Inspire January 2017

INSPIRE.18 The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce January - February 2017

Photo courtesty of Luke Watson

Chamber puts Hertfordshire venues on the map Hotels and venues throughout the county can now take part in a new online venue search tool developed by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce - page 16 n

The joys and challenges of keeping it in the family Much of the UK economy is based on the strength of family businesses that are bonded by shared histories and a strong sense of loyalty - Page 10

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Disrupt or Be Disrupted Topic of January Lunch – page 36

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Last Word Julie Newlan, University of Hertfordshire is dedicated to working with the business community - page 50

Welcome

Contents Up Front 4 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 5 Up Front 6-7 Economic Review 8-9 Family Businesses 10-13 Big Interview 14-15 Business Tourism 16-22 Patron Focus 23 international Trade 24-25 Chamber Events 28 New Members 30-31 Member News 32-34 Young Chamber 35 Workplace 36-37 Health & Wellbeing 41 24 Hours 42 Finance for Business 45 Last Word 50 •••• Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 398400 Fax: 01707 398430 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Chief Executive: Yolanda Rugg Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published Jan 2017 © 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. 1480 •••• 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. ©2017 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.

From the Chief Executive Reflecting on 2016 and 2017 Outlook We wish all our members a happy and prosperous New Year. As we enter 2017 businesses across Hertfordshire will continue to trade with uncertainty, and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce will provide increased support post EU referendum to help members to overcome challenges and grow opportunities.

The BCC QES Q3 survey findings shows evidence members remain resilient and optimistic in the coming months despite the survey showing rises in overheads, and competing within an uncertain and unpredictable climate.

The report highlights that some manufacturers benefiting from the rise in sterling and export sales remained at increased levels at the end of Q3. The survey also evidences confidence in future turnover, recruitment expectations, investment in plant and machinery across manufacturing and services.

However, predictions show growth will be at a slower pace than historic levels, but there is still expansion expected particularly in the service sector, and naturally we see businesses concerned about price rises post the referendum.

Profit and turnover confidence is low compared to the past three years. Inflation remains a growing concern, as margins continue to be squeezed, which is impacting future investment. As many businesses will need to pass on these rises to the consumers, this again will impact home owners and consumers spend which will be a concern for the BOE and MEPC.

We expect to see businesses continue to find difficulties recruiting, especially across industries such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, road haulage and logistics accentuated by ‘baby boomers’ now starting to enter retirement, and businesses struggling to recruit new talent at the same rate. Therefore we welcome more of our members getting involved in 2017 in our Young Chamber, Investment in Young people (IiYP), and the LEP careers advisors initiatives to help young people in education understand the exciting careers and employability skills needed by local employers.

Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2016 Brexit, politics, Inflation and business critical issues.

Brexit An extensive polling of our members and a pre-Referendum debate with Mark Prisk, MP for Hertford and Stortford and David Campbell Bannerman, MEP for East of England, showed division amongst our members. A post referendum debate took place at Linde Material Handling East in Autumn 2016, with guest speaker BCC Policy Executive Mike Spicer, which highlighted the need for our members to understand the practical implications to their business going forward, around EU employment law, hiring migrant workers, trade agreements and European tax laws.

Fall in Sterling As the value of the pound finds its level, businesses have been trying to manage the impact to the supply chain, and businesses will welcome some stability to try and understand the future direction of travel.

Future uncertainty ahead Prime Minister Theresa May has committed to trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017. Local elections will be held across the country first week in May, followed

by Mayoral elections in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and West Midlands. It will be interesting to see if local issues will be superseded by Brexit and national issues.

Overseas elections taking place in Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy will be creating further instability as the leadership changes in the EU, will be critical to our negotiations.

EU nationals The BCC network has been campaigning to get clarity as soon as possible to help the economy, and help businesses with these practical decisions around hiring, and to prevent losing vital skills needed to support economic growth. This is a major concern for our members.

Political After five years of a coalition Government, in 2015 it was unexpected for many that the Conservatives came out with a majority Government, which was then followed by David Cameron’s decision for an early referendum, which was originally intended for 2017. The referendum outcome led to David Cameron’s resignation, and Theresa May rose to the top, subsequently changing key personnel.

Highlights of 2016 for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce 2016 has been a busy year for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. We welcomed new Patrons, Austin’s Family Funeral Directors, Barclays, Focus7 International, Tate, JPA Furniture and Young Enterprise to the Chamber family and we truly appreciate the continued support from both Patrons and members.

2016 also saw the launch of Investment in Young People and the launch of our Manufacturing Co-operative. Our networking events continue to grow in popularity across Hertfordshire businesses with over 1800 people in attendance in 2016. Young Chamber has hosted five successful ‘Your Future’ careers fairs learning about apprenticeships with over 2500 students in attendance. 2016 has seen the affiliation with Three Rivers (formerly Rickmansworth) Chamber of Commerce. We have also launched our Chamber Monthly Lunch programme with Beales Hotel in Hatfield. At the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce offices, we have grown resource across our Membership, Export and Digital Marketing departments and we have also invested in our website, IT systems and CRM upgrades.

We want to thank everyone who supported us throughout 2016, and very much hope Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce can be an integral part of your success for 2017.

Yolanda Rugg Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

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Experian Business Data Service

Chamber HR

Chamber Energy

Investment in Young People (IiYP)

InspiringHertfordshire

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2017 The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2017 have been announced with 4 new categories.

SAVE THE DATE Thursday 8 June 2017

All categories are open for entering, except Inspiring Business of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Business, which will be awarded by our CEO Yolanda Rugg and Chairman Neville Reyner CBE, DL. 2016 Winners

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce's highly anticipated Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards is now in its sixth year.

The awards celebrates the expertise businesses bring to the county The categories for the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2017 are open for sponsoring.

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce want to say a huge thank you to the following sponsors who have supported the awards so far: • Investment in Young People – London Luton Airport • Export Business of the Year – Handelsbanken • The Environmental Award – Veolia • Excellence in Customer Service – Austin’s Family Funeral Directors

• Innovation Through Technology – Serverchoice • Enterpreneur of the Year – Gascoyne Holdings • Business of the Year Small to Medium – Ambition Broxbourne • Business of the Year Medium to Large – SA Law • Business of the Year East Herts – Longmores We still have the remaining categories open for sponsorship if you would like to raise your company profile: • Inspiring Business of the Year - TBC • Outstanding Contribution to Business • Community Champion • Education in Employment • Social Enterprise of the Year

• Most Promising New Business • Made in Herts • Excellence in People Development • The Tourism Award • Business of the Year North Herts • Business of the Year South Herts • Business of the Year West Herts If you are interested in sponsoring any of these awards categories, please email awards@hertschamber.com

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2017 will be launched on Thursday 19th January at the stunning Aubrey Park Hotel in Redbourn.

This launch evening is to encourage Hertfordshire businesses to enter the awards, and it is the perfect opportunity for you to network with likeminded Hertfordshire businesses.

If you would like to join us please email bookings@hertschamber.com or call us on 01707 502180.

Sponsorship offers you the opportunity to elevate your brand in the following ways: • Logos will appear on coverage of awards • Editorial and logo will appear in issues of Inspire • Invitation to participate in the judging panel

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UpFront

Opportunities a-plenty amid turbulent times These promise to be turbulent times in the wake of the Chancellor’s Autumn statement in November but with challenges come opportunities to fund new ventures.

• £2.3 billion for a new Housing Infrastructure Fund, be used for projects such as roads and water connections that will support the construction of up to 100,000 new homes in the areas where they are needed most. On top of that, £1.4 billion will be used to provide 40,000 new affordable homes.

• £390 million wil be invested in future transport technology, including driverless cars, renewable fuels and energy efficient transport.

The UK economy is forecast to have been the fastest growing major economy in 2016 but the Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast that growth will slow and inflation will rise over the next two years.

Nevertheless, the Government insists that growth will remains positive and that employment will continue to rise in each of the next five years.

Seeking to support that growth, key points announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond included: • Fuel duty will remain frozen for a seventh year, saving drivers £130 a year on average

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• The National Living Wage for those aged 25 and over will increase from £7.20 per hour to £7.50 per hour.

That means more than £1,400 a year more for a full-time worker previously on the National Minimum Wage.

The National Minimum Wage will also increase.

• A new National Productivity Investment Fund will provide £23 billion of additional spending, in areas that are key to boosting productivity: transport, digital communications, research and development and housing.

• A major new investment was announced in transport infrastructure, including £1.1 billion to reduce congestion and upgrade local roads and public transport, £220 million to tackle road safety and congestion on Highways England roads a nd £27 million to develop an expressway connecting Oxford and Cambridge.

There will also be a two-year 100% first year allowance for companies who install electric charge-points, allowing them to deduct the cost of the charge-point from their pre-tax profits in that year . And £450 million will also be spent on trialling railway digital signalling technology.

• £1 billion will be invested in full-fibre broadband and trialling 5G networks and from April 2017, the Government will also provide a new 100% business rates relief for new full-fibre infrastructure for a 5 year period.

• £2 billion more per year will be spent on in research and development funding by 2020-21 for universities and businesses with R&D projects to help the UK remain an attractive place for businesses to invest in innovative research. This will back scientific research and development of technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and industrial biotechnology.

The Chancellor committed to cutting corporation tax to 17% by 2020 - the main rate of corporation tax had already been cut from 28% in 2010 to 20%, and will be cut again to 17% by 2020, by far the lowest in the G20 and benefitting over 1 million businesses. £400 million through the British Business Bank will be invested in growing innovative firms - the funds will be invested in innovative small businesses with potential for growth, to provide the finance that they need to expand. This will support up to £1 billion of new investment.

Prime Minister Theresa May said of the Government’s economic strategy: “It is not about propping up failing industries or picking winners but creating the conditions where winners can emerge and grow.It is about backing those winners all the way, to encourage them to invest in the long-term future of Britain and about delivering jobs and economic growth to every community and corner of the country.”

UpFront

Autumn Statement highlights for SMEs

Family mediation

Mike Hayes, Tax Partner, Kingston Smith LLP

- helping you reach agreement

While the Autumn Statement was a broadly ‘neutral’ affair from a tax point of view, there were some announcements that will benefit SMEs. Most significantly, the Chancellor announced further funds for companies that undertake qualifying R&D. Theresa May has promised an additional £2bn by the end of this Parliament, although the details are currently sparse. However, it is hoped that the scope of R&D will be widened in order that a greater range of activities that could broadly be described as ‘innovation’ will qualify for tax relief. Watch this space.

Meanwhile, the reaffirming of the reduction in corporation tax rates to 17% by 2020 is welcome. The benefits to SMEs are clear and this

will give the UK a very competitive corporation tax regime going forward.

For smaller businesses, the Government is considering how to simplify the tax system. The Office of Tax Simplification has been working on the concept of a Sole Enterprise with Protected Assets (SEPA). The idea here is that a sole trader will be able to register as a SEPA and nominate their principal residence, which will then be protected from trade creditors. This will enable the sole trader to avoid the cost of transferring the business to, and running it from, a company in order to obtain the protection of limited liability. The Government seems to favour this proposal and, if it introduced, it will benefit smaller businesses.

The knowledge and confidence to take control of your money Research carried out by Barclays showed that only 44 per cent of customers felt knowledgeable about financial issues, with as many as 20 per cent openly admitting to finding the topic overwhelming and confusing.

Add to this that according to The Money Charity, the average total debt per household including mortgages was £55,855 in October and that the Citizens Advice Bureau in England and Wales dealt with 4022 new debt problems every day during the quarter ending June 2016, it is evident that there is a need to equip and empower people with the knowledge and confidence to make better financial decisions.

Barclays have a created a new, free online money management tool that can help – Financial Wings. It is designed to help anyone demystify their finances through the help of bite-size modules. We’ve worked with experts including the Money Advice Service, StepChange, Equifax, National Debtline and Which? to create content that will give users the knowledge, skills and confidence to organise and plan their finances, achieve their ambitions and develop financial resilience.

Financial Wings is available to everyone and looks at the three key areas of finances: getting your finances started, achieving your financial goals and addressing money worries.

• Getting your finances started is designed to help people organise their money and planning their finances, e.g. whether what type of bank account best suits them, how to pay bills and how to understand their bank statement • Achieving your financial goals is designed to help people look at how they can save and/or borrowing money, e.g. put money away for a rainy day or take out a mortgage • Addressing money worries is designed to help make people in financial difficulty aware of the solutions that can help them pay down their debts and get back on track, e.g. debt management plans.

There is something for everyone in Financial Wings. Whether you’re opening your first bank account or thinking about retirement, you’ll find lots of interesting information and tools to help you make the right financial decisions. Sign up today and feel in control of your finances.

When couples separate, emotions can often hinder difficult issues being discussed. Mediation is a voluntary process that is designed to help people reach an early agreement, with the minimum of cost, delay and confrontation.

It can ease the pain of a family breakdown or separation, encourages people to be open and discuss the implications of their separation calmly, reducing tension, hostility and in many cases avoids very expensive legal fees. It is particularly helpful where children are involved as it is vital their parents are able to calmly communicate with each other for their benefit in the future.

Mediators do not act for either person as a lawyer might. They do not seek to impose solutions but will provide impartial guidance to help people make the choices that meet the needs of their own individual circumstances and what is important to them. A mediator will manage the meetings to ensure the discussions can be conducted calmly and confidentiality (apart from in exceptional circumstances) in a neutral setting. It can help resolve almost any aspect of a relationship breakdown and can play an essential role in minimising the impact of a separation on couples and their children. It is non-judgemental and takes a holistic approach.

By agreement, other people can be involved such as family counsellors, accountants, financial advisors and valuers.

They too are impartial.

The aim of the collaborative law approach is for couples to reach an early agreement with the help of their solicitors, who will all meet and work together to find the best solution for them.

For couples who seek a fair agreement for them both and their children, the collaborative approach allows open discussions with solicitors present who are committed to helping them find an agreement. The solicitors will provide legal advice to the person they represent but will sign an agreement which prevents them from representing that person in court if the process breaks down.

This ensures they are committed to making the process work.

Mediation and collaboration both aim in their different ways to help separating couples resolve their difficulties and can potentially save a great deal of time and, in some cases, many thousands of pounds in legal fees.

It is important for any person who wishes to try either approach that they deal with an experienced family mediator or trained collaborative lawyer. Resolution is a specialist family law group and its members are experienced family lawyers. A Resolution accredited mediator or collaborative lawyer will have the knowledge, experience and ability to deal with the most complex of issue arising out of a relationship breakdown.

Richard Phillips qualified as a solicitor in 1991. He has over 25 years’ experience of family law matters. He is an accredited mediator and a qualified collaborative lawyer. He is also a Member of the Law Society’s family panel and an accredited specialist with Resolution.

For further information, please contact Richard on 01442 200104 or richard.phillips@sumtab.co.uk

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EconomicReview

UK Monthly Economic Review December 2016

The second official estimate of economic growth (GDP) recorded UK economic growth of 0.5% in Q3 2016, unrevised from the previous estimate and lower than the 0.7% recorded in the second quarter (see Chart 1). Despite the slowdown, growth in Q3 marked the fifteenth successive quarter of GDP growth. In annual terms, GDP was up by 2.3% in Q3. UK economic output is currently 8.1% above its Q1 2008 pre-recession peak. Overall, the latest GDP figures confirm that the UK economy is growing in line with the longterm historic average.

...as business investment boosts Q3 growth...

...but while the UK jobs market strengthens...

The latest Q3 2016 GDP estimate revealed that business investment grew by 0.9% in the quarter (see Chart 2). However, it remains 1.6% lower in annual terms. Although the UK’s trade deficit narrowed to £12.4 billion in Q3 2016, down from £15.7 billion in the previous quarter, it remains high by historic standards. Consumer spending grew by 0.7% in the quarter. Overall, despite the improvement in trade and business investment, the UK economy remains overly reliant on consumer spending to drive growth.

In the three months to September, UK employment rose by 49,000 compared with the previous three months. The number of people who are unemployed fell by 37,000 over the same period.

As a result, the unemployment rate fell to 4.8%, the lowest rate since the three months to September 2005. In contrast, the timelier claimant count (number of people claiming unemployment related benefits) rose by 9,800 in October (see Chart 3). If the UK economy slows as we expect, it is likely that labour market conditions will weaken over the next year.

...OBR predicts slower UK growth...

...and a weaker fiscal outlook...

In its latest economic forecast, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects GDP growth of 2.1% for 2016, slightly higher than their previous forecast of 2.0% published in March 2016 (see Chart 4). However,the OBR’s 2017 growth forecast has been downgradedfrom 2.2% to 1.4. Forecasted growth in 2018 has been cut to 1.7%, from their previous forecast of 2.1%.

Overall, the OBR’s latest GDP growth forecasts are slightly higher than the BCC’s latest growth projections. Nonetheless, the OBR’s revised forecasts confirm that they are more pessimistic over the UK’s economic outlook than at the March budget.

The OBR now expects public-sector net borrowing to reach £68.2 billion in 2016-17, higher than their March 2016 forecast of £55.5 billion (see Chart 5). Overall, the OBR now expect that the UK’s Public Sector Borrowing will be £122 billion higher over this parliament than they had forecast in March 2016. The deterioration has been driven by more pessimistic forecasts for tax revenue from slower expected growth. Significantly, the Chancellor announced a new framework for deficit reduction which included confirmation that the Government are no longer seeking to reach a budget surplus in 2019-20.

... with higher inflation to weigh on growth...

UK growth unrevised in Q3...

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UK CPI inflation stood at 0.9% in October 2016, down slightly from the 1.0% recorded in September (see Chart 6). The main downward pressure on inflation came from prices for clothing and university tuition fees rising by less than they did a year ago. While the slight fall in inflation in October was a surprise, with price of goods leaving factories rising at their fastest rate since April 2012, price growth is likely to resume its upward trend in the coming months. Rising inflation is likely to weigh on the UK’s near-term economic outlook by reducing disposable incomes in real terms and increasing costs for businesses.

EconomicReview Monthly headlines: • Q3 UK GDP growth unrevised with business investment supporting growth in the quarter • OBR downgrades its economic and fiscal outlook for the UK • US GDP growth revised up, but the pick-up in Indian GDP growth unlikely to be sustained

...as the Chancellor focuses on productivity…

Measures to boost UK productivity formed a key part of the 2016 Autumn Statement. UK productivity, as measured by average output per hour worked, rose by 0.2% in Q3, lower than the growth of 0.6% recorded in Q2. UK productivity has consistently been among the weakest in the G7 as deep-rooted structural problems - from skills shortages, to infrastructure bottlenecks and limited growth finance - have dampened productivity.

Although the UK narrowed its productivity gap with the rest of the G7 over the first half of the 2000s, that trend has now been in reverse since the financial crisis (see Chart 7).

...and while US growth is revised up...

…Indian GDP growth is set to slow.

The second estimate of US GDP revealed that the US economy, the world’s largest, grew at an annualised rate of 3.2% in Q3 2016 (see Chart 8), the strongest rate of growth since Q3 2014 and up from the first estimate of 2.9%. The upward revision was driven by consumer spending, which accounts for around twothirds of US economic output, rising by 2.8% in the quarter, up from the initial estimate of 2.1%. The more positive GDP figures has increased speculation that US interest rates, which have been on hold since December 2015, will soon be on the rise.

India's economy, the world’s seventh-largest, grew by 7.3% in annual terms in Q3 2016, up from the growth of 7.1% recorded in the previous quarter (see Chart 9). Consumer spending, a key driver of India economic output, grew by 12%, while government spending increased by 20%.

In contrast, investment remains a drag on growth, contracting by 3.2%. While the longerterm outlook for India’s economy remains relatively good, the liquidity squeeze caused by Prime Minister Modi’s ban on using Rs500 and Rs1,000 banknotes is expected see growth slow sharply in the short-term.

“Overall, the latest GDP figures confirm that the UK economy is growing in line with the long-term historic average.”

Bottom line: November’s data confirms that the UK economy continues to grow in line with the long-term historic average.

However, as the OBR’s latest forecasts confirm the UK is set to enter a more challenging period. More must be done to address the high up-front taxes and costs of doing business in the UK, particularly business rates.

For more information please contact: Suren Thiru, UK Economic Advisor. Email: s.thiru@britishchambers.org.uk. Tel: 020 7654 5801 INSPIRE

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FamilyBusinesses

Austin’s Horse Drawn Hearse - 1902

Claire Ausitin

The joys and challenges of keeping it in the family Much of the UK economy is based on the strength of family businesses that are bonded by shared histories and a strong sense of loyalty.

According to the Institute for Family Businesses, two thirds of UK businesses are family-owned, three million in total, of which more than 15,000 are medium and large businesses.

The Institute says that they generate more than a quarter of UK GDP and employ about nine and a half million people. Indeed, in 2013 alone, the family business sector paid £102 billion in tax, 15.5% of UK government revenues.

That picture is certainly reflected in Hertfordshire where family businesses play a key role in shaping the local economy.

An example of a strong family business with a long history is Austin’s Family Funeral Directors, whose current managing director Claire Austin is the tenth generation to work within the business.

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The company was established in 1700, in Graveley, a small village in Hertfordshire.

The original firm, W. Austin & Sons Limited, traded as a builders and undertakers, using its resources from the construction trade to make coffins and provide pallbearers. They moved to Stevenage in about 1750 and have since expanded across Hertfordshire.

Claire said: “I was brought up with the business around me. At that time it was much smaller. My father would carry out removals in the middle of the night or on Christmas Day. I’d visit the office with him and we knew all the staff but I never really knew that I’d go into the business one day.

“I thought it was important to do something else first so I actually went into the Metropolitan Police and worked as a Fingerprint Expert and Forensic Scene Examiner for ten years before I came here.

Because I had experience working for another organisation I felt more equipped to come into Austin’s.

“I had always said to my father that if I ever came into the business I would contribute with a proper role, not just as a name over the door. So, when he said there was a vacancy for assistant manager at the crematorium, I took it. In 2000 my father decided he was looking to retire so I took over the group. I now run the funeral business and the crematorium under one umbrella.”

Claire’s father bought out a number of cousins forty years ago and today, after he died four years ago, the company is now solely owned

by Claire, her mother and her brother.

However, the board comprises Claire and three non-Austin family members. Claire is the only family member working in the business along with her husband, Peter.

FamilyBusinesses

JPA Team BBQ

Graham, Ian and Fiona Pulsford

“Family businesses generate more than a quarter of UK GDP and employ about nine and a half million people.”

JPA John Pulsford aka “Leader” She said: “I think the key to success is surrounding yourself with good people, regardless of whether they are from the family or not. You need the people who can do the job and we have reflected that as we have evolved as a company.

“I think it is also important to regard all your members of staff as if they are family.

We think of the company as an extended family of 55 members. For instance, every summer we host a party at our house for staff members and their families.”

Another family business is John Pulsford Associates Limited, which was formed in 1974 in the middle of the three-day week

by John Pulsford, aka ‘JP’, or “Leader’.

The founding principles of quality furniture, quality service, quality people and JP’s firm “My word is my Bond” approach, remain at the heart of the business.

Family member Fiona, Commercial & Sustainability Director, said: “Now in our 42nd year of trading, there are three of us children in the business, interestingly with different strengths across Finance, which is Ian, Sales, which is Graham, and Sustainability, myself, which works very well.

“During that time, our industry and marketplace have changed beyond all recognition and continues to change at a rapid pace bringing different challenges, including the ongoing ability to demonstrate tangible value add and clear differentiators.

“Even during recession periods, we have continuously invested in our fleet, products, services, certifications and our most precious resource, our people, several of whom been with us for more than 20 years!

“In 2016, we focused on raising our company profile in Hertfordshire and communicating our ability to optimise Clients’ space and solve their complex contract furniture issues. We have combined this with an award-winning end of life furniture recycling and rehoming programme which has attracted new business and seen us integrate with all community sectors within our operating geography.

“As a family business we firmly believe that if we support our community, it will support us. We recognise the need to be flexible, to be able to react to trends and to keep up with new and impending legislation.

“We have also recognised the value of networking and researching, of working closely with the Herts Growth Hub and The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce where we are now proud Patrons.”

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FamilyBusinesses Managing Director Peter Smits’ bold vision for the firm founded by his father-in-law over 35 years ago, includes a tireless work ethic and passion for supporting local business.

These are the cornerstones of Ashbourne Insurance’s success as an independent broker.

Family business takes a bold approach Husband and wife Peter and Sarah Smits together with Sarah’s brother Matthew Hunt head up Ashbourne Insurance, a business founded more than 35 years ago by Sarah and Matthew’s father.

At the heart of Ashbourne’s successful history is a strength that comes from professional knowledge and experience accumulated and handed down through generations and an absolute commitment to the values that define the best family-led firms: trust, reliability and dedication to understanding customers and to outstanding personal service. Ashbourne has survived and flourished despite several economic downturns whilst keeping faithful to its independent, family-owned credentials.

Today’s management team, which took over in 2008, are successfully growing the business but without losing sight of principles on which Ashbourne’s reputation is built.

Ashbourne Insurance is a family-run, multi award winning,independent high street broker serving the local business and residential community on the Hertfordshire/Essex border.

They are immersed in local business, focused on strong high street presence and are energetic supporters of local charities.

As Finance Director Sarah has financial responsibility for Ashbourne and is also integral in new business development, HR and strategic planning. She knew that the firm handed down by her father in 2008 must embrace change to face the future, but for Sarah success has always been founded on preserving independence and family-led credentials.

She said: “Running a family business is one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs in

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the world. There are a number of areas that we must be mindful about and these include: respecting our heritage whilst embracing new technologies and channels of communication, working to each family member’s strengths, respecting the generational divide, keeping personal matters out of the business and making sure we keep business time separate to personal time.”

Sarah regards Ashbourne’s staff as its greatest asset and in managing Ashbourne’s HR has focused on the development of flexible, family-friendly policies and structured training and development for all employees.

Ashbourne has invested heavily into technology that will help streamline business processes, developed campaigns for social media that engage and educate, launched a new website with helpful information that is updated regularly and continue to seek collaborative opportunities with local businesses to support growth both ways.

As Peter says: “Our job is to educate our customers so that they can make informed choices about their insurance needs. We have a duty of care to our customers and also to our staff so we invest heavily into training and developing our team to handle the needs of our customer now and into the future. It is extremely important to invest in the talented staff we have. We place a huge emphasis on empowering and developing staff skills to support a vibrant sales and service culture.

There will never be a period when we aren’t investing in training and development.”

Only about 30% of family business survive into the second generation. In the 35 years since Ashbourne Insurance was founded the insurance industry has changed radically, most obviously with the advent of e-commerce.

When the new management team (aka the second generation) took over the firm in 2008 its aim was to grow the company and raise its profile which meant promoting to new audiences. The investment into new technologies, professional marketing advice and outsourcing training and development has assured this broker’s growth.

Over recent years between 30 and 40 different companies have looked to acquire Ashbourne. Despite having to navigate the firm through the economic downturn, the management team sees a bright future for small brokers and is resolute that Ashbourne must maintain independence, for the family, for staff and also importantly for local customers and business clients.

“Sarah regards Ashbourne’s staff as its greatest asset and in managing Ashbourne’s HR has focused on the development of flexible,family-friendly policies and structured trainingand development for all employees.”

FamilyBusinesses

Key considerations for family businesses Richard Gvero, Head of Employment One law firm with a strong sense of the challenges facing family businesses is Longmores Solicitors LLP. Successful familyowned businesses make up a significant portion of the firm’s client portfolio.

Richard Gvero, Joint Senior Partner and Head of Employment, said: “We can all think of long-established, local and national businesses that operate extremely well.

“But there are many issues that can threaten the survival of the business through generations, including “soft” family relationship issues and the need to preserve experience and technical expertise. When family members fall out or lose interest, things can go badly awry, destroying both business and family relations. So how can we use “legal” and governance tools to preempt these issues and, if they arise, manage them effectively to avoid nuclear fallout?

“Principally, we need to avoid the temptation of operating the business too informally thinking that the family bond will prevail and solve any conflict or indeed that formalities are simply inappropriate amongst close relatives. Also, we need to plan ahead and not assume smooth survival of the business generation after generation.”

He says that the following are often neglected and should not be: 1. Employment contracts and workplace policies (commonplace in any other business). These make clear each family member’s role in and entitlements from the business.

2. Competition and confidentiality restrictions; if a family member leaves the business, are they to be free to immediately compete with the business and make use of its commercially sensitive information, such as its strategic plans and customer information?

Ordinarily, key executives are subject to such restrictions and why should a family company be any different?

3. Shareholder agreements that deal with the usual commercial shareholder, valuation and transfer of shares and succession issues but also incorporate provisions relating to the family’s vision and values for the business and how family members should treat each other.

4. Formal corporate governance with regular communication and board meetings reducing scope for misunderstandings and facilitating commercial decision making. Minutes should be taken to record discussions and decisions.

A non executive director should be considered to “mediate” should family tensions and differences arise.

5. Employee motivation and career progression by merit. A common complaint levelled at family businesses is that nepotism rules and merit counts for little. Whilst it is understandable why a family business might favour its own, such an approach is fraught with potential problems. Firstly, employment law does not recognise family favouritism so treating a family member more favourably without justification could give rise to costly unfair treatment claims. Secondly, such family preference demotivates important non family employees, who are liable to leave or be poached causing harm to the business and benefit to competitors.

It is crucial to retain talent, particularly if there are family succession issues with later generations not wishing to work within the business. Employee incentivization programmes such as share schemes should be considered.

6. Family governance bodies to allow a forum for family discussion helping develop a co-ordinated family approach and avoid disagreement.

Such bodies can also act as an important interface between family and board to reduce the risk of misalignment of respective objectives.

7. Dispute resolution mechanisms for when disagreements arise, as they inevitably will, for example confidential arbitration (independent determination of the issues) or mediation (facilitated negotiation / agreement). There should be an agreed procedure to tackle issues; the decision

maker should be specified and could be the business lawyer or accountant or someone appointed by the relevant trade body. What is important is that the decision maker is detached from the business and the family so that there will be a perception of fair play.

8. Succession planning. All too often, it is assumed that a business will pass to the next generation seamlessly and remain in the family forever; no proper and timely thought is given to the succession process and no “Plan B” is devised for non family succession. Statistics tell us that that less than a third of family businesses survive into a second generation and a much smaller fraction survive into generations beyond. This is a critical issue for family businesses and can determine their continued existence. Again, the answer is for the family to discuss the issue at an early stage and record their plan in writing and agree how the handover from the current owners to the next generation will work.

Richard said: “In conclusion, family businesses are so important to commerce but without sensible protective steps they can easily implode and in the process destroy the family relationships on which they were founded.”

On Tuesday, 9 May, Longmores Solicitors LLP will be holding a Family Business Forum in conjunction with the Chamber to further explore the challenges encountered by family businesses.

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Looking to remove the barriers to smooth running Gary Barrett, CEO of Stevenage-based Smartsource talks culture, the future and Brexit Gary is the founder and owner of Smartsource, a small business punching above its weight providing resourcing services and delivering transformation programmes to UK-based clients.

Many of the offerings focus on efficiency through shared services and improving business through their staff. One notable programme is Raise the Bar (RTB) that seeks to align and develop current staff with a new or evolving strategy. Often it is assumed everyone will be able to adapt; some will, RTB delivers a programme to ensure more do and those that can’t currently know what they need to do.

Gary started his career at BP and, having been part of the BP management development plan, was Outsourced to Sema Group. This was at a time when BP was looking to focus on its core products and ask others to deliver best practice to BP from their core services.

Sema delivered this.

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After a few successful years, Gary was headhunted to join Cap Gemini where he ran several of the businesses. This included Consultancy, Sales and Delivery.

Gary was also part of the team who acquired Ernst and Young I.T Consulting that was tasked with integrating E&Y into the Cap business.

It was a difficult time as the two businesses were miles apart in terms of culture and how they were rewarded.

It proved to be a successful coming together, mainly due to the efforts of the staff on both sides rather than any particular instruction from the Board.

This was a real learning point for Gary in that staff will often find a way to adapt and get things done given a little help. But the help is key, you cannot just send out emails or presentations and booklets. You need to know your staff and their abilities and identify small pockets or groups of staff that can adapt and use them to ignite others into action.

Gary was then headhunted to the Board of Atos and ran their UK Managed Service business.

Atos (Atos Origin as it was then) was much smaller in the UK. Atos acquired KPMG IT Consulting then Sema Group which kick-started rapid growth and a new presence in the UK. In 2006 Gary was offered the chance to start his own business called Smartsource and the rest is history. Gary is keen to point out that a grounding in corporate life before running his own business really helped him navigate and know the pitfalls of how to be commercial and know the mechanics of running a business.

As well as Smartsource Gary is a Non-Exec on two other Boards and over the next few years plans to step back a little from running Smartsource and look to more Non-Exec roles to keep “ the grey cells working well”.

What is your company’s USP? This may sound like a cliché , but we listen to our clients.

That is our main USP. We listen, We find a solution, We deliver.

Our consultancy programmes are based on real world experiences and deliver pragmatic approaches to our clients’ need for change.

We learn and make use of best practice in our sectors and industries and re-use these to help our clients improve.

We find our clients want to see their business as a well run machine like a Swiss watch but often we find these clocks can build lots of fluff in the cogs, slowing everything down.

Smartsource seeks to remove a few bits of fluff from the cogs to help their business run a little more smoothly. As said above, we are pragmatic and realise that our clients are best placed to get the most from their business, we just help them

BigInterview

“Help is key, you cannot just send out emails, or presentations and booklets. You need to know your staff and their abilities and identify small pockets or groups of staff that can adapt and use them to ignite others into action.”

improve a little by pulling out some of the fluff.

What are the big challenges in your market place?

Our main biggest challenge in our market is getting larger clients to react quickly enough.

They usually identify they need our help, but due to the build-up of fluff in the cogs mentioned above they have lost that dynamic ability to adapt and embrace change as they did when they initially started their business.

They have stopped using their ability to drive through problems and find solutions. Once upon a time they saw all problems as an opportunity. We help them rediscover that ability.

Having said that we have clients in new generation sectors that are the opposite, they work so quickly and move so fast it is difficult to keep up with them. So, we need to adapt our own offers to cope

with problems they face, which often involve adding process, perhaps even putting some fluff back in the cogs to stop it spinning out of control.

Secondly, we are seeing a lot of mergers and acquisitions that, whilst they are good for the medium term, destabilise somewhat in the short term.

In nearly every case this also means that the proposed synergies that need to be realised will inevitably lead to staff redundancies, office closures and at the very least a reorganisation.

This leads to several BAU decisions being put on hold whilst everyone works out who they work for and how to get things signed off. This leads to further delays in suppliers like us being paid. We even have one very large IT Services company in Hertfordshire who still insists on paying by cheque.

As a result, we find ourselves at Smartsource working increasing more with SME’s and less with larger businesses.

What are your objectives for 2017?

In 2017 we will work more with SMEs and medium sized business and drive more into public sector. We are finding those that had previously been funded by Central or Local Government are now required to stand on their own feet, making their own revenue and margin.

This leads to them needing to be more commercial and looking to organisations like us for support and guidance to do this.

We also want to find an organisation that looks after SMEs more. Many SMEs stay in that bracket after three years or more and will probably stay SMEs. Not all will become huge businesses and, like us, are happy to be called an SME for years to come. It’s not a bad

thing to want to stay an SME with good margins.

Many businesses go through growth maturity stages with different needs at different times.

We are hopeful that the various Chamber of Commerce will continue to work more closely together to support all types of SME’s who may work either within a county, cross county and occasionally cross country.

What effect will Brexit have on Smartsource?

Brexit only currently impacts us in that many larger companies sometimes use Brexit to delay decisions. This is more prevalent in organisations working across many countries, whereas smaller companies are seeing this as an opportunity to embrace the potential change.

This includes looking wider afield to India, China, South America and Africa.

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The Grove

Chamber puts Hertfordshire venues on the map Invitations are now open to hotels and venues throughout the county to take part in a new online venue search tool developed by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and designed to put Hertfordshire on the map for venue bookers.

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BusinessTourism

Paradise Wildlife Park

Luton Hoo Hotel

“Participating venues are able to load their own content, in the form of words and images, giving them a full page within the website focusing on their property – listing meeting rooms available, their dimensions and capacities.”

Launched in November to Chamber members and non-members from a wide range of Hertfordshire’s venue providers, this new tool is a free benefit for Chamber members providing them with a new online distribution channel for their product.

The only cost to venues is commission on confirmed business.

A tool to drive business tourism Recognising and responding to the wealth of meeting space available throughout the county and the potential value of business tourism, Hertfordshire Chamber Venues aims to attract new meetings business to and within Hertfordshire.

Many reports suggest the value of the UK’s conference and meetings industry is £20 billion across venues and destinations and it is time that Hertfordshire increased its share.

Participating venues are able to load their own content, in the form of words and images, giving them a full page within the website focusing on their property – listing meeting rooms available, their dimensions and capacities.

Currently, 15 “destinations” or towns within Hertfordshire are covered from Harpenden to Stevenage and Hatfield to Broxbourne; the website has the scope for more destinations to be added as demand grows.

Additional PR potential and reach This new website also has a built-in blog which the Chamber team will use to create awareness of new, national and international industry developments as well as promote new meeting facilities in Hertfordshire at Chamber member venues; the blog also offers the scope for guest articles to be featured.

Sopwell House

Novotel, Stevenage

This new website will be supported by popular social media networks operating within the events industry including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to generate increased awareness and engagement amongst conference and meeting bookers.

Four Chamber members supported the project during the test phase – Luton Hoo Hotel, Sopwell House, Paradise Wildlife Park and the Novotel Stevenage.

The Chamber is very grateful for the support provided by these four members and now welcomes participation from other members throughout the county, so that the Chamber can continue in its quest to put Hertfordshire on the map as the ideal conference and meetings destination.

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BusinessTourism

Hanbury Manor

Hotel and Tourism Forum As part of the Chamber’s commitment to the tourism industry in Hertfordshire it has established a Hotel and Tourism Forum which meets on a quarterly basis. The aim of this group is to bring like-minded people together, to share best practice and learn about the latest industry developments.

The newly refurbished Novotel Stevenage hosted the November Tourism Forum meeting and, as well as showcasing the new online venue search tool, Hertfordshire Chamber Venues, the Chamber invited Marriott International’s Snr Digital Services Manager, Christopher Robinson, to talk about “Understanding the Digital Guest”.

Marriott’s message The clear message from Marriott is that the industry has to change and respond to the digital expectations of its guests not just at the online booking stage but during each individual guest’s stay too, as that’s where the real opportunities are - beyond the reach of the OTAs (online travel agencies); and, by

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doing so, it is possible to gain those all important return visits from “brand” advocates by delivering a seamless mobile experience.

Chris also cautioned on the importance of getting it right; launching a mobile app can be a good move but there has to be the infrastructure and back up to ensure that it works every time. Nevertheless, the rewards can be great with research telling Marriott that 67% of guests welcome relevant offers delivered to them in the moment via their mobile device.

Social media hub The Chamber’s audience was impressed with Marriott’s MLIVE concept which is a social media hub, present in relevant areas throughout the world, able to respond to trends as they emerge on a 24/7 basis – a possibility and now a reality for a global brand but also a concept, in a scaled down version, to be copied by smaller and independent operations on a national or local basis.

“I found the presentations very informative and relevant. The welcome from the Chamber team was exceptional and I particularly liked how they introduced us all to each other,” said Alice Sibley, Sales Manager, Hatfield House.

Simon Dowell, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, in Ware, welcomes any initiative that raises the profile of the area for corporate customers both from the UK and abroad.

Hanbury Manor is the only “internationallybranded five star” hotel in Hertfordshire, attracting 50 per cent of its trade from corporate clients, 30 per cent of it from meetings and conferences.

Simon said: “We attract a lot of companies who like the idea of staging events in surroundings like ours and we get bookings from companies in the United States, the Middle East and Europe as well as from the UK. “We see being in close proximity to London as an advantage. If you are further out, you

BusinessTourism

Christopher Robinson

St Albans Abbey Photo courtesty of Luke Watson

Marriott International’s Snr Digital Services Manager

are in the abyss as far as London is concerned but we are close to the city and that is a strong selling point.

“Indeed, we market ourselves as London’s original country retreat because of the London brewing family that owned the house in 1730.

“Companies like the historic surroundings and the peace that we offer for the likes of conferences, meetings and weekend events and we are looking forward to 2017.

“As a Chamber of Commerce patron we work closely with the team there and welcome anything that raises the profile of the area on an international scale.”

For Ruslana Yarmoluk, General Manager of Novotel Stevenage, one of the key challenges when it comes to boosting trade is attracting the attention of the companies that arrange tourist events, conferences and exhibitions when London can prove such a strong draw.

She said: “Tourism and corporate trade is important to us and we have a big rival with which we compete in the form of London.

“What we say is that there are a lot of benefits in coming to us instead of staying in London. In London you can pay £5 for a cup of coffee, there is nowhere to park your car and the city is full of traffic lights whereas we have plenty of parking and coffee costs much less. People can stay with us then travel into London.

“It is the same with conferences. We offer companies somewhere without the problems of being based in London and we can offer a wide range of facilities.

“Not only are we looking to the domestic market but also to attract international trade, something with which the Chamber is helping us.”

Derek Hiscoke, General Manager at Sopwell House, said. “The hospitality industry in Hertfordshire is a big draw for both leisure and business customers. Hotels bring external tourism to the county and as an industry we recruit a generally local labour force and drive the internal economy.

“Our business guests are also exposed to the many opportunities that the county has to offer which are key to the county’s growth and it’s exposure on the local, national and international stage. The launch of this website will further enhance our reach on the global stage.”

Michael Helling, General Manager from The Grove said: “Our core business is a blend of tourism - both domestic and in-bound to the UK - and meetings and events. Meetings and events has given some fantastic results in 2016 due to

the development of our newly built Cedar Suite and comprehensive refurbishment in all other M&E areas.

“We are predicting that 2017 will be a very strong year for The Grove, on both sides of the business. On the leisure and tourism side, we are predicting higher levels of international visitors capitalising on favourable exchange rates against the pound, while we expect that UK guests will look to stay at home rather than travel abroad in uncertain times.

On the conference and events side, we have invested heavily over the past two years in a total refurbishment and refresh for our meetings spaces which are now more impressive and more flexible than ever before.

“In 2017, we are always looking for new ideas, initiatives and ways to offer something different. In addition to what we already offer – including a championship golf course, award-winning spa, outdoor swimming pool and our very own beach we will look to introduce new fitness classes, activities and experiences to improve the guest experience for both business and leisure clients. We will also invest in the facilities on the golf course.”

How to take part To find out more about how your hotel or meetings venue can be featured please contact Ella Bottoms at ellabottoms@hertschamber.com INSPIRE

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Aubrey Park – ideal for business events You’ll find the independent, AA four star hotel is hidden amongst a beautiful woodland backdrop of the ancient Aubries Fort, just in-between St Albans and Hemel Hempstead.

Aubrey Park hotel run a 24/7 service and host numerous weddings, corporate meetings and events; whilst serving fresh, seasonal food every day in their Bar and Lounge and Brasserie restaurant.

Their pet friendly hotel welcomes all walks of life, from young families to business clients.

With a strong customer-focused philosophy, Aubrey Park Hotel defines their brand by the people who walk through the reception

doors. They boast a strong, friendly team who are connoisseurs in serving an individual, tailored service – and always with a smile.

Aubrey Park Hotel not only run a successful hotel and events venue, but pride in taking a holistic approach to business. They do this by practising a strong CSR, near 100% recycling, public events, promoting and supporting local businesses and tourism.

In October 2016, the independent hotel opened a brand new conference and events venue called, ‘The Oak Suite’. Tara Brady, Sales Manager at Aubrey Park Hotel is happy to see the new venue complete, as she explains, ‘We’re so excited to be opening

‘The Oak Suite’, which can host up to 200 delegates, this is a great development for our hotel.

Its multi-purpose design is flexible enough to host all manner of events such as seminars, large business meetings and staff training days to name just a few’, Tara Brady continues, ‘…it contains state of the art facilities that rival any venue out there!’

‘The Oak Suite’ will increase the hotel’s ability to serve its local community with better facilities for weddings and other celebrations. It also offers improved employment prospects for local residents and trading prospects for local suppliers of goods and services.

Express yourself at Beales Hotels This New Year make a business resolution to make meetings effortless. Beales Hotels are offering a new concept in conferences by way of Express Meetings.

Providing everything you need for a vision review or accounts analysis, your team will be free to concentrate on the issues at hand. LCD projectors, flipcharts, stationery, lunch and refreshments are all included in the price, there are no hidden extras.

Offering full or half day packages, companies can choose from the contemporary surroundings of Beales Hotel in the heart of Hatfield or relax in the country house ambience of West Lodge Park Hotel in Hadley Wood.

Beales Hotels is Hertfordshire’s oldest family business and one of the country’s oldest hotel businesses. Handed down through the generations since 1769 today boasts two highly rated four star hotels that cater

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for the whole of London and Hertfordshire.

“At Beales Hotels I believe we offer a unique service, a proven track record of excellent service passed down through eight generations combined with the very latest in modern facilities,” said Managing Director Andrew Beale.

“Businesses in Hertfordshire can choose from the strikingly modern Beales Hotel, where you can stroll across the road to the Galleria Shopping Centre during a break or relax in the 35-acre grounds of West Lodge Park if inspiration is required!”

West Lodge Park, just inside the M25 at Hadley Wood, offers extensive conference and banqueting facilities, 59 bedrooms, the Mary Beale

restaurant, terrace bar, an arboretum and a helipad in the grounds.

Beales Hotel is home to a stunning collection of modern art, commissioned from students at the University of

Hertfordshire, which adorns the walls of conference rooms, bedrooms and the Talkbar and Outsidein restaurant.

For more information please visit www.bealeshotels.co.uk or call 020 8216 3904.

BusinessTourism

Pendley Manor provides the perfect setting Ideal for leisure, business and celebrations, it is no wonder Pendley Manor is so sought after.

Step into a 72 bedroom Country Manor, steeped in history, surrounded by 35 acres of beautiful landscape and wooded parkland where peacocks roam freely. It’s as if you have stepped into another world.

Whether you want an event venue or a location for a business meeting, Pendley Manor offers the perfect setting.

The Hotel presents comfortable accommodation with a range of four-poster beds and spacious suites. A range of syndicate rooms and event spaces for day and residential delegates make it a perfect choice, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the pool, spa, steam room, sauna,

gym, snooker room and so much more.

As well as offering a beautiful scenic view, the outdoor grounds host a number of activities; namely the annual Shakespeare Festival every August which was founded

by Dorian Williams in 1947.

The adjacent 4 acre meadow also accommodates a range of team building events and motorised events from hot air ballooning to go-cart racing, archery to clay-pigeon shooting, Crystal Maze to Casino Nights.

Let us help you make it the most effective event possible!

You might even come back for your own weekend getaway.

“As well as offering a beautiful scenic view, the outdoor grounds host a number of activities.”

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PatronsFocus

Focus7 International: Local Presence to Global Reach Focus7 International is a business growth & marketing agency, supporting organisations both locally and globally in achieving their higher aims. with Barr-Jones Associates, Vida and Leona understood the key role that the Chamber plays for many local organisations seeking a truly international reach.

With the support of the Chamber, and an incredible team with contacts in multiple countries, Focus7’s Hertfordshire and Yorkshire offices became central hubs for a business with highprofile clients in France, the USA and the Caribbean islands.

Leona Barr-Jones and the Focus7 team accept the Inspiring Hertfordshire Innovation Through Technology award.

The Focus7 team achieves this through a unique Think, Create, Deliver approach. Think encompasses the intelligent business strategy behind achieving your goals; Create is the work of a multi-generational team who produce innovative marketing campaigns and other promotional materials; and every step is Delivered for you, to you or with you using responsive software.

Focus7 was founded in June 2015 by Vida Barr-Jones, Leona Barr-Jones and David Langdown; proficient business owners with expertise spanning a broad range of industries. Vida & Leona owned Barr-Jones Associates, a Hertfordshire-based business consultancy that utilised their

Vida and Leona Barr-Jones

many years of experience in logistics, operations and strategy, alongside their vast business network. David was the owner of an office products dealer group, assisting a large number of small to mediumsized organisations in the industry.

David Langdown They found a distinct lack of holistic strategy, marketing and business growth support for office products resellers – a fact David, Vida and Leona soon discovered was echoed across a huge number of industries in the UK – and the idea for Focus7 was born.

But Focus7 didn’t want to solely operate within the UK market, as this gap for a holistic business growth solution genuinely applied to numerous countries worldwide.

We sought to align with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce because, as prolific Chamber members previously

As so many of Focus7’s values aligned with those of the Chamber, including a love for supporting Hertfordshire-based organisations in their desire to ‘go global’, and an understanding of the great importance of a strong business network, Focus7 were delighted to formally become one of its Patrons.

Of the patronage, Vida Barr-Jones said: “It is an honour to be invited to become a Patron, and to be able to support other local businesses as part of such a fantastic network. Having recently won the Innovation through Technology award at the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards hosted by the Chamber, we believe that we are in the perfect position to advise other local businesses and, with the support of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, continue to develop the local business community.”

For Focus7, Patronage brings a key opportunity to help and support other Hertfordshire-based organisations who are seeking

to expand – whether that expansion be within the county, across the country or internationally. As part of our Patronage, we’re partnering with the Chamber to offer a number of masterclasses to members, focusing on key skills such as strategic planning and developing effective digital marketing. These masterclasses will be presented by our industry experts, and offer valuable insight into the steps business owners can take to modernise, diversify and grow.

The first masterclass available to Chamber members in 2017 is our Business Planning session on Tuesday 24th January, designed to help members to build your very own roadmap to success, detailing the steps you must take to achieve your most ambitious business goals. An unmissable opportunity to shape your business’ future, discover how to grow, boost profitability and broaden your offering, with tips & tricks from entrepreneurial professionals who’ve genuinely been there.

It’s been an amazing journey for the team and, with new premises, multiple award wins and a variety of incredible clients to work alongside, Focus7’s impressive growth can be attributed both to the tenacity of our people, and to the wonderful network of support that can only be found in our very own home county.

To find out more about how to participate in the Focus7 & Chamber masterclasses, or to register for the Business Planning masterclass at 10:00am on Tuesday 24th January, contact the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce on 01707 398400 or bookings@hertschamber.com.

To enquire about Focus7 International's award-winning business growth services, contact the team at www.focus7international.com

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Trading with India

By Kevin McCole, Chief Operating Officer at UK India Business Council

The UK and India have a “golden opportunity to re-forge our trading relationship.” These were the words of the UK’s International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox MP, during Prime Minister May’s November visit to India.

The fact that Prime Minister Theresa May chose India as her first non-EU bilateral trip, highlights the renewed focus on the importance of this economic relationship.

As the UK sets about exploring new trading partnerships with

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the rest of the world, it will be starting from a position of strength with India.

The UK has long been the largest G20 investor in India, with over 500 British businesses employing almost 700,000 people in India, with

an estimated total revenue of US$54 billion. India is the third largest investor in the UK, while Indian companies invest more in the UK than the rest of the EU combined. In addition to this, more than 800 Indian companies currently operate

in the UK, employing more than 110,000 people, a Grant Thornton report has shown.

Additionally, with the increasingly positive momentum in the Indian economy there will be continued growth in UK exports to India.

InternationalTrade Setting up in India

The current landscape

Why India?

UK-India bilateral trade grew by 170% between 2004 and 2014. Yet, India’s overall trade grew by 800% in the same period. So it would appear that the UK and India should be trading more.

In 2015-16, the UK was just India’s 12th largest trading partner.

India trades more with Indonesia, Germany and Japan, than with the UK. Plus, despite the UK being the second largest exporter of services in the world and India having the second fastest growing services sector with a CAGR of 9%, UK-India services trade is disappointingly low.

In 2014, the UK imported over 10 times more services from the US than it did from India, and the UK’s service exports to India makes up just 7% of its total service exports to Asia.

For UK companies, India is increasingly open to FDI and it is moving up the ease of doing business rankings.

It offers great potential and an improving regulatory regime, as has been seen with the gradual relaxation of FDI regulations and import duties in the last decade.

Just as importantly, there is a rising demand for UK goods, services, technology, and know-how to help achieve the goals set out in programmes such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India and Swachh Bharat.

And there are several areas where more bilateral trade and investment can bring near term benefits to both countries.

With over 1.3 billion people, of whom over 600 million are under the age of 24, India is currently the country with the biggest youth population in the world.

This represents a large portion of society joining the

Join us for

Doing Business in India - Roundtable on 14 February 2017 see page 27 for detail.

workforce in coming years.

Rising income levels and the change in consumer choices are creating a greater demand for white goods, cars, mobile phones, leisure items, travel, and Western fashion and beauty brands.

India matters, with millions of affluent people and a growing middle-class, presenting significant opportunities for UK businesses.

In addition to growing consumer demand and favourable demographics, India continues to offer investors a cost advantage, with costs of manufacturing, land and labour much lower than those in Western countries.

There can be no doubting that India is the UK’s key post-Brexit opportunity. With both governments focused on making this relationship, in Prime Minister Modi’s words, truly “unbeatable,” there has never been a better time to do business in India.

India can be a complex market. Here are our top tips for succeeding there: 1. Thorough research is a must.

You have to do your homework.

2. Spend time in India.

India is big and complex - make sure you pick the eighth region, taking a methodical approach to assess partners and locations against your key criteria.

3. Be flexible and adapt.

Your business model may not translate to the Indian market the way you expect. Don't be put off by this. Adapt and siege opportunities.

4. Pick the right partner.

This may seem like vague advice, but it easy to get this wrong. Don't rush into a deal and make use of your contacts to do due diligence.

5. Understand the business culture.

Keep in mind that India moves at a difference pace to the UK - sometimes faster, sometimes slower. It is not one country. Be aware of the cultural diversity and don’t make assumptions or generalisations 6. Hire good local staff.

Utilise the skills and expertise in India.

7. Take advice from objective experts.

You don't have to go it alone. The UKIBC and other organisations have the expertise and knowledge to help you succeed in India.

8. Take a long term view of the market, persevere and commit.

Those that have a long term plan are more likely to succeed.

9. Hierarchy plays a key role.

Decisions are made at the highest level and roles are well defined.

10. Build Relationships.

Indians place great value on relationships: take the time to develop contacts and relationships.

If you are interested in making the most of the great opportunities available in India, please speak to one of our advisors by calling 0800 0196 176 or +44 (0) 207 592 3851 or contact enquiries@ukibc.com and start your Indian business development journey today.

UK India Business Council (UKIBC) is the premier business-led organisation promoting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

Its mission is to facilitate an increase in trade between the UK and India through business to business dialogue.

UKIBC plays an influential role in creating and sustaining an environment in which free-trade and investment flourishes. Through the facilitation of partnerships, and with an extensive network of influential corporate and individual members, UKIBC provides the resource, knowledge and infrastructure support vital for UK companies to make the most of emerging opportunities in India.

For more information please visit www.UKIBC.com

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ChamberEvents

January Chamber Lunch Inspiring Hertfordshire “The Impact of Disruption” Awards 2017 Launch on Businesses Large and Small

Date: Time: Venue:

17 January 2017 12.00 – 14.00 Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG Cost: Members £27 Non Members £35 Join us on Tuesday 17th January for one of our monthly networking lunches at Beales Hotel in Hatfield.

These lunches are intended to provide an opportunity for business networking and each month we will invite a guest

speaker to inspire and motivate you all.

Our guest speaker for this lunch is Marc Dowd Director, PathFinder4. Marc will be talking about the impact of disruption on businesses large and small.

We are entering an age of extreme change. The velocity, scope, and nature of the disruptions that we are starting to encounter are unprecedented.

Marc will outline what these changes are, where they come from and how, as the leader of a start-up or established company you can take advantage of them.

Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

19 January 2017 18.00 – 20.00 Aubrey Park Hotel, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourne, St Albans, AL3 7AF Members Free Non Members £10

If you thought about entering last year, missed the entry deadline, or simply want to know more about the awards and the Inspiring Hertfordshire campaign, come along to this event and meet past winners, finalists and sponsors.

Book now to join us for what promises to be an enjoyable and informative evening.

Always a popular evening event, we hope you can join us on Thursday 19th January for the launch of the 2017 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards with some excellent networking amongst Hertfordshire businesses and organisations.

Chamber Cybercrime Live Hack

Member's Master Class

Date: 23 January 2017 Time: 9.30 – 12.00 Venue: BioPark Welwyn Garden City, Broadwater Road, Herts, AL7 3AX Cost: Members £18 Non Members £21.60 Live Hack: Revealing the techniques used by hackers

Date: 24 January 2017 Time: 10.00 – 12.00 Venue: Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9NE Cost: Members Only Free of charge This Business Planning masterclass, provided by our Patrons Focus7 International, helps you to build your very own roadmap, detailing the steps you must take to achieve your most ambitious business goals.

Demonstrating the devastating effects of social engineering attacks. From theft of banking details to ransomware… would your business be safe from these real-world threats?

Cybercrime has cost UK businesses more than £1 billion in the past year alone.

It can have a devastating impact on businesses, but experts believe it is due to companies not investing enough time when it comes to cyber security checks. We do not want any business to come under a cyber attack so we have teamed up with patrons ServerChoice and Barclays to bring you our Live Hack event, to teach you on how to prevent hacking in your company.

Business Planning Workshop

industries, this masterclass is an unmissable opportunity to shape your business’ future.

Discover how to grow your business, boost profitability and diversify your offering, with tips & tricks from entrepreneurial Brought to you by an experienced professionals who’ve really been there. This is the event to launch strategic team who have your 2017. consulted across multiple

Chamber Apprenticeship Breakfast Date: 31 January 2017 Time: 07.30 - 09.00 Venue: The Gallery, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3BL Cost: Member: £18 Non-Member: £21.60 Join us at our Apprenticeship Breakfast in partnership with the Letchworth Heritage Foundation,

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where will be joined by Hart Learning and Development.

At this event you will hear from Hart Learning and Development Managing Director, Lucy Hann who will share an overview on Apprenticeship's including the Apprenticeship Levy coming into place in May 2017.

Whether you want to recruit and train the right talent, develop

INSPIRE

All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

your existing staff, or find out how you can get the most out of the apprenticeship levy, Lucy will be covering it all during the Apprenticeship Breakfast.

You will get the chance to meet and network with local Hertfordshire businesses and ask any questions you may have in regards to Apprenticeships.

ChamberEvents

February Chamber Lunch Doing business in India with the Bank of England - Roundtable Date:

8 February 2017

Time:

12.00 – 14.00

Venue:

Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG

Cost:

Members £27

Our guest speaker for this event is Tim Pike, Deputy Agent for South East and East Anglia, Bank of England.

Non Members £35 Join us on Wednesday 8th

February for one of our monthly networking lunches at Beales Hotel in Hatfield. These lunches are intended to provide an opportunity for business networking and each month we will invite a guest speaker to inspire and motivate you all.

Matchday Networking: Stevenage FC V Leyton Date:

28 February 2017

Time:

18.30 – 22.00

Venue:

Stevenage Football Club, Broadhall Way, STEVENAGE, Hertfordshire, SG2 8RH

Cost:

Members £35 Non Members £40 Our ever-popular networking events at Stevenage Football Club are back for 2017.

Come along and network with other businesses whilst supporting one of Hertfordshire's most successful football teams.

Price includes full hospitality including 2 course dinner, half time refreshments, match programme and seat in the directors section of the west

This match will see Stevenage FC continue their fight with a crucial game against Leyton Orient held at the Lamex Stadium.

Date: 14 February 2017 Time: 14.30 – 16.30 Venue: Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Cost: Members £5 Non Members £15 Siddarth Mukne, Regional adviser for UK India Business Council (UKIBC) and Wedad Kurukgy, International Trade Adviser from DIT, will be visiting us at Hertfordshire Chamber. This will be an opportunity for exporting Chamber members and nonmembers to explore and learn

about the trade opportunities in this ever expanding and vibrant economy.

The UKIBC and DIT offer tailored, professional advice on market entry and how to set up trading in this exciting market, they also have the local knowledge to able to introduce you to the right people for your business or organisation. The UKIBC offers a wide variety of services to facilitate the arrival of British businesses in India.

• India is an excellent place to do business • India’s economy has a trade market worth £13 billion • India has a population of 1.3 billion people

Women in Leadership Lunch Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

16 March 2017 12.00 – 14.00 Needham House Hotel, Little Wymondley, Stevenage, SG4 7JJ Members £25 Non Members £35

The aim of our Women in Leadership events is to enable Hertfordshire's business women to network with peers and develop their leadership skills

as well as provide mentoring, support and inspiration to the County's next generation of women business leaders.

We are delighted to announce our sponsor for this event Actus. CEO of Actus Software, Lucinda Carney will be one of our guest speakers for this inspirational lunch.

As the CEO of Actus™ Software Lucinda was named Everywoman Tech Entrepreneur of the Year 2016

Chamber Lunch with Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Date: Time: Venue:

30 March 2017 12.00 – 14.00 Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG Cost: Members £27 Non Members £35 Join us on Thursday 30th March for one of our monthly networking lunches at Beales Hotel in Hatfield.

These lunches are intended to provide an opportunity for business networking and each month we will invite a guest speaker to inspire and motivate you all.

We are delighted to announce our guest speaker for this event is Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce.

INSPIRE All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

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ChamberEvents

More wonderful events ahead Diarise now: February to September 2017 FREE Events Member's Master Class Strategic Marketing For Growth Date: Time: Venue:

Member:

Jodie Newman The Business Allotment

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Date: Time: Venue:

14 March 2017 09.00 - 12.00 Longmores, 24 Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HP Member: £15 Non-Member: £18 •••

Member's Master Class – Tools

March Chamber Lunch

Date: Time: Venue:

with Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

Member:

“I have attended several Herts Chamber events to date, and in terms of the calibre of business in the room and a sense of local businesses wanting to collaborate and strengthen the business community together, they are second to none. I have developed several high quality business relationships as a direct result of attending Chamber events which have led to projects for my business that I would not otherwise have had. Highly recommended.”

21 February 2017 10.00 – 12.00 Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9NE Members only. Free of charge •••

Chamber HR Forum – Employment Status

25 April 2017 10.00 – 12.00 Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9NE Members only. Free of Charge •••

Young Chamber Careers Fair Date: Time: Venue: Member: Non-Member:

1 March 2017 TBC John Warner School Free of charge Free of charge •••

Property and Construction Forum Date:

23 February 2017 27 April 2017 22 June 2017 28 September 2017 Time: 17.15– 19.00 Venue: TBC Member: £18 per event Non-Member: £30 per event •••

Chamber Networking Breakfast with Ambition Broxbourne Date: Time: Venue:

2 February 2017 07.30 – 09.00 De Vere Theobalds Park, Lieutenant Ellis Way, Cheshunt, EN7 5HW Member: £18 Non-Member: £21.60

Date: Time: Venue:

30 March 2017 12.00 – 14.00 Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG Member: £27 Non-Member: £35 •••

Chamber HR Forum – Family Business Date: Time: Venue:

3 May 2017 09.00 – 12.00 Longmores, 24 Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HP Member: £15 Non-Member: £18 •••

Chamber Networking & Tour of Newsprinters with Ambition Broxbourne Date: Time: Venue:

23 May 2017 10.30 – 13.00 Newsprinters Broxbourne, Great Cambridge Road (A10), Broxbourne, EN8 8DY Member: £12.50 Non-Member: £15

INSPIRE

All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

CorporateEvents

Take your corporate events into the fast lane Rye House Kart Raceway in Hoddesdon is one of the oldest and most respected karting circuits in the UK. It is where a young Lewis Hamilton honed the driving skills and techniques that would propel him to three Formula One World Championships.

Today it is also a great venue for corporate meetings, team building exercises, and business seminars, training days or networking events.

Rye House Kart Raceway offers an exciting alternative to reward employees, entertain clients, host staff meetings or network with potential customers during a unique to a day to remember.

An expert team is on hand to help deliver an exciting event and experience in a professional manner whatever your company needs. Facilities include a restaurant and licensed bar, themed hospitality suite, fabulous circuit views from the first floor balcony and extensive car and coach parking.

Team Building activities are designed to facilitate

communication and increase teamwork. Participating guests will gain valuable skills that will improve efficiency, productivity and motivation back at the workplace.

Meeting rooms can be customized to cater for specialised needs and several food and beverage menu options are available for guests.

Pricing for the recently renovated meeting rooms and hospitality suite includes Wi-Fi, AV equipment, flat screen TVs and seating with tables and chairs.

Employees, clients and customers will have a blast racing around the exciting racetracks in a brand new quarter million pound fleet of 320cc, Le Mans twin engine karts and leave with a sense of accomplishment.

Rye House Kart Raceway is open 7 days a week, from 10:00am10:00pm, and is located in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, just off junction 25 of the M25 and the A10, and adjacent to the Rye

House mainline train station from Liverpool Street, London.

For more information, or to book a visit, CALL: 01992 460 895 or go to www.rye-house.co.uk

INSPIRE

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NewMembers

Welcome to new members A J Immigration and Accounting

Black Dog Digital

Immigration and Accounting Services

Retail Marketing Charles House, Furlong Way, Great Amwell, SG12 9TA 01920 466775 www.blackdog.london

Office 3, Maylands Business Centre, Redbourn Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 7ES 0333 322 3933 www.aj-immigration.co.uk

Attwaters Jameson Hill Full service law firm, representing businesses, individuals and public bodies in all major practices

Lawyer In The Making / Rebecca Alice Morgan Limited

Office Document Solutions 50 Bengeo Street, Hertford, SG12 3ET 0845 2000 793 www.copyvision.co.uk

Provide serviced and managed offices Pinder Road, Hoddesdon, EN11 0DB 01992 877310 www.basepoint.co.uk

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INSPIRE

01707 294888

Specialises in providing business telecom solutions Based in Kent www.connect-it.co

Hertford, SG14 1BY

Basepoint Centres (Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre)

2 Howard Court, 10 Tewin Road, Welwyn, AL7 1BW www.hamamatsu.com

Copyvision Business Solutions

www.attwatersjamesonhill.co.uk

Sales of Photonics Systems and Components

Connect it Communications Ltd

72-74 Fore Street, 01992 554881

Hamamatsu Photonics UK Limited

Digital Marketing Consultant and Content Writer Based in Stevenage www.lawyerinthemaking.co.uk

Needham House Recently refurbished 4 star boutique hotel

Data Compliance By Design

Blakemore End Road,

Expert Data Compliance Services 6b Parkway, St Albans, AL3 6PA 07951 043 204 www.datacompliancebydesign.com

Little Wymondley, SG4 7JJ 01462 417240 www.needhamhouse.co.uk

NewMembers

Parallel HR

Seetec Waltham Cross

Independent HR advice for small businesses 2 Firs Walk, Tewin Wood, Welwyn, AL6 0NZ 01438 870 544 www.parallelhr.co.uk

Training and Skills provider Albany House, 162-168 High Street, Waltham Abbey 01992 654006 www.seetec.co.uk

Structured Learning Solutions Ltd Rankins Digital Hertfordshire Internet Marketing Based in Hertford www.rankingsdigital.com/ hertfordshire-seo

Roundwood Park School Secondary School (Academy) Based in Harpenden www.roundwoodpark.co.uk

Seetec Stevenage Training and Skills provider Queensway Chambers, 58 Queensway, Stevenage SG1 1EE 01438 727744 www.seetec.co.uk

Talent, Training, Coaching, Solutions and Development Based in Welwyn, structuredlearningsolutions.co.uk

Tanner Pharma UK Speciality pharma supply 2 Fountain Court, Victoria Square, St Albans, AL1 3TF 01727 884587 www.tannerpharma.com

INSPIRE.17

The business magazine of Her tfordshire

Chamber of Commerce Nov ember - Dec ember 2016

Ware Priory Wedding Conferences and Landmark Event Space with Seven Rooms High Street, Ware, SG12 9AL 01920 460316 www.warepriory.co.uk

Remarkable London Lutontimes at Airport (LLA) as it undergoes one of the mo st eve I

r witnessed in

App rent ices

the UK aviation

How you can hip Levy your cont ributuse crea te high ion to -qua lity appr entic eshi ps - page 10

I

ambitious exp ansion progra mmes sector - page 15

Thre e Rive rs Dist rict Mult i-mil

lion rege nera tion poun d prog ramm e - page 18

I

Airb us

Care ers whic h reall y are rock et scie nce - page 50

INSPIRE

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MembersNews

Firm backs charity New video generates sponsorship leads

UK Top 50 regional accountancy firm Hillier Hopkins LLP have announced that they will be supporting Waverley Driving Group, a local group of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and will be organising a number of events over the next 12 months in order to raise money for the charity. These will include a charity golf day and a charity luncheon.

Being new in her role provided Corporate Relationship Manager Joanna Milton the perfect opportunity for a fresh approach to promoting Peace Hospice Care’s event sponsorship packages.

“When a new person joins the team, there’s a hunger for fresh ideas,” said Joanna. “And I was keen to investigate the power of video in promoting our sponsorship opportunities.”

Working with Nick Davies at WebEazy, Joanna developed a one minute, 20 second video to be emailed to known corporate supporters of the Hospice, and shared across its active social media network.

The video highlights the business benefits for supporting a charitable cause in such a publicly visible way, and the wide range of sponsorship opportunities on offer.

“I’ve found our existing supporters have been prompted to think about adding event sponsorship to their marketing plans at an earlier stage this year, and the video has also generated leads from previously unknown contacts,” says Joanna.

Video developer Nick also stressed the importance of a robust followup plan. He believes: “The fortune is in the follow-up. Once we’ve caught someone’s attention with the video, it is important for their interest to be turned into event sponsorship for what I feel is a truly special cause.”

Peace Hospice Care is a Watfordbased charity providing specialist care for people across Hertfordshire living with lifelimiting illnesses. They provide inpatient care, day services, bereavement support and a Hospice at Home service.

If you would like to watch the video, head to www.peacehospicecare.org.uk or follow the link in the online version of Inspire.

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INSPIRE

The charity luncheon will be held in the stunning newly built The View Suite at Watford football club in Vicarage Road on Friday 12th May from 12:30pm onwards and will include a

champagne reception, charity auction and raffle, a 3 course lunch, comedy from Lee Lard and special guest speaker, Judge Rinder of Strictly Come Dancing and TV fame.

Maureen Keegan, speaking on behalf of Waverley Driving Group, said: “Waverley provides a truly unique opportunity for disabled people to experience an outdoor activity, either to challenge themselves or purely for enjoyment. For some of our more severely disabled clients, our specially adapted carriages allow a freedom they have rarely experienced before. The money raised will allow the Group to grow and to provide more sessions for many more disabled people and will make a real difference to their lives.”

Hillier Hopkins has been a presence in the Watford business community for more than 60 years and is committed to making a positive contribution to the community. It supports a wide variety of charities and community organisations, placing an emphasis on causes within their office localities.

Hillier Hopkins LLP has 17 partners with offices in London, Watford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes, and provides business support and tax advice to individuals, owner managed businesses and multi-national corporations.

Tables are available to book at this event at £500 for a table of ten. For bookings, please contact Kirsten Byers at kirsten.byers@hhllp.co.uk or call 01923 634252.

Barr-Jones Associates receives silver award for supporting armed forces Barr-Jones Associates, a successful consultancy that provides the strategic arm of business growth agency Focus7 International, has been honoured with a Defence Employers Recognition Scheme Silver Award for its work in supporting the Armed Forces.

The ERS Silver Award is granted to organisations that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which publicly pledges support to the Armed Forces community, and who employ veterans, military spouses and reservists. Barr-Jones Associates’ Managing Director, Leona Barr-Jones, is herself a British Army veteran, having served in the Armed Forces for over 26 years on operational tours overseas and in Defence Diplomacy roles.

All Focus7 International’s Directors also have military connections, spanning the full set of Armed Services, including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force.It is these

personal associations, alongside an understanding of the difficulties sometimes faced by ex-military personnel when integrating back into civilian life and employment, that makes this a core value for both Focus7 and Barr-Jones Associates.

Leona said: “I am incredibly proud to be part of a business that offers employment to others who have served and continues to support the Armed Forces. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises businesses that support the armed

forces, and who are open to employing reservists, veterans and military spouses, and I am delighted to have been awarded a Silver Award for our continued support and our work as Poppy Factory Mentors and Veteran Charity Trustees.”

MembersNews

Fox trotting the world

By Nick Michaelson of Silver Fox When I was young, every year my family rented ‘our’ cottage in Norfolk. We called it ours because it was where we went to the same cottage year after year. Not inspiring, but a great holiday/break all the same.

We liked the familiarity, and in those days it was such a fuss to make any changes. It required a day’s drive to Norfolk contacting estate agents/reading local papers to find vacancies. That was all before looking around the houses to ensure suitability.

The world has changed! But then, so has the ease and nature of travel. In seven hours you fly about 3000 miles anywhere in the world – just think how many people reading this will have been on holiday to the USA or Middle/Far East last summer alone. It has become so easy to book a flight and hotel.

Weekends away in European capitals are the norm now.

It is, therefore, strange that some business professionals have concerns around similar business travel. At the time of writing this, I am sitting in a hotel in Dubai,

no I haven’t been shopping or water skiing, but networking at a major trade show. Two weeks ago I had no plans of coming out here, but the power of the internet and connectivity all round the world makes it so easy to book a plane ticket and a hotel, register for the exhibition – job done. And the cost? For 5 days it has set me back around £1000, which includes flights/hotel/food/taxis etc. For this sum, I have networked with a lot of Brits, and others from all over the world – all of whom spoke perfect English.

It is often the first overseas trip that is the hardest to make, a good way to start, in my opinion, is with a trade delegation perhaps organised / approved by the UKTI or specific trade group. The way I look at it is, what is the worst that can happen? The truth is, apart from the minor cost, there are only benefits, not least the possible spin off for UK orders from others in the same delegation. And there is always the very real

opportunity of export business as well, from meetings set up by the organisers of the delegation.

Yes, there are always local business nuances, but these happen wherever you trade e.g. Wales, Ireland or Scotland which are much closer to home.

One thing is for sure however: whether you are trading whether it’s the UAE, Brazil, North America there will always be expats only too willing to help and advice and with the pound sterling currently exploring the ocean depths there may even be a significant price advantage to get you the initial interest with a wider range of overseas prospects.

We have a huge opportunity to go out into the world with wellrespected British ideas and products. That said, I am extremely proud to grow our UK made exports, but ultimately it is not about what the UK needs, it is about what is essential for my business and its long term prospects, with those willing to buy and support us with opening and repeat orders.

First licensees sign-up to occupy Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre Ahead of its opening early in December, the Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre attracted interest from local businesses.

A range of innovative and enterprising businesses have started to sign-up to take space at the flagship facility including a magazine printers, accountancy firm and a packaging company.

The Magazine Printing Company was one of the first to take space at the Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre.

Chairman Anthony Stokes said: “After 44 years of carrying out production of over 300 magazine titles at our factory in Enfield, we are moving all production to our main group's modern high tech factory in South Wales.

“However, we are required to leave a satellite office in Hertfordshire for a team of eight account and sales executives.

The new high tech prestigious building of the Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre has been completed in perfect timing for our move and will supply us

with the high profile that we require in order to maintain our industry status with our customers".

The Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre, supported and funded by Broxbourne Council and the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Centre, is targeted to create 300 jobs, support 120 businesses and inject £20million into the local economy.

The £4.6m centre will provide 20,000 square feet of modern flexible serviced business space, providing quality accommodation with easy-in, easy-out terms.

Other benefits include on-site management, serviced meeting rooms, high speed internet access, free parking and 24/7 business support.

It was designed by awardwinning architects R H Partnership and Basepoint Business Centre will operate

the facility on behalf of the Council. Local contractor, Ashe Construction Ltd, carried out the building work, using local suppliers.

To make an appointment to view the Centre or for more information, all potential licensees can email broxbourne@basepoint.co.uk or call 01992 877310.

Centre Manager, Eric Hudgell and new licensee, Anthony Stokes of The Magazine Printing Company Ltd on-site at the Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre

INSPIRE

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MembersNews

Law firm makes changes It is all change at Longmores Solicitors LLP. Anna Baptist stepped down as Senior Partner at the end of last year after a very successful tenure at the helm of the firm starting in 1999.

The firm has grown steadily and in March opened a new office in Harlow; it has repeatedly achieved accolades in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 5OO directories of leading lawyers and last year received a rare Gold award in the Investors in People accreditation, which Anna pioneered for the firm and which is close to her heart.

Longmores has now introduced a new management structure with long standing equity partners Richard Gvero (Head of Employment) and Chris Pease (Head of Residential Property) becoming Joint Senior Partners.

Richard will be responsible for external matters, including the firm’s business development; Chris will oversee internal matters, including management of the firm’s administration function. Chris and Richard will share the responsibility for the firm’s strategic planning and implementation.

Richard summed up the vital role Anna has played in the leadership of the firm: “Anna has been brilliant driving the firm forward to success after success and through some difficult times, including the financial crash in 2008. She’s a very difficult act to follow but I am excited by the challenge of building on the firm’s successes. I know Chris feels the same.”

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INSPIRE

CEO of Herts charity, the Muscle Help Foundation, gives inspiring masterclass at University of Hertfordshire Michael McGrath, CEO of Herts-based charity, the Muscle Help Foundation (MHF), gave an inspiring masterclass on 2nd December, entitled ‘Ice, Slice & Adrenalin’, as part of the Executive MBA Programme Masterclass Series organised by the University of Hertfordshire’s Business School.

Over 55 guests from the Hertfordshire Business Academy community and students studying the Executive MBA course attended the event.

Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) at the age of 18, Michael made history 20 years later by becoming the first disabled person to lead expeditions to the North and South Poles. He spoke about his guiding principles, sharing insights on values-based leadership and why resilience in today’s demanding and often disruptive business environment is an essential attribute.

Sharing his life lessons and talking about the importance of taking personal responsibility in not only facing his own adversity but also the extremes of the North and South Poles, Michael (pictured with Dr Denise Dollimore, left, and Dr Phil Mason, right, from the Executive MBA Programme), also shared insights into what it takes to build a multi award-winning charity that changes lives. MHF

delivers transformational experiences in the UK, called ‘Muscle Dreams’, for children and young people with MD and allied neuromuscular conditions.

Michael said: “I hope that I’ve been able to give a few perspectives on why I think leadership today isn’t so much about ability, but about taking responsibility.

Despite the pressures of today’s uncertain world, I believe there’s more room for compassion, but also much to be hopeful for. That said, you can’t inspire others unless you’re inspired yourself so if one person tonight has been inspired to see the world in a

different way, achieve more or if a business reaches out to support the vital work of MHF, then tonight has been a success.”

Patrons receive Certificate of Patronage at Chamber Christmas Lunch L-R: Ashbourne Insurance Services Limited, Neville Reyner CBE DL, Barclays, Network Integrity Services, JPA Furniture, Yolanda Rugg, Focus7 International Limited, Seelogic, Tate Recruitment

YoungChamber

Young Chamber St Albans Girls’ School recognised as a World Class School The World Class Schools Quality Mark (WCSQM) has named the latest group of schools to have successfully completed the accreditation process to be awarded the status World Class.

Now in its third year of accreditation, WCSQM has awarded the mark to a further 17 nonselective state secondary schools from around the country including local Hertfordshire Young Chamber School, St Albans Girls’ School.

St Albans Girls’ School demonstrated that they far exceed the highest Ofsted inspection grade, and have successfully undertaken the rigorous WCSQM assessment process to demonstrate that they are a class apart.

The award’s uniqueness lies in the fact that the students are assessed with regard to whether they are World Class or not, rather than the school itself.

WCSQM believe that if the school is truly World Class, then its students should be able to demonstrate this in whatever context they find themselves. The award is supported by a range of local and national businesses, further and higher education providers, and parent organisations that are interested in which schools nationally are the best at developing young people to succeed in the burgeoning global economy.

Roundwood Park School Mock Interviews On 14th and 15th November Roundwood Park School, Harpenden held Mock Interviews for their sixth form students. Herts Chamber were delighted to have the support of our member Lloyds Bank and Patron, Tate Recruitment who were able to support the future generation with essential skills and knowledge needed.

“Our students have been reflecting on their strengths and skills whilst thinking about their future.

Having the opportunity to undertake a mock interview has been invaluable in enabling our students to think about how they can articulate their uniqueness and evidence of skills development to a third party. For many of our students this was their first ever interview and although they were nervous, the experience was well received and seen as extremely beneficial”.

Chamber Awards 2016

A massive congratulations to St Albans’s Girl School!

Are you able to support our Young Chamber Schools in 2017?

Our local schools continue to develop their students throughout the academic year and we would be grateful if you could support as many schools as possible in 2017.

“Careers Education cannot be effective without the input of employers. Joining Herts Chamber of Commerce is an excellent use of • St Albans Girls' School, Careers Fair, school resources as the access to help and support is invaluable.

Thursday 9th February 2017 The team at the chamber are incredibly • The John Warner School, Hoddesdon, professional and have fantastic local contacts Careers Fair, Wednesday 1st March 2017 within a wide variety of employers and sectors.

• Nobel School Apprenticeship Breakfast, I feel much more confident about putting on Stevenage, Wednesday 8th March 2017 school events as I am not working in isolation • The Priory School, Hitchin, Careers Fair, to make it happen as I now have a whole Wednesday 19th July 2017 team behind me helping to make it happen”.

If you would like to attend and showcase your opportunities to these students or if you are a school, looking to do something similar please contact youngchamber@hertschamber.com

• St Albans Girls School Year 11 Big Interview, Tuesday 10th January 2017

We were delighted to spend the evening at the Chamber Awards 2016 with Inspiring Hertfordshire 2016 award winners Sir John Lawes. We are extremely proud of our Young Chamber School for being crowned Regional Winners and reaching the National final.

A great night was had by all.

Welcome to our new Young Chamber School We are thrilled to welcome Roundwood Park School, Harpenden to the Chamber and are thrilled to be working with them to support and develop their students.

INSPIRE

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Workplace

Disrupt or be Disrupted - the Impact of Disruption on Businesses Large and Small Marc Dowd, Director, Manage Disruption and PathFinder4.

We are entering an age of extreme change characterised by changing business models, emerging technologies and the increasing power of the consumer. Smaller companies, such as Uber and Air BnB in their early days, seemingly rise out of nowhere and cause mayhem in well-established industries. The velocity, scope, and nature of the disruptions that we are starting to encounter are unprecedented.

Typically disruptions happen when smaller, more agile companies, take advantage of new technologies and business models to change the way an industry works completely.

Unencumbered by existing organisational structures and capital investment, they start with a clean sheet of paper.

Larger companies often find it difficult to respond because of outdated ways of working, legacy systems and internal resistance to change.

While smaller companies nip at the heels of bigger ones; consumers are busy changing their attitudes, expectations and their roles. Increasingly concerned with the nature of their experience, while looking for the lowest cost and authenticity, consumers are happy to trade peer to peer.

There is a blurring of lines between who is the producer and who is the consumer. And so we see the emergence of the most profitable new companies as those that hold no physical assets and replace employees with collaborators. They thrive by facilitating peer to peer interactions using digital technologies.

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For smaller companies, there are significant opportunities in using technological advances to tackle markets previously dominated by big brands quickly and efficiently.

For big brands, there is a real need to respond at speed, but this is incredibly hard to do.

Velocity is competitive advantage available to small companies.

Building a culture and structure to enable innovation is completely new to many companies, large and small, and few people are doing it well. It is the route to future prosperity as the demand by consumers for innovation accelerates.

In UK industry large organisations need to take on board the knowledge and capabilities of start-ups, researchers and other experts. At the same time, smaller organisations need access to opportunities. Where big businesses hold larger purse strings but lack agility, and start-ups and other experts hold ideas and expertise, there is room for massive synergy.

There exists an opportunity to disrupt together, in response to a fast-changing consumer and technological landscape, for mutual benefit.

We see this as a coming together of start-ups and big business into one ecosystem for disruptive innovation. Our vision is to build a tribe of passionate people who believe that technology can be a positive force to change the status quo.

As an innovation ecosystem, we help organisations with the connections, research and resources to drive that innovation and rapid business change.

In short - to disrupt rather than be disrupted.

Prepare to become a disruptive business leader Markets

Everyone is living differently Customer, consumers and partners have changed and Customers want different things.

CX and UX is not enough you need deeper understanding of disruptive change Products

Business

New ways of doing business are emerging

Models

Leveraging new technology

Technology

Employees

Understanding technology and when to use it is a business advantage, but very few leaders are focused on future business drivers

Business disruption Business change at speed is incredibly hard to do. Building a culture and structure to enable positive innovation and change is completely new to many companies. There are very few people doing it well

If you don’t drive change in your business, who will? Nobody else has the experience of rapid business change that will allow you to be proactive

Business leaders need a new kind of help An ecosystem that brings together the elements you need to be disruptive

Connect

01 Learn

Meet people who will challenge you People passionate about leading their businesses and disrupting the competition

02 Support

Learn from the experts who are verified as leaders in the field of business disruption Read the research that they commission because they believe it will make a difference Hear their stories from the leading edge

03 Change

Use an ecosystem of people who are driving disruptive innovation at every level Build a team of seasoned disruptors to solve the challenges you face

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Drive change in your company Your industry Your world

Marc Dowd will be speaking about the changes ahead, where they come from and how, as the leader of a start-up or established company you can take advantage of them at the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce lunch on 17th January, 12 – 2 pm, Beales Hotel.

More information about PathFinder4, the ecosystem for disruptive innovation, is available at www.PathFinder4.com

WorkPlace

What is public relations?

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) defines public relations (PR) as: ‘the discipline which looks after reputation, with the aim of earning understanding and support, and influencing opinion and behaviour’.

The key word here is ‘reputation’. All organisations rely upon the goodwill fostered with target audiences; perhaps now more than ever. Where once the PR channel was one directional: organisation – journalist – publication, now the dialogue between the sender and the recipient is two-way. End-users have endless opportunities to review and comment online about services they have received.

Undeniably, this empowerment is beneficial to the public, but

those who work in PR must work much harder!

As marketers, we regard PR as a key part of the marketing communications (promotional) mix. Once a product or service is ready to hit the marketplace, it needs to be promoted effectively. Although we spend billions of pounds on advertising each year, there is much to be gained from using the PR tools at our disposal.

Not least of all because it is free! Other than working hours, it costs nothing to write a press release and send it to media channels.

The other major benefit of good PR is the credibility it brings an organisation; thirdparty endorsement by a reliable media outlet does wonders for a business’s reputation in ways that paid advertising never can.

Here are our five top tips for effective PR: • Compile a list of relevant media contacts and keep it updated.

• Ensure the person dealing with the press is media trained.

• Press releases are not hyperbole. Keep it simple: who, what, when, where and why.

• A picture speaks a thousand words! Send good quality photos with your press release.

• Always seek approval before quoting someone and be aware of the risks of being misquoted.

Kelvin Golding FCIM Chartered Marketer Chairman CIM

How to Spot a Phishing Email With over 260 million phishing emails sent every single day, there is a pretty good chance that one of these may land in your inbox.

So, how do you make sure you aren’t one of the many to fall victim to a phishing or spoofing attack and end up accidently providing them your personal or financial details?

There are numerous ways to detect fake sites or emails, phishing, etc. Here are 5 you should know about: 1. Wrong URL Address Hackers use fake sites to steal your information and basically it’s your responsibility to make sure you are responding to legitimate email. Just hover your mouse to see preview of the address. For example, you received an email from Barclays, it should be someone@barclays.co.uk.

If it is something like someone@bank-barclaysuk.com, or barclaysbank@hotmail.com it’s a fake.

2. Nosy Requests Your Bank, HMRC, Police or any other institution are NEVER going to request your Bank Account, Credit/Debit Card Number or any personal detail

in an email. If someone is asking for it, it’s not right.

3. Suspicious Attachments Is this new email in your inbox the first time your bank has sent you an attachment? Most financial institutions or retailers will not send out attachments via email, so be careful about opening any from senders or messages that seem suspicious. High risk attachments file types include: .exe, .scr, .zip, .com, .bat.

4. Typos and Bad Grammar Misspellings or grammatical errors are another sure sign that the message or site is fake.

5. Low Resolution Images A warning to a false email message is poor image quality of the company’s logo or other graphics. Email message itself can be an image as it is quite a common practise among spammers. Also, there may be embedded links for you to hover over within the image for an extra step of precaution.

If you see any suspicious email, just hit “Delete”. Most of the

popular email client software like Microsoft Outlook, Windows Mail, Gmail, Mozilla Thunderbird etc. will automatically block/disable embedded images/links within inbound emails. Do not download these images or enable links unless you are sure of the legitimacy of the email.

If any legitimate entity needs to contact you they can write to you or give you a call. Over 30% of computers are infected through emails so being vigilant is very important.

TekOne Technologies, based in Stevenage, is a leading provider of affordable technology solutions for businesses. You can contact them at 01438 771000.

Do employers ‘get’ flexible working?

Just 6% of quality job adverts in the UK mention flexible working.

So why aren’t more companies adopting this valuable employee benefit?

It’s possible there’s still confusion around what flexibility actually means. It certainly doesn’t mean that your employee will disappear into the sunset and start to reduce output. It doesn’t mean they care less, and it certainly doesn’t mean they won’t be ‘as good’ as full-time members of staff.

According to ACAS, flexible working can describe a place of work, for example homeworking, or a type of contract, such as a temporary contract. But it can also describe part-time working, flexi-time, job sharing and shift work.

Reducing absenteeism Flexible workers are people who don’t work a five-day week in usual office hours.

In the case of a homeworking example, your employee might still do five-days, but one might be worked at home to help them avoid a hellish commute one day a week.

In that case, your employee will be more motivated, happy and even healthier for having greater rest by saving time that would otherwise be spent on a long journey.

By offering flexible working in this type of situation, you are potentially cutting down on absenteeism and providing employees with the motivation they require to excel at their role. It’s a cliché, but a happy worker is a productive, and often more loyal, worker.

A better balance for everyone At Ten2Two, many of our clients are repeat customers, so once you’ve discovered the benefits of recruiting flexibly, you might find it’s the ideal option for your business.

And as a company, you’ll also be leading the pack as a forward-thinking employer who understands the huge benefits of flexible workers and how they’re essential to driving the UK’s economy forward.

To find out more call 01442 503 727 or visit www.ten2two.org INSPIRE

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Claire Maugham, director of policy and communications at Smart Energy GB, explains what the rollout of smart meters means for small businesses in Great Britain and why you should be asking your supplier for one.

Getting a grip on your energy If I asked what your business’s monthly energy bill was the chances are you’d reply, “I have no idea.”

Most small businesses could tell you how much the lease costs for the shop or store they operate from, and how much they spend on employees’ salaries.

When it comes to energy however, many do not have the accurate information they need to understand exactly how much it is costing them to keep the lights on and stay trading, despite the fact that energy bills form such a significant chunk of the average small firm’s total expenses.

Indeed for small retailers and suppliers, the cost of energy is one of the biggest concerns when operating a business, with Citizens Advice reporting that nearly half (46%) of small business owners cite mains electricity as their most significant worry.

But while energy costs are seen as an issue, engagement among small businesses remains low. The CMA’s landmark investigation into the energy industry found that nearly half (45%) of microbusinesses were still on the default electricity tariff that their provider had set them up on.

Energy bills are daunting for small businesses. Searching around for the best deal armed with estimated bills can prove complex and confusing. But there is now a significant development that means small businesses can finally take control of their energy use.

The government has said that energy suppliers must offer small businesses, (with fewer than ten full time employees) along with every household in Great Britain, a smart meter by 2020. Smart meters will mean an end to this system of estimated billing, which is a symptom of an analogue energy network.

Instead of relying on estimates or manual meter readings, smart meters will communicate usage data to your energy supplier directly and digitally.

This means your supplier will have more accurate, up to date information and therefore you will get more accurate bills. There will no longer be any need to worry about meter readings (which will be consigned to history) and no need to worry that you’re paying too much. And the fear of a bill will be greatly reduced as you can see how much you are spending in pounds and pence.

The result for small businesses will be less confusion and fewer questions when the bill comes through the letterbox.

The overall benefits small businesses can expect to realise as a result of the rollout of smart meters are about £1.44bn.

Smart Energy GB is the national campaign for the smart meter rollout.

It is our job to communicate with small businesses and householders, across the country about smart meters, helping them to understand how smart meters can benefit them.

If you would like more information about smart meters go to smartenergygb.org.

Energy Doctor prescribes smart meters for small businesses Small businesses can get their energy health in check with the help of a smart meter.

This is the message from Dr. Paul Swift, an energy consultant from the Carbon Trust.

Many small businesses struggle to keep track of how much they spend on energy, and which equipment or activities are causing unnecessary waste.

Dr. Paul has created an energy health checklist to help microbusinesses get on the road to energy health. (See below) Dr. Paul Swift has helped businesses around the world save energy. He said: “When you have the right information and you pay attention to it, it’s simple to find ways to take control of your energy use. Many microbusinesses feel they can’t make energy efficiencies, because they think they have to invest lots of money into new equipment to make a dent.

“But with the help of a smart meter, it’s easy to identify what is using the most energy, at what times, and take action - big or small - to cut down. Every penny saved on energy is a penny saved on the bottom line.”

The Energy Doctor’s energy health checklist for microbusinesses

1. How much are you spending?

• Speak to your supplier about getting a smart meter 2. What’s using the most energy?

• Identify the energy hogs – a smart meter and plug-in watt meters will help 3. Have you got your timings right?

• Switch high wattage items on later, or turn them off earlier. Use plug in timers so you don’t forget 4. Do you need new equipment?

• Decide how long you’re prepared to wait for new kit to pay for itself. Check the Carbon Trust’s Green Business Directory of accredited suppliers and look into specialist energy efficiency financing 5. Are your staff on board?

• Focus on the changes that save the most. And don’t preach 6. Can you stop heat (and money) from escaping?

• Check for drafts. Insulate lofts and walls and add foam strips and brush fixings to doors and windows

Why switching to a smart meter makes sense

Smart meters are going to transform the way that businesses buy and use their gas and electricity – and anyone in any doubt should ask the team at London law firm SW19Lawyers LLP about the benefits they have seen since making the move to the new technology.

SW19Lawyers LLP provides advice on employment and commercial law issues to both individuals and a wide range of businesses. The firm became part of the national rollout of smart meters when they had theirs installed, and the decision has proved itself a great success.

Belinda Eriksson, a founding partner of SW19Lawyers LLP, said the move was simple to make. She said: “Changing over was very easy. Our energy supplier arranged an appointment to replace their previous meter with a smart meter. We can log into our account to access accurate consumption data to aid in cutting usage where possible.”

There are many advantages to having smart meters, not least the way they provide domestic consumers and business owners with accurate bills.

No nasty surprises!

The accuracy of smart meters helps you see what you are spending on gas and electricity in pounds and pence, in near real time, allowing greater control over usage. You can work out which appliances are guzzling the most energy.

With accurate readings and bills, there is no longer the confusion of estimated bills which make it difficult to work out usage properly.

Belinda said: “SW19Lawyers LLP receives accurate bills without estimations or having to provide readings. The firm has saved 18% to date on our bills in 2016 compared to last year. “ Such savings are easy to make with a smart meter. Many small businesses across the country who have made the switch to smart meters are also finding the potential cost savings an added bonus to claiming their meters. By being able to monitor how, where and when

their energy usage is at its most, they are able to adjust their working methods and save money.

As users are better informed, there is also a huge knock-on benefit for the environment because a greater awareness of energy usage tends to encourage more efficient energy use.

As smart meters mean no more estimated bills, you only pay for the gas and electricity that you actually use. Through better understanding of accurate usage, savings are easy to make while also benefiting the environment.

Between now and 2020, many small businesses across England, Scotland and Wales will be able to claim their smart meter from their energy supplier.

Indeed, more than 4 million smart meters have already been installed in GB homes and businesses.

Increasing numbers of people are agreeing that the move makes sense and smart meters are rapidly replacing the traditional meters that most of us still have in our homes and businesses in an upgrade that is unprecedented in its scale as it rolls out nationwide.

To find out how you can get a smart meter from your energy supplier, please visit smartenergyGB.org/smallbusinesses

“Between now and 2020, many small businesses across England, Scotland and Wales will be able to claim their smart meter from their energy supplier.”

Health&Wellbeing

Getting your life back Get back to health quickly with this helpful advice.

By Mr. James Langdon, Consultant Spinal Surgeon

Mr Langdon’s top 5 Back Pain tips: 1. Stay mobile and avoid prolonged bed rest 2. Regular pain killers 3. Avoid being in any one position for too long - have regular movement breaks to try and avoid your back from stiffening up 4. Carry on your normal activities, but reduce the intensity 5. Set up your computer so that the screen is at head height, encouraging you to sit up straight

Whether it was caused by a winning kick in football, or just by lifting something heavy, back pain affects most people at some point in their lives.

Mr James Langdon is a consultant spinal surgeon at Spire Harpenden Hospital. He shares his tips on how to avoid straining your back, as well as how to relieve back pain.

What are the common causes of back pain?

Back pain is very common. Your back is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves and joints. This can often make it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain.

Back pain can be very severe and therefore also quite frightening.

In the majority of cases back pain is not caused by serious damage or disease but by minor soft tissue sprains or strains. Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities, can develop over time, or can come on suddenly for no apparent reason.

Very occasionally back pain can be a sign that there is something more serious going on. If your back pain does not start to settle after 10 days or if it is getting progressively worse then you should see your GP.

Whilst we may not always be able to tell you the cause of your back pain, we are very good at excluding serious causes of back pain.

The signs that your back pain may represent something more serious are called ‘Red Flags’.

The red flags are a history of previous cancer, unexplained weight loss, feeling unwell, change of your bladder or bowel function, pain that wakes you at night, and pain radiating into your arms or legs.

What should I do if I have back pain?

The most important thing is to stay mobile, avoiding prolonged periods of bed rest. It often helps to take some regular antiinflammatories and pain killers.

If you are more comfortable you will be able to engage in more normal movement, which will help you get better quickly.

Many people find it helpful to see a physiotherapist, osteopath, or chiropractor.

To book an appointment with Mr Langdon or another consultant at Spire Harpenden, contact the friendly team now on 05182 714 420 or visit www.spireharpenden.com

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24Hours

24.Hours A job with the wow factor

Tom Byng Tax Partner MHA MacIntyre Hudson For Tom Byng, the working day can be a varied and rewarding one as he helps companies to secure funding to take advantage of their innovative ideas.

Tom, who is a tax partner at accountants MHA MacIntyre Hudson, advises businesses from a variety of industries, primarily on

how to obtain tax relief on their Research and Development (R & D) work, a process which can secure them valuable cash injections.

Since joining MHA MacIntyre Hudson in March 2013, after 12 years at a Big Four firm, Tom has obtained cash refunds for clients totalling more than £10 million and to date has not had a claim turned down.

Tom, who has a national role in the firm's specialist technology sector group so can find himself visiting companies all over the country, said: “My working day generally begins with looking at emails before I leave home.

“Some of my clients are based overseas and it can be useful to send them an email the night before and wake up to an answer the next morning.

“I tend to get into the office for 8.30am and much of my day will be taken up with meetings with clients, many of them in Hertfordshire or in London but there are some in other parts of the country as well.

“I will go to see them on my own or with a colleague to discuss their R&D work and obtain sufficient information to go away and do the work.

“Securing tax relief can be really important for companies, particularly small ones who maybe only have two or three employees and might not have much income if they are in the early stages of their development.

“The money they get back, and it can be a third of what they spend on R & D, can be used to help them continue to develop their ideas. The key to our approach is to minimise the time taken by our clients, so they can concentrate on their business, whilst maximising the benefits – most businesses are happy to spend an hour to obtain significant cash credits!

“I deal with a variety of companies, everything from a brewery developing a new beer or one devising protein bars to a company working on new ways of producing cardboard boxes.

“You see some remarkable things, some of which you look at and say ‘that’s so simple but so clever, why did I not think of it?’ to some that make you just stand back and say ‘wow!’”

Tom, who lives in Hertford, said: “My working day tends to end at 5.30-6pm. I have a three-year-old son so try to be back for bed time. I try not to do too much work at home but I will check my emails in an evening.

“I might not necessarily do much with them in the evening because they may require a lot of work but I will deal with any that are urgent or would take little time to answer so in the morning I can just focus on the bigger ones.”

“Securing tax relief can be really important for companies, particularly small ones who maybe only have two or three employees and might not have much income if they are in the early stages of their development.”

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01923 729923

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Finance

Funding support announced The Government has announced a series of funding initiatives to support its Industrial Strategy and help companies develop new services and products.

Plans to secure the UK’s longterm commitment to research and innovation, include: • substantial real terms increases in government investment worth £2 billion per year by 2020 for research and development, to ensure British business remains at the cutting edge of scientific and technological discovery • a new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund to back priority technologies – such as robotics and biotechnology – where the UK has the potential to turn strengths in research into a global industrial and commercial lead • a review of current R&D tax incentives to ensure the global competitiveness of the UK as a home for scientists, innovators and tech investors Prime Minister Theresa May told the recent CBI Annual Conference: “It is a new way of thinking for government – a new approach. It is about government stepping up, not stepping back, building on our strengths, and helping Britain overcome the long-standing challenges in our economy that have held us back for too long.

“It is about making the most of the historic opportunity we now have to signal an important, determined change.

“It is not about propping up failing industries or picking winners, but creating the conditions where winners can emerge and grow.

“It is about backing those winners all the way, to encourage them to invest in the long-term future of Britain. And about delivering jobs and economic growth to every community and corner of the country.

The new Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, overseen by UK Research and Innovation, will back projects covering a number of priority technologies and help Britain build on existing strengths in research and development.

Despite its strengths in science, Britain has until now been relatively weak on commercialisation, meaning that all too often ideas developed in this country end up being commercialised elsewhere.

The Government has been consulting on how the fund can best support emerging fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence, industrial biotechnology and medical technology, satellites, advanced materials manufacturing and other areas where the UK has a proven scientific strength and there is a significant economic opportunity for commercialisation.

To realise the full economic potential of these new technologies, the Prime Minister also announced a review of the support for organisations undertaking research through the tax system, looking at the global competitiveness of the UK offer.

The Government’s business and tax reforms since 2010 have

delivered one of the most competitive corporate tax regimes in the world by cutting corporation tax and increasing R&D tax credits – from £1 billion to almost £2.5 billion a year.

Research shows each £1 spent on R&D tax credits stimulates between £1.53 and £2.35 of additional investment in the UK.

“It is not about propping up failing industries or picking winners, but creating the conditions where winners can emerge and grow.

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Dacorum

Get ready to enter Dacorum’s Den 2017 The new year brings new opportunities for small businesses in the Berkhamsted, Tring and Hemel Hempstead area with the return of Dacorum’s Den 2017.

Mirroring the Dragon’s Den TV format, this local business grant scheme invites budding entrepreneurs to apply for up to £1,000 to grow and develop.

All Dacorum based businesses

with fewer than 20 employees and an annual turnover of less than £1 million are eligible.

Organised by Dacorum Borough Council and supported by local sponsors including Haspineall Collins, JE2, FFEI, Abode Bed & Continental, Gyron, Sopra Steria and McDonald’s in Apsley, the scheme opens on 24 March with workshop from 9 to 11am covering how to apply.

The deadline for applications is 19 May. Applicants who make the shortlist will be invited to put their ideas before a panel of judges led

by MP Mike Penning MP on 7 July who will hear their ideas.

Now in its sixth year, Dacorum’s

Den has awarded £50,000 to Dacorum businesses and created 33 jobs within the borough.

Last year’s grant winners included Spirit of the Old Town which offers historical costumed tours around Hemel Hempstead and Sherry Hostler Cake Artistry, a new cake business opening in Tring.

All businesses applying will receive business support from the Council’s Enterprise and Investment Team regardless to the outcome.

If you’ve got a great business idea or are keen to expand your business in Dacorum, visit www.dacorumlooknofurther.co.uk/ dacorums-den

Are you linked in?

Make new contacts, be inspired by speakers and share ideas at the ‘Get Linked In’ event on 7 March from 8am at the Watermill Hotel in Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead.

Tickets are just £15 +VAT including breakfast and can be

booked by searching for ‘Dacorum Look No Further’ on LinkedIn or email philippa.shaw@dacorum.gov.uk.

It’s a great opportunity to network with your local business community and discover new opportunities.

Landmark hub takes Hemel to new heights Hemel Hempstead's striking new council, library and voluntary services hub opens for business on Monday 16 January.

The Forum is set to revitalise the northern end of Hemel Hempstead town centre as part of Dacorum Borough Council's Hemel Evolution regeneration programme.

Work will begin this year on a surrounding modern apartment complex which will create over 200 new homes and increase footfall to support the local economy.

Set to become a new landmark in the town’s history, the 75,000 sq ft energy-efficient building constructed by R G Carter will significantly decrease annual running costs, rule out the need for a multi-million refurbishment of the out-dated 1960s Civic Centre and free up this site for further development.

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Discover a great place to do business

SBC offers the next generation of pharma and biotech companies and academic groups a dynamic space to innovate, collaborate and grow.

• High spec laboratory space

• Modern office suites

• Impressive Boardroom and meeting spaces

• Collaborative, open innovation culture

• Access to state of the art equipment

• Wide range of business support

To arrange a viewing or for more information: Email: info@stevenagecatalyst.com www.stevenagecatalyst.com

Bioscience

Catalysing Innovation by Exploring New Ways of Collaboration Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) is the UK's first open innovation biomedical catalyst, co-located with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Describing open innovation as a means of partnering and collaborating effectively, Dr Martino Picardo, CEO of the SBC, talks about future plans for the sector and the campus.

What is Open Innovation and how is SBC helping to deliver it?

We have tried not to get bogged down with the terminology but we do follow the Chesbrough model which focuses on partnering and collaborating early enough in the industry/academia/start-up space to make a difference. It is an attitude; we frequently talk about having an appetite to engage and this is one of the biggest entry criteria for the SBC. We want to engage with good science and excellent scientists at an early stage in a way that we can help translate success early and efficiently, or help to stop or redirect research where appropriate to avoid failing at a late stage and after investment. It goes well beyond standard out-sourcing and builds on the principle that you can never grow an organisation so big and so efficient that you have the best of everything in one team.

You have to partner and collaborate, and we are delivering quantifiable evidence that this is happening here and now.

SBC has an impressive list of tenants and wider community contacts – can you tell us about a few of the exciting projects being fostered?

Our role is to help our high calibre tenants foster a safe, engaging and interactive environment. Having already attracted UCL, University of Cambridge, MRCT and GE, alongside a whole host of other quality tenants (J&J, Lilly and Sanofi also have partnering offices here), we have a mini-cluster of antibody therapeutics companies

and we are just beginning to work with companies in the cell and gene therapy space. I’m excited

by GSK’s announcement regarding the establishment of Galvani Bioelectronics on campus, a collaboration with Google.

We are keen to partner more with the NHS, as we are doing with the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs). This is unexplored territory and, with the opening of the Crick Institute at St Pancras, we are keen to explore more opportunities with them.

Our role will be to continue to catalyse innovation across the UK, not just in Stevenage, so watch this space!

SBC will be the site of a new state-of-art Cell & Gene Therapy manufacturing centre – tell us more It is exciting! The £55 million world-first cell and gene therapy manufacturing is expected to create more than 150 jobs when it opens on campus in 2017.

The facility will enable a large number of firms to manufacture different cell therapies for late phase clinical trials and the commercial supply of cell and gene therapies which could be used in health services around the world. We based the bid on our location (easy access to airports, at the heart of the golden triangle) and the quality of our growing ecosystem. The south east is a hothouse for skills and training and the Catapult really bought into our vision for the future. This is very much a national strategic endeavour and one that we are very proud to be associated.

I see the ecosystem growing exponentially in a fascinating area with great prospects for patient benefit.

How do you see the life sciences and healthcare sector in the UK developing over the next 3-5 years?

I see more changes from top to bottom. We must improve our translational capabilities from Universities and we need more early stage investment for our start-ups. I envisage more dramatic change within pharma and hopefully some large scale biotech growth in the UK. We are heading rapidly towards a hugely innovative digital health era for

new medicines development that is bound to impact on the precision medicine and big data industries. I’m hoping for more joined-up thinking and connectivity within our life science communities across the UK. I hope that SBC will continue to build and succeed, growing the on-site capacity and within our ecosystem. We shall continue to promote Open Innovation as a means of partnering and collaborating effectively - early, locally, nationally and globally.

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LastWord

Dedicated to working with the business community How networking plays a crucial role in business development.

Julie Newlan University of Hertfordshire Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and International Development Q What do you do?

In my role as Pro Vice-Chancellor I am responsible for: • Business development, innovation and enterprise • Student employment and enterprise • International business • Marketing and Communications As well as overseeing strategy in these areas, I manage teams and initiatives relating to graduate employability, reputation management, fundraising and recruitment. My role also covers leveraging intellectual property, and developing enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities for students and staff.

With the Marketing and Communications remit, I am also responsible for: • UK, EU and international recruitment • Corporate media • PR and events • Fundraising • Alumni relations Q Who do you work for?

I am part of the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC). The OVC is a Professional Strategic Business Unit (SBU) which brings together a number of teams which support a range of corporate activity within the University of Hertfordshire.

Patrons

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Q Why did you join the Chamber?

As one of the county’s largest employers and organisations we thought it was imperative to be a part of the Chamber. Being a member gives us access to relevant stakeholders and allows us to understand what the Hertfordshire business community wants and needs. We can then ensure that any advice provided through the University’s Business Support Services is relevant to local companies and remains of the highest quality.

Q What you do get from it?

Being a part of the Chamber means the University is plugged to the local business community and allows us to work very closely with it. This is done in several different ways, from initiatives such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and professional and career development to our students and graduates finding jobs and work placements in the region.

Q How has it helped your business network?

When you’re an organisation as a large as a university it is imperative to develop and grow your business network nationally and internationally, which the Chamber also helps with. But it is also important to keep in contact with local and regional stakeholders and networks, which is where being a member of Chamber is really beneficial.

Q What advice would you give someone starting out?

My advice would be to work with your local university! No matter what your business is, chances are that the University will be able to help you build and develop it in a variety of ways.

At Hertfordshire, we have a huge capability in training and development, such as providing short courses for personal or career development to offering bespoke business services designed to help new businesses get measurable results and tailored advice. The University has an excellent track record in supporting start-ups and small businesses.

We can also help start-ups by providing funding opportunities, project expertise, consultancy support and even offer a range of bespoke facilities for hire. Business can even recruit our students and graduates as employees or on work placements.

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

As with many businesses, the Higher Education sector is in a state of flux due to the political upheaval of the past year caused by the Brexit vote. And I think that will continue to be the biggest challenge going in to 2017.

The uncertainty of how Brexit will affect the business community will continue to be a massive challenge for everyone from start-ups and SMEs to organisations like the University of Hertfordshire. The issues around Brexit and business are multifaceted from the economic impact to movement of labour, until this is sorted out I think it is going to be a challenging environment to do business in.

However, I think the University is well placed to face these challenges, as is the region’s entire business community. This is because Hertfordshire, as a county, has a diverse, innovative and vibrant business sector that can help sustain and drive forward economic growth.

Q What support do you want from government?

Clarification is needed on the issues of Brexit but also on overseas students in relation to immigration. Overseas students are vital to wider UK economy as well as the higher education sector and the country needs to be seen as an attractive option for international students.

As for Brexit, many of the UK’s university staff and students come from the European Union and a lack of clarity means an uncertain future for everyone involved which will no doubt impact on the market.