Broxbourne Business Centre Pindar Road, Hoddesdon HERTS N11 0DB

Redwood Bank Mute Solutions Limited

Games to Get Ltd

Owens Partnership Limited

Business Planning made simple info@mutesolutions.co.uk www.mutesolutions.co.uk Office 228 Victoria Square, Victoria Street Saint Albans Herts AL13TF

Britain's new Business Bank offering commercial mortgages & top savings rates to SMEs hello@redwoodbank.co.uk www.redwoodbank.co.uk The Nexus Building, Broadway Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3TA

NewMembers

Personal relationships are always the key to good business. You can buy networking; you can't buy friendships.

Reed Specialist Recruitment

The Digital Office (UK) Ltd.

Temp & Pemanent recruitment in Herts, Beds & Bucks michael.jones@reedglobal.com www.reedglobal.com 54-56 Victoria Street St. Albans AL4 9TF

Office machinery, hardware (software servicing) lynsey@thedigitaloffice.co.uk www.thedigitaloffice.co.uk Xnilo House, 2 Copse Hill Welwyn Hertfordshire AL6 0SG

Research and Development Consulting Limited R &D Tax Relief Consultancy mdrewery@randdconsulting.co.uk www.randdconsulting.co.uk Unit 12b & 12c Capital Business Centre 22 Carlton Road CR2 0BS

Spire Harpenden Hospital Hospital www.spireharpenden.com Ambrose Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 4BP

The Chocolate Coin Company Branded & Personalised Austrian Chocolate coins karen@thechocolatecoincompany.com www.thechocolatecoincompany.com 6 Cheverells House Cheverells Green, Markyate St. Albans AL3 8BH

The Improvement Group

All our members have several things in common; a desire to expand their local network, meet likeminded people, and most importantly to have fun

Facilities, H&S and Business Continuity Consultancy linda@improvementgroup.co.uk www.improvementgroup.co.uk Whiteacres, Hooks Cross Watton at Stone HERTS SG14 3RY

www.hertschamber.com

Your Business Angels

For more information or to discuss

Digital Marketing- In the top 3% of Google Adwords Agencies laura@yourbusinessangels.co.uk www.yourbusinessangels.co.uk Unit 5 40 Coldharbour Lane Harpenden Herts AL5 4UN

while they are doing it.

Come and join us and see for yourself

how we can help you, please contact us at:

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce T: 01707 502180 E: enquiries@hertschamber.com INSPIRE

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Chamber Benefit

Health & Wellbeing

Improving understanding of mental health in the workplace Mental ill health costs employers in the UK billions of pounds every year through lost production, recruitment and absence, according to ACAS.

Promoting positive mental health in your workplace can, therefore, it says, be hugely beneficial. Staff with good mental health are more likely to perform well, have good attendance levels and be engaged in their work.

ACAS has updated its guidance to employers after an independent review of mental health and employers by Lord Dennis Stevenson and Paul Farmer published late last year highlighted the large amount of work that needs to be done Thriving at Work set out what employers can do to better support employees, including those with mental health problems to remain in and thrive through work. It said that poor mental health costs employers between £33 billion and £42 billion a year, with an annual cost to the UK economy of between £74 billion and £99 billion.

The review suggested that investing in supporting mental health at work is good for business and productivity.

ACAS says that there is still a lack of understanding about mental health and a better understanding is important because: • mental ill health is very common - the Government's Department of Health advises that one in four of us will experience it at some point in our lives • staff with positive mental health are more likely to work productively, interact well with colleagues and adapt to changes in the workplace • staff supported by their employer are more likely to be able to stay in work or return to work after a period of absence, reducing long-term absences in the organisation

• staff who feel unable to talk to their manager may attend work when they are too ill to safely carry out their duties, which could be a health and safety risk • if mental ill health is not treated, the pressures of it can cause other 'secondary symptoms'. For example, the strain of coping with depression may cause someone to become dependent on alcohol or drugs.

ACAS says that it can take time to change an organisation's workplace culture but recommends that an employer should develop an action plan for how it will promote positive mental health. This may include: • identifying why the organisation is committed to promoting positive mental health and what the objectives of the organisation are • planning a range of activities to educate staff and managers and remove any stigma associated with mental ill health.

• putting support processes in place for staff experiencing mental ill health.

For example, training managers in mental health and having named mental health champions in the workplace who can be approached if the employee does not want to talk their manager • creating a mental health policy and reviewing existing policies to ensure managers and staff know where to go for support and further information when required • ensuring that senior managers champion mental health awareness and act as role models to encourage healthy behaviours.

For example, always having lunch away from their desk or work area can encourage staff to do so as well.

It is important to identify what areas of the workplace might be a cause of mental ill health, says ACAS. Gathering information on staff turnover, sickness absence and performance can be a good starting point.

Staff should also be involved as they will be aware of what the organisation does well and what needs to improve. In larger organisations, this might be done through team meetings or an employee survey. In smaller organisations, the owner may simply talk to staff on a one-to-one basis to get their thoughts.

Anna Hamboulides and Caroline Tyrwhitt

Change your language and change their thinking Our language reflects our thinking and by changing our language we can change our own thinking as well as how people around us perceive us.

The language we use with our staff are qualities that will be attributed to us. To motivate our staff we need to choose our language carefully.

Always use positive language. Avoid using negative adjectives as your listener will attribute them to you. For example, if you complain about your boss being critical and unsupportive, your team will start thinking you are critical and unsupportive.

That negativity then filters through to your team and their attitude to their work as well as their beliefs about the company.

Two simple words that easily creep into our communications are ‘why’ and ‘but’. These should be avoided.

‘Why’ questions elicit excuses and also attribute blame. Use ‘what’ and ‘how’ as they provide the opportunity to give reasons and descriptions and people are more likely to accept responsibility for their actions.

‘Why are we losing money on this product?’ is confrontational and invites excuses. Try instead ‘What are the pinch points on this project?’ It also means your question is focussed on a solution.

‘But’ deflates as we all know that there’s bad news coming and therefore what you just said is irrelevant. For example, ‘You did really well on sales last month, but I know you can do better’ is not heard as praise. Use ‘and’ instead. ‘You did really well last month and I know you are going to do even better this month’ is more motivating.

It is the person who immediately manages you who has the greatest impact on you. Research shows that middle leaders are key to promoting a company ethos therefore changing the language of your middle leaders would improve productivity in your company.

www.freetobenlpandcoaching.co.uk t: 07957 295464 We provide NLP training for companies with a wellbeing focus

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Looking after you since 1983 Trust in your local private hospital to provide world-class healthcare.

• • • •

Appointments available within 48 hours, including evening and weekends Fixed price packages available with no hidden costs GP referrals not always necessary Finance options available

You can either pay for yourself, or use medical insurance

Call: 01582 787 005 Search ‘Spire Harpenden One Price’

Health & Wellbeing

Training for a marathon?

Committing, training and participating to run a marathon should be a fun and rewarding experience for participants.

• Eat properly – marathon Carbohydrate-rich food like pasta, rice and oats should be regarded as fuel for training sessions. However closer to the event, it’s best to have more of a regimented food intake, specific to your goals • Have fun – remember the reason why you signed up for this in the first place.

Whether it’s to raise money for a great cause, get fit or take on a new challenge, keep your eyes on the prize and enjoy yourself along the way.

At Spire Harpenden Hospital, we have a designated physiotherapy department who can provide you with the expert advice you need to set your targets and achieve your personal best.

Here’s a small selection of the services we have to offer: • Running injury assessment and treatment – early diagnosis and treatment of running related injuries that are slowing you down

However, for many the burden of the commitment, overcoming any injury and the sheer time it requires to train, can feel overwhelming at times. This is especially true for those who are running a marathon for the first time.

Whilst following your regimented, well set out plan, it’s important to listen to your body. Here are some tips for your marathon checklist to set you up for a successful run: • Plan and prepare yourself – running a marathon is challenging and the time and preparation months before the big day shouldn’t be taken lightly.

• Wear the correct footwear – well fitted, cushioning footwear is key to maintaining comfort when running the marathon.

Do your research and consider your goals before purchasing an expensive pair of shoes.

Some marathon runners are just looking to complete the course, whilst others want to beat their personal best.

Depending on your goals, you’ll need a different shoe.

• Commit to training – when can you fit training time during your busy schedule?

Time management is key and seize every opportunity, whether it be before work, during lunch or after work.

activities and professional work as a Physiotherapist. I know personally and professionally how much distress can be caused by ongoing pain or restriction in athletes. Injuries are a common plague amongst sport enthusiasts, and although general marathon preparation seems to get better each year, runners are also at risk. Any time you increase your mileage and training you can pick up a variety of injuries ranging from simple muscle strains to stress fractures.

Our highly experienced team of specialist Physiotherapists are on hand to provide you with crucial early diagnosis of running related problems, and start you on a course of treatment that will hopefully get you back on schedule for training and completion of the big event on the day.

Tel: 01582 787 005 Website: www.spireharpenden.com

• Soft-tissue release – hands on work from one of our therapists to restore flexibility and ease any tight muscles or tissues • Acupuncture for pain relief and sports injuries – to help you manage any pain, injury and discomfort you have from putting in those hours • Biomechanical advice and strengthening – correction of muscle weakness or imbalance that can lower performance & contribute to injury • Taping and strapping – for pain relief and support for painful joints or muscles Rob Westney is Spire Harpenden’s Physiotherapy Manager – I have been involved in various levels of sport my whole life, from youth participation through to present day

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Members News

5 top areas of focus for HR when tackling the new GDPR rules

Your customers are searching for you online – but can they find you?

On the 25th May 2018, the new rulings will come into place on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) you will need to ensure you company is fully compliant or you could be at risk of being fined – the maximum penalty is either €20millon or 4% of your annual turnover.

Follow these search engine optimisation (SEO) tips from Syed Ali, Head of Search at iThinkMedia, a Hertford-based search marketing agency:

HR departments hold and process a lot of personal and sensitive information many types of which require various permissions to keep. GDPR has a huge focus on how we process data, where we process it and who has access to the data.

We must have justification to retain all data for the purpose it was collected for – this includes all personal data - information that relates to an identifiable person (personal file, HR systems, information contained via email and via employee monitoring) – this also extends to data for those who are not employees such as contractors and job applicants.

1. Employee Files (retention and audit) It is key to look at the existing data you have on employees to see what data doesn’t hold its specific purpose anymore and to make sure it is only kept if necessary.

You should look at statutory retention periods for further

guidance, but most data will have a 6-year time limit on it.

2. Recruitment It is best to have a review of all the information you currently hold in relation to recruitment such as CVs, candidate’s details, references and interview details.

You must provide information to job applicants on the purpose of collecting their data and their rights in relation to this.

3. Policies You will need to review all polices that contain a reference to the data protection act 1998 and amend this in line with the new guidance.

You will also have reference to this in your contracts of employment.

4. Guidance to managers / rest of the business GDPR doesn’t just cover employment and HR practices, it is best to guide the rest of the organisation how they should be handling data and whose data should and shouldn’t be shared

with. It is also important that data that is out of date and no longer with a specific purpose should be removed. Furthermore, it is worth informing the business what HR do with personal data how we process this data and why (data retention guidance).

If you have one, a sit down with your Data Protection Office is strongly advised.

5. Update processes/ documents Update processes / documents or create new ones on how data is handled. For example, a document on data breaches, what happens if one is uncovered? You should also have a data privacy notice; this will need updating to fit in with the new rulings.

Anna Ives is a HR consultant for HR Puzzle, www.HR-Puzzle.com.

She has 12 years HR experience specialising in generalist HR issues, is a Chartered member of the CIPD and has a BA Hons and a MA in HR management.

Success Story – Epson and Green Building Design Consultants The Power of Networking During a Chamber of Commerce event hosted by Epson in November, Jason Walcott, Account Executive from Epson had presented an overview on Epson Business Inkjet range and reasons to “make the switch”.

Some of the key point had clearly resonated with one of the key speakers at the event, as they approached Epson for more information after the presentation raised a question in AOB. The company in question are called Green Building Design Consultants, who specialize in

helping and advising constructors on recommendations to ensure their buildings are more energy efficient. The Director Simon Green had shared with Jason their current costs on consumables across their existing Oki & HP printers made up of 44,670 colour pages and 13,120 mono pages per year.

After conversations it was found that due to the high volume of colour pages printed a Print365 would have proven more expensive than their current printing costs.

Jason engaged with Inplant (located in Herts also) who put together a CPP proving far more cost effective based upon their existing print, which also includes service.

Green Building Design Consultants placed their PO for 2 x C869R’s through Inplant last week and units arrived at Inplant today through form Exertis.

Inplant also ordered the XL ink bags which will arrive on Wednesday and install will be arranged either side of Christmas.

1.Thinking like your customers is not enough: Excellent user experience will make you rank higher in search engine results pages. Get some keyword research done to find out exactly what your potential customers are searching for and make sure they can find what they need on your website.

2.Don’t go for the volume: If you are an industrial flooring company, there are more searches for ‘kitchen flooring’ but do you know if the searcher is an architect or a homeowner? Showing up in someone’s search results who wants a tiny apartment floor is no good if you want to land big commercial clients. In this instance, it might be better to go after phrases with clear intent such as ‘commercial kitchen flooring’, ‘restaurant kitchen flooring’.

3.Is your website fit for a modern consumer? I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure your website is technically sound. Search engines love websites that are fast and make it easy for people to find the information they are looking for and reward them with higher search rankings. According to Google, 40% of consumers will leave your website if it doesn’t load within three seconds.

4.Get ready for voice search: According to Comscore, 50% of searches will be made by voice by 2020. Google has recently published a set of guidelines to help businesses optimise their sites for voice. It’s still early days for voice search optimisation however, focusing your efforts on this, along with longer search terms will help future-proof your website.

5.Mobile-first index: Google is going to slowly roll-out mobile-first index which means that sites will be ranked and indexed based on how optimised they are for mobile.

If you are a local business, it’s extremely important to start with targeting customers in the areas you provide your services in.

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Members News

Making a difference Three different stories but one shared goal In 2017 the apprenticeship levy was introduced and this was the link between Clare, Denise and Sophie. All three came together, each one with a different story but all having a similar, caring personality.

Let’s start with Clare.

Aged 56, married, mum of two and grandma to four (Clare tells us that she has the most special grandchildren ever).

Clare has worked for Quantum Care for twelve years and thoroughly enjoys her position within the company’s training department. Quantum Care has its own assessment centre so Clare’s role was to assess care staff and train staff to become assessors.

Staff development is a high priority for Quantum Care and this forms part of their underpinning values.

The assessment centre was graded “excellent” in 2017 and Clare was very proud of her part in this achievement. As the levy date got nearer and nearer Clare worried about the impact on her role.

However her hard work was rewarded by being offered the position of Apprenticeship Support Co-ordinator.

Clare’s immediate challenges were to learn about HR, recruitment and promoting the health and social care apprenticeships. Clare had to learn how to interview potential apprentices and how to make sure that this was a value based recruitment process. She quickly learnt not to take it personally when people didn’t attend interviews. Much better to use her energy to celebrate finding some great apprentices to work with the lovely residents living in Quantum Care homes.

Clare spoke about building working relationships with the local colleges that provide the apprenticeships. Clare was blown away by the state of the art college buildings and was even heard to say that she wanted to become a full time student again.

The new role introduced Clare to the LEP and Chamber of Commerce. However, Clare was somewhat disappointed to learn that the Chamber of Commerce

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didn’t have oak panelled offices, bone china cups and saucers and staff walking around in wigs and gowns.

Clare has learnt that the recruitment process can sometimes be frustrating as it doesn’t work as quickly as she would like it to. But the processes in place are a vital part of keeping their vulnerable residents in safe hands.

Clare is already recognising the value of the apprenticeship programme. Denise and Sophie have entered the programme full of enthusiasm and are learning through the structured apprenticeship pathway. They are putting their knowledge into practice so learning becomes meaningful and real. They are going home each day motivated as they see what a difference they are making in people’s lives. Recently Clare was walking round the care home with Sophie. Every time they turned a corner Sophie spoke about the resident she had just greeted. Her conversation really made Clare smile as Sophie repeatedly said that this resident is lovely, this lady makes me laugh and this gentleman loves a chat.

Not long ago Sophie “confessed” to feeling really quite anxious during her interview, when she walked round the care home for the very first time. She said that when Clare phoned to offer the position she wasn’t sure that saying “yes” was the most sensible decision she’d ever made. And just a few weeks down the line she is enjoying her own role but also making Clare’s new job such a fabulous, rewarding career change.

Clare admits to being comfortable in her old role, feeling confident in her abilities and being able to answer most queries thrown at her. However, now Clare is being challenged daily and her response to queries is sometimes “I don’t know the answer to that but I’ll find out and get back to you”.

Clare said that if she’s honest she had assumed that she’d probably be doing her previous role until she retires. The levy has changed that but it’s a positive change.

Clare has learnt that you’re never

too old to re-train. Her knowledge and skills are still being used but she’s adding to them on a daily basis. She is already enjoying watching the apprentices grow in confidence and seeing how they fit in so well to the running of the homes. High standards of training help the company promote internally so staff know the company from all angles.

Quantum Care benefit from having qualified staff that contribute to high levels of care practice and positive CQC inspections…..factors that help sustain a successful business and great reputation for excellent care for the residents and excellent staff opportunities.

So let’s now look at Sophie’s link to the apprenticeship levy.

Aged 18, living at home, first job.

Sophie stayed on at sixth form to study sociology, ethics and philosophy. Sophie attempted to study law but found that this really wasn’t for her. Media studies didn’t seem relevant to who Sophie was so it didn’t inspire her to follow that pathway.

As Sophie turned 18 she took some time out to think about where she wanted her future to go. Sophie thought about becoming a social worker but felt that she needed more life skills before following that pathway.

Sophie had passed her driving test and wanted independence , financially and emotionally. Sophie felt the health and social care apprenticeship offered everything she needed. She could learn new skills while achieving qualifications that can help her develop herself but she would also have the satisfaction that she was doing a really worthwhile job. One thing that really attracted Sophie was the fact that she would be earning while she learnt. Quantum Care’s apprenticeship particularly caught Sophie’s eye because of the higher than average apprenticeship salary. Sophie felt that the 13 month commitment was more achievable than signing up for years at university. Sophie has now been on the programme for just over two months and she feels she has really grown up. She

volunteers to wash up at home and help with her baby sister , things that she never did before her apprenticeship. So her mum is now a keen advocate for the health and social care apprenticeship as well!! Sophie pays some “keep” to her parents and is proud that she can pay for her own car. She’s not starting life with a student debt and she’s confident that with all the support that she’s receiving she will complete the apprenticeship and be on the qualified carer rate of pay within the next year. Sophie admits that her biggest challenge is the early morning shifts. Sophie is not a morning person but her rota works well with finding time to spend with her boyfriend. The variety of shifts also means that Sophie isn’t constantly doing early mornings so it’s not a challenge too far. Sophie told Clare that she “loves” her new job. Her study days are relaxed and don’t feel like college. She “loves” being with the residents and is proud to tell people about her apprenticeship and what an amazing job she has.

Sophie is also looking forward as she can see that Quantum Care have further opportunities for her to continue her training after her apprenticeship. She likes the fact that she can continue to understand more about the conditions that the residents have so she can continue to develop her care practice. Sophie is pleased that her apprenticeship can help her access higher qualifications that can lead to promotion within Quantum Care.

Now let’s find out about the link with Denise Aged 35, living at home, family from Barbados, career change.

On leaving school Denise aspired to be an educational psychologist.

At the age of 21 Denise’s dream was shattered as she was diagnosed with epilepsy. This meant that Denise was no longer able to live independently and university wasn’t a safe option for studying. Denise’s father then received a diagnosis of cancer and during his illness he encouraged Denise to return to university to continue her studies. Sadly

Members News Denise’s seizures increased so university remained just a dream.

Denise heard about Quantum Care from a friend who enjoyed working for them. Denise says that she had always said that she would never put anyone of her family in a care home. Since starting the apprenticeship Denise has totally changed her mind about this myth. She now smiles as she recalls her own misgivings about life in a care home and how her misconceptions were very misguided.

Denise said that the apprenticeship appealed to her because she likes the opportunity to study and achieve qualifications and respects her dad’s wishes for Denise’s future. She also liked the fact that she has an income and is already talking about moving from the family home to set up home with her sister.

Denise talked about how it takes a special sort of person to be a carer

and she has proved to herself that she is one of those special people.

Denise said that she knew she would ask lots of questions but she’s been given so much support that she’s never felt that she’s been a nuisance. Denise specifically talked about the support within the care home.

One of the challenges has been moving from one unit in the care home to another one. She said it’s like stepping into a different care home. But as the weeks pass Denise is already welcoming the variety of her work and building relationships with all of the residents. Denise spoke fondly about a lady who is living with dementia. Denise had supported the lady when her shift first started. When she later supported the lady to get ready for bed the lady talked about the lovely, dark girl that had been so nice to her.

The lady didn’t recognise that Denise was in fact that lovely, dark girl. Denise said it made her

feel so good that she had helped someone. Denise was raised as a Morman but doesn’t go to church. Her beliefs are that she can think for herself and that God loves everyone. Denise talked passionately about making a difference but needing the apprenticeship to give her the skills to carry out the job to the best of her abilities.

She enjoys all the individual characters of the residents and listening to their stories.

So both the studying and the “on the job” learning is fulfilling Denise’s aspirations and dreams.

She is enjoying the fact that she can continue to study but in a relaxed manner that hasn’t had a negative impact on her own condition. She is pleased to have an income and the independence that this brings. She is also proud to have the opportunity to help people and develop a rewarding, long term career for herself. She feels that Quantum Care is

investing in her future and she is making people’s lives better because of this. The apprenticeship hasn’t over loaded Denise and she likes the flexible approach to learning and working.

Each one of these Quantum Care employees have forged a strong working relationship because of the apprenticeship levy. More importantly their desire to use the adult care worker apprenticeship programme to deliver high standards of care has led to a mutual respect for each others commitment and drive. Clare says that she is looking forward to using 2018 as the year to recruit further apprentices and use the levy to it’s full potential.

Quantum Care is a not for profit company. They run 26 care homes for older people in Hertfordshire, Harlow, Dunstable and Luton.

The apprenticeship programme is an on- going project.

Strategies for handling conflict at work Watford Law Firm With a new year of work before us, it’s a great time to look ahead to the various challenges and opportunities we might face this year. So, I thought I’d share some advice for a challenge that we commonly face in the workplace – conflict, and how to deal with it in a professional manner.

Why you shouldn’t avoid conflict Conflict in the workplace may arise for a variety of reasons, whether that’s personal differences between employees, conflicting working styles, pay discrepancies, or any other number of issues. When you’re in the midst of a potential conflict or you sense conflict arising between your team members, the important thing is to face it head on.

Avoiding conflict can lead to the issue building up under the surface and becoming more of an issue than it needs to be.

Resentment can develop between colleagues, resulting in an uncomfortable working environment. Facing the problem head on results in conflict resolution, and you could come out of the other side of things with strengthened relationships and more efficient and harmonious working practices.

How to handle conflict Here are some important pieces of advice for handling conflict in an effective and professional way.

Focus on communication Effective communication is key to resolving workplace conflict.

Anyone involved in the conflict must talk openly about their concerns and listen carefully to what the other person or people have to say. It is best to arrange a meeting with those involved so that issues are not aired publicly in front of everyone.

Encourage conflict resolution If you’re in a leadership role, you need to make sure that your employees feel comfortable coming to you with the problems they are facing in the workplace. They shouldn’t feel like they have to hide conflict, so you should foster a culture of openness and honesty among your team.

Don’t make things personal When airing a conflict, it is important that you focus on the event and behaviours that have led to this situation, rather than on personal matters or the personality of the other person.

Bringing in personal matters can make the other party feel like they are being victimised.

On the other side of things, try not to take things personally

if someone brings up a conflict with you.

Compromise Conflict resolution often requires some compromise in order to satisfy both parties. Try to come to an amicable agreement so that everyone feels like their opinions have been heard and addressed. You don’t want tension to continue between the two parties after the conflict has been resolved.

So, next time conflict arises in your workplace, don’t shy away from it. Instead, embrace the conflict and the opportunities that it could offer your team.

For further information on this subject, and to find out more about my personal, executive, business & career coaching contact me at sarah@sarahj.com or call 07531 228089.

Shares the Love with Local Charity Award-winning law firm VWV has decided to combine the loveliest of days with some fundraising for its Charity of the Year, Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers.

VWV staff whisked up some Valentine's Day treats, and with all eaters contributing £2 to the Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers pot, have raised nearly £80 for the charity.

Home-Start volunteers help families with young children deal with the challenges they face, such as post-natal depression, isolation or bereavement, by providing emotional and practical support. Based in the centre of Watford, the charity was established in 1993 and helps over 120 families each year.

Since May 2017, VWV has raised almost £5,000 by partaking in a wing-walk, a 1 mile open water swim, an abseil, Christmas present collections and bake sales, but also by manning kiosks at Watford Football Club!

VWV Watford Office Partner, Richard Phillips commented: "Involvement in community projects provides us with a valuable source of personal learning and development, as well as a sense of pride and teamwork. We are proud of our staff, who have shown great commitment and dedication to support Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers this year."

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Young Chamber

It’s that time of year, the 11th National Apprenticeship Week (NAW 2018) will run from 5th to 9th March 2018.

Is your business supporting your local school, do you want to know more about Apprenticeships and how they can benefit your business?

What is NAW 2018?

Top 10 Benefits of Being an Apprentice

During the week employers and apprentices from across England will come together to celebrate the success of apprenticeships whilst encouraging even more people to choose apprenticeships as a pathway to a great career.

• Earn while you learn • Training in the skills employers want • Excellent progression opportunities

The theme for the #NAW2018 is ‘Apprenticeships Work’. Showcasing how apprenticeships work: • • • •

for for for for

• Increased future earning potential

individuals employers the community the wider economy

• Advanced apprenticeships lead the way • At your own pace • Become more confident

The event is forever increasing as the number of apprenticeships grows year on year. Our Young Chamber Schools will be holding various Career Fairs and Apprenticeship Events in support of this.

• Make new friends

•

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14th March 2018 Astley Cooper – Career Fair 15th March 2018 Sir John Lawes – Apprenticeship Evening

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• Raise professional standards in your industry • An investment that delivers value • Boost productivity & competitiveness

• Get student discounts

• Building skills & keep staff turnover down

• Learn key skills

• Cost effect training

Upcoming School Events •

Top 5 Benefits of Being an Apprenticeship Provider:

•

21st March 2018 Sir John Lawes – Career Fair

•

27th March 2018 Immanuel College – Career Fair

•

28th March 2018 Kings Langley School – Career Fair

If you are interested in supporting our Young Chamber Programme and keen to be involved with future school events please contact Gemma Rydqvist at gemmarydqvist@hertschamber.com or call 07377 361609

Finance

Increase your chances of success in five easy steps The start of a New Year is usually a time for business leaders to reflect and make resolutions for their businesses, as well as personally.

Be honest, despite your good intentions how many have already fallen by the wayside?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The reasons can be wide ranging but working with clients has shown me that there are some common pitfalls that you can avoid when planning, which will give you a better chance of success.

Here are my top 5 tips to help you implement change in your business and succeed in your goals:

1. Capture ideas Start by brainstorming, either by yourself or with your team.

Gather all the ideas that have been floating around for a long time and write them down. Dumping everything into a mind-map will allow you to start to see themes and connections and cut through the preparation, so you avoid wasting time.

2. Make it simple Don’t waste time producing a “perfect”, comprehensive strategic plan filled with research and diagrams. Instead, go back to basics and use a ‘one page plan approach’. Use bullet points to (honestly) articulate where you are now then write a few words on where you want to be (you can have big goals but you need to be realistic; see point 3 below).

Now you are ready to describe the actions to achieve those goals.

This way you cut to the heart of what you need to do, to get where you want to be.

3. Check your resources This means more than just money.

Think about people, time, skills and know-how. If you haven’t got the resources available, work out how long will it take to get them.

If you factor this in then you will have a realistic assessment of what is achievable.

This will help you avoid a great idea just running out of steam because it was doomed from the start.

4. Allocate responsibilities and timelines Implementation of your plan will be the key to your success.

Something that is everyone’s responsibility usually ends up being no-one’s responsibility. So when you have worked out your actions make someone accountable to see it through and put in (realistic) deadlines. Then you have some markers to track progress, because you have recorded who is going to deliver what and when.

5. Measure it If you can measure it you can control it. Select a few Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and use these to track the progress of your projects. Make them relevant to the teams that you are producing them for; relevant means elements that

they can affect. Make sure that the team understands what is being measured and then examine the outcomes so that the business learns what actions produce what results.

For more help on the above steps and other simple approaches to success in business, view my short videos by searching for “You Tube Silvia Vitiello” in Google or visiting: www.ks.co.uk/st-albans These approaches are tried and tested as I have used them with great success both with my team and with clients.

One final pointer – remember to celebrate your successes!

Silvia Vitiello Partner Kingston Smith Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors St Albans E: svitiello@ks.co.uk www.ks.co.uk/st-albans

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INSPIRE

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Finance for Business

Funding available to boost trade with India UK businesses are being offered financial support to help them trade with India.

The news came as International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox met the Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu, to discuss greater cooperation between the two countries and identify barriers to trade and investment.

Ministers were joined by a delegation of senior UK and Indian officials for the 12th meeting of the UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which built on progress made by the UK-India trade working group that was established in 2016.

Dr Fox announced that the national export credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), has more than doubled its financial support to enable UK businesses to trade with India.

It means £4.5 billion will now be available for UK companies exporting to India as well as Indian buyers of UK goods and services.

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India and the UK already enjoy a strong trading relationship, worth £15.7 billion in 2016, with UK exports to India amounting to £5.8 billion. Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) in the UK was worth £1.5 billion in 2016, while UK investment into India rose to £13.2 billion in 2016.

According to the UK Government, there is huge potential to expand bilateral trade and investment as the UK prepares to leave the European Union.

UK and Indian businesses, including UK engineering consultancy Arup and Indian infrastructure firm Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS), also met alongside the JETCO to discuss ways of boosting co-operation in growing sectors such as advanced manufacturing and smart cities.

Dr Fox said: “India is the world’s seventh-largest economy and the fourth largest investor into the UK, while UK investment

in India grew by 8.8% in the year to 2016.

“For the first time in 40 years, the UK is preparing for its own independent trade policy, and expanding our bilateral trade and investment with India will be central to that task. It’s in our shared interest to boost prosperity, generate jobs, develop skills, and enhance the competitiveness of both our countries.

“As an international economic department, we will continue to work closely with the Indian government to break down the barriers to boosting trade.

That includes more than doubling trade finance support for UK exporters and Indian buyers of our goods and services.

Following the talks, the ministers issued a joint statement setting out their vision for a continued trading partnership in which the two governments and businesses work hand-in-hand to achieve shared prosperity.

UKEF support is made available in Indian rupees, allowing Indian buyers to access finance in their own currency and making sourcing from the UK even more competitive.

“India is the world’s seventh-largest economy and the fourth largest investor into the UK, while UK investment in India grew by 8.8% in the year to 2016.”

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Development

One year on – are you Levy-savvy?

In April 2017 the Apprenticeship Levy came into play for employers across the UK. We get the low-down from Sylvia Robertslaw, Head of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning at Oaklands College on the levy one year on.

Sylvia Robertslaw

Sir Vince Cable speaks to Electrical apprentices at a recent visit to Oaklands College

From April 2017 employers with a payroll bill greater than £3 million per year began paying the Apprenticeship Levy at 0.5 per cent, with all employers receiving an initial allowance of £15,000 to offset against payments. The levy was created to support the Government’s Apprenticeship strategy and aim of recruiting 3 million Apprenticeships by 2020. The levy was designed to encourage large employers to recruit Apprentices and upskill existing staff to meet current and future skills needs of their business and industry.

The initiative will be extended in 2018, allowing larger employers to support SMEs

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within their supply chain to recruit Apprentices using their digital funds.

Prior to the launch and since inception, Oaklands College has been informing and helping employers and helping them prepare through a consultative approach to understanding the levy, its impact and the opportunities for their business.

We’ve hosted a series of business events where employers heard from businesses and Apprentices about their experiences, chatted to our College experts and networked with the local business community to share experiences.

Oaklands has also engaged in developing and diversifying the existing Apprenticeship provision for students and employers, allowing the College to adapt and meet the skills gaps in key areas such as Construction Trades, Town Planning and Cyber Security.

In line with today’s market, we have been able to introduce Science Industry and Food & Drink Maintenance under the wider Engineering provision through the new Apprenticeship Standards.

Nationally, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the levy for employers and its impact on Apprenticeship starts and participation.

We were delighted to welcome Former Business Minister Sir Vince Cable earlier this year for a round table discussion with employers and Apprentices to gain their grass roots view of the levy.

The Liberal Democrat leader was interested to learn that at Oaklands, numbers enrolling onto Apprenticeships were consistent pre and post levy, with almost 700 students undertaking an Apprenticeship with local employers such as Monarch Aircraft Engineering, St Albans District Council, BRE, Airbus and Rothamsted Research.

“Oaklands has also engaged in developing and diversifying the existing Apprenticeship provision for students and employers, allowing the College to adapt and meet the skills gaps in key areas such as Construction Trades, Town Planning and Cyber Security.”

Development Getting the facts right The levy has been a re-education for all of us, and our dedicated Apprenticeship Team at the College work closely with employers to reassure and dispel myths about the levy and Apprenticeships: MYTH

FACT

I can only use the levy for newly recruited Apprentices.

Apprentices can be new team members or existing staff – you can use it to upskill any member of your workforce relating to new skills and knowledge.

How do I know if I already pay the levy or not?

The levy will only apply to businesses with a pay bill of more than £3 million. The levy will be collected monthly by PAYE alongside Income Tax and National Insurance.

All Apprenticeships include a day release at College.

In any Apprenticeship, 20 per cent will be classified as ‘off the job training’, which for many will be a day at College but it can also be met through a range of activities. Oaklands will advise on this and agree with each employer what their Apprenticeship looks and feels like.

I’ve heard the phrase ‘use it or lose it’ for employers – do we have a period of time to use our levy by?

Employers in England will be able to use their levy contributions via the Digital Apprenticeship System (DAS) to pay for Apprenticeship training. The unspent funds in an employer’s digital account will expire 24 months after being issued, with the money used in the order it was paid, in effect creating a rolling account, so employers should not lose out.

Apprentices have to be aged 16-18.

An Apprentice can be any age and can be an existing member of your workforce.

It is easier to think about the programme of learning as an Apprenticeship and not label the individual as an Apprentice.

I can claim an allowance for each of the businesses I own.

There is a ‘connected persons’ rule, so if you operate multiple companies or payrolls, you will only be able to claim one allowance. You will be able to choose how to divide the allowance between the different connected companies.

I don’t pay the levy, can I recruit an Apprentice?

Employers who do not pay the levy will be able to access government funding for Apprenticeships. Oaklands can advise if a contribution applies or if it is free.

I’ve heard some companies pay the levy some months and not others. How does this work?

If you are a company eligible to pay the levy, you are granted an initial offset allowance of £15,000, which is divided into 12 monthly allowances of £1250. If your payroll fluctuates and some months is higher than the £1250 allowance and in some months lower, you may or may not have to pay the levy on a month by month basis.

Is there a limit to the amount of Apprentices I can train?

Once you have fully utilised your levy you will still be able to offer further Apprenticeships and receive government funding for these although a small employer contribution may apply.

Contact our Apprenticeship Experts The Apprenticeship Team at Oaklands are on hand to talk to employers about their organisational training needs including the recruitment and training of Apprentices. We can talk you through how the levy will impact your business and help you find suitable Apprentices should you need them. We will even help you plan how to use your levy and manage the digital account.

Contact the team on 01727 737000 or email Apprenticeships@oaklands.ac.uk INSPIRE

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Members News

Herts company scoops double awards win Chamber member SEC Interiors won both the Interior Design and Highly Commended awards at this year’s Hertfordshire Building & Construction Awards.

SEC Interiors is one of Hertfordshire’s largest commercial interior fit-out and refurbishment contractors, based on the Arlington Business Park in Stevenage. After winning the Highly Commended award in 2017, two of its most recent projects have been recognised with a double win at this year’s awards.

The Interior Design award was given following the extensive refurbishment and fit-out of a

new two-floor office space for St Albans based REWIND. Natalie White, Head of Employee Relations and Legal at REWIND, said: “We are really pleased that SEC Interiors’ hard work has been recognised, and are delighted to be working in such a bright, modern, flexible and now, award-winning, space.”

SEC Interiors won the Highly Commended award following the fit-out of a mixed-used industrial building on the

Left to Right: Gemma Honeybell (REWIND), Natalie White (REWIND), Dean Kahl (SEC Interiors Ltd), Russell Coleman (SEC Interiors Ltd), The HBCA Team, Tommy Walsh (HBCA Host).

Bourne End Mills industrial estate, for Hemel Hempstead based LK Printers Ltd. Grant Sproat, Managing Director at LK Printers Ltd, said: “We’d like to say a massive congratulations to SEC Interiors for a fantastic achievement. We’re very proud to be a part of what was a well-deserved award.”

Russell Coleman, Sales Director of SEC Interiors, said: “The fact that our clients take so much

pride in the work we have carried out for them speaks volumes and is extremely rewarding.”

In its second year, the Hertfordshire Building & Construction Awards 2018 was held on 8th February at Knebworth Barns hosted by Tommy Walsh, the celebrity builder best known for his DIY television shows including Ground Force and Challenge Tommy Walsh.

Charity Golf Day in aid of Isabel Hospice Isabel Hospice are holding their annual Spring Golf Day at Brickendon Golf Club on Friday 27th April and they would like to invite chamber members to join them on what's set to be a fantastic day of friendly competition.

The golfing event which is set to raise £16,000 for Isabel Hospice is always a great day for networking with up to 20 teams taking part from local and national organisations across the county.

The day starts with a marshal briefing and welcome breakfast in the clubhouse and then teams split into their four balls to take on one of the most popular golf courses in Hertfordshire. The 18 hole course, in a beautiful undulating parkland setting always provides a great test for any standard of golfer and the clubhouse is one of the most relaxed in the county and provides a stunning view over the greens.

When the golf is finished teams will gather for drinks in the clubhouse before joining the hospice for a two course dinner.

The Isabel Hospice tea, will welcome golfers to take part in a raffle, silent auction and a small live auction to raise additional funds on the day and their life president Barbara Doherty will announce the winners of the competition.

All funds raised from the golf day will help Isabel Hospice continue to provide vital end of life care for local patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses across eastern Hertfordshire.

It costs £350 for a team of four which includes breakfast and dinner. Teams can sign up online by visiting www.isabelhospice.org.uk/springgolf or contact Beth Hardy on 01707 382535 or email beth.hardy@isabelhospice.org.uk for an application form.

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Last Word

Networking is key to business growth Jon Cobb Investment Manager and Co owner Trinity Wealth Management Q What you do get from it?

Q What do you do?

A bit of everything really! As my business has grown I have had to learn how to manage staff as well as myself and my clients. However, I still find meeting with clients and helping them achieve their financial planning goals is the best part of the job. I am also very fortunate to be involved in visiting some of the poverty alleviation projects our charitable trust has helped fund.

Q Who do you work for?

I co own Trinity Wealth Management in St Albans and we have been providing excellent fee based Financial Planning and Investment Management Services to a wide range of clients since we formed in 2001.

There are four advisers based in St Albans with a wide range of skill sets, so whether it is a comprehensive review of a clients existing pension provision or a complex inheritance tax problem, we can help!

Q Why did you join the Chamber?

For the previous 15 years we had grown our business by personal referrals but in 2016 we decided to try and grow beyond our own contacts. We met Mary Sykes who is evangelical about the Chamber with the business and networking benefits it offers.

As a result, we joined in August 2016.

Patrons

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A huge amount! We entered the Inspire Hertfordshire Awards in 2017 and were shortlisted as a finalist, the first time we have ever entered anything like this. It gave our staff a huge boost of confidence and sense of worth as well as raising our profile amongst the business community and our clients. We have also made full use of the workshops, networking events and business benefits offered by the Chamber.

Q How has it helped your business network?

We have encouraged our staff to make full use of any relevant networking opportunities that the Chamber has to offer. Networking is now key to our business growth, a real change in culture from 2 years ago

Q What advice would you give someone starting out?

A bit of humility goes a long way. Admit it when you get something wrong and make sure you make reparation. We are all human. We are also not super human so stick to what is core and become good at it. Don’t chase business that’s not there or business that doesn’t fit in your model.

Don’t be afraid to turn business away.

Q What support do you want from government?

Every time the Chancellor meddles with tax and pensions there is more need for good quality financial advice. Inadvertently, I get all the help I need from them!

Q What do you think is the biggest challenge affecting running and growing a business?

Obviously, regulation, legislation and compliance are challenges but that’s never changed and on the whole these are positive challenges. In our industry in particular, I am concerned that we are not attracting sufficient young dynamic people into the profession.

I think the average age of an IFA is over fifty. We are looking at the possibility of apprenticeships this year. There is a younger generation who will need advice and who will look after them if we have all retired! I want Trinity to be a legacy that outlives me!

Q How confident are you your business will grow in the 2018/19?

I am extremely confident that we will have a good year because I believe in my staff. It is such a privilege to work with a team who are dedicated to see Trinity grow.

This year we are rebranding and completely overhauling our website, and with the continued Networking opportunities (particularly through the Chamber) we are looking to increase both clients and professional connections.

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Helping Hertfordshire businesses to grow and prosper for more than 80 years. Proud sponsors of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2018.

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