INSPIRE.32 The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce May - June 2019
Putting workplace health top of the agenda - page 4
n Inspiring Hertfordshre Awards 2019 Finalists announced - p 9
n Herts Global Brexit:
all is not doom and gloom - p 22
n The transformation of Stevenage
- p 32
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Welcome
Contents
Just do something! They confirmed that strong opinions abound within the business community. Many are against Brexit, others are in favour, but what came through loud and clear was the frustration at the constant delays we have witnessed over the past three years and, more significantly, in recent weeks with the farcical scenes in the House of Commons.
Briege with Adam Marshall, Director General, at the BCC Conference in March
I write this, my first foreword as Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, at a time of unprecedented turmoil for the country and for business. Brexit has cast a long shadow and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. However, in a way, it does not matter what kind of Brexit we end up with, despite the strength of belief on both sides. I am not dismissing those beliefs – far from it – but I think that what matters here is that we end up with something because nothing is more damaging to business than uncertainty. We are already seeing clear evidence that business investment is slowing down and that foreign companies are thinking twice about being based in the UK. From car manufacturers to logistics companies, the continued uncertainty is a major worry. Indeed, in March the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting growth of just 1.2% in 2019 (down from 1.3%), which if realised would be the weakest growth in a decade. The BCC also downgraded its growth forecast for 2020 to 1.3% (down from 1.5%) and
published its first forecast for 2021 of 1.4% growth. The report expressed concern about ‘a weaker outlook for business investment and trade amid continued Brexit uncertainty and slower expected global economic growth’, identifying them as the main drivers behind the organisation’s decision to downgrade its forecasts. In addition, business investment is forecast to decline by 1.0% in 2019, which if realised, would be the weakest outturn since the financial crisis in 2009. ‘Ongoing uncertainty over the UK’s future relationship with the EU,’ says the report, ‘is expected to continue to weigh on investment intentions.’ These worries were underlined when I recently attended the British Chambers of Commerce annual conference in London. Speakers ranged from BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall (who took a selfie with me!) to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the quality of addresses was high, as each speaker argued their own point, whether it be pro Brexit or against. Many of the arguments were compelling, powerful even, but more striking for me were the discussions between sessions with fellow Chamber Chief Executives.
Uncertainty like that causes great harm to business by engendering paralysis. Companies cannot carry out planning for the future, cannot make choices, cannot do anything. I was particularly struck by Adam Marshall’s words at the conference, in which he said: “To Westminster we say: We are frustrated. We are angry. You have let British business down. You have focused on soundbites, not substance, tactics, not strategy, politics, not prosperity, listening without hearing. And as a result, businesses and communities in every part of the UK are still unsure about when the future starts – let alone what it holds. Three years going round in circles. Three years is long enough. We in Chambers of Commerce have been practical and pragmatic from the start. We have campaigned – since the day after the referendum in June 2016 – for clear, precise answers to the real-world questions that face our businesses’. They are thought-provoking words but, given the terrible damage being caused by competing political groupings to businesses in areas like Hertfordshire, it is difficult to disagree. In this edition of the magazine, as ever, you will find inspiring stories of businesses and business people doing inspiring things – they deserve better from our political leaders. Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer
Health & Wellbeing in the workplace 4-7 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 8-9 Inspirational Leaders 12-13 New Members 16 Membership Benefits 17 Patron Focus 18-19 Growth Hub 22 Herts Global 23 Finance 24 Past Events 25 Chamber Events 26-29 Tourism 30-31 Spotlight Focus - Stevenage 32-35 Building Connections 36 Members News 37-39 Conference & Events 40-47 Skills & Development 48 Last Word 50 •••• Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 502180 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published June 2019 © 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. 1618 •••• 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. ©2019 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
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Health & Wellbeing
Putting workplace health top of the agenda There is a growing awareness about the importance of supporting a healthy workplace. Here we examine some ways of making it possible. Photo courtesy of Woodhouse Workspace
Creating a healthy workplace Wellbeing in the workplace has seen a surge of interest in recent years. As an employer you have a duty of care to look after your employees' health and comfort. But what has become more evident is that an organisation's success depends on the wellbeing of their employees. When employees work in a positive and pleasant environment, they are happier and more motivated; they work harder, collaborate more with their peers, sleep better, have higher levels of productivity and ultimately, deliver better results for the business.
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According to the International WELL Building Institute, there are seven fundamental needs that a working environment should cater to; air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mind. The WELL standard certifies a workplace that helps people to work, live, perform and feel their best. At Woodhouse we believe passionately in improving wellness at work. And we do that as part of our Smarter Workspace strategy. We create workspaces that help businesses work smarter using scientific data. The focus is around three key aspects; 1. Improving culture, wellbeing and talent retention
2. Increasing productivity, communication and collaboration and 3. Enhancing your corporate brand. If any one of these elements is overlooked, especially the user wellbeing, the overall objectives will be missed. As quoted by the MD of Mane Contract Services, who has recently moved into a new Smarter Workspace: “Having moved into this workspace, I think for everybody there is a sense of one. It gave an instant boost to all staff, just in the way that people have even come dressed to work. The biggest thing has been a much greater
collaborative approach and productivity has improved”. To find out how to apply these principles to your office, Woodhouse Workspace will be hosting a ‘Wellbeing in the Workplace Q&A breakfast panel’ on 22nd May 2019. The panel consists of senior leaders from local large enterprises who have successfully implemented wellbeing strategies into their own environments. If you would like to attend or find out more, please visit http://woodhouseworkspace.com/ wellbeing/ I look forward to seeing you there! Matthew Cooper Woodhouse Workspace
Health & Wellbeing
Photo courtesy of Woodhouse Workspace
Why exercise is so important A recent survey by Public Health England revealed that more than half of adults in the UK fail to do a brisk 10-minute walk not daily, or even per week but in a whole month! It is very easy to slip into a habit of going to work and then being so shattered at the end of the day that all you want to do is to collapse on the sofa and then roll into bed, the last thing you want to do is exercise! If you are reading this at work you are likely to be sitting at your desk using a PC; without moving an inch, stop and check your posture, is your head tilted forward? Is your chin curling to your chest? Are your shoulders rounding? You are well on your way to developing hyperkyphosis, an excessive curvature of the upper back caused by slouching all day, the results? Back pain…. Not just our posture suffers; sitting down all day at your desk puts us at risk of becoming overweight and obese which can lead to conditions including diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, add to this a sedentary job and the risks shoot up! Think exercise and you may automatically conjure up a gym and associate this with a hard slog, not enjoyable and not achievable but, your body needs to move, every day and across a full range of movements. Walking is great, you don’t need to run, swim, dance, active gardening; anything you enjoy and can keep it up for at least 20 minutes will do the trick. Workers often say they don’t have time to be active, there is always time, get into the habit of walking in your lunch hour for 10 minutes, the effect on your physical and mental wellbeing can be huge, set your alarm so that every 55 minutes you get up and stretch, choose the loo’s furthest away from your office, make regular trips to the water fountain and of course, take the stairs and not the lift. Dump the sugary snacks, offices tend to have more sweets and cakes on offer than most leading supermarkets, choose fruit as an
option, plan your lunches the night before so that you don’t have to swipe a sausage roll on the go! You don’t have to enter the local marathon, or try the latest restricting fad diet, making small changes to your food choices and activity levels, increasing the time and intensity of what you do gradually will be far more beneficial. Your body and later life independence depends on you - treat it well people and it will last a life time! If your organisation would like more information on Healthy Workplace Packages, visit https://www.sll.co.uk/ healthy-lifestyles/
Is your business’s way of working zapping your employees’ va va voom? All businesses want to attract and retain great talent – creating a working environment and culture where people feel good, healthy and at their best is key. Do your ways of working appeal to potential and existing employees? Are you a traditional “9 to 5” business or do you provide some choice about the where, when and how of work -helping employees be at their best, blend work: life together and reduce everyday stresses? In a recent YouGov survey, 87% of people felt that having flexibility at work improved their productivity. Flexible ways of working enhance engagement and wellbeing but what are they? It’s not just about part time, working from home or
“one size fits all”. Think “coffee shop” - where you have many options available so you can personalise your choice yet get a great end product. Your ways of working menu options are around location. Workplaces with alternative work settings enable choice about where to do work (desks, meeting rooms, breakout spaces to name a few). How modern and healthy is your environment and does it make people feel good? Do you enable your employees to work from other locations including client locations, from home, coffee shops or wherever? The second option is time – do you have fixed working hours and why? Could your time focus move from “time at desk” to “outputs delivered”? Could you consider a more fluid structure that enables people to travel and work at times more suited to their needs and in return reduce their commute, costs and stress levels? The third aspect is personal preference. Often businesses overlook the fact that different people need and want different approaches to give their best. Open plan can be hard for extroverts and introverts alike so having choice, building self awareness and giving permission all help build resilience and enhance wellbeing. Staying connected to the business and the team is critical for our wellbeing and productivity so ensure that you create opportunities for employees to connect in person regularly and “top their team battery up”. Organisations that use more flexible ways of work attract more applications – as much as 60% more and retain productive & engaged employees for longer. The return of investment is clear. Interested in changing your ways of work? Contact Liese Lord at The Lightbulb Tree Hello@thelightbulbtree.com or visit www.thelightbulbtree.com
Mental health problems are all too common in the workplace Mental health problems are all too common in the workplace and it is the leading cause of sickness absence. A staggering 70 million work days are lost each year due to mental health problems in the UK, costing employers approximately £2.4 billion per year – Source: The Mental Health Foundation. Tilehouse Therapeutic Services (TTS) provides a fully managed, professional counselling service, based in Hitchin. They work with people suffering from emotional health problems which are directly affecting their day-to-day lives. Many people who are experiencing emotional distress struggle to cope at work, in relationships and in almost every aspect of their lives. Without support these difficulties can easily escalate into entrenched mental health problems. Professional counselling supports people to help them work through their emotional difficulties, so that they can function better in their lives. TTS has a team of professionally trained BACP accredited counsellors with many years of working with people suffering from anxiety and depression, bereavement and loss, stress, relationship issues, selfharming, drug and alcohol abuse, issues around gender and sexuality, and poor self-worth and self-esteem. We work with people to reduce depression and anxiety, which is often a result of traumatic life experiences, to improve relationships and reduce loneliness, to raise self-esteem, and help people understand and change behaviours that are harmful to themselves. Building resilience is an important aspect of our work. It ensures people will be better equipped to deal with further life challenges. The improvements individuals experience inevitably have a knock-on effect to friends, family, colleagues and community. Their work reduces feelings of isolation and marginalisation caused by mental health issues. Counselling empowers people to identify better coping strategies enabling them to stop selfdestructive behaviours and move forward more positively in their lives. For further information visit www.tts.org.uk or email: counselling@tts.org.uk
INSPIRE Photo courtesy of Woodhouse Workspace
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Do you know what the British Red Cross does in Hertfordshire?
The British Red Cross helps anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world to get the support they need if crisis strikes. From hiring a wheelchair or dealing with loneliness – the Red Cross is there when needed. Occasionally there is a misconception that the Red Cross only operates internationally or only gives assistance for large scale incidents, but we have multiple local community service schemes which include the following: • Emergency Response (including an Emergency Response Vehicle) 24/7 365 days a year • First Aid training • Event First Aid • Supporting people home from hospital • Loan of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs
You can help make a difference to people in crisis by: • Making us your Charity of the Year • Making a donation (cheques payable to British Red Cross, or call Cathy for BACs details) • Running a team building event whilst raising funds • Any other fundraising activities • Volunteering with us
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH: Cathy Curtis, Senior Community Fundraiser, Hertfordshire
07921 941394
ccurtis@redcross.org.uk
British Red Cross, Baker Street, Hertford SG13 7HT
The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SCO37738) and Isle of Man (0752)
Our priority is you Your GP will give you the time and care you need when you need it the most. They can refer you for the services you require includingspecialist or nurse-led treatments. We are open 7 days aweek and same day appointments are o en available. Contact us today
Call 01442 330697 osdhealthcare.co.uk
Your partner for a healthy life
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Health & Wellbeing
Why your employees Health & Wellbeing should be your number one priority The cost of employee ill health to UK businesses is growing. It has been estimated to cost the British economy approximately £77.5bn per year with an average of £500 per employee per year in sickness absence alone.
will make them a greater asset for your company and will help you retain valuable staff for longer.
While we all know we need to be more active, there is increasing evidence that shows we also need to spend less time sitting down. However, sedentary jobs are increasing due to an advance in technology and desk-based work. Studies have linked these long bouts of uninterrupted sitting with a whole host of negative health outcomes, as well as substantial psychological effects such as increased depression and anxiety. There is also evidence that regular exercise makes employees sleep better, be more productive, less stressed and more efficient. Overall by giving your employees time to work on their health and wellbeing you will make them fitter, healthier, happier and in turn they will produce better quality work. Engaging your staff in activity
At Hertfordshire Sports Village we can help boost creativity and increase productivity, whilst improving the physical and mental wellbeing among your staff. The corporate wellbeing strand of our business is growing as more companies realise the benefits of Wellbeing Days which include Boditrax scans, in-house group exercise classes, nutritional talks and workshops. Are you interested in having a Wellbeing Day at your company? Please contact our Wellbeing Project Lead at Hertfordshire Sports Village,Georgie Popham at g.popham@herts.ac.uk
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Book your Wellbeing Day today! Quote ‘CORP19’ for 25% off Boditrax is recognised as the world leader in practical body composition analysis. Our portable Boditrax is a precision body composition and cellular monitoring tool that measures over 20 different key metrics related to the body. It will help your employees understand more about their body and what they can do to improve their health and wellbeing.
RIGHT ARM 3.4KG | 77.4%
Your day includes... A Boditrax scan & a free one-month membership for each employee! Get more from your day with added extras below... Group Exercise classes Cholesterol and glucose tests Health and Wellbeing talks
For more information or to book your day, please contact Georgie Popham T 01707 284832 E g.popham@herts.ac.uk
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London-Luton Airport
Inspiring communities should be at the heart of every business Caron Hooper, Community Relations Executive, London Luton Airport The local community has played a central role in the growth and development of London Luton Airport (LLA) for over 80 years. Our transformation from a municipal airfield to a major international airport could not have happened without the support of local residents and businesses, which is why it is our priority to support the local area in every way we can. Our involvement in the local community focuses on three areas: building sustainable communities, contributing to economic growth, and protecting the environment.
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It is particularly important to us that the improvements connected with our recently completed £160 million redevelopment reach beyond the terminal building and bring benefits to the whole community, not just to passengers. Around one third of LLA’s suppliers already come from a 30-mile radius of the airport and the transformation means we’ll be able to create an extra 10,500 jobs. It is also set to help us increase our contribution to the local economy from £732 million to £1.4 billion by 2030.
London-Luton Airport Local residents make up a significant proportion of our passengers each year, with 31% coming from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2018. However, we also want to ensure that careers at LLA are just as accessible as flights. This is why, in line with our commitment to improving social mobility, investing in school programmes and youth employment is at the forefront of our work. An important challenge facing society today is inspiring and supporting the next generation of skilled workers. Our five-week Get Into Airports programme, run in partnership with The Prince’s Trust and The Launch Group, aims to combat this by offering unemployed local young people between the ages of 18-30 training and experience of working in a variety of roles at LLA. They also receive training in first aid, CV building, interviews and presentation skills. To date, we have supported 178 young people, of which 81% have secured full-time employment either directly with LLA or another on-site employer. All those who have not been initially successful have continued to receive ongoing support from The Prince’s Trust for a further six months to help them find work. In addition to Get into Airports, we have also partnered with Develop, a not-for-profit organisation offering education and training programmes, to create the Connect programme. Connect aims to equip young people with the soft skills and knowledge needed to make a smooth transition from education and workplace. It has become clear to us through feedback from airport employers and local authorities that there is an increasing need for a quality ‘pipeline’ of young people entering the workplace for the first time.
The course therefore offers students the opportunity to develop and improve their communication, team working and problem-solving skills. In 2018, 11 schools, involving 164 students, participated in the scheme, with feedback from participants showing that their confidence had increased by an average of 50% thanks to the course. The Connect programme was also able to increase the verbal communication skills of participants by 73% and the nonverbal skills by 70%. This year, we are aiming to support a new cohort of schools in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire so that even more young people feel prepared to enter the work place with confidence and essential skills. Building sustainable communities has also been an important focus of the airport over the last 12 months. One way in which LLA supports the local area is through our Community Trust Fund, an award programme funded by LLA as part of its Community Engagement Approach. Each year, the Fund gives grants totalling £150,000 to local charities and non-profit organisations making an impact on the social, environmental and economic life of our local area. The grants, ranging from £250 to £10,000, helped 13,287 beneficiaries in 2018 and we have donated over £500,000 to community organisations since the fund began in 2013. Through the Community Trust Fund, we have been able to support good causes in everything from youth work to protecting the environment and in 2019 we hope to help projects in areas including Luton, Central Bedfordshire, North Herts District, Stevenage, St Albans District and the Aylesbury Vale District. Our charity partnership is another essential component in our commitment to support local
communities. Macmillan was chosen by the public to become LLA’s charity partner in January 2018 and we are delighted to have already raised more than half the £80,000 pledged for the two-year partnership. Last year, staff at LLA helped to raise more than £45,000, taking part in over ten events with members of the local community throughout the year, including our first-ever Firefighter Challenge, during which staff competed against each other in gruelling firefighter drills; the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning; a Stars in their Eyes charity music night; and regular collections in the airport terminal. We also hosted two Runway Runs which saw 200 people run, walk or jog 10k or 5k around the airport perimeter track alongside the runway. The donations raised through the charity partnership will help to fund Macmillan’s Emergency Grant programme in Bedfordshire, increasing the number of people who have cancer that Macmillan can support. Having cancer can have a significant impact on people’s finances with many patients having to take time off work and travel to the hospital regularly for treatment. The vital grants will help those in need pay for necessities such as clothing, heating bills and transportation to and from hospital.
At LLA, we believe that every business should aim to inspire the local community. We are committed to finding new ways of giving back to residents, through donations and grants, educational programmes and volunteering, as we continue to grow and develop as an airport. Volunteers are critical to the needs of every community, and we are continually impressed by the good deeds carried out in our own local area by people who go above and beyond the call of duty. Through our sponsorship of the Community Champion category in the Inspiring Herts Award 2019, we look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the inspirational people in our local community who have made a significant impact through their volunteering work. www.london-luton.co.uk/ corporate/community Caron Hooper Community Relations Executive Tel: 01582 395 305
“At LLA, we believe that every business should aim to inspire the local community. We are committed to finding new ways of giving back to residents, through donations and grants, educational programmes and volunteering, as we continue to grow and develop as an airport.” INSPIRE
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Inspirational Leader
Taking the helm in challenging times Accountancy firm Hillier Hopkins has a new man at the helm and Alex Bottom is looking forward to guiding the business through fast-moving times. On the top of the new Managing Principal’s in-tray are the twin challenges of Brexit and the continuing changes being wrought on the profession by technology. Alex comes to his new role having joined Hillier Hopkins in 1997 after reading Politics at Lancaster University. Qualifying with first time passes and passing the Case Study with a top ten finish in 2000, he became a Principal of the firm in 2010. As a specialist Audit Principal, he acts for many of the firm’s larger corporate clients, often advising owner-managed businesses on
their corporate structure, as well as operating a large portfolio of not-for-profit clients, mostly in the education sector. Alex said: “I have been with Hillier Hopkins man and boy and from when I first joined I had wanted to be a partner, although in those early days Managing Principal was not something that was on the agenda. “However, if you want to succeed, you have to aim for the top and now I have achieved it.” He leads a firm with a proud history. Established in 1933, Hillier Hopkins is now one of the region’s leading independent Chartered Accountants with offices in London, Watford and Milton Keynes. It provides advice and support to individuals and businesses ranging from small family enterprises to large international corporations and for all of them Brexit is a major challenge, as it is for accountancy firms. Alex said: “Brexit is a challenge but we still do not know exactly what it means for us. The Government has published some guidance but the real work comes when we move onto the next phase following Brexit.
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“The consideration for us is that a lot of the UK rules and legislation governing business is based on European law and the big challenge will be working out what remains after we have left. “We have done some work to prepare for it but the really detailed work will be done in the next phase.” Another major challenge is technology, not only in the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) but also by the Government’s move this year to all-digital tax returns. Alex believes that technological advancement is changing not just the job of the accountant but the type of people that firms seek to recruit. He said: “Accountancy is changing because of technology, something we have been living with for thirty or forty years. “If you went back even twenty years, a lot of people did not have laptops and their tax returns and record-keeping were paper-based.
Now everyone has a laptop and the Government wants tax to be all digital. “That has the potential to eradicate any human errors in the calculations but it means that we have to be able to explain things very clearly to our clients. “AI is changing the job. Not so long ago, firms like ours tended to recruit people who were good at adding up rows of figures but technology has removed the routine and mundane work. “AI can add up the figures, and as a result the job is much more about people with inter-personal skills. We are looking for people who can understand the questions that those calculations present and who can explain them to our clients.” Despite the challenges, he is looking forward to his new role as Managing Principal, saying: “The business is growing and, for all the doubt surrounding Brexit, I am confident about the future.”
“The consideration for us is that a lot of the UK rules and legislation governing business is based on European law and the big challenge will be working out what remains after we have left.”
Inspirational Leader “My current role is very exciting. Our work is to future-proof the business by taking our technology into sectors which are a long way from online grocery, everything from container ports and railroads to vertical farming, car parks and configurable buildings. It is radically different. “The reality is that our technologies know very little about groceries because they don’t need to; groceries are just atoms with certain properties. This means we can take our technologies into all sorts of other sectors. “The mission of the rest of Ocado is to ‘Change the way the world shops’. My division’s mission is to ‘Change the way the world stores, assembles, sorts, moves and sells atoms’.” Talk to Paul and one word that crops up regularly is ‘disruptors’, those people and companies that challenge the accepted way of doing things.
Riding the rollercoaster When Paul Clarke joined online grocery provider Ocado as a contractor, it was in the belief that it would only be for a year before probably moving onto another start-up. Thirteen years later, he is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) leading the company in an exciting new initiative which will help to shape the future of business. The catalyst for his new role was the decision last year to restructure his division, Ocado Technology, allowing Paul and some of his teams the freedom to explore new opportunities. He handed over responsibility for 1,150 of the engineers who were reporting to him and, with them, the responsibility for engineering the platforms for Ocado’s UK retail businesses and its Ocado Smart Platform for its international retailer customers.
What he took with him into the new Office of the CTO (OCTO) was 70 specialists and responsibility for areas which include research/advanced research, technology PR and relationships with government, technology companies, universities and schools. OCTO is also focused on pursuing spin-out applications of their technologies, competencies, IP and know-how. Paul, who is based at the company’s Hatfield headquarters, said: “When I joined the company, I thought it would only be for a year but I fell in love with the business, the passion and the quirky rule-breaking mindset.”
Paul said: “There is no doubt that the technological planets are aligning – technologies like the Internet of Things, cloud computing, robotics, electrification of vehicles and flight, Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing and many others. “One of the challenges that I believe we face, as individuals, as institutions, as a country, is that we need much more really big, really long-term and really disruptive thinking. “There is no escaping the fact that we are at a significant disadvantage relative to countries such as China when it comes to thinking long-term, balancing innovation with legislation and harnessing the power of data to fuel our machine-learning ambitions. “We are going to have to find ways to play the innovation game smarter and with greater leverage.
This sort of ‘David and Goliath’ battle is one with which we are familiar at Ocado as we continue to give much larger competitors a run for their money and help others do the same using our platform.” To illustrate the potential of big thinking, he talks about the future of mobility: “Logistics companies will become taxi firms and vice versa, postal companies will become retailers, retailers may perform delivery and collection services on behalf of other companies, car manufacturers will become internet search, entertainment and accommodation providers, hotels and other businesses with inner city properties may provide services for the storing, charging, servicing and dispatch of carsharing and autonomous vehicles. “Planes, trains and ships will hand off to large vehicles, large vehicles to smaller ones, small vehicles to drones and the final 25 metres will become the domain of the robot.” A willingness to explore such possibilities is what drives Paul and his team. He said: “The key to what we do is radical innovation, which is in the DNA of Ocado. Online grocery remains at the heart of what the company does - it is a multitrillion pound market – but we are looking at what comes next. “It’s like what Google did when they restructured as Alphabet. They maintained their focus on search, AdWords and Cloud, whilst also pursuing other areas such as driverless cars and robotics. The decision to restructure Ocado Technology in a similar way means that we can do our work without distracting the core business. “I liken working at Ocado to riding a rollercoaster that is still under construction. You come around the corner and you have no idea what you are going to encounter.”
“The mission of the rest of Ocado is to ‘Change the way the world shops’. My division’s mission is to ‘Change the way the world stores, assembles, sorts, moves and sells atoms’.”
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Hertfordshire LEP
Hertfordshire:
a county of innovation Local Industrial Strategy one year on 14
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Hertfordshire LEP It is one year on since we laid out our vision for a Local Industrial Strategy that will drive innovation, improve lives and create strong, sustainable local economies. At its heart is the coming together of business, communities and education to bring about real, lasting change. Hertfordshire has a strong heritage of innovation and can lay claim to a number of firsts. We are home to the first Garden City; leading the search for life on Mars and bringing cutting edge medical innovations to market. The county has a legacy of effective partnerships to regenerate our town centres, create future opportunities for younger generations and cluster research around our key sector strengths in science and advanced manufacturing for commercial success. In 2017 the Government launched its flagship Industrial Strategy for the UK with a plan to boost the economy, build on the country’s strengths and embrace the opportunities of technological change.
Case Study Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter: A next generation Enterprise Zone Hertfordshire IQ is set to create a green business hub for the UK. In a move to become the UK’s leading place for green businesses, Hertfordshire IQ will encourage environmental technology, agri-tech and modern construction companies to take advantage of its market access and location 30 minutes from London. Enabled by its Enterprise Zone status, Hertfordshire IQ will also boost investment in local travel, transport and digital connectivity for the area. The new commercial zone will offer businesses a flexible mix of work spaces from offices, co-working space, research and development labs to light industrial and warehousing.
It also recognised the role Local Enterprise Partnerships have played in shaping and delivering locally led economic growth. It tasked LEPs to develop Local Industrial Strategies that will allow places to make the most of their distinctive strengths, be long term and build on the evidence set out in their Strategic Economic Plans. Over the past year we have gathered the economic evidence and engaged with stakeholders at every step of the way to ensure that together we can create a compelling proposition for Hertfordshire. It is unashamedly ambitious, enabling those industrial sectors where we have local specialisms to grow and compete on a world-stage; identifying opportunities for maximum impact and removing barriers to productivity. Hertfordshire’s Local Industrial Strategy will also take into account the wider growth proposition for Hertfordshire. Local authorities and Hertfordshire LEP have set up a Hertfordshire Growth Board to work together to support the Along with tax breaks and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders, businesses will also benefit from guidance on how to access funding through Hertfordshire Growth Hub. Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth said, “Since their creation, Enterprise Zones have been the foundations of success for over 1,100 businesses, attracting £4.28 billion of private sector investment and creating over 51,000 jobs – proving the UK is a great place to do business. “Hertfordshire IQ aims to become the leading place in the UK for businesses operating in modern construction, agri-tech and related digital and environmental technologies and the £680,000 investment from the Local Growth Fund has opened the door for up to 800 new businesses, creating over 8,000 new jobs.
delivery of good, sustainable growth in the county and respond positively to the requirement to build around 100,000 homes by 2031. It must also address the loss of employment land space and its dramatic impact on the local economy. This is not just a Hertfordshire issue, but a national one felt most keenly in the South East where there is more pressure to build new homes. Collectively, we will push Whitehall to ensure that local planning authorities continue to deliver sustainable economic development by being able to plan adequately for employment. Above all we want to put Hertfordshire on the map for innovation be it in the adoption of key emerging technologies or building sustainable communities that are fit for the future. The draft Local Industrial Strategy is expected to go out to full public consultation later this year before being agreed and in place by March 2020. Keep up with our progress: www.hertfordshirelep.com “Hertfordshire IQ will also form the commercial heart of the Hemel Garden Communities development at Hemel Hempstead, creating around 10,000 high quality new homes in a wonderful setting.” Hertfordshire IQ also aims to create 8,000 jobs for local people, providing opportunities for residents to enjoy the benefits of both living and working in the local area. Mark Bretton, Chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership said, “We have a proven track record of clustering commercial activity around science and research and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with Hertfordshire IQ. “We’re encouraging a cluster of modern construction and agri-tech companies to locate here, shining a light on the world leading expertise we have in Hertfordshire.”
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New Members
Welcome to new members Archimedes Consulting Limited
EGA Consulting LLP
My Tool Shed
Taylor & Faith
Sales, Presentation & Communications Training wpowell@archimedesconsulting.co.uk www.archimedesconsulting.co.uk 07789 487034 Archimedes Consulting 6 Althorp Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3PW
Legal & Commercial Support to help companies grow terry@ega.co.uk http://www.ega.co.uk 07775 898201 EGA Consulting LLP 51 Warren Terrace Bengeo SG14 3JE
Supplier of power tools, hand tools, hardware Twitter: MyToolShed customerservices@mytoolshed.co.uk http://www.mytoolshed.co.uk 01707 277796 Travellers Lane Welham Green Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 7HF
Epifny Consulting Ltd
NSR Communications Ltd
Recruitment Twitter: taylorfaithrec info@taylor-faith.co.uk http://www.taylor-faith.co.uk 01582 380850 The Incuba Brewers Hill Road Dunstable Bedfordshire LU6 1AA
Win That Pitch helps individuals & organisations of all sizes present with confidence and pitch to win every time Twitter: _epifny dean@winthatpitch.win http://www.winthatpitch.win 08000 293739 Epifny Consulting Ltd. 6 High Street Wheathamstead St. Albans Hertfordshire AL4 8AA
Audio Visual Specialists NSRComms lesley@nsrcommunications.co.uk http://www.nsrcommunications.co.uk 01923 209640 16 Caxton Way Watford Business Park Watford Hertfordshire WD18 8UA
ArchOver Peer to peer business lending Twitter: ArchOverLtd dugald.carlean@archover.com https://www.archover.com/ 07903 287171 ArchOver 2nd Floor, Titan Court 3 Bishop Square Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9NA
Arishi Technology Service Twitter: ArishiTech andrew@arishi.agency https://www.arishi.agency/ 07768 324740 29 The Green Winchmore Hill London N21 1HS
Astutor Marketing Consultant & Freelance soniaannturnball@gmail.com 07900 681015 23 Tolmers Road Cuffley Hertfordshire EN6 4JF
Bizspace Hemel Hempstead Business accommodation, rental of business and office space dimple.sharma@bizspace.co.uk https://www.bizspace.co.uk/spaces/ hemel-hempstead 07384 214795 Imex House 575-599 Maxted Road Hemel Hempsted Hertfordshire HP2 7DX
Curious Giraffes Bespoke Training Packages & coaching Twitter: curiousgiraffes info@curiousgiraffes.co.uk http://www.curiousgiraffes.co.uk 01763 271271 Curious Giraffes Flint Cottage 25 Church Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 9AS
Durance Limited Consultancy kathryn.riley@durance.co.uk http://www.durance.co.uk 07802 795822 Durance Limited The Habit The Street Braughing Hertfordshire SG11 2QR
Edge IT Communications & IT http://www.edgeit.co.uk
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Global Radio Services Ltd (Heart FM) Radio Broadcaster & Entertainment Company Twitter: global ian.stuart@global.com http://www.global.com 01908 591610 4th Floor, CBX II Midsummer Boulevard Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK9 2EA
Igloo-Creative Limited Igloo is an animation studio specializing in creating explainer videos Twitter: louise_igloo louise@igloo-creative.co.uk http://www.igloo-creative.co.uk 07851 419783 Igloo Creative Limited Kylna Business Centre Wood Lane End Hemel Hemsptead Hertfordshire HP2 4BF
JPA Furniture Contract office and residential furnishers Twitter: JPAFurniture info@jpa-furniture.com http://www.jpa-furniture.com 01727 840800 Unit 4 Sphere Industrial Estate Campfield Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 5HT
Just Smile Ltd An Event, Production, Hire & Entertainment company based in Watford, Herts Twitter: justsmileltd dave@justsmile.co.uk https://www.justsmile.co.uk/ 01923 750525 Just Smile Ltd 392 Galley Hill Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 3LA
LD Collins Pharmaceutical Company mariarosca@ldcollins.com http://www.ldcollins.com 01442 345086 LD Collins 1st Floor, Gallery Court 28 Arcadia Avenue London N3 2FG
Pendragon Consultancy Ltd Employment & Payroll specialists janet.de-havilland@ pendragonconsultancy.co.uk http://www.pendragonconsultancy.co.uk 01992 267067 Pendragon Consultancy Ltd High Oaks Business Centre 15-17 Gentlemens Field, Westmill Road Ware Hertfordshire SG12 0EF
QOMEL UK Ltd Wholesale distributor / retailer for medicines http://www.qomel.com
Samsung Electronics Air Conditioning Europe Ltd. (SEACE) Supply of world class heating and cooling solutions for indoor climate control Twitter: Samsung sales.aircon@samsung.com http://www.samsung.com/uk/business/climate 01932 455567 Samsung House 1000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey Surrey KT16 0PS
Scale Up Strategist Accredited Coach & Mentors with real life experience. Specialise in growing businesses in a very profitable way jon@scaleupstrategist.co.uk http://www.scaleupstrategist.co.uk 07941 777111 Scale Up Strategist Limited 52 The Ryde Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 5DL
Shades By Renee Ltd Retail Brand for hosiery, lingerie & shoes Twitter: shadesbyrenee iamlinda76@outlook.com http://www.shadesbyrenee.com 07930 088986 Shades by Renee Ltd 85 Park Street Lane St. Albans Hertfordshire AL2 2JA
StayZo Ltd Offering 'home from home' accommodation for out of town workers or families thomasw@stayzo.co.uk http://www.stayzo.co.uk 07740 472525 Stayzo 35 Riddeway Road Chesham Hertfordshire HP5 2EH
TGA Consulting Engineers Expert provider of professional engineering design & consultancy Twitter: TGAConsulting paul.shaw@tgace.co.uk http://www.tgace.co.uk 01438 314422 Business & Technology Centre Bessemer Dr Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2DX
TIC Group Europe Ltd Manufacture & supply of garment hangers & tags http://www.ticgroup.com.au
United Herts Clothing Importer supplying predominantly UK market. Toy exporter to Bangladesh market arahman@unitedherts.com http://www.attarel-31.com 07853 290683 United Herts Ltd 31 New Greens Avenue St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6NZ
Vicky's Bookkeeping Ltd Bookkeeping vicky@vickysbookkeeping.com http://www.vickysbookkeeping.com 07391 760230 7 Clyde Square Hemel Hemsptead Hertfordshire HP2 6EF
VMS Vehicle Hire Ltd Vehicle Hire, Fleet Management, Contract Hire, Accident Management, Refrigrated Vehicle & Trailer Twitter: VMSVehicleHire tyrone.davies@vmsvehiclehire.co.uk http://www.vmsvehiclehire.co.uk 01438 367501 4-8 Norton Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2BB
Wagada Digital Marketing - Hertfordshire's number one in technical SEO wagada_stalbans nick.silverstone@wagada.co.uk http://www.wagada.co.uk 01727 260187 Suite 11 Stanta Business Centre 3 Soothouse Spring St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6PF
Membership Benefits
Patron Focus
And, although the geographic reach of the firm’s work is greater than it was two centuries ago, its partners and staff remain as involved as ever in the community of the Hertfordshire area, as evidenced by the business’s contribution in its third year as a Patron member of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. This continues a proud tradition because the firm’s partners and staff have always made time to give back, through public service, acting as trustees for charities and in other ways.
Two hundred years of proud service
For example, Charles Elton Longmore, a descendant of the original founder, served as Chairman of the County Council for more than 35 years. In 1914, he was also made President of the Law Society, representing the legal profession across England and Wales. Other partners have served the community as County Coroners, Judges, Under Sheriffs and other elected public officials and that spirit has been passed on from generation to generation. It is perhaps best typified by Bertie Cull, who joined the firm aged 14 in 1905.
According to the Hertfordshire Mercury, during World War II, he ran Longmores almost singlehandedly with clients and his community always at the forefront of his mind; he worked tirelessly in their service, seven days a week and with no holidays for six years. Today’s firm carries on that commitment. Joint Senior Partner Richard Gvero, who joined Longmores in 1989 and became a partner in 2000 and is also Head of the Commercial and Employment teams, said: “We have always worked to support the community through our wide ranging involvement with local business and civic matters; the Longmores Charitable Foundation is also making a very valuable contribution. “Our role as Patron member of the Chamber underlines our commitment to Hertfordshire. We are proud of our longstanding partnership with local businesses and we are keen to help them in any way we can. The Chamber is, of course, an excellent forum for that.”
Very few businesses can celebrate their 200th anniversary but Hertford-based law firm Longmores Solicitors LLP is doing just that this year. 18
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“We have always worked to support the community through our wide ranging involvement with local business and civic matters; the Longmores Charitable Foundation is also making a very valuable contribution.”
Patron Focus
Meeting the challenges in 2019 and beyond Peter Smits, managing director of family-run Ashbourne Insurance is passionate about his business, his team of insurance professionals and offers his perspective about how they can compete with the national brands and online providers. Ashbourne, based in Hoddesdon is a Herts Chamber Patron and for over 38 years has been offering truly independent advice, treating customers fairly and delivering awardwinning customer service. These represent some of the core values that make up the ‘Ashbourne Way’ which is a pledge to provide customers with the best insurance policies, delivered with traditional service values to offer peace of mind. A major challenge is how regional independent brokers compete with the larger national brands and how they can add value.
How can you compete amongst so many large established brands, household names that surely must use their scale to gain a competitive advantage? Normal economies of scale don’t apply to the insurance industry. The more risks that are insured, the more claims will be made which does not necessarily guarantee the |best policy to cover your individual needs. What is key is our local knowledge and understanding to pre-qualify risks to achieve a more competitive solution.
Why would anyone want to engage a traditional broker when we can all get access to a wide selection of insurance products on-line? The fact is that insurance sold on-line are “budget” variants and we maintain that, given a like-for-like comparison, your local independent broker will always be competitive.
What’s your response to the larger insurance companies that encourage us to go direct, cut-out the middle-man and save money? We ensure that our clients are represented in the event of claim or query. If you go direct, you take on the responsibility of making the
claim yourself which can be time consuming, confusing and stressful. Your business matters to a local broker.
Do you offer a price advantage for new customers only? We treat all customers fairly and with transparency so we don’t offer incentives to new customers only. We have a single price strategy, the best we can get for the client every time. If you are offering an unfair advantage to new customers, what does it say to your existing customers?
What about guarantees to beat any price? Anyone can guarantee to beat any price with inferior products or services. In our experience, customers rarely read all the terms and conditions and only really find out the value of their policy when it comes time to make a claim. A regional broker will make sure you fully understand your insurance needs in order to tailor the best cover at the best price to suit your needs.
According to data published in April 2018, brokers still retain almost 80% market share of commercial insurance, why do you think this is? The complexities of business insurances cannot be catered for by online providers, in the main. Each business has its own unique characteristics, processes and insurance risk; usually requiring a broker’s professional services for policies such as contents, public liability, and fleet.
So what would be your top-tips be for any business looking to review their insurance arrangements? Start the process early 4-6 week prior to renewal and engage a single independent broker, one that can become your advocate. Take the time to study the insurance
schedule at least once a year, asking yourself if the sums insured accurately represent your current exposure including new offerings such as Cyber Liability insurance.
Surely the best thing is to get many different quotes from many different sources to ensure you get the best deal? I’d suggest no more than two, your existing supplier and a local independent broker. The more sources you engage, the less likely the whole market will quote. You want insurance companies competing for your business, not multiple brokers.
How much information should a business expect to provide to get a competitive quote? The more detailed information the better, there is no downside to your broker having intimate knowledge of your business. It will guarantee a better price and avoid any surprises if you, unfortunately, have to claim.
One final message for the local business community? • Avoid cheap solutions - if it sounds too good to be true it often will be • Policies have pages and pages of endorsements and warranties so engage a broker who can explain the implications, rather than just looking at the price • Your local independent broker is a best kept secret but is more capable than you’d ever imagine in creating a competitive solution and cover for peace of mind…. Insurance as Individual as you!
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Ask the Expert A Short Guide to Inheritance Tax (IHT) At Myers Clark we help people plan for their future. This includes tax planning and whether it is for business or personal taxation, planning for your future is essential and is at the heart of what we do. Inheritance Tax is one of the main areas where planning ahead can make a big difference. Here are some frequently asked questions about Inheritance Tax. Q What is Inheritance Tax?
Q What is the residence nil
rate band? A Inheritance Tax can arise when A This is an extension to the transferring the wealth of one nil rate band, and is available to person to another. The most common homeowners who leave their situation is when an individual dies, house to their direct decedents. leaving behind their assets to others. The aim is it will provide an These assets include money, savings additional £175,000 of nil rate and property. The estate is then band once fully implemented. assessed, with the value of these assets being calculated in order to determine whether it is liable for Inheritance Tax.
Q What is the nil rate band? A This is the value of your estate that you can leave to anyone before any IHT is applied. The current nil rate band is £325,000 and can be £650,000 for couples as it is transferable between those who are married or in civil partnerships.
two years and qualify for "business • Do any of your assets have relief property relief". from, or are they exempt from, IHT at the time of your death? • Interests in agricultural property that have been owned and occupied for • Who are you leaving your estate to? the purposes of agriculture by you Are any of the beneficiaries "exempt" for more than two years, or have from IHT? been owned by you but occupied • How much "nil rate band" and by someone else for the purposes of "residence nil rate band" do you have agriculture for more than seven available at the time of your death? years, that qualify for "agricultural property relief". Q What type of assets are
Q What is the rate of exempt from IHT? Inheritance Tax? A The main reliefs are: A 40%. • Interests in businesses that have Q Will my estate be exposed to been owned by you for more than Inheritance Tax when I die? A This depends on five principal factors: • What is the value of your estate at the time of your death? • Did you make any lifetime gifts within seven years of death, and, if so, what was the value of the gift and who received it?
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Q Need further information? A Contact us today for further information on Inheritance Tax and planning ahead for the future.
Contact us today on 01923 224411
paul.windmill@myersclark.co.uk www.myersclark.co.uk
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The Feel Good Factor In November last year, Support UK made the decision to donate money to charity, instead of sending Christmas cards and gifts to our Clients. Support UK’s Managing Director Martin Green has always enjoyed supporting the wider community, having previously sponsored Letchworth Rugby Club, Woolgrove School and Magpas Air Ambulance. We chose to donate money to Payprus Suicide Prevention, Keech Hospice Care, and Tonwell Primary School and in the first quarter of this year, visited them all to present the cheques.
Firstly, we met with Papyrus’s Head of Fundraising, Hazel Russell. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people.
Papyrus has a dedicated Hopeline for people with thoughts of suicide or for people concerned about a young person.
We learnt a great deal about the support programme they offer to help keep young people safe and keep thoughts of suicide at bay. We also heard about the education programme they are rolling out to schools and universities.
Next, we met with Paul Scott, Corporate Partnership Manager at Keech Hospice Care. Keech provides support and care services to adults in Luton and South Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, who have a terminal or life threating illness. Paul said “Donations like this from Support UK will ensure
The statistics are quite shocking, with 226 UK school children taking their own lives every year.
we can continue to make the difference for our patients when it matters the most.” Finally, we visited the staff and children at Tonwell Primary School. Budgets are constantly being squeezed and as a result, schools have the unenviable task of deciding where their funds will best be placed. The school will be looking to purchase some new IT equipment with the donation.
Tel 0345 241 1521 email: info@support-uk.com
Talk to us about our special chamber discounts Call: 01707 656261 Email: info@csrecycling.co.uk Your local commercial recycling company, providing services to commercial businesses across Hertfordshire and the home counties for over 80 years…
We provide separate containers to ensure 100% of the recycling that we collect is recycled Working with Manufacturers, Factories, Offices, Distribution Centres, Wholesalers, Facilities Management, Garden Centres, Hotels, Restaura nts
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Herts Global “This extension buys Parliament some time to come to a consensus, but they can’t afford to squander it. Politicians must urgently agree on a way forward. It would be a disaster for business confidence and investment if a similar late-night drama is played out yet again in October. Our businesses and our communities need answers to plan for the future, and the government must return its focus to pressing domestic issues, which have been ignored or marginalised for too long. “In the event that the Withdrawal Agreement is passed by Parliament, businesses need a clear timetable and fair warning of the UK’s planned exit date, particularly those trading in countries where the UK has not yet finalised much-needed trade continuity agreements.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– APRIL 10 2019
BCC comments on GDP and trade statistics In saying that, some of our members have actively taken steps to set up bases or distribution centres in the Eurozone so have the option of having goods sent to the UK or the continent.
Brexit: all is not doom and gloom By Keith Moore, International Trade Manager, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Since the announcement of Brexit in 2016, there has been so much speculation and scare mongering in the media about the economy suggesting that the UK was going to sink below the waves, as far as trading is concerned, just like the Titanic. But for many companies it seems to be business as usual, and certainly over the last couple of years the volume of trade has been steady and constant with no signs of weakening. Hertfordshire has such a diverse and buoyant economy with overall double-digit growth in sales and profit during 2018; the brightest star being the Food, Drink and Leisure sector with an EBITDA increase of 43%, followed by Technology at 27%, Property & Construction
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14.9%, Business Support and Industry & Manufacturing at 12% so all is not doom and gloom. At the time of writing, Brexit has been pushed back until 31 October 2019 unless it can be agreed before, but it has taken nearly three years to get to this point, will the extra six months make all the difference? Every day throws up something new but looking on the optimistic side, UK goods and services are highly regarded around the world and trade will continue. Some of you may be worried that you have done nothing to prepare for the onslaught of Brexit but you will be happy to know that you are in the majority. Why invest in new markets and systems when they may not be needed?
Many of you will know us for our international services and export documentation, so here are some figures that may be of interest. Over the last year, the chamber has helped export £208,109,123.00 of goods based upon the invoice value totalling 7,210 documents, 4,192 of these being processed online and it may surprise you to learn that 27% of those were for Turkey, 20% U.A.E., 11% Saudi Arabia, 8% India followed by Russia, Qatar and Oman at 6% each. The majority of documents, comprised of Certificates of Origin, EUR1 and ATR but goods from the UK go to many other countries and do not necessarily need these documents, such as the U.S.A. As a post script there is a rumour that Incoterms may be changing at the end of the year but to be confirmed by HMRC later, the transition from the CHIEF system to CDS and Brexit happening all at the same time so 2019 is shaping up for a year of change. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– APRIL 11 2019
BCC comments on Article 50 extension “For most businesses, the ‘flextension’ agreed by the European Council will be preferable to deadlines that are repeatedly moved forward at the last possible moment.
Commenting on the latest UK GDP and trade statistics, published April 10 by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The widening in the UK’s trade deficit is further evidence of deep-rooted imbalances in UK economic growth and suggests that net trade is likely to have been a drag on UK GDP growth in Q1. Slowing global growth, Brexit uncertainty and persistent sterling volatility are combining to make trading conditions for UK exporters tougher. “The slight slowdown in GDP growth in March in the services sector is a concern, given its dominant share of overall UK economic output. While manufacturing sector output is recovering, this improvement is likely to partly reflect a temporary boost from greater stockpiling ahead of a possible no-deal exit expected last month. “Avoiding a messy and disorderly exit from the EU must be the prime objective for parliament and government. Our own Quarterly Economic Survey suggests that UK economic conditions could diminish further in the near term, unless firm action is taken. It is vital that a clear way forward is agreed at the European Council meeting, so that businesses can get the answers they need to help them plan for the future – a rolling cliff edge will do little to ease business concerns.”
Growth Hub
Hertfordshire Growth Hub to pioneer the way businesses interact with support services This month sees the Growth Hub continue to innovate its services for the Hertfordshire business ecosystem with the launch of a new interactive digital platform. Recognising the need for businesses to access advice, content, resources and events relevant to where they are on their business journey, when and how they want, the platform revolutionises the way the Growth Hub is able to provide this support.
Hertfordshire business support ecosystem, where the Growth Hub has built an extensive range of partners to provide individual support, or for those eligible businesses with the greatest potential to scale, a tailored indepth package of support, delivered by Growth Managers.
As the initial engagement point for businesses to access support services across the county, the platform, through a simple diagnostic questionnaire, triages where a business is at in their respective journey, identifies specific needs and directs them to the most appropriate support relative to those needs identified.
The Growth Hub has an ongoing proactive strategy to engage with partners and suppliers to build a strong ecosystem of support
This may be in the form of digital, online or guided interaction with the broader
services. This approach guarantees rich, relevant content and useful tools are accessible for businesses on the digital platform, via the Knowledge Bank. Businesses also benefit from an active Marketplace, where they can list briefs for suppliers to respond, and even be listed as a supplier themselves, and book onto relevant events from an extensive local event directory.
“The Growth Hub has an ongoing proactive strategy to engage with partners and suppliers to build a strong ecosystem of support services.”
As the entry point to the service, the platform provides a blended digital and physical support portfolio that the Growth Hub is confident will support more businesses than ever, providing a real boost to the Hertfordshire economic environment. The platform is here to support you, whatever stage your business is at. Get online and explore the services available to you. If you’re a publically funded business support provider, register and apply to become an approved partner. If you’re a private provider, register your business as a supplier. To find out more and to explore the platform, register at www.hertsgrowthhub.com
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Finance
Report calls for tougher action on money laundering The UK financial services industry must do more to tackle the threat posed by money laundering and payments-related financial crime, according to a new report which has been published by the Emerging Payments Association (EPA). EPA leaders made their comments as they launched their response to concern about the growing impact of financial crime on everyone from businesses to private individuals. The issue of money laundering in the UK has assumed ever great prominence in recent years; the National Crime Agency has suggested that the scale of money laundered through the UK could potentially be ‘in the hundreds of billions of pounds annually.’ To understand the effects, the EPA produced a report called Facing Up To Financial Crime, with the support of a syndicate of its members led by Refinitiv and Barclays. The paper explores the latest developments in the way
that fraudsters and money launderers abuse payment services and bank accounts to commit serious financial crimes and sets out 12 recommendations for industry members to take action. These include guidance on the effective use of technology to tackle the threat, as well as advice on how to enhance information sharing and suggestions for comprehensive and consistent reporting of criminal activity. The report also calls for payments and financial services companies to harness new technologies to block money laundering and to work collaboratively in order to create a world-leading digital identity solution for the UK.
Finally, the report calls for sectorwide activity led by the EPA to promote better information sharing by government and law enforcement agencies with financial services companies. It also recommends greater collaboration across trade associations. Tony Craddock, Director General of the EPA, said: “Financial crime concerns every company in the payments industry because it affects everyone involved in moving money, whether consumers, businesses or governments. “In this report, we have identified what’s really going on, by whom and at what cost. We have developed recommendations for action that are clear, timely and
impactful and we call upon interested parties to collaborate with us.” John Davies, Founder and Chairman of Kompli-Global, Deputy Chair of the EPA and Mentor of Project Financial Crime, said: “Financial crime has serious ramifications for both genuine companies and ordinary people, with social consequences ranging from political corruption, to human trafficking, to terrorism. “As responsible businesses, it is imperative that all of us working in the financial services sector do our utmost to safeguard our customers and the wider community from the repercussions of such criminal activity.”
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Hertfordshire Growth Hub– ‘All the help you can get’ Exhibition and Conference
Past Events
On Wednesday 6th March, the Growth Hub hosted their third ‘All the help you can get’ event. Back by popular demand, bigger and even better than previous years, this free event included a conference alongside the exhibition and was open to all SMEs based in Hertfordshire. Held at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield, the event was a huge success and welcomed close to 100 SMEs who were able to benefit from advice and guidance provided by both public and private exhibitors. Delegates were able to attend a choice of interactive workshops to
suit their needs, including how to find and apply for grant funding, through to the fundamentals of business growth, as well as hear from industry professional keynote speakers. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to find out about all of the support available within the county. It also enabled them to network and engage with an ecosystem of business support providers delivered through the Growth Hub.
Economic Outlook for 2019 At the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s joint Economic Outlook event with the Institute of Directors (IoD), Hertfordshire region, held on Thursday 14th March at the Spotlight Theatre, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire businesses gathered for an informative and insightful look at the current state of the economy, how best to prepare for the impact of Brexit and a forecast for future prosperity.
L-R: Neville Reyner CBE DL Hon.DLitt, HCoC; Andrew Griffiths, IoD; Briege Leahy, HCoC; Charles Walker OBE, MP for Broxbourne; Richard McBarnet, Lumina Technologies
The panel and Chair, Mark Mills-Bishop, Broxbourne Borough Council.
Chaired by Mark Mills-Bishop, Leader, Broxbourne Borough Council, who commented: “Hertfordshire is a county of opportunity and pro-growth; we in Broxbourne fully support the growth agenda and through our initiatives encourage businesses to thrive and strive. The economic future is positive and bright, the challenge now is to make it happen.” Delegates also heard from a panel of speakers including: Charles Walker OBE, MP for Broxbourne; Neville Reyner, CBE, DL, Chairman, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce; Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy, IoD; Malcolm Evely, Head of Mechanical Engineering and Products,
Space Systems, Airbus Defence; Darren Jordan, Partner, Kingston Smith; and Neil Hayes, Executive Director, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Briege Leahy, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Chamber commented: “Change always creates opportunities and Brexit is no different, so businesses need to make the most of the challenges and chances ahead.” Lumina Technologies Richard McBarnet and Chair of the IoD Hertfordshire said: “Hertfordshire provides such a vibrant and growth driven environment for business and it is always rewarding and stimulating to rub shoulders with other like-minded businesses.”
Looking after your Family Business Herts Chamber in collaboration with Longmores Solicitors held a breakfast seminar for family businesses at the beautiful Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel. Chaired by Amalia Brightley-Gillott, MD of Family Business Place, delegates also heard from Agata Rumbelow, Rochard Gvero and Richard Horwood of Longmores Solicitors, as well as the MD of Endoline Machinery Ltd. Alan Yates.
March Chamber Lunch Our sold-out Chamber Lunch for March at the luxurious Luton Hoo Hotel was a great success! With Ruari Maybank, Construction Director for London Luton Airport Operations Ltd as the guest speaker along with Graham Mills, Regional Managing Associate at Salus AI and Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure for the Hertfordshire LEP giving short presentations our delegates certainly learned a lot about construction!
The Enemy Within – Cyber Security Seminar At this breakfast seminar with CRIBB Cyber Security, delegates heard from William Osborne, CRIBB CS; Phillipa Phipps, Hertfordshire Constabulary; and Paul Trainor, James Hallam Insurance and learned the best techniques for protecting themselves and their businesses from cyber-attacks. We have put together 10 Top Tips for businesses to protect themselves from cyber-attack following this event, available on the Herts Chamber website.
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Forthcoming Business Events How to beat your competition by Leveraging your IP Assets - Part 2 Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Longmores Solicitors, invite you to this breakfast seminar on the subject of Intellectual Property, the second of three events on this subject. Rina Sond LLB LDip is a Company Commercial Partner and heads the Commercial and IP team at Longmores Solicitors.
In this continuing series of IP events, attendees will gain insight into the different options available for commercialising and making the most of their IP, in order to generate revenue streams for their business without the hard work.
Date:
17/05/19
Time:
08:00-10:00
Venue:
University of Hertfordshire, Law Courts, De Havilland Campus, Hatfield
The third and final event in this series will be taking place on 18 June, details regarding the event can be found on the Hertfordshire Chamber website.
Price:
Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00
Strengthening Team Performance with Sarah-J Coaching Date:
21/05/19
Time:
08:00-10:00
Venue:
Shendish Manor, Hemel Hempstead
Price:
Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00
Join us at this breakfast seminar at Shendish Manor with Sarah Jones, owner of Sarah-J Coaching.
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Sarah will discuss what makes a successful team based on her experiences of working with business owners and leaders to reboot and reinvent team performance. Sarah will provide the tools and techniques that you can start using right now to rebuild and improve team performance and keep the momentum going!
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All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated
ChamberEvents
A Practical Guide to Documentary Letters of Credit Date:
21/05/19
Time:
09:30-16:00
Venue:
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hatfield
Price:
Members £360.00 Non-Members £420.00
This one-day seminar delivered by Alan Bracken of ABTS Training, provides a step-by-step on how to deal with Documentary Letters of Credit – from receipt of order to successful presentation.
Focus on a real case history of a Letter of Credit gives delegates the opportunity to increase their awareness and skills of the requirements involved with using letters of credit. The seminar will cover: •
Types of Letters of Credit
•
The roles of the parties involved
•
Practical Exercise
•
Related paperwork and examination of: Bill of Lading, Insurance Certificate, Invoice, Bill of Exchange, to comply with UCP 600
May Chamber Lunch Join us on 23 May 2019 for our monthly networking lunch, being held in the VIP marquee at the Hertfordshire County Showground. We are delighted to advise that our speakers at this lunch will be President of the Herts Agricultural Society, John Humphreys and Chairman, Kevin White.
Also includes a free copy of UCP 600, a certificate of attendance, all written materials, lunch and refreshments, PLUS a follow-up helpline to the lecturer.
* Special Offer * All bookings for this Chamber Lunch will be eligible for the super saver discounted rate (which expired for everyone else on 11 Jan 2019) to attend the Hertfordshire County Show, taking place on 25 and 26 May.
Date:
23/05/19
Time:
12:00-14:00
Venue:
Herts County Showground, Redbourn
Price:
Members £33.00 Non-Members £45.00
The code required to take advantage of this discount will be provided with your confirmation email at the time of booking a place at this Chamber Lunch. There will also be a business card raffle at the lunch for some VIP tickets to attend the County Show.
For more information on any event: 01707 502180, bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com INSPIRE All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated
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Forthcoming Business Events Amazon Tour
Amazon aim to be Earth’s most customer centric company.
Their mission is to continually raise the bar of the customer experience by using the internet and technology to help consumers find, discover and buy anything, and empower businesses and content creators to maximise their success. They believe this mission is important for the UK because digital empowerment for customers and businesses improves living standards for people up and down the country and drives our economic competitiveness and productivity in a global economy. Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Hemel Hempstead is over 41,806 square metres – that’s the size of six football pitches!
Join us for this insightful tour of the fulfilment centre, including a presentation from a senior member of the Amazon team and preceded by breakfast & networking opportunities. Please note, places for this tour are limited, so book your place early.
Date: Time: Venue: Price:
04/06/19 08:00-10:00 Amazon UK Services, Hemel Hempstead Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00
Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Gala Dinner Date:
13/06/19
Time:
18:00-23:00
Venue:
St Albans Cathedral
Price:
Members £118.80 inc VAT
We are delighted to be returning to the truly magnificent St Albans Cathedral for this Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony and look forward
Non-Members £150.00 inc VAT The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2019 culminate in an evening of celebration and extravagance as our awards finalists find out which businesses will be crowned the winners.Now in their eighth year, these awards promise to be bigger and better than ever!
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All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated
to celebrating with all those shortlisted, winners, sponsors, judges and all those involved in the making of this truly terrific evening!
ChamberEvents
A Practical Guide to Export Documentation & Procedure Date:
18/06/19
Time:
09:30-16:00
Venue:
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hatfield
Price:
Members £360.00 Non-Members £420.00
This one-day seminar delivered by Alan Bracken of ABTS Training, is designed to provide businesses with the essential knowledge to get their exports moving. Specific focus on Export procedures gives delegates the opportunity to increase the awareness and skills
of the requirements involved with overseas trade. The seminar will cover: • An Overview of Export Documentation • A Summary of INCOTERMS • Transport & Freight • Calculating Freight • Preference Procedures & Community Transit • Q&A Also includes a certificate of attendance, all written materials, lunch and refreshments, PLUS a follow-up helpline to the lecturer.
June Chamber Lunch Join us on 20 June 2019 for our monthly networking lunch at the Cheshunt Marriott Hotel. These events are intended to provide an opportunity for business networking and each month we invite a guest speaker to inspire and motivate you. We are delighted to announce that this lunch is brought to you in partnership with Ambition Broxbourne and is kindly sponsored by the Hertfordshire LEP. Our guest speaker for this event will be Michèle Dix CBE, Managing Director, Crossrail 2, Transport for London.
Michèle originally spoke at our lunch in January 2018 and will be delivering an update on the Crossrail 2 project at this upcoming Chamber lunch.
Date:
20/06/19
Time:
12:00-14:00
Venue:
Cheshunt Marriott Hotel, Broxbourne
Price:
Members £33.00 Non-Members £45.00
For more information on any event: 01707 502180, bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com INSPIRE All Price quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated
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Tourism
Raising the profile of Letchworth Garden City If you talk about leisure and tourism in southern England, much of the attention tends to go to the better-known locations in the likes of London.
However, there are also important sectors for lesser-known places like Letchworth, a message currently being championed by Stuart Sapsford, Executive Director Communities, Culture and Heritage for the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. The Foundation’s primary role is to maintain and enhance the world’s first Garden City, managing the local property portfolio and generating income which is invested into the local community.
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Today, Letchworth is the only Garden City in the world that still retains the original land capture value model, where money generated through its property portfolio and other assets are reinvested back into the town. The Foundation, along with its staff, is working hard to boost its economy, including through cultural and heritage spending. A key focus is promoting Letchworth Garden City and the services it has to offer. Stuart and his colleagues are developing a strategy to raise the profile of local attractions, ranging
from an Art Deco cinema and theatre to an art gallery and museum, both among people living in Letchworth and among those from outside the area. Stuart said that encouraging local people to make more use of arts, heritage and leisure facilities was an important part of the strategy, particularly for those groups that wouldn’t normally access the service. These include children under five, families and older, isolated people. He said: “We need to better understand our current audiences and those who we want to access our services, we can then work out how best we can encourage people to do more culturally in Letchworth. “Once we understand that, we can develop our strategy and identify ways in which we can spread the word to people, both online and on the ground. “The opening of the new tourist information centre in the centre of Letchworth, now called Discover Letchworth, in May will be an important step forward. We see it as The Gateway to Letchworth for local people and visitors to the area. “The new centre will support more people to visit the area to enjoy the attractions on offer. A key part of that is to tell people about the unique history of the area.” The world’s first Garden City was created as a solution to the squalor and poverty of urban life in Britain
in the late 19th Century. Based on the ideas of Ebenezer Howard as published in his book of 1898 Tomorrow: A Peaceful Path to Reform. Letchworth Garden City inspired town planning across the globe. First Garden City Ltd began construction in 1903 and in 1962, an Act of Parliament transferred the assets, role and responsibilities of First Garden City Ltd to a public sector organisation - Letchworth Garden City Corporation. Thirty three years later, a further Act of Parliament wound up the Corporation and passed the £56 million Estate to Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation. Stuart said: “Letchworth has a strong offer. There is a lot already going on and the area has a lot of history as the first Garden City to be built. We want to do more and provide more people with the opportunity to access our culture and heritage offer. “Our strategy will give us a clear picture of how we can enable people to take advantage of the area’s many attractions. We invite people to see what Letchworth has to offer.”
Tourism
A spectacular venue Brickendonbury Estate, with its spectacular grounds and rooms, is a stunning venue in the Hertfordshire countryside and is the ideal setting for conferences, seminars, training courses, meetings and outdoor events.
Brickendonbury has been home to the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre - the UK research and promotion centre of the Malaysian Rubber Board - since 1974 but has a long and colourful history dating back to the 17th Century and before. The estate now comprises a mansion house, with meeting rooms and offices, laboratories block and
associated buildings, together with 40 acres of gardens and parkland. Its beautiful rooms, each with their own unique character, can accommodate anything from the smallest meetings in The Cedar Room to a large event or conference in our impressive Jacobean Hall. The historic oak panelled Cedar Room and Board Room have impressive views across the back lawns. These rooms are perfect for business meetings for up to 20 people and formal lunches and buffets can also be served. The Blue Room is a well-appointed space ideal for training courses, business meetings and presentations for up to 20 theatre-style whilst the stunning Jacobean Hall with its
10 Years of The Snow Centre Sparks Big Celebrations on Snow The UK’s newest and London’s closest, real snow indoor skiing, snowboarding and sledging destination, The Snow Centre, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this May - and will mark the occasion with a ‘snow load’ of giveaways, competitions and freebies at its Alpine themed bar, 160m Main Slope and the largest Lesson Slope in the UK.
beamed ceiling, natural wooden floors and beautiful leaded windows can accommodate 80 delegates theatre-style. Audio-visual facilities include dual interactive 70” touch screens each with internet access, HD video conferencing with dual HD cameras,
With Saturday 4th May – Monday 6th May 2019 at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead jam-packed with free and discounted, snow inspired activities, the indoor slope has your Bank Holiday weekend covered with a choice of ‘snowtastic’ family fun opportunities. Plus, there’s also plenty to entertain teenagers and adults looking for an evening out, and skiers and snowboarders hoping for some extra snow-time with their friends. On the snow, experienced skiers and snowboarders can make the most of 1 Hour Lift Passes for just £10 over the 3 days, while beginners can enjoy pre-booked 45-minute Ski or Snowboard Taster Sessions for just £10. Meanwhile, anyone ready to give landing tricks on small freestyle features a go, can do so for the price of their Lift Pass from 11am – 6pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May 2019. What’s more all ‘Give it a Go’ Freestylers can receive FREE hints
wireless presentation sharing for tablets and laptops, interactive white boarding, Wi-Fi and telephone conferencing. Excellent onsite catering facilities can provide a range of menus from a light working lunch, hot and cold buffet selection to a formal luncheon. Clients are welcome to create their own bespoke menu. The team pride themselves on their flexibility and strive to meet all your needs to make your event a success. The estate is situated just five minutes’ drive from the centre of Hertford that has an extensive range of accommodation available to suit all budgets. www.brickendononbury.co.uk
and tips from The Snow Centre’s coaches throughout their on-snow session. Off the snow, in The Lodge Bar & Kitchen, there’s still plenty for non-skiers and snow sports enthusiasts alike to experience! Including Saturday evening’s FREE Après Band Night & Pro Ski & Snowboard Demo at 7.30pm, and Monday’s daytime FREE Anniversary cupcakes, kid’s FREE colouring competition and FREE Balloon modelling entertainment. And if all that isn’t enough, if you know someone turning 10 on Monday 6th May 2019, they share their birthday with The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead, and can enjoy a FREE taster session on the snow on the Bank Holiday Monday and perhaps even a years’ worth of FREE Ski or Snowboard Lessons at The Snow Centre when they enter the ‘I am 10’ competition on The Snow Centre’s website before 30th April 2019.
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Spotlight Focus
The transformation of Stevenage Stevenage is currently undergoing a 20-year, ÂŁ1bn regeneration programme, the largest of its kind in the East of England, to transform the town centre offer to current and future generations of residents, businesses and visitors. 32
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Spotlight Focus
The Stevenage town centre development will deliver a ‘mixed-use’ regeneration scheme that introduces new retail, additional residential units, leisure facilities and co-working space to the existing town centre, to support a more sustainable economy. This approach aligns with the recent Grimsey Review which identifies that retail-only high streets and town centres are a thing of the past and in order to support a successful town centre offer, this should include a combination of shops, housing, leisure and employment use to drive increased footfall and future investment. The Council are also supporting one of the reviews other main recommendations, by playing a key role as ‘place maker’ by introducing more public spaces and shared service hubs, to support further sustainability and viability of the town centre.
Major investment to support regeneration plans Recent visitors to Stevenage will have noted that regeneration is well underway. Significant changes have been made to tired areas including Market Place, where a range of new play equipment and landscaping has been
delivered to support a more attractive area and tired and unused units like Vista Tower, have been converted into striking residential properties. Future plans include the Queensway North development, a £50m development in partnership with Reef Estates, to deliver a diverse range of new retail and leisure opportunities to this part of the town, including a brand new food and beverage offer, to support increased footfall and to kick-start the growth of an evening economy in Stevenage town centre. Initial construction work for the retail and leisure elements on Queensway is well on the way, with completion in 2020. Completion of residential works will follow this. Stevenage recently grabbed national headlines by announcing the completion of a development agreement for
a £350m project known as SG1, with Mace, a global player who develop, consult, construct and operate some of the world’s most inspiring projects. SG1 will deliver a mixed-use regeneration scheme on a grand scale, with delivery of over 1200 residential properties in the town centre. Development work is set to begin in early 2020 and as specialists in shaping towns, cities and communities of the future; Mace will be the perfect partner to regenerate Stevenage.
New Transport Interchange Alongside SG1, the Council is delivering a new and improved integrated 21st Century bus interchange to provide improved facilities, connectivity and wider transport links to support growth across Stevenage. A planning application for the new bus interchange will be considered in 2019.
“The Stevenage town centre development will deliver a ‘mixed-use’ regeneration scheme that introduces new retail, additional residential units, leisure facilities and coworking space to the existing town centre, to support a more sustainable economy.” INSPIRE
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Spotlight Focus
Stevenage’s continued support to its business community through:
Stevenage Even Better In addition to the physical developments, the Council has also recently launched a new brand – Stevenage Even Better to build on Stevenage’s existing heritage, as the UK’s first New Town, as well as celebrating and promoting the town’s world class cutting edge economy and superb green spaces. While Stevenage may be better known for being the home of the ExoMars Rover and for being where a quarter of the satellites orbiting the globe are built, soon it may be better known for leading the way in urban regeneration. For more information about the regeneration of Stevenage, please visit our new website – Stevenage-Even-Better.com or our social media channels: Twitter: @StevenageBetter Instagram: @StevenageBetter
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Accommodation, advice and specialised support Stevenage provides a supportive entrepreneurial and innovative environment to its business community and is home to the award winning Business Technology Centre (BTC). The Council recently awarded the BTC contract to Wenta to deliver first rate business accommodation and high quality business support services for a diverse range of businesses in Stevenage. The Council is keen to ensure the BTC responds to the constantly changing needs of businesses in the area, by continuing to provide a highly innovative, inspiring, stimulating and enterprising environment for the businesses located at the centre and for those businesses looking to invest in Stevenage. Sharon Taylor, OBE Leader of the Council said “The council is fully committed in supporting the town to become the best place to start and grow a business and the BTC plays a crucial role in supporting this aspect as well as encouraging start up and development opportunities for new businesses and creating jobs for local people. The Centre will continue to provide high quality advice, specialised
support, guidance and training to support sustainable businesses and continue to attract new businesses into Stevenage, to support our enterprising and innovation economy”. Funding support to accelerate business growth and employment
As well as providing quality business accommodation, advice and support to businesses, the council’s small business grant scheme continues to encourage entrepreneurialism and business innovation in the area. Recent winners include the Bike Stop, a motorcycle protective clothing and equipment business, based in Old Town Stevenage.
The owners of the business have diversified their business offering, by introducing a café at the premises and hosting a number of bike events throughout the year, which attract a wide number of visitors to the area. Therefore, supporting the economic vibrancy of the High Street and supporting Stevenage as a destination of choice, as well as supporting the wider Herts visitor economy. The Stevenage Small Business Grant scheme also supported We Grow Businesses Ltd, a business consultancy firm which supports small businesses to grow and thrive and the Stevenage Injury Clinic who are based at the BTC to assist their growth plans. The Council will be launching further grant funding opportunities during Global Entrepreneurship Week to support the local economy. For further information contact economic.development @stevenage.gov.uk
Supporting the economic vibrancy of the High Street and supporting Stevenage as a destination of choice, as well as supporting the wider Herts visitor economy.”
Stevenage provides an attractive location to businesses with strategic access to London, Cambridge, north and south and mainland Europe. With ambitious plans for future growth, Stevenage offers a ‘highly entrepreneurial and innovative business environment’, with cutting edge technologies at the forefront of a number high tech knowledge companies already located in the area. Whether you’re a start-up business or looking to grow and expand, Stevenage Borough Council provides you with a single point of contact to access the following business support services available from the council and its partners: •
Access to Funding
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Links to education, training institutions and organisations to discuss your specific needs, including taking on apprentices
•
•
Supply chain development
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Support with promotion of achievements and successes
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Access to business consultants and advisors; providing support for business planning, sales and marketing, exporting, mentoring and other helpful resources
•
•
•
For further information please contact economic.development@stevenage.gov.uk or visit the website www.investinstevenage.co.uk
Support with finding suitable premises
Access to enterprise and innovation services and a network of innovation centres
Planning and Regulatory advice and support with your growth plans Aftercare support
Building Connections
Building Connections – Dacorum Community Trust and Affinity Water Dena Tyler, Dacorum Community Trust
Gemma Rydqvist from Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and I met at a Hemel Hempstead Metro Bank networking event in the spring of 2018. Gemma was very impressed by the positive impact that Dacorum Community Trust (DCT) was making on the lives of some of our most vulnerable neighbours in crisis when they had nowhere else to turn to for support. We are a small independent charity devoted to helping local people in the last year.
Gemma offered Tony Williams, Chairman of DCT the opportunity to speak at a Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon to encourage the local business community to support our invaluable work in the local community. At the luncheon, I had a conversation with Rob Hutchinson from Affinity Water, who gave me the details of the Affinity Water community funding scheme. Acting on this information, I applied to the scheme on behalf of DCT and subsequently learned that the application had been successful.I am delighted that DCT was awarded £2,500 by the Affinity Water community funding scheme. The donation will directly impact
the lives of up to 20 clients in crisis and be used to support single men with mental health issues. We will be able to provide them with immediate help by supplying such essential items as beds, fridges and cookers. We have already provided a bed and two fridges for deserving
cases in the first month of receiving the donation. For many of our clients, the service DCT provides is life-changing and I am thrilled that Affinity Water is helping DCT to contribute to the well-being of some of our most vulnerable neighbours in Dacorum Borough.
“As a Trust we are proud to be able to help the community in this way and Affinity Water can be proud that they have provided the means for us to do this” Tony Williams, Chairman, Dacorum Community Trust.
Wildlife in a luxury setting Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and The Grove have been working together since 2016 to enhance the luxury hotel and spa’s grounds for wildlife and people. As Hertfordshire’s leading local conservation charity, the Trust provides professional expertise to help businesses manage their land for wildlife, helping to meet their corporate social responsibility, environmental and sustainability goals. The Trust has created a bespoke management plan for The Grove which has transformed its land into an oasis for wildlife. Otters, bats and owls now roam the extensive grounds while the golf course remains one of the best courses of the country. A specially created trail brings guests closer to wildlife and helps them relax in a beautiful natural environment. The Grove provides a stunning venue for Trust events such as
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dawn chorus walks, gin tasting sessions or afternoon tea walks which are very popular, and supports the Trust as a Gold Business Member.
“The 300 acre estate at The Grove is lucky enough to include a fantastic array of beautiful and rare wildlife,” says Michael Helling, General Manager at The Grove.
In celebration of the partnership, the Trust is launching a Corporate Golf Day at The Grove on 21 October 2019 to encourage some friendly competition. Competitors will be playing on one of the UK’s finest golf courses in a beautiful natural setting and enjoy great food, hospitality and networking opportunities.
CORPORATE GOLF DAY The Grove Golf Course 21 October 2019
Enjoy a day out on this world championship course with your colleagues or clients and support Hertfordshire’s wildlife!
hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/golfday
Phone 01727 858 901
“We believe that it is incredibly important to recognise the significance of these areas and support Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to maintain natural habitats, not just at The Grove but throughout Hertfordshire.”
Registered Charity No 239863
Book your place now on hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/golfday
Serviced properties the services of a hotel with the privacy and warmth of a home Serviced properties are gradually emerging as the trendiest place to stay for both corporate and leisure travellers today. A serviced property is a rental facility, like a hotel, where you can stay for a few days or a few weeks depending on the nature and purpose of your visit. Many guests prefer to stay at serviced properties when they relocate to a new city and have to look for a permanent place. The reason why serviced properties are the preferred choice for those who seek transit accommodation either for short-term or extended stay is because living at a serviced property feels much like living at home. You don’t get the “I am living in a hotel” feeling when you live in a serviced property. One start-up which has understood this fact and has made it their core business is StayZo Ltd.
StayZo is a perfect alternative for the expensive hotel stay preferred by long-stay executives and other frequent travellers. They are excellent for people relocating specially with families & school children. They provide many of the services of a hotel with the privacy and warmth of a home without compromising on service standards. They offer you more space, more privacy and more congeniality at a cheaper rate as compared to any budget hotel or luxury service property. They provide solution for those guests that have to move out of their towns for business purposes by providing them accommodation in Welwyn Garden City. Serviced properties are operated much like hotels– you reserve a property by visiting the website or using an online
travel agency. You follow a check-in and check-out schedule, and you don’t have to pay extra for services such as housekeeping, maintenance and utilities. StayZo has an established serviced property in Welwyn Garden City and deals in the pipeline to open in Hatfield. They are and will be aesthetically very pleasing, furnished well with comfortable furniture and are located very conveniently, with easy access to the business centres, shopping areas, restaurants and the entertainment centres of the town. Get in touch if we can help with your accommodation needs or Serviced Accommodation management. thomasw@stayzo.co.uk www.stayzo.co.uk
Green light for Hemel Garden Communities Home to the world’s first two garden towns at Letchworth and Welwyn, Hertfordshire is building on its legacy as the birthplace of the garden city movement with Hemel Garden Communities. The proposed new development was announced as one of just five new garden towns selected for Government funding following a competitive national bidding process. The bid was produced jointly by Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Hertfordshire County Council, St Albans City and District Council and The Crown Estate, and is set to deliver up to 11,000 much-needed homes and 10,000 new jobs in the local area. Adam Wood, Head of Infrastructure & Regeneration, Hertfordshire LEP said: “To be one of just five bids chosen from over 100 is testament to the strength of our proposition to bring new homes and breathe new life into Hemel Hempstead, with sustainability and green principles at its core. “Hemel Garden Communities will deliver a 21st century take on a garden
town, transforming previously underutilised land into a green, vibrant and modern settlement for the benefit of residents, existing communities and businesses alike.” Underpinned by strong environmental credentials and high quality design, Hemel Garden Communities complements the development of Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter (IQ), the county’s Enterprise Zone, with 3 million sq. ft. of dedicated commercial space for growing agri-tech, environmental technology and modern construction businesses. Cherie Norris, Enterprise Zone Manager, Hertfordshire LEP said: "Hemel Garden Communities marks an exciting leap forward in the area’s transformation, with Hertfordshire IQ at its commercial heart providing a national hub for green businesses and set to deliver over 8000 new jobs. We will continue to work in close partnership to deliver our collective
Hemel Garden Communities concept (C) Abode, Clay Farm, Cambridge; Proctor and Matthews Architects’
vision for green and prosperous communities across the county.” For more information on Hemel Garden Communities and Hertfordshire IQ, please visit www.hertfordshirelep.com or follow @HertsLEP and @HertsIQ on Twitter.
Blooming marvellous! Chamber Chief Executive Officer Briege Leahy is among many people due to exhibit their green-fingered skills to support the British Red Cross Hertfordshire.
Breige's Garden The Red Cross runs an Open Garden programme each year that allows the public to visit a wonderful array of gardens, from small cottage gardens to private estates, from May through to September.
Briege has supported this for a number of years by opening her garden in the village of Braughing, which this year will hold its Opens Gardens day on Sunday June 23. Not only can you visit at least ten gardens but you can view NUTS (Nostalgic and Unusual Transport), enjoy BBQ Braughing sausages, teas and cakes and live music. Monies raised from Open Gardens supports the local services that the Red Cross provide across Hertfordshire. To see a full list of the programme, visit www.redcross.org.uk/opengardens Also, the month of May is the British Red Cross’s national push to raise
much-needed funds so if you are able to stage an office Dress in Red event or host a tea party, do get in touch with Cathy Curtis, Senior Community Fundraiser, Hertfordshire, on 01992 585969 ccurtis@redcross.org.uk. You can also find out more about the British Red Cross Hertfordshire on page 6. Cathy can also advise on taking part in Open Gardens next year. She said: “We hope that people will think ‘hang on, my garden is lovely, perhaps I’d like to open it for the Red Cross’. Garden owners do find it rewarding to take part and we are always on the look-out for more gardens.”
Members News
Lussmanns Fish & Grill Restaurants Creates 100% MSC Menu The only Restaurant Group in the UK Andrei Lussmann, founder and MD of Lussmanns Fish & Grill Restaurants is pleased to announce that from April 2019 his fish menu will be 100% Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified. Lussmanns are founding members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association and winner of the Food Made Good Awards 2018, ‘Source Fish Responsibly’ and can now add the only restaurant group currently in the UK to be completely MSC-friendly. Andrei comments, ‘it has always been a personal mission to have a 100% MSC fish menu by 2019. I’ve been edging ever closer with each year being 90% in 2018 with the remaining being Marine Conservation Society considered, I’m delighted that we can now offer this to our customers and spreading the sustainable word the Lussmanns way’. The menu will include nine dishes in total including the first MSC monkfish and ling in the foodservice sector. Others to feature include Plaice, Manx Kipper, Cod Cheeks and Hake. Loren Hiller, the Commercial Officer UK and Ireland said, ‘From the BBC’s Blue Planet, to sustainable fish and chip suppers there is a clear interest, in our small island, in protecting the seas. Lussmanns have worked tirelessly to ensure they are a market leader in sustainable fish and seafood and as a result, are leaders in the industry by being the only restaurant group to have 100% MSC menu, with all dishes being certified sustainable. By using the ‘blue tick’ ecolabel on all of their dishes, they’re ensuring everybody can play a part in securing a healthy future for our oceans. Congratulations to the team at Lussmanns.” Lussmanns has evolved into a successful, independent collection of five local-driven restaurants (St Albans, Harpenden, Hertford, Tring and Hitchin) with a focus on making ethical and sustainable dining accessible to all – without the pomp and preach. From the vision of Managing Director Andrei Lussmann, both leading the team and lending a name, Lussmanns Fish & Grill still works to the same original cornerstones it was founded on – that it’s absolutely possible to be both ethical and profitable whilst continuing to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing hospitality industry. www.lussmanns.com
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Members News
Hemel Hempstead Scores Tenth Place Best Commuter Hotspots Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire – With a growing number of Londoners renting homes outside of the capital, due to stretched affordability, more buy-to-let landlords are now looking beyond the confines of London when investing in property.
To help landlords decide where to invest, the top commuter towns for those working in the capital have been revealed by credit specialist TotallyMoney – featuring Hemel Hempstead in tenth place. Ranking London’s 116 commuter towns, based on average house prices, length of train journey into the capital, the cost of an annual season ticket, and the commuter town’s Office for National Statistics lifestyle rating, Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire comes tenth place in the report.
Part of the great appeal for Hemel Hempstead is its connectivity, not only to London but to the rest of the country and internationally too - the M1 and M25 are right on the doorstep; getting to the Midlands and North of England is equally as simple as going South. Commuters via the train can be at London Euston in half an hour, making it a fast and easy commute into and from the capital. With a third of Dacorum designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
Hemel Hempstead is surrounded by attractive countryside with the smaller market towns of Tring and Berkhamsted just ‘up the road’. In the report, Cheshunt in Hertfordshire came out on top for property investment this year. Hatfield in Hertfordshire, Gravesend in Kent, and Broxbourne in Hertfordshire also made the top ten commuter towns for property investment, along with Watford Junction in Hertfordshire, Basingstoke and Overton in Hampshire. Gary Stringer, Place Manager for the Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassadors commented, “This great connectivity that Hemel enjoys makes it effectively a part of the ‘London experience’ which is hugely attractive to investors and businesses as the city expands.” For further information, visit www.investhemel.co.uk or contact Gary Stringer, Ambassador Place Manager, on Tel: 01442 228808.
Help give hope to a young person struggling with life Papyrus is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. Suicide is the biggest killer of males and females under 35 years of age and every year thousands more have thoughts of or attempt suicide. Last year in the UK, 226 school children took their own lives. Papyrus aims to educate communities, schools and healthcare professionals to recognise those who are most at risk and works with governing bodies to deliver programmes to schools and universities, which will encourage people to talk and take away any stigma associated with mental health and suicide. Papyrus operate ‘Hopeline’ for anyone who has thoughts of suicide or for anyone concerned about a young person – 0800 068 4141. Keech Hospice Care is the adult hospice for Luton and south Bedfordshire, and the children’s hospice for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes. As a charity, it provides free, specialist care for adults and children with life-limiting and terminal illnesses as well as vital support for their family and friends. It is one of the very few hospice charities in the UK which supports and cares for both children and adults. The excellent care supports children and adults to live pain and symptom free, to stay out of hospital and to make the most of the time they have. Keech’s care is not just provided at the hospice itself but in the hospital, school, care or family home – wherever support is needed the most. If you would like to learn more about the work of Papyrus or Keech Hospice, donate to them or volunteer your time, please visit www.papyrus-uk.org or www.keech.org.uk
Hertfordshire challenger bank recognised for excellence in the global arena A Hertfordshire-based challenger Bank has scooped an award for “innovating, growing and improving” its business.
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Redwood Bank has been named the winner of the Award for Excellence: SME Banking, by Wealth & Finance Global Business Excellence magazine. The Bank has only been in business since 2017, but has already collected an impressive haul of awards from across the financial industry. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of Redwood Bank Gary Wilkinson said: “This award is particularly important to us because the judges only award on merit and not because of popularity. They have a reputation for recognising the best in business, so it’s a huge honour to have been presented with the Award for Excellence. “Everything we do is about delivering excellence to our customers, so it’s nice to know that our hard work has been recognised and we’ve been rewarded for all our hard work.” The Wealth & Finance Global Business Excellence Awards is an annual programme. A spokesperson for the awards said it is a “a stamp of excellence” and all winners become part of an “exclusive and illustrious” group of influential names in the financial market. “As with all our awards, the Finance Awards are purely based upon merit. To ensure this, our in-house research team go in-depth to find the industry
firms and leaders who deserve acknowledgement for their outstanding performances within the sector. Winners of this award can be rest assured that their win was one that was truly deserved.” Since its inception, Redwood Bank has invested heavily in technology, people and service, ensuring every customer’s experience is secure, fast and easy. Already, the Bank has scooped another award earlier this year, picking up the Most Innovative Property Loans Provider 2019 prize at the Global Business Insight Awards. Last year Redwood was also named Bank of the Year at the Global Business Excellence Awards. Redwood Bank’s products include individually assessed mortgages for business owners and professional landlords, as well as a range of Best Buy savings accounts, which are offered to charities, clubs and associations as well as businesses. For further information, visit www.redwoodbank.co.uk
Members News
Broxbourne Borough Council’s Year of Young People Following on from the successful Year of Community in 2018, 2019 has been designated as Broxbourne’s Year of Young People where the Borough recognises the value and important role that young people play in the Borough of Broxbourne. The first two months have seen a number of significant developments within the Year of Young People programme. 274 nominations were received across 12 categories for the fifth annual Broxbourne Youth Awards. wide range of candidates were nominated and the judging panel found shortlisting to be challenging. Shortlisted candidates were invited to the Youth Awards ceremony held on Friday 29 March at The Spotlight. The Youth Awards are kindly sponsored by Aldwyck Housing Group, CEG, Cheshunt FC, Inland Homes, Tesco and County Councillor, Dave Hewitt. The Broxbourne Youth Council continues to meet fortnightly with an average attendance of 14 young people, up from nine during the previous term. So far in 2019, the Youth Council trained to become
Democracy Ambassadors, started a campaign to improve local bus services and set up their own Feeling Good Week project. Guest speakers have included the Herts Local Enterprise Partnership and the OLLIE Foundation, who provide suicide intervention training for adults working with young people. The Youth Mayor has chosen the OLLIE Foundation as one of his charities to support this year. On Monday 14 January, Broxbourne Borough Council launched its annual ‘Opportunity for Excellence’ award scheme which aims to support eight talented young athletes (aged 11-30), in achieving their full potential through a free Leisure Centre membership. In February, 1,322 pupils from five of Broxbourne’s secondary schools watched the ‘Breaking the Chain’
performance produced by the AlterEgo drama company. ‘Breaking the Chain’ is a hard-hitting applied theatre production that aims to raise awareness and kick-start conversations and build resilience around youth violence, with a focus on knife crime. The performances were funded by the Hertfordshire Child Safeguarding Board and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire. Youth Intervention Programme awareness days took place at the John Warner School and the Robert Barclay Academy at the end of January. The days were aimed to raise awareness amongst students on how to minimise the risk of them becoming victims of youth violence and substance misuse. Activities include knife arches, sniffer dogs, bike marking and presentations from youth workers from the St Giles Trust.
Hospice named in top 20 best charities to work for in the UK A Hertfordshire children’s hospice has beaten off tough competition from around the UK to be named in the top 20 of the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-forProfit Organisations to Work for list. Keech Hospice Care’s ranking has rocketed for 2019, shooting it up the list to 18th place in just its second year of entering. The charity first entered The Sunday Times 100 in 2017, when the charity achieved a ranking of 71. Liz Searle, CEO at Keech Hospice Care, who attended a special ceremony in London where the result was revealed on Wednesday night, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the staff we employ at Keech Hospice Care should rate us so highly. “We have been working hard on ensuring our staff feel valued and believe they can shape the organisation that we all feel so passionate about. This is the second time running that the hospice has been honoured in the top 100 not-forprofit awards and we are proud to represent the hospice sector in this year’s results.”
The Sunday Times 100 list is based on feedback from staff. In all, across the country, nearly 260,000 staff working for UK employers completed anonymous surveys giving their opinions about their bosses, their working conditions and their employer’s values. “We value our amazing staff and, of course, our volunteers - we have an outstanding team in every area,” said Liz. “Since the last award, we have developed a new five-year strategy, staff have contributed to our new values and we have a new vision, ‘Making the difference when it matters the most’. These play a crucial role in making the organisation a success and this result is an endorsement that staff believe we are going in the right direction in tough economic times.” In recent months, the hospice, which cares for adults in Luton and south
Bedfordshire and children across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, has also been recognised for its excellent standards by being awarded ‘Outstanding’ for caring by the Care Quality Commission. “Our patients and their families are always at the centre of all we do,” Liz said. “We are committed to ensuring adults and children who have a terminal or life-limiting illness get the excellent specialist care and support they need. “The staff survey shows we have further improved in all areas including personal development, wellbeing and leadership. “It’s a fantastic position to be in and it’s amazing to see the journey we are on, becoming a truly great organisation that our community, who we rely on for around 70 per cent of the funding for our care, can be proud of.”
Voice for the community It’s been a year since Radio Verulam joined the Herts Chamber of Commerce and we are delighted with the partnership. We have been attending fantastic events and meeting our fellow Chamber members. So now here’s a little bit about us. We are the local community radio station for St Albans, a not for profit organisation run by volunteers. From getting local groups, people and businesses on air, to our coverage of local events and training our volunteers, our mission is to be a voice for the community in which we live. We transmit to around 150,000 local homes and worldwide online. The radio station started back in the 90s and has grown bigger and better every year. On International Women’s Day this year we invited local business women including the Herts Chamber of Commerce on air to tell their inspirational stories followed by networking with tea and cakes. We get involved with all sorts of community activites from the Herts County Show to Christmas Light Switch Ons to Pancake Day races through St Albans city centre. We enjoy raising the profile of our fabulous city. If you have ever fancied yourself as the next Chris Evans, John Peel or John Humphrys, how about volunteering with us? To stay on air, we raise money by fundraising , donations, sponsorship and advertising. You are our best supporters – as well as promoting and raising awareness of your business, you are actively supporting a community organisation – so from a corporate social responsibility stance this is a win – win. Contact kerry@radioverulam.com to join us in bringing St Albans and Hertfordshire centre stage. www.radioverulam.com
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Let’s get down to business Set in the magnificent Hertfordshire countryside, Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is one of the region’s most distinctive venues. Our seventy-acre estate, showcasing Moore’s iconic monumental sculptures offers the perfect setting for your corporate event. Whether it’s a high-level board meeting, team away day, formal sit-down dinner or a networking drinks reception, we’ve got the perfect venue for you. Completed in 2016, our contemporary visitor centre can provide a stunning space for up to 180 guests, with unparalleled views over the sculpture lawns. In contrast, our stunning 16th century Aisled Barn can create a unique backdrop to any event, and is particularly suited to drinks receptions and dinners. To find out more, discuss your event in detail or to book a viewing of our spaces, get in touch with our expert team.
events@henry-moore.org 01279 843333
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens Perry Green Hertfordshire SG10 6EE T: 01279 843 333 www.henry-moore.org
Hertfordshire Conference & Events
The rapidly changing event world Talk to anyone involved in the conference and events sector and it will not be long before the word ‘experience’ finds its way into the conversation. That’s because recent times have seen a distinct move away from ‘bog standard’ events, where everyone sits in a conference hall and watches a series of uninspired Powerpoint presentations for hours on end, towards events where things happen. Events that are different. That will be remembered. According to research, 93% of marketers believe that their customers are increasingly looking to buy based on experiences, rather than simply on products. The researchers found that the trend needs to be acknowledged by organisers because memorable events encourage consumers to learn more about a brand, leading eventually to higher sales. Industry analysts predict that the trend away from passive events towards ones that are more active and engaging will be the big theme of 2019. That’s not to say that all existing event formats are dead. It’s not all jazzy music and flashing lights. There is still a need for keynote speeches from industry experts and for exhibition halls showcasing relevant products and services. It’s just that the trick now is to run an event that has its own personality, one that is different to other events that delegates have attended, an occasion that makes an impact. If you are an events organiser, that means asking some tough questions. Does your audience want to sit through an event that has not changed for ten years or do they want something more interactive with workshops, the chance to meet speakers, the opportunity to engage with other delegates and the potential to be entertained? Coming up with the right answer is crucial because events containing experiences are more likely to be
talked about and shared on social media – and that means that their impact will be broad. Technology is one way to achieve that. For example, many leading business events now develop their own apps which show the attendee a map of the venue, the schedule for the event and useful background information and offer them the opportunity to provide feedback during the event. Technology can help in other ways, ranging from Virtual Reality systems giving delegates a more realistic view of products and services to live streaming of presentations. For all the exciting opportunities, though, there is still a need to get the basics right. The success of an event can be jeopardised because the basic components were overlooked and one of the key factors is a good location, somewhere that is easy to reach and attractive for delegates.
technology, events help companies to maintain personal relationships with their clients. In a fast-moving age dominated by the Internet, texting and Cloud Computing, the personal touch remains highly valued because it is often when client and customer are together, and relaxed, that business is done, that relationships are forged and deals struck. There are benefits for the national and local economy as well. The UK events industry was estimated to be worth £42.3 billion in 2018, an 8% rise on the previous year, with business events by far the largest contributor to the sector. Business events – conference, seminars, networking sessions and the like – have a combined value of £19.9bn per annum. Which is why it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
Hertfordshire’s gems Hertfordshire has plenty of fine venues which take advantage of the opportunities presented by the events sector. All round the county can be found ideal venues, ranging from historic houses to hotels, specialist conference centres to sports clubs, all of which offer events and corporate hospitality. One trend increasingly being observed is the arrival in the market of venues previously not considered for such events. Hotels and business centres have always hosted conferences and exhibitions but increasingly other venues are becoming involved. From football grounds to cathedrals and churches, such venues offer something a little different in terms of visitor experience.
When assessing the choice of venue, you are looking at other factors as well. Can it cope with the numbers expected to attend, has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Wi-Fi, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs? The good venues are the ones that can tailor themselves to providing the exact needs of the event organisers. But why does all this planning matter? Are events still worth the effort and expense? Well, yes, because in an age that seems increasingly reliant on
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Hertfordshire Conference & Events
Looking for a conference venue?
Let us help you deliver the perfect conference experience…
Set in over 6½ acres of undulating tree lined lawns leading down to an ornamental lake, the Spotlight in Hoddesdon is a unique, multipurpose venue ideal for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, presentations and special events. We are conveniently located 8 miles from junction 25 of the M25, and just a 5 minute drive from the A10. Our spacious auditorium can seat 547 guests theatre style and easily converts to a 350 seated cabaret style room. Additionally our syndicate room can seat up to 40 guests theatre style for breakout sessions.
We have the latest state of the art presentation systems and our experienced Technical staff will be on hand to ensure the smooth running of your event.
We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and our food and beverage team will serve you everything from a welcome coffee and breakfast, to buffet luncheon and afternoon tea, tailor-made to meet your needs and budget.
To find out more call our Conference Manager on
Additionally we have over 90 free parking spaces with a covered drop-off zone, dedicated dressing rooms with en-suite facilities, full disabled access, Wi-Fi and licensed bar.
01992 444504
The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE
The perfect venue for your meetings and events A unique conference venue, the perfect location for a board meeting, away day, or team building activities! • 30 minutes from London • A former Royal Residence • 33 meeting rooms for up to 300 people • 10 historic function rooms • 190 bedrooms • Beautiful gardens • World class speakers through Ashridge Executive Education Ashridgehouse
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Ashridge House Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1NS ashridgehouse.org.uk Email: events@ashridge.hult.edu Tel: +44 (0) 1442 841027
Hertfordshire Conference & Events
Events at Henry Moore Studios & Gardens Henry Moore Studios & Gardens in Perry Green, near Much Hadham has developed a reputation as one of Hertfordshire’s most distinctive event venues. As the former home of 20th century sculptor Henry Moore, the venue boasts a selection of characterful events spaces set in 70 acres of stunning sculpture gardens. Completed in 2016, the sleek and contemporary visitor centre, designed by Hugh Broughton Architects, offers panoramic views over Moore’s iconic bronzes in the gardens. Inside this impressive building, the Interpretation Suite comes fully equipped with a 75” HD LCD screen and complementary Wi-Fi. Together with the adjoining café area, this is the perfect venue for a meeting or conference by day, while at night it offers an intimate setting for a dinner or presentation event.
Top Tips Here are some of the things that you should consider when making your choice. Accessibility: The location of the event venue is paramount for maximizing event attendance. Delegates must be able to arrive easily and stress free.
Choosing the right venue for your sales conference, AGM or team away day is not an easy task when more than ever the pressure on businesses to get the most for their money is so great. By Kerry Mavis Sales & Marketing Manager at Ware Priory Costs:
Technical:
Does the venue offer a good Value for Money option that covers all your delegates needs? Many venues will offer a Day Delegate rate that will include everything you need but do check that there are no hidden extras so that you compare like for like.
If the event you are organising relies on a seamless presentation the make sure the venue can ensure the equipment to support you.
Consider whether the venue offers Free Parking and has easy access along public transport routes.
Also do ask if the venue has any special offers especially if your event is for large numbers.
Lodging Accommodations:
Facilities:
If the venue is not located within a hotel, there needs to be suitable lodging accommodations within a reasonable distance of the event.
Look for a venue that suits your event needs. Break out rooms may be required or an outside space for team building activities, for example.
Wi-Fi access will be imperative for all attendees so make sure that this is available to them.
Catering: A well fed and watered audience will aid the success of any conference. Make sure that the venue provides a good quality food selection that suits your event. Check that food allergies can be accommodated.
In contrast, the Studios & Gardens can also offer a beautiful 16th century Aisled Barn, located in the heart of the gardens. This historic building is decorated with unique tapestries, commissioned by Henry Moore himself, based on his and hand woven at West Dean College. It is an atmospheric and impressive venue, perfectly suited to drinks receptions, dinners and gala events. The dedicated events team are always on hand to ensure that your event runs smoothly and can arrange enhancement activities for your guests, including exclusive tours of the gardens and Moore’s studios with an expert guide. For more information or to discuss availability in 2019 or 2020, please contact the team on 01279 8433333. www.henry-moore.org
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Hertfordshire Conference & Events PRICING 24 HOUR RATE from £159.00 DAY DELEGATE RATE from £32.00
MEETINGS MADE EFFORTLESS
BEDROOMS from £90.00 room only
Cheshunt Marriott is conveniently located in Hertfordshire with easy access to the A10, M11 & M25 motorway. Our flexible meeting rooms can seat up to 180 delegates and are the perfect environment to deliver exceptional meetings and events. The hotel offers 143 spacious bedrooms, 6 conference rooms, onsite parking and gym facilities. For more information call 01992 451 245 or email Cheshunt.events@marriotthotels.co.uk CHESHUNT MARRIOTT HOTEL Halfhide Lane, Turnford, Broxbourne, Hertforshire, EN10 6NG
The University of Hertfordshire boasts two modern campuses with large green areas and learning focussed facilities. Meeting spaces available throughout the year and over 3,000 en-suite bedrooms available in the summer the University of Hertfordshire has unique spaces including: • A 440 seat auditorium • Mock law court • State of the art gym with Olympic size pool • Large tiered lecture theatres and flat-floored classrooms
The University’s Fielder Centre, a bespoke day conferencing centre, is available all year round for conferences, events and meetings. A large, flexible building off-campus renowned for its customer service and quality food, the Fielder Centre is proud to feature: • A large conferencing space capable of seating 220 people • Six individual breakout rooms suitable for groups of 5 – 80 people • A dedicated computer suite • Full A/V specifications in all rooms • A large dining space with seating for up to 170 people • Free car parking for up to 200 cars
In a constantly changing business world we can successfully deliver a variety of conferences and events all year round. Please get in touch with a member of our team today to discuss your event needs.
sales@conferencehertfordshire.co.uk
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+44 (0)1707 285032
A-Z
of Hertfordshire Conference & Events
Ashridge House
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Award-winning Event venue on your doorstep
Set in the magnificent Hertfordshire countryside, in a seventy acre estate, showcasing Moore’s iconic sculpture, makes it one of the region’s most distinctive event venues. Whether it’s a high-level board meeting, team away day, formal sit-down dinner or a drinks reception, we’ve got an ideal venue for you. Experience Henry Moore’s iconic work in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to the artist’s former home, studios and sculpture gardens.
Ashridge House is a magnificent venue fusing historic grandeur with contemporary design to create a versatile event space. Rated one of the finest conference and event facilities in the UK, Ashridge House boasts inspiring spaces for meetings and events and is a magnificent setting for private dining. Located in Hertfordshire just 30 minutes north of London and close to all major transport connections, Ashridge House is the perfect location for your next event Ashridge, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS Tel: 01442 841027
Aubrey Park Hotel Hertfordshire’s Hidden Haven Through Hertfordshire’s winding country lanes, Aubrey Park sits peacefully between the historic city of St Albans and the old town of Hemel Hempstead. As an exclusive venue; our style and service may have changed over time, but the foundations of family and great service will always remain the same. Whether you’re here for leisure or business, we’re proudly independent and here to help. Aubrey Park Hotel, Hemel Hempstead Road, Redbourn, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL3 7AF Tel 01582 792105
Cheshunt Marriott Hotel. 4-star hotel in a tranquil location in rural Broxbourne Enjoy 4-star luxury at Cheshunt Marriott Hotel, located in rural Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Relax and unwind in our spacious and contemporary accommodation, boasting plush pillowtop bedding, well-lit workspaces and coffee and tea service. Many of our hotel rooms offer views of the garden. Stay connected with high-speed internet access or maintain your fitness in our on-site gym. Cast Iron Bar & Grill, our hotel restaurant, serves light bites, hearty meals and an excellent Sunday lunch, as well as cocktails and a delicious afternoon tea. If you're planning a meeting in Broxbourne, you'll be delighted with our newly refurbished and versatile function rooms, offering natural light and modern facilities. Halfhide Lane Turnford, Broxbourne, EN10 6NG Tel: 01992 451245
ConferenceHertfordshire A range of excellent facilities Located at the University of Hertfordshire, ConferenceHertfordshire provides a dedicated event service which can match its range of facilities to your requirements. Our commitment to quality ensures the success of your event no matter what the size. A residential four-day event for 1600 or a small team meeting for as few as ten, ConferenceHertfordshire has the facilities to accommodate you. We have 5 venues offering a range of excellent facilities to suit your corporate and personal requirements. Please get in touch with a member of our sales team though phone or by emailing sales@conferencehertfordshire.co.uk ConferenceHertfordshire, Mercer Building, College Lane, Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB Tel: 01707 285032
Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Surround yourself with luxury at Hertfordshire hotel Accessed by an impressive sweeping driveway and set on 200 sprawling acres, on land that once housed some of England's most important historical figures, Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club is an enchanting venue. The Jacobean style hotel surrounds you with timelessly elegant interiors, state-of-the-art amenities and stunningly refurbished function rooms. Whether you’re planning a small and intimate affair or grand and glamorous Hanbury Manor is the perfect choice.
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens, Dane Tree House, Perry Green, Hertfordshire, SG10 6EE Tel: 01279 843 333
Knebworth House In a history spanning more than 500 years, Knebworth House has welcomed world famous writers, politicians, musicians and royalty – and now we would like to welcome you. Because, at Knebworth House and Barns, we do business beautifully. With a variety of event spaces, not to mention 250 acres of parkland, we are an ideal choice for everything from private dinners and weddings, to large scale conferences and team building days – and all just 28 miles north of London. So, why not let our highly experienced events team and superb, on site team of chefs help you create an event your delegates, friends and colleagues will never forget. Knebworth Park, Knebworth Hertfordshire, SG3 6PY Tel: 01438 812661
The Christian Conference Trust (CCT) Discover a sanctuary in Hertfordshire High Leigh Conference Centre specialises in residential and day conferences for up to 220 delegates. With 40 acres of lawns, parkland and woodland, the tranquil surroundings aid both concentration and relaxation for delegates. The venue hosts a full range of events, from business meetings, church weekends away to corporate away days and evening functions. Our affordable all-inclusive pricing covers en-suite accommodation, great food packages, free Wi-fi and AV equipment and even your own event management system ensuring you have a successful and stress free conference every time. We strive to help make your event a success. High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8SG Tel: 0300 111 4444
The Spotlight Delivering the perfect conference experience The Spotlight in Hoddesdon is a unique, multi-purpose venue. Ideal for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and special events. With over 90 free parking spaces onsite, it is conveniently located 8 miles from junction 25 of the M25, and just a 5 minute drive from the A10. With latest state of the art presentations systems and a comprehensive list of the audio and visual equipment ensuring the perfect presentation. The auditorium can seat up to 547 guests theatre style and easily converts to a 350 seated cabaret style room. Additionally, the syndicate room can seat up to 40 guests theatre style for breakout sessions. The Spotlight can accommodate all catering requirements and has experienced staff on hand all day to ensure the smooth running of all events. The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts, EN11 8BE Tel: 01992 444504
Ware Priory
A number of unique venue spaces for your meeting, conference or dinner including the contemporary and recently refurbished Riding School, a purpose built conference space to the historic and traditional Old Palace, once home to Queen Elizabeth I. Accommodating up to 300 for a conference, networking event or drinks reception, 250 for a seated lunch or dinner and 200 for a dinner dance all our rooms are flexible and can be arranged to ensure a smaller number of guests feel equally comfortable. Outside, the raised lawn and knot garden is an idyllic setting for drinks receptions whilst the Estate parkland offers a superb opportunity for team building, summer parties, fun days and concerts.
Ware Priory is where the past and present unite. The Priory itself is a venue steeped in atmosphere with period architecture dating back to medieval times. Adjacent to the Priory is Fletcher’s Lea, a modern, spacious venue with all the latest high-tech facilities. If you’re looking for the perfect conference or meeting venue, then look no further. Ware Priory is set in seven acres of riverside gardens, ideal for outdoor team-building activities or simply for some thinking time to absorb information. The choice of versatile spaces that Ware Priory offers are ideal for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, product launches, corporate dining and awards ceremonies. We can accommodate 2 to 220 people across our two venues depending on the layout required. Our conference rates offer bookers great Value for Money and include room hire, full catering options, all the essential conference equipment and stationery, complimentary parking and WiFi facilities. All of our top-quality catering is provided by our exclusive venue partners, Seasoned.
Hatfield House Hospitality, The Estate Office, Melon Ground, Hatfield Park, Herts, AL9 5NB Tel: 01707 287 003
Ware Priory, High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Tel: 01920 460316
Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0SD Tel: 01920 487722
Hatfield House A stunning, unique and historical country house venue in Hertfordshire
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Not all meeting venues have to be bland Experience Chapel Barn, with the capacity for 10-100 people at High Leigh Conference Centre. Contact the CCT team for more information and our hire options.
0300 111 4444 chapelbarn@cct.org.uk www.cct.org.uk
Whether you are looking to host a meeting or a get together with colleagues, friends or family, Hatfield House is the place to be this summer.
Unique, historical and versatile spaces available for: • Meetings and conferences • Summer parties • Family fun days • Afternoon tea • BBQ and Pimms packages • Gin and Jazz evenings Quote “Inspire me this summer” and whatever the occasion the organiser goes free.
To discuss your next event call
01707 287 033 or email hatfieldhospitality@compass-group.co.uk
www.hatfieldhousehospitality.co.uk 46
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Value for Money Conference rates include room hire, full catering options and all the essential conference equipment and stationery
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CONFERENCE OR MEETING VENUE? Ware Priory is where the past and present unite. The Priory itself is a venue steeped in atmosphere with period architecture dating back to medieval times. Adjacent to the Priory is Fletcher’s Lea our modern, spacious venue with all the latest high-tech facilities.
Tranquil Setting
Versatile Space
We are set in seven acres of riverside gardens, ideal for outdoor team-building activities or simply for some thinking time to absorb information
Ideal for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, product launches, corporate dining and awards ceremonies
Large Capacity
Syndicate Rooms
We can accommodate 2 to 220 people across our two venues depending on the layout required
Fully-equipped syndicate rooms are available for a small additional fee
Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for all delegates
Quality Catering All catering is provided by our exclusive venue partners, Seasoned
For more information or to enquire about our latest offers call the Ware Priory Events Team on 01920 888547/9 or email events@warepriory.co.uk High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Website: www.warepriory.co.uk @warepriory warepriory
Skills & Development “Once we have done that, we can identify the young person who is best for their requirements. It’s all about engaging with businesses and helping them to bridge their skills gaps.’’ But it’s not just about putting business and prospective apprentices together; Hart Learning & Development goes way beyond that, including ensuring that young people know what employers will expect of them. Lindsey said: “A big part of what we do is coaching young people so that they are work-ready. Some need little support and are ready to enter the workplace but others need a bit more assistance.
Making learning a lifelong journey For many Hertfordshire businesses, one of the biggest challenges as they seek to grow is recruiting talented young people then supporting them as they develop their careers. Finding that young talent in the first place can be the biggest challenge of all.
Lindsey Sherring Director Hart Learning & Development
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Helping them to solve the problem is Stevenage-based Hart Learning and Development, part of the Hart Learning Group, a charitable organisation with a mission to create social and economic value through learning. It does that partly through its educational institutions, including North Hertfordshire College, a large further education college in Stevenage and Hitchin, and the Hart Schools Trust, which sponsors Thomas Alleyne Academy and Roebuck Academy in Stevenage.
“We teach them important skills such as good communication, teamwork and timekeeping, as this is what businesses expect of their employees. “We also provide support on applying for jobs and how to present themselves at interviews as well as practicalities such as how they will travel to work and how long it will take to get there. “If the potential apprentices are not quite ready, we run a programme called Kick Start which helps develop their employability skills before they apply for a post.”
Hart Learning & Development’s role is to connect businesses of all sizes and types with emerging talent through its apprenticeship programme. A key part of its work is helping to match up apprentices with companies in sectors such as health and care, engineering and construction and business support, including accounting, HR, retail and marketing.
And the approach does not stop when the young person enters the workplace because Hart Learning & Development also runs apprenticeships for more established staff so they can progress in their chosen career.
Hart Learning & Development has a strong track record of helping talented young people find jobs. Director Lindsey Sherring said: “The key to our success is working closely with businesses to understand their needs.
“We run a range of programmes that enable them to do that, such as advanced apprenticeships.’’
Lindsey said: “There is increased recognition among employers that investing in upskilling their employees is needed to increase productivity and help retain talent.
Learning, as they say at Hart Learning & Development, is a lifelong journey.
“A big part of what we do is coaching young people so that they are work-ready. Some need little support and are ready to enter the workplace but others need a bit more assistance.”
Seriously
Cool
Training
in Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pumping
Contact us today! Tel: 01707 879879 www.ellistraining.co.uk
Tried and trusted by businesses since 1819 At every stage of your business evolution, from start-up to sale or flotation, we offer a full range of legal support. Daniel Burns, newly appointed Partner and Head of Company Commercial, brings a wealth of experience having worked both as an in-house lawyer for an international business and in City and US law firms advising a wide range of companies. Our team can assist with: ■■ Company formation and start-up ■■ Mergers, acquisitions, sales and restructures ■■ Partnership agreements ■■ Commercial contracts ■■ Software licensing, IT service and outsourcing agreements ■■ Shareholder agreements ■■ Employee share option schemes ■■ Protecting and commercialising your intellectual property
longmores.law
Contact Daniel Burns, Partner and Head of Company Commercial daniel.burns@longmores.law 01992 305234
01992 300333 24 Castle Street, Hertford, SG14 1HP
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Last Word
Great staff are at the heart of every business Emma Tarbox Senior Operations Manager Tate Emma.Tarbox@tate.co.uk Q What do you do?
Q What you do get from it?
I support North Herts & Bedfordshire businesses at any stage of their staff employment lifecycle on recruitment, apprenticeships and training, performance management and staff engagement.
A strong business network among a range of industries and size of organisations. Support from the BD Exec team, PR from sponsoring lunch events and Inspiring Herts awards, recommendations and job vacancies for our candidates.
Q Who do you work for? Tate, an Office Professionals Business Consultancy and Training Provider.
Q Why did you join the Chamber? Initially for networking opportunity, but I soon realised the Chamber had a lot to offer our clients too byway of the Export and HR support, the PA Club and Women in Leadership groups so I became an Ambassador and now we are proud Patrons!
Patrons
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Q How has it helped your business network? It’s raised our profile in the Herts business community and introduced us to new business opportunities.
Q What advice would you give someone starting out? Great staff are at the heart of every business. As you grow and recruit your team, invest in their career, keep them engaged, developed and feeling loved. I can help you with this!
Q What do you think is the biggest challenge affecting running and growing a business? Staff retention is a massive challenge for businesses as people are leaving their jobs in greater numbers than ever before. I work closely with companies to attract the right people and because Tate can offer training support, this helps clients retain their people and grow stars for the future.
Q How confident are you your business will grow in 2019? Our latest service as an approved Apprenticeship Training Provider for office qualifications has had great impact with existing and new clients so far this year. Levy and non-Levy clients are enjoying the benefits and cost savings too.
As your people grow, so does your business. Training is an excellent way to boost morale and motivation. And it creates a company culture that encourages productivity and cultivates new ideas. From apprenticeship training to professional accreditation, we’re here to help take your company to the next level.
DE YO V PE U EL O R OP PL E.
Find out more at go.herts.ac.uk/yourpeople
Herts for business.
Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers
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Helping Hertfordshire businesses to grow and prosper for more than 80 years. Proud sponsors of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2019.
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44(0)330 024 3200 hillierhopkins.co.uk