Inspire September 2019 by Benham Publishing Limited

INSPIRE.34

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce September - October 2019

Inside • SPOTLIGHT FOCUS Hemel Hempstead and Dacorum a great destination for business p16

• ECONOMY Hertfordshire SMEs benefit from funded support and guidance p22

• CHAMBER EVENTS Forthcoming Business Events p26

• CONFERENCE & VENUES Getting the planning right p33

• SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT HERTFORDSHIRE Businesses urged to support National Apprenticeship Week 2020 p49

How

Artificial Intelligence is transforming

everything

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

Thinking big… Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

There is an old adage that you cannot see the wood for the trees and it holds true for the world of business. We can be so busy doing the ‘day job’ that we lose sight of the bigger picture, which is why the Chamber is delighted to work so closely with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), whose initiatives are featured in this edition of the magazine. The LEP’s job, as is also the case with the Chamber, is to stand back and look at the bigger picture when it comes to considering industrial strategy. When you do that, you realise that Hertfordshire has a lot going for it and is an attractive location for global and European headquarters and shared service centres. The reason? Its competitive costs, access to markets, global connectivity, skilled workforce and leading business university, the University of Hertfordshire.

With outstanding transport links to central London, Hertfordshire is also well connected by rail, road and air to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, something that could become even more important as the ramifications of Brexit become clear. There is plenty more to celebrate, including the work being done to drive forward the regeneration of our communities. In Stevenage and Hatfield, for example, the groundwork has been laid for the regeneration of the town centres. Substantial progress has also been made in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, while the designation of a new Enterprise Zone in west Hertfordshire will drive new forms of economic growth.

And when you take the work done by ourselves in collaboration with the LEP and other organisations such as Gascoyne Estates Infrastructure Charrettes, exploring some of the most critical issues facing the county. The next meeting is 17 October at Hatfield House. (The photo shows Anthony Downs, Estate Director, Gascoyne Estates with me at our Summer Party at Hatfield House). One project which really excites me is taking shape in Hemel Hempstead, which Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership chose as the location for the biggest commercial opportunity the region has seen in decades: Hertfordshire IQ. Led by Hertfordshire LEP, with the backing of Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans and District Council, Hertfordshire IQ is creating a sustainable, business hub in Hemel Hempstead. All this and more is creating a feel-good factor in Hertfordshire, not just for big business but also for the many SMEs who are such valued members of the Chamber.

Briege with Anthony Downs, Estate Director at Gascoyne Estates (Hatfield House).

There may be a lot of doom and gloom surrounding the farce that is Brexit but in Hertfordshire we’re staying calm and getting on with the job. And this Chamber will do everything it can to support the work. I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer

Contents Artificial Intelligence

4-7

Inspirational Leaders

10-11

Patron Focus

12-13

Spotlight on Hemel Hempstead & Dacorum

Member Events

Venue Focus/ Member Event

Conferences & Venues

Building Connections

16-17

Members News

36-37

Economy

New Members

Herts Global

Members News

Inspiring Women in Business

Members Benefi

Business Support

News

Skills & Development

Last Word

Chamber Events

26-30

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

16 24

44-45

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

49 Published September 2019 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

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.

Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com

Media No. 1679

INSPIRE

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

INSPIRE

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

How Artificial Intelligence is transforming everything Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live our lives and carry out our business. Driving the revolution are technology companies, some of them in Hertfordshire, that are developing a multitude of new online platforms, artificial intelligence applications and tools which are based on machine learning. The result is technology that is transforming the software and Internet industries and which is having a profound effect on everything from healthcare and manufacturing to agriculture, and automobiles. From big name companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft to lesser known ventures and start-ups, businesses are investing heavily in the research and development of AI. The importance of AI was underlined recently when the annual ‘opportunity rankings’ were published for companies working in technology. For the second year running, the Internet of Things topped the list compiled by the Emerging Technology Community at

CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global tech industry, but Artificial Intelligence was ranked second in terms of offering opportunities to business. Maddy Martin, head of growth and education for Smith.ai and community vice chair, said: “The largest impacts across all industries – from retail to healthcare, hospitality to finance – are felt when AI improves data security, decision-making speed and accuracy, and employee output and training. “With more capable staff, better-qualified sales leads, more efficient issue resolution and systems that feed actual data back in for future process and product improvements, companies employing AI technologies can use resources

with far greater efficiency. Best of all, as investment and competition increase in the AI realm, costs are reduced.”

So what are some of the big trends to watch? Deep learning is an Artificial Intelligence form which develops algorithms called artificial neural networks that work by modelling the human brain function and structure. It is estimated that machine learning jobs including deep learning rose 35-fold between 2015 and 2017 alone, based on areas like computer vision, autonomous vehicles and automatic text generation. Facial Recognition technology, which is regarded as one of the fastest-growing Artificial Intelligence applications, helps identify a person with their digital image or patterns of their

“The largest impacts across all industries – from retail to healthcare, hospitality to finance – are felt when AI improves data security, decision-making speed and accuracy, and employee output and training.”

facial features. Experts in the field say that 2019 will witness a massive growth in the use of facial recognition technology with more reliability and enhanced accuracy in fields ranging from security to shopping. Privacy technology is growing rapidly as well. Since the introduction of GDPR became a major topic of conversation in 2018, AI’s role in protecting personal data has gained fresh importance. Companies across the world are increasingly working on strategies and initiatives for the guidance of Artificial Intelligence regulators. AI-Enabled Chips are a big field for development as well. Artificial Intelligence relies on specialised processors and some of the biggest names in the industry are producing more and more chips capable of making the execution of Artificial Intelligence applications much faster. The role of the Cloud in Artificial Intelligence applications is also assuming ever greater importance, with big names like Amazon Web Service, Google, IBM and Microsoft investing heavily in R and D.

INSPIRE

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Welcome to the new industrial revolution Artificial Intelligence is playing a key role in one of the biggest revolutions that industry has seen. Every so often, a development emerges that represents a true industrial revolution. In the 19th Century it was the dramatic advance of mechanisation and the harnessing of electricity, in the late 20th Century it was the rise of the computer, in the early years of the 21st Century it has been the appearance of The Cloud. Now, we have Industry 4.0, which encompasses the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the growth of automation and the

Advancing our future with AI

AI has been in existence for decades, but it is only now entering a crucial stage in its development and adoption, due in part to the proliferation of large, connected datasets and the computing power needed to train algorithms that can provide actionable information. In the coming years, billions of people will witness AIdriven disruption and new opportunities. With AI at the heart of the UK Industrial Strategy we are positioning ourselves to be a leader in the deployment of AI throughout the rest of the 21st Century.

INSPIRE

Survey suggests that more needs to be done to overcome public concerns

development of Artificial Intelligence. Already referred to as ‘the fourth industrial revolution’, the impact of Industry 4.0 on manufacturing businesses of all kinds in Hertfordshire is going to be massive. It is already having a major effect. Industry 4.0 relates to the way technology talks to each other and, for industry, that means creating the ‘smart factory’ in which systems communicate in real time via the Internet, underpinned by AI technology. At Industry 4.0’s heart is a growing realisation that huge amounts of time and effort is being wasted because too many production and back-office systems are not connected. That disconnect means that skilled personnel ranging from manufacturing teams

to sales staff find themselves repeating the same tasks when, if managed properly, their IT could do it in a fraction of the time. For instance, it makes no sense if a machine is producing data that impacts on another piece of equipment but the information is not available to its operators without having to go through a complicated process to obtain it. How much better, supporters of Industry 4.0 argue, if the data from Machine One is automatically made available to Machine Two? The benefit for companies embracing Industry 4.0 is that more data integration results in better planning for production and logistics and makes them more cost-effective. In the smart factory, sensors can automate tasks, report performance levels, flag anomalies and generate alerts giving companies new insights into their business processes, allowing them to run predictive analytics to forecast problems before they occur. That is useful because, if you can predict the failure of a key piece of equipment well in advance of the breakdown, you can take action to prevent it. Avoiding a serious failure and resultant downtime saves money and prevents damage to reputation. Analysts also suggest that when more flexible access to information happens, it brings about up to 40% higher employee productivity.

As a growing part of many people’s lives and businesses, AI will continue to become more prevalent over the next decade or two. Given both the huge potential benefit but also risks, for example in terms of job depreciation or individual data privacy, it is, therefore, crucial that the public are aware of how and where artificial intelligence is being used to allow them to make informed decisions about how to manage the implications this will have for them personally. Maintaining public trust over the ethical and secure use of their data is of paramount importance to the successful, widespread proliferation of AI-enabled technologies and there is no better exemplar of this than systems which

interact with personal health data. The IET’s most recent conference on AI “This AI Life”, had this central to the discussion. Healthcare is an area which offers up a multitude of potential applications for AI, both in terms of clinical outcomes but also system efficiency given the widely-reported resource constraints suffered by healthcare systems worldwide. The IET is continuing to examine the use of AI in the workplace and it’s adoption by companies together with the impact on individuals. We are aiming to launch a report with our members later on this year. Ahmed Kotb, IET Digital Lead

Nikolas Kairinos, CEO and founder of Fountech, said: “People tend to fear what they don’t understand, and this research is an example of this. For decades, AI has been misrepresented in sci-fi movies and literary fiction, but we should not let this blinker our view of how this amazing technology can enhance the world around us.

The UK public is wary of the impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could have on jobs and their personal data but still feel it will be a force for good, new research has found. Fountech.ai, an AI think tank and development company, commissioned an independent survey of more than 2,000 UK adults. It found that two thirds (67%) of people are worried AI will result in jobs being lost to machines. It also showed the majority of Britons (58%) think AI tools that recommend products to customers – such as the software used by Amazon and Netflix – are ‘creepy’. A similar number (59%) have become more nervous about the way their personal data is collected and used since the rise of AI. A quarter (24%) of respondents even think AI could be responsible for the end of humankind. However, three fifths (62%) of people believe AI will do more good to the world around us than it will harm. Fountech.ai’s research highlighted an underlying lack of awareness when it comes to AI and its already widespread uses; 37% of UK adults said they do not fully understand what the term “artificial intelligence” means. Furthermore, only 30% claim to regularly use technologies that are powered by AI. This is despite the fact that popular tools such as Google’s search engine, Siri, most major email providers and Facebook – as well as the Amazon and Netflix platforms – all use AI. One in three (31%) respondents said they do not think AI will ever be able to truly replicate the cognitive ability of humans. Nevertheless, three quarters (74%) want to see the UK government do more to govern the way AI technologies are developed and used.

“AI can solve problems and achieve tasks that we previously considered impossible – it will undoubtedly open doors to countless opportunities so we can make the world a better place. Importantly, as this study shows, the technology must be harnessed and used in the right way – the ethical questions surrounding the development of AI will rightly remain until both governments and businesses show they are applying it in responsible, safe ways.”

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

How Artificial Intelligence is making financial management easier One local company making effective use of Artificial Intelligence and Technology is Chasebridge Wealth Management Ltd. Based in Potters Bar, Chasebridge uses technology to deliver its Chasebridge Wealth Management Navigation System. The Navigation system provides a window into an individual’s financial future, based on agreed assumptions, such as inflation, asset growth, and earnings increases. It is effectively a giant financial spreadsheet, with all the formulas working behind the client data to create a clear financial picture of the individual now and throughout the forthcoming years to a set point in the future. The visual aspect is clear, easy to work with and provides both a visual guide to a person’s financial future as well as a report in financial tabular form for those who want to drill into the detail.

UK taxation and UK financial products’ terms and restrictions are set and updated by the system programmers to ensure the outputs are as relevant and detailed as possible. The system works out shortfall calculations, and provides recommended levels of contributions and cover required to meet the stated goals. Technical support is on hand for complex cases. Chasebridge works with the client to set realistic objectives and goals, and provide confidence as to whether the new house, second home, university fund, lifestyle, early retirement or gifting to the next generation is affordable and achievable. The client is actively involved and provides the following details; income, properties, savings, investments, pensions, debts, and a breakdown of expenditure.

The process is both enlightening and empowering, and puts the client in control of discretionary spending in order to make informed decisions on the household spending against making additional savings in order to help achieve the desired results. The system helps to pinpoint where financially an individual is now, where they would like to be at a point in time in the future, and a route or pathway is created to help achieve those important milestones in the

client’s life. Regular reviews are conducted to ascertain whether everything is on track to meet targets set.Once the basic client data has been agreed and input, the company can run any number of ‘what if’ scenarios, to allow the client to play with their future, to see if a potential route forward is affordable before they embark on a journey. Overall, the technology provides Chasebridge Wealth Management with the tools to engage at a deeper level with a client.

“The system helps to pinpoint where financially an individual is now, where they would like to be at a point in time in the future, and a route or pathway is created to help achieve those important milestones in the client’s life.”

INSPIRE

Kingston Smith changes its name to Moore Kingston Smith We are delighted to announce that, from 9 September 2019, we will be known as Moore Kingston Smith. Our new name reflects our membership of the Moore Stephens International network, which is simultaneously rebranding to become known as Moore. Silvia commented: “Kingston Smith joined the global advisory and accounting network in May 2019, enhancing our offering to clients at an international level, and strengthening the development and growth opportunities of our firm and our people. Of course, we are still the same local practice providing advice and support to our clients; but the network enhances our international reach

for businesses looking for that support.” The addition of the Moore name will enhance Kingston Smith’s international presence and reach, while retaining the firm’s valuable heritage and brand recognition. Maureen Penfold, Managing Partner of Moore Kingston Smith, commented: “Helping our clients thrive has always been central to Kingston Smith’s identity and purpose. Being internationally recognised as the London firm of the Moore Global network will position us to provide even greater support

Silvia Vitiello Business Advisory & Audit Partner

to our clients in reaching their global aspirations.” She continued: “Our heritage and independence is important to us as a partnership, as it is to our clients and our people. Our commitment to our core values, which place clients at the centre of everything we do, is shared by the Moore network, whose vision is to become the most respected accounting network in the world. “The natural alignment between our brands has made adding the

Moore name to Kingston Smith a natural next step in our journey – one which will further strengthen our international presence and reach.” Silvia added: “I know that the whole team at St Albans is keen to make use of our new network to continue to support our clients’ growth and development.” There is further information regarding Moore’s new brand positioning at www.moore.com

Be part of our success We are a multidisciplinary engineering and construction contractor with a reputation for quality, capability and innovation. Our business thrives thanks to our can-do people. Join us and become one of them or get in touch to find out more.

To apply, visit: jobs.volkerwessels.co.uk

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INSPIRE

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INSPIRE

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

Anna prepares to take a positive message to Chamber event Delegates at a Chamber of Commerce event taking place in November will be able to hear first-hand about the inspiring career of a woman who has achieved success in what has often been a male-dominated industry. Anna Baker, who is based in Hemel Hempstead and is SSHEQ (Sustainability, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Assurance) Director at leading building and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine, will address the Chamber’s Women in Leadership event on November 7.

world and of being one of the few women in the company.

Her story is testament to the power of positive thought and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Her next challenge was to work for another company, a sub-contractor on a gas plant in Kent, then she moved to Sir Robert McAlpine in 2009, attracted by the lure of one of the greatest sporting events the UK has seen, the London Olympics.

Anna’s career began when she secured a job working on a gas plant in Wales after she had graduated in Animal Sciences then went on to achieve a Masters in Environmental Management. She said: “I wanted to work in a role which could make use of what I had learned and on my first job I found myself also becoming more interested in sustainability, which was becoming an issue at the time. I was also becoming interested in the idea of risk. “I was made welcome in my first job but I was conscious that I was entering a male-dominated

INSPIRE

“We had a couple of female engineers, for example, but a lot of the woman worked in the office. “The messages were subliminal; the women’s toilets were locked and you had to go to get the key, for example.”

She said: “I wanted to get back to working for the principal

contractor in a major project. I had read that Sir Robert McAlpine had secured the contract for the Olympic Stadium and the idea of working on the project appealed to me. I was quite cheeky in my interview when I asked if I would be working on the stadium!” Anna did work on the stadium, an experience which she thoroughly enjoyed and which was helped by an environment which was more conducive to female members of staff than in some of her previous roles. She said: “The team working on the stadium was much more mixed. We had a lot of women in a range of roles, including senior roles.”

“I was made welcome in my first job but I was conscious that I was entering a male-dominated world and of being one of the few women in the company. We had a couple of female engineers, for example, but a lot of the woman worked in the office.”

Anna took time out to have a baby and returned to work by applying for her current role with Sir Robert McAlpine, in which she is responsible for the whole range of Sustainability, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Assurance activities at the company, which carries out building and civil engineering projects throughout the UK She is looking forward to passing on her insights when she speaks at the Chamber lunch on November 7, which takes place at Lussmanns Fish and Grill in St Albans. The event will enable guests to network with their peers and develop leadership skills as well as providing mentoring, support and inspiration to the county’s next generation of business leaders. Anna said: “I will be taking a positive message to the event. I always do at events like that. I have always liked to take on new challenges and my message is that women should not assume that things like having babies means that they cannot succeed in their careers.”

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

How placing faith in young talent is helping to keep business fresh A key challenge facing well-established businesses is how to develop the talent they will need for the years to come. One company tackling the challenge head-on is Stevenage based TGA Consulting Engineers. By seeking to promote existing staff when older ones retire and bring in talented young people to replace them, it is keeping itself fresh and able to respond to the rapid technological changes in the sectors in which it works. The business, whose design and engineering teams work on a wide range of project types including new build and refurbishments, was established as T G Armstrong and Partners in Durham in 1962 and now has offices in Stevenage, Central London, Leeds, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne. The last family member left the business a year ago and the company’s future is being guided by a team of four directors including Stephen Olley, who is Director for the South. Stephen is the perfect example of the company’s approach to encouraging its talent, having joined the business in 1995 as a trainee electrical engineer following his graduation from Northumbria University in Newcastle.

He worked his way up through the business accepting the position of Director in 2011,and now oversees the business in the south where it has operated for over 40 years. Currently, TGA Consulting Engineers employs 37 staff providing expertise in the building services engineering environment including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, building sciences and building information modelling. Recent months have seen a number of new appointments and the southern office is seeking to strengthen its team with Electrical and Mechanical Graduates, Revit MEP Technicians and Electrical Engineers at all grades (Engineer, Senior, Principal and Associate). Stephen said: “We have a strong commitment to developing our talent. We are a business that has been able to retain staff and that means at certain times we see senior people retiring. “Rather than bringing in senior managers from outside, which can discourage people who have been with us for a while, we are committed to bringing existing

people up the ranks so they can step into senior posts that have been vacated. “We like to bring in talented young people, including apprentices, who we can develop by channelling their skills into different elements of the business and help them undergo further education. “That is good for the business. Technology is changing all the time and, because the younger generation are born with a mobile phone in their hand, they bring new ideas with them, which, in turn, freshens up our approaches on how to use an ever changing technology.” And there’s plenty for the new recruits to do. TGA delivers projects that vary greatly in size and complexity, from condition surveys to major infrastructure projects and from manufacturing facilities to live transplant theatres. Sectors include healthcare, education (schools, colleges and universities), leisure, commercial offices, historic buildings, museums and galleries, retail accommodation, laboratories and industrial developments.

The business is bringing in new work all the time and has many projects on its books at any time at different stages of the construction process. Stephen said; “We are growing and a lot of the work is coming to us because of our reputation for offering a quality service. “We are looking to continue to grow and attract local staff. For example, we are watching with some interest the investment going into the redevelopment of Stevenage. “We are approaching the future positively with a long term plan for sustainable growth. Naturally, the current political situation is unsettling and we have seen a number of opportunities put on hold while the uncertainty continues. Hopefully, a decision will be reached in the autumn which will allow clients and the wider business community to take some positive steps.” Stephen can be contacted through the website at www.tgace.co.uk should any of the opportunities on offer be of interest.

“We like to bring in talented young people, including apprentices, who we can develop by channelling their skills into different elements of the business and help them undergo further education.” INSPIRE

PATRON FOCUS

The radio station, which is now a patron of the Chamber of Commerce, is continually extending its reach and helping more and more businesses and community organisations to benefit from the team’s innovative approach to promoting them. Having already broadcasted to Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and everywhere in-between for years, Heart Hertfordshire extended transmission to cover Stevenage, Hertford, Knebworth, Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City in June. Debbie Chadwick, Station Director, said: “Listeners already enjoyed Heart in the South of our county and it’s brilliant that we can now bring Heart Hertfordshire to everyone in our wonderful county of opportunity with our drivetime show John Darin. “Our expansion is being driven by growing demand for what we can offer. There is a lot of competition for audiences with so many platforms, but radio will always be very popular with low ad avoidance. “It is a very personal and trusted medium and it can be very emotive. It has the capacity to reach directly out to people.”

Radio station

that is thinking creatively to get the message out All businesses need platforms from which to promote themselves, which is why the work of rapidly-expanding radio station Heart Hertfordshire is proving so important. 12

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Helping drive the growth of Heart Hertfordshire is its new owner Communicorp, a national company which runs networks in Scotland and South Wales, Yorkshire and North Wales, the Smooth Radio networks in the North East, North West and East Midlands as well as XS Manchester. Its seven regional stations work with more than 2,500 businesses each year and in Hertfordshire, Heart is helping more and more local companies to reach out to potential new customers. Debbie continues to build upon her success with the commercial sales team, creating ideas that inspire, developing relationships that count and delivering results. She said: “Our appeal for businesses is the way that we can get under the skin of their business and come up with creative ways of getting their message out to people across Hertfordshire and generating them a return and making their brand famous. “We pride ourselves on understanding their business, getting to know their challenges

then coming up with ways to brand them, sometimes in ways that they had never even thought of.” Another key part of the station’s success is its commitment to community life. Debbie said: “We are at the core of the community and are able to reach the right people at the right time with the right message, from entertaining the family on the school run to keeping the listeners up to date with the local traffic and travel. “We feel that our success is built, in part, on the way that we support the community. We are passionate about our area and pride ourselves on making a difference with campaigns like our annual Toy Appeal with INTU Watford and supporting the Watford Food Bank.” This year, the station has partnered with Pendley Manor in Tring to bring the third ‘Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2019’, which provide listeners with an opportunity to celebrate those who really make a difference in the local community Debbie said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity for a third year to give Hertfordshire people the voice it deserves and recognise our very own unsung heroes. It’s a pleasure to be partnering with Pendley Manor and I’m really looking forward to meeting the finalists and celebrating how amazing they truly are.” There are ten categories, including the ‘child of courage’ sponsored by the Entertainer, Best Parent sponsored by Villa Plus, and the Community Award, sponsored by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce with Ocado and JPA Workspaces. Finalists will be invited to Pendley Manor for an awards ceremony on Friday 27th September. Nominations closed on September 6. The relationship with the Chamber is already a much valued one for Heart. Debbie said: “We were very impressed when we met the team at the Chamber and it made sense for us to become a Patron. “Working so closely with the Chamber helps us to understand and reach out to local businesses and in turn helps the Hertfordshire Chamber to strengthen awareness of its purpose.”

PATRON FOCUS

Chamber welcomes Sopwell House as Patron One of the Chamber of Commerce’s newest patrons is Sopwell House, the beautiful country house hotel in St Albans that has benefitted from a multi-million pound investment over recent years. Marleen Mason Director of Sales

The partnership between the two organisations promises to support each other, raising the profile of Sopwell House within the county of Hertfordshire whilst also giving the Chamber an exciting new partner in the hospitality sector. The present owner and proprietor, Abraham Bejerano, purchased the property in 1986 and has sensitively developed and updated the facilities taking immense care to retain the character and charm of the original Georgian house. Today, the property is home to 128 bedrooms and suites

including 16 individuallydesigned Mews Suites found behind private gates opposite the main hotel. There is also a 2AA Rosette Restaurant, Brasserie, Conservatory bar, Cocktail lounge and 15 conference rooms. Marleen Mason, Director of Sales, said: “When the Chamber approached us to become a Patron, we felt this could be a great partnership idea. Following their own re-evaluation at the Chamber we sensed an increased commercial focus with an aim to support in the connection of key businesses. Becoming a Patron means that our name can be widely circulated locally, which raises our profile in the Hertfordshire business community. “Having such a close involvement with the Chamber gives us the opportunity to meet

businesses in Hertfordshire that perhaps have heard of us before but do not know much about us or maybe have not heard of us at all.” “I often meet people who say that they have not been here for ten or more years and I always encourage them to visit again following the investment in our public areas, meeting rooms and bedrooms. The most recent development our brand new spa, Cottonmill – will be another big talking point for Hertfordshire and will potentially bring more leisure visitors to our county. Cottonmill recently opened following a £14 million investment and is the country’s first private members’ spa. The difference between a traditional spa with members and this private members’ spa is a fundamental shift in mindset. Whereas most spas are orientated around their facilities and physical product, Cottonmill is focussed on building a lifestyle community

with and for its members. Within the spectacular Cottonmill, there is an inner sanctum, called ‘The Club’ at Cottonmill. Here, there are a number of additional spaces, facilities, events and benefits, which may be accessed exclusively by only a select few members and guests. The investment is working. Marleen said: “We are having a good year however we do acknowledge that there is uncertainty in the market place due to Brexit and other world economic challenges as I am sure many businesses are. The key for us is to adapt to the changing buying behaviour of our clients – especially the short lead time for large events and conferences and the increased amount of time clients take to make a decision. As a flexible and family run business we constantly re-invent and ensure we offer what our clients are looking for.”

“Having such a close involvement with the Chamber gives us the opportunity to meet businesses in Hertfordshire that perhaps have heard of us before but do not know much about us or maybe have not heard of us at all.”

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WILLMOTT DIXON

A sustainable business is a successful business By Richard Davidson, Director at Willmott Dixon

A sustainable business is by definition a successful business A truly sustainable business must, at the very least, be able to demonstrate longevity. At Willmott Dixon we have recorded 166 years of history and five generations of the founding family’s involvement, so far. At our scale in this industry we are proudly unique. Our stated belief is that our company must have a ‘purpose beyond profit’. This is not a new principle, just an evolution of how our company has operated for decades. The following text, from our 1978 Group Report and Accounts, could easily have been written today. Its 40 year old message resonates now with matching clarity:

Our Place in Society A Group of companies, such as ours, which places very high importance on its human assets, must also recognise the responsibility that we have, through our people, to society as a whole. It is easy for the company to concentrate solely on its proclaimed activity, with little or no reference to the environment and society of which it forms a part. At Willmotts we have, for a very long time, recognised our responsibility to help wherever the advice or services of our people can be of use.

To this end we provide aid, not only in financial terms, but also in the service of our people to many organisations. But of course a sustainable business must go beyond longevity and societal engagement. We only need to reflect briefly on the apparent regularity of more extraordinary weather events and the dramatic evidence of the plastic-derived pollution of our oceans and rivers to know that corporately and individually we must continue to strive to reduce carbon emissions and waste. Alongside the commitments we have made in targeting our impacts in these two key areas, we have strengthened our support for people and local communities, particularly those facing disadvantage. These are ways in which we can use the scale and reach of our company to be a real force for good. As a values-based organisation we recognise that being sustainable is the ethical thing to do. But it’s also the best thing for our business to be. Sustainability is making us more competitive, in so many ways. For example, our work to reduce carbon emissions continues to improve our bottom line - since 2010 we’ve saved around £12.2m in fuel costs by following our Carbon and Energy Strategy. This includes such initiatives as reducing the carbon emitted by our company cars year on year, only using 100% renewable mains electricity at all our work locations and ensuring we only specify the most efficient work

equipment on sites to make best use of the fuel we do consume. We’ve also dramatically reduced the amount of expensive-todispose-of non-recyclable waste leaving our sites, by working more closely with supply chain partners, and by becoming increasingly more efficient with our resources. This includes replacement of extraneous delivery wrapping and takeback schemes with core suppliers who will directly recycle their packaging and waste back into the manufacturing process. Sometimes it is the smallest of details that reveal the mindset of our people to reduce our impact on our resources. Take the team at Harpenden Leisure Centre, issuing reusable water bottles for all workers on site in place of single use plastic cups. A minor dent in the plastic waste stream, but testament to their focus on dealing with all sources of plastic waste. There are however many plastic products we have grown accustomed to using because of the benefits the material brings; this requires a step change in our thinking. We are engaging with university researchers to identify all of our plastic dependencies to ensure we have a clear picture of their uses in our business. This will then help shape our strategy to remove these plastics and replace them with credible and sustainable materials which still provide great performance, quality and value.

And our customers, particularly public sector procurers, now understand more clearly how we can support their response to the Social Value Act, and the recently launched Construction Sector Deal, providing solutions to their increasingly strict procurement responsibilities, commitments to local economies and communities and the mission to halve the energy use of new buildings. The recognition of our performance in gaining a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development this year, shows we are on the right path, but we must not rest on our laurels. We are acutely aware of the effect of complacency in business and on the condition of our planet. Businesses need to become even more sustainable if they are going to positively influence the future. So over the coming years, we’ll be continuing our journey to create strong supply chain partnerships. We’ll be building more energy efficient buildings. We’ll be intelligently pursuing our ambition of gender parity in our business by 2030. We’ll be getting better at explaining to our customers what benefits more sustainable solutions (such as improved insulation, biodiversity enhancements, more efficient lighting and heating) can bring them. And we’ll be innovating and embracing new technologies to help us build defect-free buildings more quickly, efficiently and safely.

INSPIRE

Established business community

Hemel Hempstead:

a great place for business

With excellent transport links to London and the Midlands by road and rail, Hemel Hempstead’s strategic location attracts growing and global companies. Market analyst Beauhurst indicates that £34m worth of investment came into the Dacorum district in the last year alone. Maylands Business Park, the town’s prime commercial area, is one of the largest business parks in the South East, home to the headquarters of engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine and one of retail giant Amazon’s 16 fulfilment centres, as well as Britvic, Henkel and Prologis.

New commercial space

With its strong track record for growth and compelling work-life offer, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) chose Hemel Hempstead as the location for the biggest commercial opportunity the region has seen in decades: Hertfordshire IQ. Led by Hertfordshire LEP, with the backing of Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and St Albans and District Council, Hertfordshire IQ is creating a sustainable, business hub in Hemel Hempstead.

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The county’s only Enterprise Zone is leading the development of 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space, with the aim of attracting green businesses. Located next to the highly successful Maylands Business Park, the sustainable development is set to transform the surrounding area. Enhanced transport infrastructure will support the future growth of Hemel Hempstead while investment in digital connectivity will help businesses boost their productivity. In a move to actively encourage sustainable growth, businesses located in Hertfordshire IQ that demonstrate their low carbon operations can also access a package of benefits including tax breaks of up to £55,000. Mark Bretton, Chair of Hertfordshire LEP, said: “We’re already seeing significant interest in Hertfordshire IQ from businesses that share our values on sustainability and our aim to create high quality workplaces that will deliver new employment opportunities for residents and greater economic impact. Hemel Hempstead is in a strategic location in Hertfordshire, with a strong business community and Hertfordshire IQ brings the potential for businesses to cluster around our partners’ pioneering science and research. The development of Hertfordshire IQ will also provide the commercial engine at the heart of Hemel Garden Communities, making sure local people have access to high quality employment and enabling Hemel Hempstead to thrive for years to come.”

Supporting economic growth are the Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassadors, who combine the knowledge and influence of the local business community to attract investment. The group’s Marketing and Development Manager Claire Furnell-Williams said: “Hemel Hempstead is a great place to live and do business. There’s so much going on in and around the town and there are lots of places to shop, eat and relax, with good schools nearby, so it’s brilliant for families. “Being only 30 minutes from central London and close to major road and rail transport links, it’s clear why businesses choose to base themselves here. “We’re seeing more people choosing to live in Hemel Hempstead because of the quality of life you can have here and that means Hemel Hempstead can offer businesses access to a skilled, experienced workforce and a growing pool of talent that’s coming through from West Herts College and the University of Hertfordshire. “We are well resourced and becoming even more so. Being well connected both logistically, digitally and in marketing terms is a massive selling point for many businesses moving here.”

New Garden Town

Hemel Garden Communities is also one of only five new Garden Towns selected for funding by the Minister of State for Housing on 25 March 2019, to help alleviate the UK’s housing crisis. Together with the development of Hertfordshire IQ, Hemel Garden Communities will create a sustainable vibrant community, where people can live and work nearby. Hertfordshire LEP was one of five partners to bid for the development of a mixed-use residential and commercial development for Hemel Hempstead, delivering up to 11,000 homes and 10,000 new jobs. Cherie Norris, Enterprise Zone Manager at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “To be one of just five bids chosen out of 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 marks an exciting leap forward in the area’s transformation, with Hertfordshire IQ at its commercial heart, creating a national hub for green businesses. “We will continue to work in close partnership to deliver our collective vision for green and prosperous communities across the county.”

To counteract this loss in Hemel Hempstead, Dacorum Borough Council has reintroduced planning permission from January 2020 to maintain key employment areas including Maylands Business Park, Doolittle Meadows, Whiteleaf Road, Park Lane, Bourne End Mills, Bourne End and Northbridge Road.

Investing in talent

As part of its holistic approach, Hertfordshire LEP secured about £11m from Government’s Local Growth Fund to support the development of a new West Herts College campus in Hemel Hempstead. Phase 1 of work has delivered a 90,000 sq. ft. building on the college’s flagship campus, enabling it to offer a variety of training and skills programmes to meet local employers’ needs and a place for local businesses to network with potential recruits. An engineering and construction wing, delivering a broad based engineering related curriculum to underpin emerging growth sectors, is expected to be completed by March 2020. Businesses that want to grow and innovate can also access support via Hertfordshire Growth Hub which provides fast access to advice, resources and tailored events.

Building the future

Hemel Hempstead also has an important role to play in the development of the Local Industrial Strategy. This will see collaboration between the business community, Hertfordshire LEP and Government build on Hertfordshire’s existing strengths, help businesses flourish and create greater, high quality employment opportunities for local people. With strong environmental credentials and high-quality design principles at the heart of Hemel Garden Communities and Hertfordshire IQ’s shared vision, Hertfordshire LEP and its partners are committed to creating vibrant, connected communities and building a positive, sustainable future for Hemel Hempstead.

Pro-business planning permission

According to a recent report commissioned by Hertfordshire LEP, Hertfordshire has lost 770,000 square metres of employment floor space over the past 10 years, creating very real problems for existing, expanding and new businesses and for those looking to move into the area. One of the biggest drivers of this loss in Hertfordshire is Permitted Development Rights: a national grant of planning permission which allows certain building works and changes of use without a planning application.

Find out how we are delivering sustainable growth together: Hertfordshire LEP: @HertsLEP, www.hertfordshirelep.com Hertfordshire IQ: @HertsIQ, www.herts-iq.co.uk Hertfordshire Growth Hub: www.hertsgrowthhub.com Invest Hemel: www.investhemel.co.uk

Council initiatives offer support for businesses

Based at Maylands Business Centre, the Economic Development team at Dacorum Borough Council are working to ensure the whole borough is recognised as a great destination for business. Whether it’s a small startup or a global company, such as Amazon, the team are keen to help. Listed here are the main services available and anyone who would like to know more should visit www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/ business/business-services or contact Lesley Crisp on 01442 531003 or email lesley.crisp@dacorum.gov.uk Maylands Business Centre and Kylna Business Centre Ideally located within Maylands Business Park, Kylna Business Centre these two business centres offer 26 fully serviced offices and 21 light industrial units as well as virtual offices, mail handling and meeting room hire. Business Support and Advice Funded by the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the Hertfordshire Start Up Programme, which is delivered by Wenta on behalf of Hertfordshire LEP, experienced Business Advisors offer free business advice and training for businesses under three years old.

There is also the potential to apply for matched business grants of between £500 and £3000. The support covers everything from starting a business, to business planning, growth and marketing. Established companies can receive business advice and skills training and the team are always keen to look at local issues affecting a business, such as logistics and recruitment.

Subsidised Training The Maylands Business Centre provide a complete schedule of high quality, value for money workshops for the business community. Covering a wide range of business topics, including marketing, leadership development, Microsoft Office and social media, the schedule

Maylands Business Centre

Maylands Business Centre industrial units

offers practical skills to take back to the workplace. The current timetable can be found at www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/ business/business-services/ subsidised-workshops. If there are any topics that you would like and that we do not currently offer, please contact us on business@dacorum.gov.uk and we will look into its provision.

Dacorum’s Den

Dacorum’s Den 2019 winners

Organised by Dacorum Borough Council and supported by local sponsors, Dacorum’s Den is a business grant scheme, based on the popular TV show, which gives budding local entrepreneurs the chance to apply and pitch for up to £1,000 to grow and develop a business idea. Since it was launched in 2012, over £80,000 has been invested in business growth.

Dacorum Business Heroes These annual awards recognise the often unsung heroes in the business community who go beyond the call of duty to give back to the borough. Six categories cover the environment, skills, Business to

Business, employment, retail and supporting the local community. Networking Dacorum Business Matters is a quarterly networking event with innovative speakers and elevator pitches for first timers. This offers an excellent opportunity for local businesses to meet and mingle while enjoying a buffet breakfast. For further information please email business@dacorum.gov.uk

Enjoy Dacorum website and Tourism Partnership DBC recognise that tourism is important for a healthy economy and work closely with Visit Herts to promote the area as an attractive place to visit. www.enjoydacorum.co.uk is a fully interactive website, which details local attractions, open spaces, accommodation and eateries. For further information or if you would like to be listed, please visit the website. Community wellbeing DCT is a small local independent charity who support local people in difficulty and who have nowhere else to turn to in a crisis. Whether it is as a result of domestic violence, long term illness, homelessness or mental health issues, we help them with small one off grants to turn their life round. DCT is able to respond quickly to individual or family needs and give them hope for a better future and promote community well being.

Dacorum Community Trust the charity helping local people

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For space to expand, think Hertfordshire IQ. With 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space under development, tax breaks for green businesses and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts, Herts IQ is the perfect place for your business to thrive. Find out more and get in touch at herts-iq.co.uk

Let SUPPORT UK

take the worry out

of cyber protection “It’ll never happen to us”, “we are small enough to go undetected”, are still phrases being said by a number of small business owners. But in fact, 58% of all cyber attacks are happening to small businesses. Why? Because a large amount of small business owners still consider cyber protection to be an unnecessary cost and are failing to educate employees on the potential risks. Cyber crimes are constantly adapting and the perpetrators are becoming increasingly astute, using technology to respond quickly. Email is still the number one vector for cyber-attacks and all it takes is a click from an unassuming employee

and your organisation could be under threat. The cost of an attack can be astronomical, both in financial terms and reputation damage and the statistics are pretty shocking. While the full cost of a cyber-attack can run into thousands of pounds, the average duration to rectify a problem varies from 6 days for malware attacks to 55 days for malicious incidents. Many businesses simply do not have the manpower to cope with these timescales.

Terminology such as phishing, whaling, malware and ransomware all sound incredibly daunting but protecting your organisation doesn’t have to be difficult or cost you vast sums of money. Whatever your budget, we can help to find a solution that works for you and small steps will make a huge difference to protecting your organisation. Support UK have been experts in voice and data for over 20 years, earning the respect of companies nationally and globally and takes data security very seriously. As an organisation, we have taken rigorous steps to protect ourselves and we can help you to ensure you are protected too.

CALL US NOW

0345 241 1521 www.support-uk.com info@support-uk.com

Debtors - to Sue or to Petition?

If you have problem debts, the obvious solution is to sue. First, you send a letter of claim. Then you start proceedings, and pay a court fee for doing so. If all goes well, you will obtain a judgment from the court some weeks later. Nat Young Senior Solicitor specialising in Insolvency and Dispute Resolution Longmores Solicitors longmores.law __________________________ Normally, that is when the hard work starts. You have to find a way of making the debtor pay. Hopefully the debtor has equity in a house, or valuable cars, or a regular job, and you can find an enforcement method that results in recovery.

Unfortunately, all this takes time, and it also takes some knowledge of the debtor’s financial circumstances. How can you tell what assets or income stream the debtor has? You could apply for

the debtor to attend court to give information, but how can you check that is accurate? Above all, how can you tell debtors who truly can’t pay, from debtors that just have other priorities? There are no easy answers to these questions, but there is a way to short-circuit them. If an individual debtor has not paid a debt of £5000 or more, you can petition to make him bankrupt, while if a company has not paid a debt of £750 or more, you can petition to wind it up. If granted, these petitions will pass all assets of the debtor into the hands of a third party. They will be used to pay the costs of the process, and the balance will then be distributed to creditors based on the size of their debts.

At first sight, that’s not great for the petitioning creditor. They want to recover their debt, not share with other creditors. However, the drastic consequences of insolvency make it an excellent way of sorting the ‘can’t pays’ from the ‘won’t pays’. Insolvency procedures apply pressure like nothing else, as debtors with anything to lose will

Please note the contents of this article are given for information only and must not be relied upon. Legal advice should always be sought in relation to specific circumstances.

do everything they can to avoid the petitioning being granted. At one time, insolvency was seen as pricey, and this is still a barrier for smaller debts. However, rising court fees mean that for larger debts, insolvency procedures can actually be cheaper than suing in court. While petitioning debtors is not suitable in all cases, it’s certainly an option to consider.

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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 ��en available. Contact us today

Call 01442 330697 osdhealthcare.co.uk

Your partner for a healthy life

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Five Wealth Building Tips

for Company Directors

Investing through your Limited Company is often overlooked but if you are accumulating cash in your business, this could be a game changer as it has been for some of my clients. By Shan Phoenix, Director Geneva Wealth

Make hay while the sun shines

When I first met some of my corporate clients, they described a dilemma, where they are paying themselves the salary they need and don’t want to take any more taxable income to invest in their personal investments. A corporate investment was the missing link. Now they can invest directly into their Limited Company investment account and build their personal and business assets.

2 Liquidity is

important, but it doesn’t have to be dead money

Looking back on being a landlord, and now being ‘all in’ on investment funds, what I love about them is that they are liquid assets. The combination of capital growth and access to all the money is a massive advantage. Liquidity is important in general and particularly to business owners, you never know when you might need a cashflow boost. But in the meantime, you are building your future/ additional income.

Pay yourself to save tax

Although your pension portfolio isn’t accessible until you are 55 currently, the benefit is that you pay yourself instead of spending money to reduce your corporation tax.

“The sale of the business will be a bonus.” “I am the business. If I can’t sell it, I need to replace the income.”

Treat investing as your other business

Build this into your plan and the tax savings (and your investments) will add up over time.

When investments are not a part of the equation, then you rely on the success of only one company, yours.

It will also stop you from buying things you don’t really need!

Yet we are customers of so many companies who profit from us. We can benefit from their success and hundreds or thousands of other companies too.

4 Investments

can shape your future plans

We all have a different ‘why’. When you build an investment portfolio which makes an increasing amount of money passively and separately to your main income, you’ll see what it means for you on your journey.

Consider investing as running another business that invests in other businesses. Except this one won’t take up much of your time.

The following quotes from my clients are good examples:

Play around with a simple compound interest calculator and do the math over a few decades. It’s a basic exercise but my clients have a lot of fun with this.

“Whatever happens with my business, I’ll be able to pay myself the same income from the investments.”

It’s safe to assume an average 10% annual growth. The global markets have returned more over the long term.

“I will slow down or begin a new chapter when I reach £X.”

You’ll be surprised what you’re capable of.

Gaining the Competitive Edge through your Talent Today’s business landscape is challenging and standing out can be hard. One way to ensure you have great people in your business is to commit to their development. Businesses that invest in developing their people perform better. Even when times are unpredictable, maintaining your focus on training and development helps your people feel valued, more engaged, motivated, productive and stay longer. Usually, such commitment is a combination of job related training and development programmes updating and expanding skills, knowledge and behaviours. It can be hard to ensure that the learning gained actually translates into the business performance long term. A growing number of business leaders are using coaching to help embed learning and behaviours into the culture and connect employees priorities with the business priorities. Coaching is defined as partnering with people in a thought-provoking and creative process inspiring them to maximise their personal and professional potential even in the face of growing complexity and uncertainty. Benefits of coaching include developing flexible, yet practical, methods to achieve strategic business goals, sustainable workflow, higher levels of both employee and customer satisfaction, dramatically improved leadership performance and • 70% work performance • 61% business management • 57% time management • 51% team effectiveness Developing individuals through coaching results in greater self-awareness and awareness of others, creates powerful shifts in your people with increased resilience, flexibility and benefits seen plus increases in: • 80% self-confidence • 73% relationships • 72% communication skills • 67% life/work balance *ICF data What about ROI? 86% of businesses state they made at least the value of their coaching investment back and organisations openly sharing their commitment to development of their people are more attractive to both prospective and current employees. Are you using your training and development commitment to give you the edge? Liese Lord - Founder of The Lightbulb Tree Offering coaching and consulting programmes for businesses and individuals looking to change the way they work for the better – if you’d like a free chat to explore what we can offer, call Liese on 07970 800064. We are members of the ICF.

Contact details: Shan Phoenix Director Geneva Wealth Rivers Lodge, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JD 01582 967300 hello@genevawealth.co.uk This article should not be considered as advice and your individual circumstances need to be considered before implementing any financial plan.Investments move up and down in value and should be considered a long term strategy. Geneva Wealth Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 807865

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ECONOMY

BCC: Economy hits the buffers in Q2 Commenting on the latest UK GDP statistics, published August 9, 2019 by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The latest figures suggest that the UK economy hit the buffers in the second quarter. We’re seeing the unwinding of heightened levels of stockpiling, growing anxiety over the prospect of a no deal exit and moderating global growth having an increasingly chilling effect on economic activity. “The marked contraction in manufacturing production is disappointing, but unsurprising, given the current downward pressure on activity in the

sector from the running down of excess inventories, weakening automotive production and tougher global trading conditions. The slowdown in services output in the quarter is a worry given the sector’s significant share of total UK economic output. “The decline in business investment is further confirmation that it remains a weak point for the UK economy. Anaemic investment limits innovation and productivity, stifling the UK’s growth prospects. “Unless decisive action is taken, it is increasingly likely that the factors that drove the contraction in the second quarter will continue to weigh

on the UK’s growth trajectory over the near term. A messy and disorderly exit from the EU would considerably increase the probability of an economic downturn, particularly if global conditions continue to moderate. “Against this backdrop it is vital that the new government take all steps necessary to avoid a no deal Brexit and urgently tackle longstanding domestic issues. The BCC has laid out its priorities for the new Prime Minister to boost business confidence and investment, including a one-year moratorium on all policy measures that increase costs, a rates holidays on new property builds and improvements, and a root and branch review of the current business rate system.”

Hertfordshire SMEs benefit from funded support and guidance Through the county’s central point of access to business support services. Hertfordshire Growth Hub is delivered, on behalf of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), by a consortium led by business support specialists Exemplas, with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. The aim of the service is to help SMEs, at all stages, gain access to the guidance they need to unlock their potential for growth. Since its launch in 2014, the Growth Hub service has helped over 2,000 Hertfordshire-based businesses and sits at the core of a growing local business support network. Businesses benefit from an extensive range of specialist business support partners, including access to publicly funded provision

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and, where relevant, the expertise of private sector B2B suppliers. “Our vision is to become the best Growth Hub in the country, nurturing a stronger, more vibrant local economy.” says Sian Ryan, Head of Service for the Growth Hub. Offering support and guidance through a blend of both digital and physical tools and resources, the Growth Hub ensures that all SMEs in the county have access to the most appropriate support to meet their needs, at any stage during their growth journey. As part of the Growth Hub’s Get Growing 2 package of support, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), eligible businesses that have the readiness for growth can benefit from in-depth

guidance and face-to-face advice, provided by dedicated Growth Account Managers. This is to assist with a wide range of business needs, from help accessing funding, developing workforce skills, to technology and productivity. In addition, these businesses benefit from invites to exclusive events and workshops on key business topics. Taking it to the next level June Cory launched My Mustard, a pay per click advertising agency based in Hemel Hempstead, in March 2007. June wanted to scale up the business, using commercial tendering as a way to secure larger, commercial contracts. For that reason, June contacted the Growth Hub and was provided with guidance and advice on tender selection.

My Mustard was awarded with a Get Growing grant of £2,500 to access the services of a public sector tender specialist.

“I wanted to increase my average order value and pitch to larger customers. This meant learning how to access tender portals from local government. I got advice, networking and funding. It was very impressive! I believe the assistance provided by Hertfordshire Growth Hub and accessed with their support, will catapult the business to the next level.” June Cory, Founder Get in touch and find out how the Growth Hub can support your business: www.hertsgrowthhub.com enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com 01707 398168

HERTS GLOBAL

British Chamber of Commerce INTERNATIONAL TRADE SUMMIT 2019 VENUE: Hilton, London Bankside, 2 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UG DATE: 17 October 2019 TIME:

09:00am

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/ events/international-trade-summit Are you interested in increasing your revenue through exporting or are you already an established exporter looking to enter new international markets? If so, the BCC International Trade Summit 2019 is designed to give you, whatever stage of the export journey you are at, the help to take your business to the next level using a combination

of practical advice, contacts and resources. There will be opportunities to participate in interactive breakout sessions and informative workshops, see lively panel discussions, hear simulating speeches from policy makers, successful exporters and experienced business leaders along with absorbing an overall focus on the practical aspects of trade. And, of course, there will be plenty of time for networking.

Key themes: • Getting goods across borders at a time of uncertainty • How will changes on Britain’s trade policy relationships impact on your business • The changing nature of global supply chains and the impact on exporters and importers

There are some limited complimentary tickets available through us but on a first come, first served basis.

If interested please contact the Export team on Export@hertschamber.com

Economic Operation Registration Identification (EORI) Number With the possibility of a No Deal scenario from 31 October, UK firms will need to have taken a number of steps to maintain continuity of trade. The first of these is registering for an EORI. This is a 12-digit number that starts with GB and, if registered, will include your VAT registration number. Despite publicity, so far HMRC report a disappointingly low uptake in the proportion of UK firms registering. EORI is required to enable firms to continue to import or export goods to the EU or the rest of the world if there is no deal, and will make customs processes easier. Registering now will ensure you are better prepared for all possible scenarios. Please see www.gov.uk/EORI.

Will a UK EORI number be valid after Brexit? To clarify confusion over suggestions that UK EORI numbers will not be valid after October 31st, the key criteria

is where the economic operator is conducting its business from. If a company is based in the UK and exporting from or importing to the UK, then they should follow the HMRC guidance for applying for a UK EORI number. In a no deal scenario, their customs declarations and trade simplifications will be done via HMRC and not a third country, such as an EU27 member state. This will be the situation for the vast majority of businesses making declarations in the UK, and valid in any Brexit scenario and essential for firms looking to maintain trade with the EU. However, only if an entity is conducting business from an EU27 country then an

Adam Marshall, Director General, British Chamber of Commerce

EU EORI number may need to be used, as required, in all communications with any customs authorities in a Member State. This is also relevant for businesses based in the UK intending to make import/export declarations from within the EU27 after separation. So, for businesses based in the UK, applying for a UK EORI number is a must and will allow them to continue trading with the EU after Brexit. HMRC will not accept non-UK EORIs. Any firm that currently holds one must now register for a UK number. It’s simple and free to register, and all firms are encouraged to take this necessary step to ensure they avoid major disruption to trade flows after Brexit.

Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (London) Trade Mission to Moscow and Yekaterinburg Monday 30 Sep 2019 Friday 4 Oct 2019 We have been advised of the above trade mission to the Russian Federation, led by HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO and organised by the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce in London. Objectives of the Trade Mission: • Meeting potential business partners • Exploring opportunities across the region • Meet with local Government to explore business and investment opportunities • Learn about previously established investments and ventures For more information such as how to apply please see: https://www.rbcc.com/events/ rbcc-trade-mission-to-yekaterinburg

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Inspiring Women in Business Benefiting from all the talent in your business makes business sense. Source: 2019 Research by Janet Hayes, Executive Coach, for an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change at Henley Business School

Why do we need to inspire women into leadership in business? Women are still significantly underrepresented at senior levels in organisations, despite decades-old equal opportunity and pay legislation and organisations’ focus on diversity. In large professional services firms like PwC where Janet spent 18 years of her coaching and HR career, in 2017 fewer than 20% of partners were women. In 2018, McKinsey’s researchers found that companies who were in the top 25% for the gender diversity of their executive team were 21% more likely to outperform on profitability. Inevitably, having fewer female leaders has a detrimental effect on overall gender pay gaps.

What helps women become leaders? Seizing early responsibility, supported by sponsors and mentors, plays a key role. Neuroscience tells us that early leadership responsibility prepares and inspires young adults to

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assume leadership roles. This small advantage over others then builds into an ever-greater advantage as women progress, building their sense of self-efficacy, which in turn fosters their adaptability and resilience, necessary to compete and lead in our volatile and uncertain world. Sense of fairness: Women often believe that hard work is enough to get them promoted. It might be at the junior levels, but this changes. When those better at self-promotion advance ahead of them, women suddenly realise that they need to raise their profile and play the “political game” to be fairly rewarded for their achievements.

if they have children. Of the women leaders with children that Janet interviewed, more than 50% have partners at home that are at least as involved in childcare as they are.

Top tips

• Ensure that recruits recently out of education get early responsibility in your business. • Use technology to support a flexible working culture where output is rewarded rather than input. • Find and publicise female and other diverse role models.

Recognition and encouragement: Women appreciate recognition and encouragement from sponsors, mentors, coaches, peers and their own teams. Peer groups, both men and women, are especially appreciated for moral support with complex lives.

If you would like to inspire women in your business, for a no obligation discussion on the value of coaching and other initiatives or to ask Janet to present at a Board meeting or company event, contact janet@nectonconsulting.co.uk For more information, visit www.nectonconsulting.co.uk

And outside of work? Informal networks and the team around women at home are invaluable, especially

Janet will be presenting at our Women in Leadership Conference in February 2020. Details to follow.

How can you help?

NEWS

The impact of Domestic Abuse With 1:4 women and 1:6 men affected by domestic abuse at some time in their lives, it is bound to be affecting Hertfordshire workplaces. Domestic abuse can impact absenteeism, presenteeism, performance, affect colleagues and potentially profitability of businesses if deadlines are missed or mistakes made. But it is also important to support staff, your biggest asset, through difficult times. Would you or your managers know how to spot the signs and provide help to a victim? Can you provide a private room for them to make a call to us? Many won’t want to engage with employee assistance programmes for confidentiality reasons. Do you have a culture which encourages male victims to come forward to seek help? Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, a registered charity, provides a free and confidential

Helpline service for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire. It receives calls from victims and also from concerned friends and family members, workplace colleagues and professionals who may have a victim with them. The Helpline has 40 well trained volunteers who work from home on a rota basis. They listen nonjudgmentally to what the caller tells them and then signpost to one or more of up to 180 primarily Hertsbased charities. The decision as to what to do next remains with the caller. We do not make referrals. We find many people like to call us, firstly because they can remain anonymous but also because they may not be ready to engage with a statutory or voluntary service where they would have to provide their personal details.

Free IT support for small businesses! A new scheme will see 100 lucky businesses receive a free consultation on their cyber security from an accredited Hertfordshire IT provider. Many SMEs feel that there is nothing they can do to protect themselves from cybercrime. Business owners frequently cite difficulty in implementing cyber security measures with many saying that they ‘don’t know where to start’ in order to deal with cyber issues. Not all businesses have the same level of resource with which to defend themselves against the cybercrime threat, but SMEs must understand that not only are they a target, but that cyber criminals view them as easy pickings. During a Cyber Basics Review (or CBR) a Herts-based IT expert will sit down with you and look at your computers and processes to make sure that you are getting the basics right. This sort of service, which provides you with an action plan to make your business safe would normally cost hundreds of pounds, but you can have one for free (whilst stocks last!).

The scheme is funded by David Lloyd, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire and operated in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Business team alongside Hertfordshire Growth Hub and aims to raise awareness of the importance of cyber security amongst small business. For more information and to secure your free consultation visit www.hertsgrowthhub.com/ cyber-security and fill in the simple contact form. You will automatically be emailed a voucher to use for your CBR and a list of providers of the scheme. Contact your provider of choice and book a CBR today!

We receive around 2,000 calls a year, many of which are quite complex. Topics can include physical violence, coercive and controlling behaviour, legal and financial advice, BAME, LGBTQ, elder abuse, mental health and drug and alcohol issues and stalking. Our website has information about the different types of domestic abuse and there is also guidance for employers.

We are keen to work with employers to help them establish workplace policies on domestic abuse. Anyone interested should contact Chair@hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org Managers interested in obtaining 3 hours of free training for themselves or staff should contact Christine Duala at Championsnetwork@hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org

Dobsons Cheese and Wine event, in support of

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Dobsons are delighted to be hosting a Charity Cheese and Wine Evening in our Cheshunt showroom to raise much needed funds for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Venue: Dobsons, 128 Turners Hill Cheshunt EN8 9BN Date: Tuesday 1st October Time: 7pm to 9.30pm

Their aim is to save lives, reduce or prevent disability, or suffering from critical illness and injury, by delivering a first class pre-hospital emergency medical service to the people of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Without access to National Lottery funding and with limited support from Government, they continue to rely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to remain operational and keep saving lives.

Hosts of the evening are The Cheese Plate in Buntingford, who will take us through a delicious selection of cheeses accompanied by personally selected fine wines. There will be a relaxed and informal discussion on how each wine works with the cheese. Soft drinks will also be available.

Tickets are £20 each, these can be purchased at Dobsons in advance by emailing enquiries@dobsonshome.com – payment can be accepted by bank transfer, chq, card payment or cash. Proceeds from the evening and from the raffle on the night will go to your local lifesaving charity Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Forthcoming Business Events The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce events programme includes over 70 events each year and caters for every person and business. Whether you are looking for training, networking, briefings on topical issues, or want to entertain clients, we have an event for you and your business.

September Chamber Lunch We are delighted to announce that our guest speakers for this event will be Claire Hamilton and Sam Terrell, of the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Project.

Date: 19/09/19 Time: 12:00-14:00 Venue: Manor of Groves Hotel, Golf & Health Club, Sawbridgeworth Price: Members £33.00 Non-Members £45.00

The Harlow & Gilston Garden Town project provides one of the most exciting growth opportunities of any place in the UK. The project will result in the creation of exciting new communities in Harlow, will support the regeneration of the town centre, and will support a significant increase in job opportunities in the Town, which includes the arrival of Public Health England in their new, relocated, headquarters. We will also be joined by Michael Nadasdy, Programme Manager – Cyber Crime, Hertfordshire County Council who will discuss the importance of being cyber aware.

Digital Marketing Bootcamp Date: 24/09/19 Time: 08:00-10:00

find your audience, target them and engage. At this event, you will learn:

Venue: Rothamsted Enterprises, Harpenden

• How to get 85% of potential customers to buy from you using video

Price: Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00

• The fastest way to get to the top of Google rankings

Do you want to feel more in control of the leads coming into your business? This digital marketing bootcamp tells you how to do just that –

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• The big advances in Google in last 12 months that you must be aware of • Five secrets to bring in new clients to your business in the next 30 days

Presented by a panel of experts, including one of the Top 3% of Google Premier Partner agencies, voted by Google as One of The Best in Europe for Growing Businesses Online, based in Hertfordshire: • Laura Moxham, YBL PPC - Awarded in the top 3% of Google Partner Agencies • Cheryl Luzet, Wagada -, The Multi-Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency • Simon Mercer and Denise Austin, Pearldrop The Award-winning Full-Service Creative Video Agency

CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

Property & Construction Forum Date: 26/09/19 Time: 08:00-10:00 Venue: Affinity Water, Hatfield Price: Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00 The Chamber Property & Construction Forums are held in partnership with Herts and Beds Constructing Excellence and will be particularly informative for businesses with an interest in construction, property or the built environments.

This Property and Construction event will demonstrate the effectiveness of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry for designers, constructors and also, end users (including university estates, NHS estates teams and local government). TGA Consulting Engineers, based in Stevenage, are M&E Consultants who understand and have developed the ‘I’ in BIM. The information contained in models is what the End Users require when entering into a BIM Level 2

project and really holds the key to success for any BIM project. TGA will be using a Virtual Reality headset (also on a large screen) providing a unique insight ‘behind the scenes’, walking attendees around a building that is either currently being designed or in construction.

Competing in the Digital Era Date: 02/10/19 Time: 08:00-10:00 Venue: Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hatfield Price: Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00

We live in an era where everything is digital. Everything from banking to shopping is Internet-based, and can all be carried in your pocket! Anytime, anywhere, the world is at your fingertips. At this event, Ebase Technology will explain how they can help businesses to break free from the paralysis of legacy IT processes and move into the new digital era. Our speaker, Constance Vanderputt, is Marketing Manager at Ebase Technology. She trained at the Cambridge Marketing College and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Forthcoming Business Events Network with the Neighbours Date: 10/10/19 Time: 09:15-11:00 Venue: Keech Hospice, Luton Price: Members £10.00 Non-Members £10.00

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Chambers have joined forces to provide this chance to meet members of a neighbouring Chamber and make the most of this great networking opportunity, taking place at Chamber members’ Keech Hospice site in Luton. Enjoy coffee & croissants while introducing yourself to like-minded people who could be the connection your business needs to grow. Places at this event are limited so book now and get this date in your diary. We look forward to seeing you there.

Business Growth and Barclays Date: 15/10/19 Time: 17:30-19:30 Venue: Barclays Bank, Watford Price: Members FREE Non-Members FREE

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with Barclays Bank, Watford, for an evening of networking this Autumn. This event is designed to bring the local community together, enjoy the powers of networking and meet likeminded businesses who could be the connection your business needs to grow. There will also be a short presentation from Steve Armitage, Lead Growth Account Manager, Hertfordshire Growth Hub. Steve will be covering how the Growth Hub can support growing SME’s and will speak about what support is currently available including the Hertfordshire Growth Hub Grant. Use this great opportunity to meet with members and non-members alike, make new business contacts and enjoy some refreshments.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

October Chamber Lunch Date: 17/10/19 Time: 12:00-14:00 Venue: Knebworth Barns Conference & Banqueting Centre, Knebworth Park Price: Members £33.00 Non-Members £45.00 We are delighted to announce that our guest speaker for this month’s lunch will be Dean Russell. Dean is a recognised communications, leadership and

pitch strategist with two decades experience working in senior roles and advising many entrepreneurs, household name brands, global agencies, senior politicians and

business leaders. He is the author of How To Win: The Ultimate Professional Pitch Guide and founder of Epifny Consulting and Win That Pitch.

A Practical Guide to Export Documentation & Procedure Date: 22/10/19 Time: 09:30-16:00 Venue: Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Hatfield Price: Members £420.00 Non-Members £540.00 This one-day seminar delivered by long-term Chamber member Alan Bracken, ABTS Training Services, 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 Includes a certificate of attendance, all written materials, lunch and refreshments, PLUS a follow-up helpline to the lecturer.

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CHAMBER EVENTS MEMBER EVENTS

Forthcoming Business Events The Necessity for Cash Flow Management Date: 05/11/19 Time: 08:00-16:00 Venue: Beales Hotel Hatfield Price: Members £10.00 Non-Members £15.00 The current macro-economic and political climate has caused uncertainty and challenges for company cash management.

This event will provide an opportunity to listen to relevant speakers from a cross section of professions discussing the necessity for strong cash flow management: • Dugald Carlean from ArchOver will discuss funding cash flow and give an overview on the debt markets. • Tim Smith from Price Bailey Chartered Accountants will discuss top tips for cash flow management and how to identify and resolve possible problems.

Although opportunities may not be obvious now, they will inevitably emerge. MEMBER EVENTS

Hanbury Manor

Art Showcase

Date: 3/10/19

Time: 18:00-21:00 Venue: Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware Use this great opportunity to celebrate our local artists who will be displaying their work throughout the hotel and providing tours for guests, while enjoying delicious canapes together with a glass or two of prosecco. Please note this is an invitation only event, if you are interested in attending please contact Naomi Welsh at naomi.welsh@marriott.com to request a place.

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• Matt Howard from Price Bailey Chartered Accountants (a partner member of Escalate Dispute Resolutions) will discuss the dispute resolution market and explain how the multi award winning Escalate service can recover monies owed in a cost effective way.

Why it pays to be different In the highly competitive hotel market, it can certainly pay to be different, a philosophy which is helping one of the newest venues in St Albans to make a success of its first 18 months in business. Positioned near St Albans Cathedral, and just a short walk from the historical sights which the city has to offer, Torrington Hall opened its doors in March 2018 and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

However, it does not brand itself as a hotel, but rather a boutique venue hosting 12 bedrooms with a series of stylish kitchens, along with conference and meeting space for private functions and events. Most of its Monday to Friday bookings come from business people who are visiting the city, but the venue is also proving increasingly popular with tourists and more and more returning guests. General Manager Sophie Routh believes that much of the venue’s success is down to Torrington Hall’s individualistic approach which makes it stand out from other hotels.

Warehouse opens

Costco Wholesale UK’s new warehouse opened on Gunnels Wood Road in Stevenage on Wednesday 24th July, bringing the total number of warehouses operated in the UK by the wholesale membership club to 29.

She said: “Since we opened 18 months ago, we have been very busy and are up to 70-80 per cent occupancy rates, which is very good. “I think it helps that we set out to be different. We launched into a very competitive market place in St Albans. We like to call ourselves a boutique venue and offer rooms which are all individual and different. “I think this is one of the things which people like about Torrington Hall, and certainly, whenever I book somewhere to stay I look for something a little unique rather than a straightforward hotel, and I believe that a lot of customers also share the same approach.”

The grand opening of the warehouse took place at 9am, and was attended by the Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Simon Speller. Crowds of eager members had gathered outside in the sunshine to await the unveiling of the 155,313 square foot warehouse, and as the ribbon was cut, they flooded in to take advantage of the exclusive opening day offers. Creating more than 230 local jobs, the warehouse is managed by Leigh Ormsby. Formerly warehouse manager at the Southampton location, she has worked for the company for 22 years.

The Events side of the business is also doing extremely well and Torrington Hall offers The Hulbert Room, which holds a maximum capacity of 30 people, and The Belmont Room, a more intimate conference space which hosts a maximum of 20 people and is the ideal choice for a smaller event. Sophie said: “We are delighted that we are so busy and we are seeing a lot of business coming from people who want to book our conference spaces. “One thing we are aware of though is Brexit. It has not had an effect on us yet, but as somewhere with a strong business clientele, it is difficult to say what the impact will be.”

She said: “Stevenage is a completely different building to any other in the Costco portfolio. We have the Grade-II listed concrete roof, which is unique and challenging to work around.” Exclusively for use by Costco members, the fuel station has proved a success, offering Regular Unleaded (95 octane), Premium Unleaded (97 octane) and Premium Diesel at self-serve pumps.

Her knowledge and experience has proved invaluable to the successful opening of the warehouse, which has not been without its challenges.

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Wood Green, The Animals Charity for conferences and events Set in 52 acres of beautiful countryside, our Charity headquarters in Cambridgeshire offers a picturesque and professional setting that won’t fail to impress. We offer a choice of rooms catering for 6 – 250 delegates. • A choice of three flexible meeting rooms • Show Field with excellent facilities • Fully air-conditioned • Unlimited Wi-Fi access • Natural daylight in all meeting rooms • All rooms are on the ground floor and fully accessible • Central location situated close to the A14, M11 and Huntingdon train station • Car parking for 500+ cars • Dedicated team to support your entire event • The most competitive rates in the area

Our attentive staff will ensure your guests are well looked after. Not only will our flexible and experienced team commit to making your meeting a success and getting it right first time, but 100% of the profit from your booking will help pets in need.

TO BOOK CALL

0300 3038970 or

email conference.events@woodgreen.org.uk

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Getting the planning right

CONFERENCES AND VENUES

Anyone in business will tell you that, despite the rapid advances in communications technology, face-to-face contact remains the best way of bringing in new contracts and retaining existing ones. Email and hand-held communications may be transforming the world in which we live but the human touch is never more important than in testing economic times. For many business people, the place to create and cement those personal contacts is at conferences and exhibitions; humans still have a fundamental need to look each other in the eye when communicating despite the rapid growth of the Internet. The key to making such events a success is spending a little time choosing the right venue and making sure that you get the right support from its staff. There are plenty of venues in Hertfordshire that fit the bill. When assessing the venue you are looking for a number of important factors. Can the venue cope with the numbers expected to attend,

has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Internet access, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs? If the answers to those questions are yes then the event is likely to be a success. Staging a conference or exhibition is a complex task and one that really does require some expert input. Whether it is staff at specialist venues or outside exhibition organisers, they will tell you that there is a lot to think about to ensure that the event goes smoothly. One consideration is the nature of your event. Do you need a large hall or will something a little more intimate work? Atmosphere is important to the success of events so getting it right is important. Too large a hall and it can feel impersonal and intimidating, too small and visitors feel cramped and uncomfortable.

CORPORATE DINNERS & DAY DELEGATE RATES Delicious mouth-watering menus matched with carefully selected wines make any corporate dinner a huge success. Whether rewarding the team, entertaining clients or hosting a team build day - you are sure to be delighted. Being “Proudly Independent” we know how important those little touches are to the success of any dinner. Speak to one of our dedicated sales team to discuss your next Corporate Dinner or ask about our Limited Time Summer Conference offers!

For more information call us on: 01582 792105 or email us on: events@aubreypark.co.uk www.aubreypark.co.uk

That atmosphere extends to the setting of the stages, stands and stalls. Do you want them in a regimented layout or do you want them more flexible? What will make your delegates feel most at home? Whatever the choice, it is vital that visitors can easily understand the layout and find their way around with the minimum of fuss. One of the other things that makes an event successful is a sense that something is happening so it is useful to have staged areas for demonstrations and performances, or for companies to show their products at work. Such activities, with the interest they attract, make a conference or exhibition feel like it is alive. All good events have a touch of theatre about them. Pendley Manor the ideal venue Pendley Manor combines a wonderful countryside location with modern and flexible facilities making it the finest meeting & events venue Hertfordshire has to offer. With traditional private function rooms, recently restored to their former glory and our purpose-built function rooms that benefit from natural daylight and air conditioning, Pendley Manor is the ideal venue for between six to 250 people.

“The key to making events a success is spending a little time choosing the right venue and making sure that you get the right support from its staff.”

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BUILDING CONNECTIONS

That was certainly the case for Mark White, the founder of Community Interest Company Your Town, who found himself inspired to bring an idea to life after he attended an event organised by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce back in 2014. The result is that Your Town is now working with increased numbers of Hertfordshire companies, large and small, and has this year developed a strong and growing relationship with Hatfield-based Ocado.

Mark White with Julie Goodyear & Sarah Gill

A moment that triggered dramatic change Sometimes, the best ideas can be traced back to a single moment in time, a flashbulb moment which leads an organisation to embrace opportunity.

The first seed for Your Town was planted in 2011 when Mark got into running after deciding to give up smoking. A wave of creativity was going on, including “Give Your Town The Run Around”, which represented more than a run as it also had the aim of involving the community in an event that gave them a greater appreciation of their town. After being quite ill later in 2011, Mark felt that it wasn’t the right time to pursue the ideas he had. Fast forward three years to 2014 and a key moment when he attended a Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce event based around the launch of the Ambition Broxbourne initiative and found himself inspired to take the Give Your Town The Run Around onto the next level. That September the event was launched. A year later, in October 2015, after putting on two more successful events, Your Town decided to have a permanent presence in the town and with support from others, including Broxbourne Council, invested in its first “street office”. In December 2015, they launched Your Town Clubs, with free weekly clubs for local runners and walkers. After working towards a model that lent itself to more places more easily, in October 2016 they piloted their first “Get-Togethers” simultaneously across three Hertfordshire towns with a run, walk and bike ride for up to 100 participants in each and in 2017, they launched the “Give Your School the Run Around” programme, which included ten local primary schools in activities to raise awareness of health, wellbeing and community. Energised by the impact and interest, and by what they were hearing every day, Your Town were determined to do more and build the kind of partnerships required to expand the idea across Hertfordshire.

Mark said: “It was a case of, if you wait long enough, continue to work hard, deliver, bring value and be patient, the right scenario will come along. “I had already been thinking that the idea on which Your Town is based, that of connecting people with their community, had the potential to be transferred to other towns as well as Hoddesdon. But we wanted to be responsible and not assume anything. We have spent years now to be in the position we are in. “When I went to the Chamber of Commerce event, I found myself involved in many conversations with business people who could see what we were trying to do and were keen to support us, including MSD, VolkerWessels, HB Accountants and more. “Your Town has dramatically changed my life as the organisation has grown. Once we were ready for the next stage of our development, I contacted Mary Sykes at the Chamber, who I already knew, and asked her who I should be approaching as possible sponsors across the county.” The result was that, in addition to now working with the likes of VolkerWessels and the LEP, Mark has also this year been building a strong relationship with Ocado. He said: “With Ocado, it was a case of right people, right time, right idea. This is not a company that is simply ticking boxes, they are really interested in supporting us. “Within a week of approaching Ocado, I’d been asked to go and see them at their headquarters in Hatfield. An agreement of sponsorship followed pretty quickly with the funds being transferred within a week, which is pretty rare.” The result is that Ocado is now among those organisations helping to sponsor Your Town’s expansion to other communities in Hertfordshire and Your Town is also working with the company’s staff on health and wellbeing initiatives and on a link up with local food banks. Mark said: “We need the support of organisations like Ocado and others as we look to impact more towns and communities with what we do. The Chamber has played a huge part in our journey and I thank them for the belief and support.”

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with Mark and the Your Town team. We are always looking to promote a healthy future for our colleagues along with supporting the fabulous work Mark is doing in and around Hertfordshire.” Suzanne Westlake, Head of Corporate Responsibility & Corporate Affairs, on behalf of the Ocado Foundation Our Town Runaround event

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MEMBERS NEWS

Mettler Toledo break ground for a new factory in Royston Over 1,000 visitors attended this year’s Open Day at Bishops’ College This year’s Open Day proved a great success with circa 1,500 visitors attending the community event at the grounds of Bishops’ College on Saturday 6 July. The yearly event brings together local businesses, charities, entertainment, as well as the opportunity for visitors to meet and speak with Broxbourne Councillors, officers, and even members of local emergency services. Despite the weather being gloomier than in previous weekends, the crowd was able to fully enjoy all that was on offer on the day. This included food stalls, a varied range of vintage cars, face painting, a selection of inflatable fun for the younger visitors, performances from various talented individuals including an impressive dance performance from The Vallé Academy students, and not forgetting the most anticipated attraction of the event, the Council’s mascot Bob the badger. The Mayor of the Borough of Broxbourne, Councillor Steve Wortley said: “This is my first time attending the Open Day as the Mayor of Broxbourne Council and I couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout. It’s not often that we get to see such a great mix of local residents come together to celebrate and support all the great services the Borough has on offer.” Photos of the event are available on the Council’s Facebook page @ ThisisBroxbourne. To stay up to date with further news and other upcoming events, visit the Council’s website at www.broxbourne.gov. uk and the Council’s other social media platforms, including @BroxbourneBC on Twitter and Instagram.

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Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-Ray Ltd have taken part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the new factory being built in Royston, Hertfordshire. Neville Reyner CBE President of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce was honoured to carry out the ground-breaking along with Kristian Laskey Managing Director of Mettler -Toledo Safeline X-Ray Ltd surrounded by senior staff. Mettler-Toledo Safeline X-Ray Ltd is a valued member of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Family Law Firm Rayden Solicitors receives another Glowing Industry Accolade Ranked for the first time in Leading Industry High Net Worth Legal Guide Specialist family law firm Rayden Solicitors is delighted and proud to announce that the firm has been ranked for the first time in the prestigious and highly regarded Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2019. The Chambers High Net Worth Guide, an annual list of the best firms and lawyers UK wide, is compiled following research by more than 200 independent researchers as well as endorsements from industry peers. Only 24 firms nationwide are included in the list, and of those firms all are London based with the exception of Rayden Solicitors, and one

other firm based in Scotland. Rayden Solicitors, with offices in St Albans, Berkhamsted and Beaconsfield, is the only purely regional firm to be included in this year’s rankings. The firm represents affluent clients with divorce proceedings and matrimonial finance issues. Katherine Rayden is ranked in Band 3, and recognised for having built the highend practice since 2005 specialising in complex family law issues. She is noted by industry peers as “the doyenne of family law outside London” and is commended for her “tremendous enthusiasm for her work.”

Katherine Rayden, Senior Partner and Founder, said “I am enormously proud to be the first wholly regional firm featured in the High Net Worth Chambers Guide, an achievement that reflects the exceptional work that our wonderful team has been able to do over the years. It is extremely significant that we are recognised alongside our London peers and that the industry acknowledges that clients can receive exceptional service without having to pay London prices. We are all delighted and looking forward to an ongoing successful future, with plans for continued growth in 2019 and beyond.”

igloo

Harpenden-based

Rothamsted Enterprises unveils new brand Harpenden-based Rothamsted Enterprises, formally known as the Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise (RoCRE), is this month proudly unveiling its new brand. Rothamsted Conference Centre and Rothamsted Agri-Tech Business Centre. Rebranding the business means it is now much clearer and easier to understand the services we offer to our varied and rapidly expanding customer base.

Part of the historic, worldrenowned Rothamsted Research campus in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, Rothamsted Enterprises is the commercial arm of Rothamsted, delivering a range of services to businesses, tenant companies and the local community. The rebrand marks a significant milestone in its growth and development. Rothamsted Enterprises’ CEO Nicole Sadd comments on the importance of new brand and what it means for the business: “These are very exciting times for us here at Rothamsted Enterprises. We launch our new brand at the same time as we add a further 60% of office space – the historic, red-brick Russell Building - to house even more innovative businesses here in Harpenden. In addition, we are members of Hertfordshire IQ, a strategic economic initiative that will bring long term investment

to Hertfordshire, boosting collaboration and impact. This adds to a growing regional strength in agriculture, environment and food related industries. Rothamsted Enterprises plays a vital role in bringing innovation, research and science together to encourage the development of the agritech sector. Our new brand now effectively positions us to deliver our strategic goals and grow the organisation further.”

The new brand also signifies a real turning point in terms of the direction of the company. Rothamsted Enterprises have invested heavily in training for the whole team to embed the core values. The team are focusing on building long term relationships with the science and business communities. The new brand and marketing strategy mean that brand awareness is growing, and more businesses and people are using the range of services available. For more information, go to www.rothamstedenterprises. com or contact Claire Flawn, Marketing Manager, claire.flawn @rothamstedenterprises.com

The new brand, created by branding expert Aarti Parmar of AP Brand Communications, showcases new identities for Rothamsted Enterprises as well as its four subbrands, Rothamsted Manor, Rothamsted Restaurant,

“Rothamsted Enterprises plays a vital role in bringing innovation, research and science together to encourage the development of the agritech sector. Our new brand now effectively positions us to deliver our strategic goals and grow the organisation further.”

Five Top Tips How to Blog more effectively “Content is King”

wrote Bill Gates Effective marketing in 2019 is about sharing high quality content online. Blogs present you with the opportunity to confirm you’re a specialist in your field and attract new customers.

1. Answer the question being searched Your target audience searching online, and Google itself, like content that is relevant, useful and answers a problem. It could help your organic search rankings too.

2. Plan ahead

Research the subjects that are of National interest each year. For example if you’re a packaging firm, Plastic Free July would give you a whole month of educating and blogging on topical matters as people search for products and answers about what includes plastic.

3. Reuse, recycle and repurpose

Reuse popular content and themes you’ve written about previously by sending it by email to clients and prospects, creating eBooks and expanding on points from previous blogs to work savvy and get results.

4. Create content that is useful to your prospects and existing customers

It costs five times as much to attract a new customer than to keep an existing one. Maybe long-standing clients don’t use all your services because they think they know everything you have to offer. Your blog may be the nudge they need to visit your website, learn more and give you a call about additional services/products.

5. Share Expertise, Add Value

Blogging regularly with your audience in mind and with purpose can elevate your brand free of charge, drive leads and allow people to understand the value you can bring. Louise is Director at Igloo Creative with a keen interest in Content Marketing a Digital Marketing qualification from Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

If you need help to plan your content, please contact Louise on 01442 531166. Louise@igloo-creative.co.uk www.igloo-creative.co.uk

INSPIRE

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members New Patron

Sopwell House

Conferences, weddings, fitness, health and beauty, dining, accommodation Twitter: @SopwellHouse Email: enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk Website: www.sopwellhouse.co.uk Tel: 01727 864477 Address: Cottonmill Lane, Sopwell, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2HQ

Carole Spiers Group Ltd

International stress management and employee wellbeing consultancy Twitter: thestressguru Email: cs@carolespiersgroup.co.uk Website: www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk Tel: 07768 878910 Address: Carole Spiers Group Ltd, 83-85 Gordon Avenue, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 3QR

CHQ Architects

Our design services cover all aspects, including new build, refurbishment and conversions. Twitter: CHQArchitects Email: bhs@chq-architects.co.uk Website: www.chq-architects.co.uk Tel: 01462 895110 Address: CHQ Architects, The Maltings, 44 Whitehorse Street, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 6QQ

Distinctly

A Marketing Agency growing businesses through SEO, PPC & Content Marketing Twitter: Distinctly_Digi Email: info@distinctly.co Website: www.distinctly.co Tel: 01923 728191 Address: Distinctly, 127 High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1AN

Electric Blue Ltd

Turnkey solutions for zero-emissions transport (including fleet analysis, design and operations of EV charging infrastructure) Twitter: ElectricBlueLtd Email: hi@electricblueuk.com Website: www.electricblueuk.com Tel: 01582 287297 Address: Electric Blue Ltd, Suite 15, Rivers Lodge, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JD

Eureka Care Services Limited

Care Services Twitter: ServicesEureka Email: rachel.bello@eurekacareservices.co.uk Website: www.eurekacareservices.co.uk Tel: 07872 861451 Address: Eureka Care Services Limited Suite 3, First Floor, Broxbourne Business Centre Fairways, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 0NL

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline

A Registered Charity providing a confidential helpline for victims of domestic abuse Email: admin@hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org Website: www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org Tel: 07787 998687 Address: Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, The Lodge, Herts Police Headquarters, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6XF

Highway Cycles

Hertfordshire’s premier Bike and Electric Bike Retailer Email: hertford@highwaycycles.co.uk Website: www.highwaycycles.co.uk/ Tel: 01992 536007 Address: Highway Cycles, 9B Great Northern Works, Hartham Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1QN

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JHP Electrical

Parthenon Communications Limited

KGK Creative Limited

Penman Sedgwick LLP

London Stansted Airport

Rozenn Solutions Ltd

Electrical Services Twitter: JHPElectrical Email: helen@jhpelectrical.co.uk Website: www.jhpelectrical.co.uk Tel: 0208 9504643 Address: 1a Bourne Road, BUSHEY, Hertfordshire, WD23 3NH, A full service Creative Agency, providing design, artwork, print & project management solutions Email: phil.edwards@kgkcreative.co.uk Website: www.kgkcreative.co.uk Tel: 01920 888528 Address: Thundridge Business Park Cambridge Road, Thundridge,Ware SG12 0SS Third Largest Airport in London Serving over 28 million passengers a year Twitter: STN_Airport Email: mediacentre@stanstedairport.com Website: www.stanstedairport.com Tel: 01279 680534 Address: Enterprise House, Bassingbourne Road, Stansted Airport, Essex CM24 1QW

M4 Diffusion LTD

Import and Export of parts of Machinery for Textiles Email: o.sramchini@m4-diffusion.com Tel: 01992 314021

Media Thirty Nine

Digital Marketing Agency Twitter: mediathirtynine Email: tom@mediathirtynine.com Website: www.mediathirtynine.com Tel: 07912 302331 Address: Media Thirty Nine, 39 Southfield Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 9EA

Morgan Berkeley

Accountancy and Finance Email: pierre.leong@morganberkeley.com Website: www.morganberkeley.com Tel: 020 8868 2435 Address: Morgan Berkeley, Westgate Chambers, 8a Elm Park Road, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3LA

Morrison Utility Services Limited

Utility Services Twitter: MorrisonUtility Email: richard.nelson@morrisonus.co Website: www.morrisonus.com Tel: 01438 743744 Address: Morrison Utility Services Limited, Abel Smith House, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2ST

Nova Scotia Business inc

A private sector-led Crown Corporation, is a lead business development agency for the province of Nova Scotia Twitter: NSBI Email: info@nsbi.ca Website: www.novascotiabusiness.com Tel: 19024246650 Address: Nova Scotia Business inc, 1800 Argyle Street, Suite 701, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3N8. Canada

Oliiki

Empowers parents of babies, from conception to two, by helping them bring up children who are confident happy learners through the power of play Twitter: Oliiki_Learning Email: hello@oliiki.com Website: www.oliiki.com/how-it-works Tel: 07949 197302 Address: Oliiki, 18 The Street, Braughing, Ware, Hertfordshire SG11 2QF

Provides Consultancy Services in Banking, International Cash management and public speaking Email: eheilpern@ntlworld.com Website: www.parthenoncommunications.com Tel: 07944 547707 Address: Parthenon Communications, 16 The Birches, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire WD23 4TW One of the leading solicitors in Herts providing legal services to businesses and individuals Email: cmillier@penmansedgwick.com Website: www.penmansedgwick.com Tel: 01923 225212 Address: Penman Sedgwick LLP, 5 George Street, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0SQ Business Advice Email: rondi@rozennsolutions.com Website: www.rozennsolutions.com Tel: 07818 042884 Address: Rozenn Solutions Ltd, 4 New Barnes Avenue, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1TG

Smiths Detection Engineers Twitter: Email: Website: Tel: Address:

smithsdetection edward.gibbs@smithsdetection.com www.smithsdetection.com 01923 228566 Smiths Detection, Century House, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hemsptead, Hertfordshire HP2 7DE

Societa Financial Ltd

Alternative banking solution that can enable you and your business to receive funds in 60 currencies and make payments in 130 currencies to almost anywhere in the world Email: ca@socfin.co.uk Website: www.socfin.co.uk Tel: 07590 324510 Address: Societa Financial Ltd, 5 Octagon Point, St Paul’s London EC2V 6AA

Solutions HR Ltd

HR Consultancy offering HR services to SME’s and charities Email: sally.beckford@solutionshr.co.uk Website: www.solutionshr.co.uk Tel: 01992 210256 Address: Solutions HR Ltd, 49 Hurom Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6FT

The Business Ghost

Breathing life into ghost written Business blogs & Business books Twitter: martingladdish Email: martin@businessghost.co.uk Website: www.businessghost.co.uk Tel: 07960 930803 Address: The Business Ghost, 14 Grover House, Hemel Hemsptead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9GD

The Jockey Club

Horse racing company dedicated to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences Email: george.nolan@thejockeyclub.co.uk Website: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/ Tel: 01638 675402 Address: Commercial Office, Rowley Mile Racecourse, NEWMARKET, Suffolk, CB8 0TF,

Torrington Hall

Hotel & Conference Venue Twitter: TorringtonHall Email: sophie@torringtonhall.com Website: www.torringtonhall.com Tel: 01727 841199 Address: Torrington Hall, 47 Holywell Hill, St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 1HD

MEMBERS NEWS

The Need for a Top Down

Approach to Wellbeing by Carole Spiers

Implementing proactive wellbeing programmes will result in happier, more engaged and productive employees. Therefore the senior team will need to lead by example to ensure that good wellbeing habits are embedded into their workplace.

Developing an effective wellbeing strategy Building the right wellbeing programme is key for example, flexible working, on-site gyms, quick access to healthcare, counselling services or mental health support.

To ensure success, as well as ongoing investment and commitment across the business, it is essential any strategy is led from the top. Employers should understand and identify the specific health and wellbeing challenges their employees face such as high levels of stress, poor sleep, money worries, a lack of exercise or mental health concerns so they can create an effective, targeted strategy. Carrying out a full review of the data available will pinpoint areas that need attention. This could involve analysing the company demographics, looking at absence data to identify the most common reasons for absence and examining the success of existing wellbeing initiatives.

Carole Spiers FISMA FPSA MIHPE

Carole’s credibility is rooted in twenty five years success as CEO of a leading UK Stress Management Consultancy, working with equal success both in the UK and the Gulf. She is a well-respected authority on building resilience and communication skills, a BBC Guest-Broadcaster and author of

Measuring return-oninvestment

The wellbeing strategy needs to be communicated across the business. This could include boardroom briefings, bulletin boards, emails, podcasts, intranet or creating a wellbeing day. It can be useful to link your wellbeing programmes to national health campaigns to improve their effectiveness for example, International Stress Awareness Week or Mental Health Awareness Week. Building a tailored programme with quantifiable objectives and leading from the top will ensure the strategy is effective in improving the health and wellbeing of the workforce. Health and wellbeing is more than just nice to have!

‘Show Stress Who’s Boss!’ and Tolley’s Managing Stress in the workplace. Carole is an international Motivational Speaker and is regularly called upon by the national press and media for comment. Carole is Chair of the International Stress Management AssociationUK and founder of International Stress Awareness Week www.carolespiersgroup.co.uk

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Events Company scoops Hertfordshire Business Award & is Finalist in National Awards Watford/Bushey based event production and entertainment company, Just Smile Limited recently received recognition for their unfaltering & excellent service, which they have provided hundreds of customers since they began in 2009. The company recently won ‘Business of the year’ (less than 50 employees) in the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards, which were held a few weeks ago at Hunton Park Hotel in Kings Langley. The whole team of 9 employees took to the stage to accept the award along with Managing Director David Rees. In addition to the ‘Business of the year’ award, Just Smile Limited also scooped the runner up position in the ‘Best Enterprising Business’ category. Which highlighted the companies ability to diversify and grow. Just Smile Limited (previously known as Smile Events but changed name in 2016) has been working with venues and clients throughout Watford & Hertfordshire (and further afield) since 2009 and grown from a DJ company into a full production house, offering Stage Hire for Festivals, Production & Lighting for Luxury Weddings & Parties and Sound, Lighting Staging for Awards, Conferences and Theatre Productions. Having won the Hertfordshire award, Just Smile Limited now goes forward as a Finalist in the SME National Business Awards which are to be held at Wembley Stadium on Friday 6th December. See Winners Video: https://youtu.be/2dfQCqcfdf8

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MEMBER BENEFITS

Westfield Health have been making a healthy difference to the quality of life of their customers and the communities in which they live and work since 1919. Chamber Primary Health Plan Exclusively available to British Chamber of Commerce member organisations of all sizes, the Chamber Primary Health Plan starts from just £6.13 per employee, per month and allows staff to claim money back, up to set limits, for things like sight tests and glasses, dental bills, therapy treatments and consultations. The plan also provides access to health and wellbeing services including: • DoctorLine™ service providing policyholders with confidential telephone access to a practising UK GP, 24 hours a day – every day, from anywhere in the world, with optional webcam consultations • Best Doctors® - expert second medical opinion service • Scanning Service - MRI, CT and PET scans • 24hr Advice and Information Line and up to 6 face to face counselling sessions (including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – CBT)

Find out more: Website: www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber Telephone: 0345 602 1629 Email: businessenquiries@westfieldhealth.com

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James Ward

The Greatest Animal Painter of his Time

Lowewood Museum

21 September 2019 - 25 January 2020

Free Entry Opening hours: Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm Saturday 10am-5pm Lowewood Museum High Street, Hoddesdon, EN11 8BH 01992 445596 www.broxbourne.gov.uk/lowewoodmuseum facebook.com/lowewoodmuseum @lowewood The Moment, 1831, James Ward (1769–1859). Tate, London, 2019 Photo Credit: ©Tate, London, 2019

Coming Soon

HatTech Business Centre We are pleased to announce the forthcoming launch of HatTech Business Centre located in Hatfield Early 2020. This purpose built facility will be created to provide an ideal environment for start-up and small

businesses, following the success of the Weltech Business Centre in Welwyn Garden City and the proven demand for office accommodation for new and start-up businesses in Hertfordshire. HatTech will deliver a

range of cost effective business units and a large Co-Working space offering flexibility in a professional environment whilst providing an opportunity to work alongside other entrepreneurs as your business grows.

HatTech’s location provides excellent rail and road links with easy access to both London and Cambridge. The A1(M) is a 5 minute drive whilst Hatfield train station is a 2 minute walk from HatTech.

To register your interest please call 01707 386123 or email enquiries@hattech.org.uk

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Redwood provides tomato farm with recipe for success When you have been supplying highquality vegetables enjoyed by families up and down the country for almost 50 years, getting the financial support to expand your operation should be easy, right? Unfortunately for the Gibilaro family, who own Villa Nursery, building new glasshouses on their 30-acre site in Harlow, Essex became stressful and frustrating. Despite supplying Tesco with sugar drop tomatoes for its Finest Range and having a joint venture ready to go with a wholesaler who owns the rights to sugar drop seeds in the UK, the entrepreneurs faced a series of setbacks. The family, who hail from Sicily, just could not make one High Street Bank see what everyone else did. Their frustration was tangible. Felice Gibilaro, who co-runs the nursery with his brother Michael, said: “We had several major contracts in place supplying sugar drop tomatoes to Tesco for its Finest Range, as well as to Waitrose, Asda and Aldi, so it became clear that we needed to expand. “However, despite having agreed all these major deals, we were unable to get a High Street Bank on board to back us. It was hugely frustrating as we are – and continue to be – a flourishing and solid business. “Also, in light of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we felt there was a sense of duty to ensure we continued supplying the UK with tomatoes.”

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Unwilling to give up, the brothers met with Redwood Bank, which very quickly identified the business’s potential. Ciaran Kilheeney, Business Development Manager at Redwood Bank, said: “We were only too happy to help the Gibilaros. Through conducting site visits and face-to-face meetings, we were able to understand their needs quickly, what obstacles they were going to face and what the end outcome would be if funds were provided.” The Bank had faith in the family’s plans to restructure the business and quickly came up with a recipe for success, securing a facility in excess of £3.1million over a 20-years on an amortising basis. They were then able to repay the current facilities held with other banks, and restructure the business internally, to provide more security for the family, and most importantly, raise sufficient funds to erect more glass houses. Mr Kilheeney said that winning this deal from a High Street Bank for what was - at the time of drawdown – Redwood’s biggest loan, made helping the Gibilaro family extra satisfying. He said: “This could be seen as a difficult sector and therefore difficult

to secure funding, but the way all of our Redwood team dealt with this from start to finish, from site visits to regular communication, makes this stand out. “I am very pleased that we were able to support the growth of this business and complete the transaction very quickly. “Great support was provided from everyone at Redwood who was involved in the deal to aid the family through the process from start to finish.” It was clear that the Gibilaros had earned the right to be considered a solid, flourishing business. The nursery was established in 1970 by Vincenzo Gibilaro after moving to the UK from Sicily. He started by selling cucumbers, then aubergines, before switching to peppers in 2006. In the past 12 months, Villa Nursery has partnered with A Gomez Ltd. As a result of the Bank’s support, Villa Nursery has now been able to continue its growth. Today, the nursery sits in 30 acres of land, of which 14 acres is under glass. Led by Vincenzo’s sons Felice and Michael, the family is the sole growers of sugar drop tomatoes in the UK. Gary Wilkinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Redwood Bank, said: “Helping an independent business to fulfil its full potential

is hugely rewarding. Because of our support, Villa Nursery has now been able to continue its growth and keep the UK supplied with home grown sugar drop tomatoes. “The Gibilaro family can look forward to the next 50 years of supplying supermarkets and dinner plates. Their business plan was ready, but it took Redwood’s belief to allow it to fully ripen.” Launched in 2017, multi awardwinning Redwood Bank is the UK’s first business challenger bank to be completely born ‘in the cloud’. The Bank was developed to offer a real alternative for small and medium sized organisations looking to make sure their properties and cash work harder for them. Redwood has regional offices in Warrington and Letchworth, with plans to expand. Regional offices show there is a commitment to local-style lending and allows a concentrated investment in awareness and credibility. Redwood Bank’s products include individually assessed mortgages for business owners and professional landlords, as well as a range of Best Buy savings accounts offered to businesses, charities, clubs and associations. For further information, visit www.redwoodbank.co.uk

HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

Strengthening Hertfordshire’s

FUTURE

WORKFORCE Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) works with local partners to deliver programmes and projects to develop the future skills pipeline and transform careers education across the county. Learn more about the work the LEP does as part of its delivery of the Careers & Enterprise Company programme. Over the summer, Hertfordshire LEP facilitated a series of events for schools and students in conjunction with employers from its Enterprise Adviser Network. This included a ‘Careers in the Curriculum’ masterclass for local schools hosted by pharmaceuticals giant GSK in Stevenage, to help teachers understand the types of jobs associated with each subject. The event received almost 90 applications for 60 places and was attended by careers, curriculum, and subject leaders from 39 Hertfordshire schools. GSK held a series of interactive workshops to showcase its new technologies and science teaching resources, designed to help teachers bring STEM curriculum to life. Early Talent Manager, Fiona Smith, provided insight into the company’s recruitment process and how schools can help get students workplace-ready. Dr. George Okafo, Senior Scientific Director at GSK who co-hosted the event said: “As the work landscape evolves, it will become increasingly important to have a broad, flexible and diverse skillset in the workplace. By partnering with employers, we hope these interactive events will help schools and careers leaders

develop their careers and skills strategies to meet the needs of the future workforce.” Hertfordshire LEP partnered with Amazing Apprenticeships to give Hertfordshire teachers and careers leaders an inside look at apprenticeships at the BBC. They heard from Naomi Blackbourn, Recruitment Manager for Apprenticeships, as well as apprentices from a huge variety of backgrounds, now undertaking pivotal roles across production, technology, journalism and business, including one who had recently filmed Theresa May’s final interview at 10 Downing Street. Gareth Dace, Senior Enterprise Co-ordinator at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “Events like this help schools see first-hand how apprenticeships can open doors to fantastic and fulfilling careers, and realise their value as a route to employment. We are grateful to the BBC and its inspiring young apprentices for providing such a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of its apprenticeship programme.” Julie Honour Jones, 6th Form Manager at Sir John Lawes School, Harpenden, said: “When you meet and hear from the inspirational young people benefitting from the

apprenticeship route, it helps us remember that as teachers, it is important that we offer a balanced view of progression options after school, including apprenticeships.” Hertfordshire LEP and Amazing Apprenticeships also hosted a firstof-its-kind mock assessment centre at the University of Hertfordshire, giving over 100 Year 12 students the chance to discover what employers look for from potential apprentices. Six local employers from a range of industry sectors hosted interactive workshops to introduce their business, showcase apprenticeship opportunities and demonstrate their selection process. The employers that took part included engineering company Parker Hannifin, aerospace giant Airbus, IT provider Computacenter, Morrison Utility Services (part of M Group Services), Hertfordshire Constabulary and the Careers and Enterprise Company’s own HR Team. Anna Morrison CBE, Director at Amazing Apprenticeships, who led the event said: “This has been a massive success for students, their

teachers and the brilliant employers that gave up their time to run the activities. Students have worked in groups with other students that they have never met before. They have participated in activities where they didn’t know what to expect and they have also networked in a professional environment over lunch. These are such valuable experiences and it will really help prepare them for what they may face as part of an apprenticeship assessment day in the future.” Syed Shah, HR Director at Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “I think it was a great opportunity for employers to engage with students and make meaningful connections with schools and teachers.” Tina Hannaway, Corporate IT, Sales and Marketing at Parker Hannifin, said: “I believe it’s important to prepare the students by having mock assessment days like these. It gives them experience of the recruitment process and, as an employer, it builds relationships and our employee pipeline.”

Get involved

Hertfordshire LEP’s Enterprise Adviser Network matches schools and colleges with local business leaders, known as ‘Enterprise Advisers’, to create opportunities to better equip young people for the world of work. The network is growing, with 105 out of 112 Hertfordshire schools and colleges, and 95 Enterprise Advisers now signed up to the programme. If your business is interested in getting involved, please email info@hertfordshirelep.co.uk to learn more. www.hertfordshirelep.com │ Twitter @HertsLEP

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BUSINESS SUPPORT

That is where business support companies come into their own because they can offer assistance in areas including finance, marketing, HR, administration and training. They bring essential knowledge to SME owners and take many of the worries away from the daily task of running a business. One big advantage of bringing in such services is that SMEs can pick and mix the kind of services that they require. They may already have a selection of specialist skills in-house and require additional support on only a few specific elements of a project. Going out of house to specialist business support companies allows them to bring in only those skills they need.

When it makes sense to ask for help Being in business can be a challenging task at the best of times. So much to do, so much information to absorb, not enough hours in the day.

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There are plenty of organisations that can advise on the best route to take, including staff at the Chamber of Commerce and council economic development departments who can assist on a wide range of issues facing SMEs, everything from training to exporting. When it comes to financial support, financial institutions and accountants can help as can the Government. Indeed, the Government is promoting a wide range of schemes to support small businesses. The package, which includes finance, is part of the Industrial Strategy, which aims to support small businesses and improve productivity across the country.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Support includes: • Start-up Loans of up to £25,000 aimed at helping those setting up businesses or seeking to scale up existing ones • Innovate UK supports businesses to realise the potential of new ideas through funding and research collaboration. Its Knowledge Transfer Network connects businesses to expertise, finance and markets to commercialise innovation • Venture capital schemes can help you raise money for your company. The Government’s four schemes offer tax reliefs designed to help businesses attract investors • Tech Nation provides programmes to support UK technology businesses, as well as access to free online courses to build digital skills

• Be the Business provides practical tools and resources to help small businesses across the UK increase productivity.

3 tips on finding the right office space “Finding the right space is crucial to the success of your business.”

• Grow your workforce by taking on an apprentice. You can secure government funding to cover some of the cost of training • Contracts Finder allows you to search for information about government and agency contracts worth more than £10,000 and explore information on previous tenders to understand what opportunities there might be for your business The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce offers businesses an excellent support service. To find out more and to join the Chamber visit www.hertschamber.com You can also find more helpful information at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/whatsupport-is-available-for-my-small-business It’s all out there - all you have to do is ask!

“There are plenty of organisations that can advise on the best route to take, including staff at the Chamber of Commerce and council economic development departments who can assist on a wide range of issues facing SMEs, everything from training to exporting.”

by Michael Hall

Know how much space you need A general rule of thumb to follow is 100 sq. ft. per employee. This accommodates enough space for a desk and chair whilst taking into consideration additional space you’ll need such as breakout areas and communal space.

Serviced vs unserviced Consider whether a serviced or unserviced office space is right for you. Serviced offices will come fully equipped with desks and furniture. Unserviced offices are a plain canvas that allows you the freedom to design the space exactly the way you need it, and some may even allow you to paint the walls and decorate to make the space yours.

Ask about the small print Many office providers now offer flexible solutions. Make sure to find out how long the lease is, how much the deposit is, and how much notice you need to give to leave.

About BizSpace BizSpace is the largest provider of regional flexible workspace in the U.K. We provide modern and stylish workspaces with simple, affordable and flexible terms for our customers. Several spaces are now available at BizSpace Hemel Hempstead. Contact us on 01442 819149 to arrange a viewing.

bizspace.co.uk

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T: 01438 907 580 E: marketing129@costco.co.uk Costco Stevenage, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2FW T: 01438 907 580 E: marketing129@costco.co.uk

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† Sign up for membership with this advert at our Stevenage and Watford Warehouse and receive a £10 voucher to spend online at www.costco.co.uk. New members only. Offer valid until 31/12/19. * Membership Criteria applies. Please visit www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership for details. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. ∆ ID required to preview. JN22937 † Sign up for membership with this advert at our Stevenage and Watford Warehouse and receive a £10 voucher to spend online at www.costco.co.uk. New members only. Offer valid until 31/12/19. * Membership Criteria applies. Please visit www.warehouses.costco.co.uk/membership for details. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made. ∆ ID required to preview. JN22937

Discovered by Nature Enhanced by Science

HAND-MADE, ALL NATURAL,

NOURISHING ANTI-WRINKLE CREAMS

developed by Bio-Mimetic Cosmetics, a trading division of Bio-Mimetic Chromatography Ltd. Klaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-wrinkle creams are easy to apply and form a firming and absorbing collagen mask on the applied area of the face, under eye and neckline. The absorption achieved is based on 22 years of scientific research on delivering therapeutic peptides through the skin. Hyaluronic acid and collagen are trapped in phospholipid micelles mimicking the absorption of nutrients used by nature. The creams contain top quality ingredients from plants, cold pressed oils from sweet almond, grape seed, raspberry seed, coconut and Shea butter besides some essential vitamins such as vitamins A, B5 and E. As no animal experiments are used, volunteers are needed to test the effect of the creams on all skin types.

Please contact us at www.klaraskincare.com/ contact-us if you would like to participate in the free trial and we will send you free samples.

With over 1,500 Apprentices on our programmes we are the largest Apprenticeship provider in Hertfordshire

APPRENTICESHIPS discover their potential

Work with Hart L&D to design and implement staff development programmes that help you attract and keep the best talent. Our programmes support your current staff to develop their skills and prepare your business for the future. We can support with accessing government funding to support your goals and offer a complimentary recruitment service to help you find the ideal candidates.

74% improved product or service quality

78%

83% would

improved productivity reported by Employers

recommend apprentices to other businesses.

Sectors include: Leadership and management, Professional services, Health and care, Motor vehicle, Engineering and Construction. Why not contact us today for more information and to find out how we could help you? 01462 471041 or email enquiries@hartld.co.uk.

A City & Guilds Group Business

Apprenticeship advert_Aspire magazine.indd 1

21/08/2019 12:11

Saturday 28 September 9.30am

open morning

Independent day and boarding school for girls and boys, aged 3 to 18. +44 (0) 1462 650947 admissions@stchris.co.uk stchris.co.uk

Where enjoyment creates achievement

INSPIRE

Hertfordshire businesses urged to support National Apprenticeship Week The date for the 13th annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) has been announced and Hertfordshire businesses are being urged to take part in the event when it takes place between 3 to 7 February 2020. National Apprenticeship Week is an annual weeklong celebration of apprenticeships across England designed to recognise and applaud apprenticeship success stories across the country. Apprenticeship employers use

the opportunity to promote the success of their apprentices and highlight the huge benefits to other employers, of all sizes, who are thinking of taking on an apprentice. Apprentices across the country will also be celebrated throughout the week, with engagement and events in schools and colleges. Many current and former apprentices will go back to school to tell their story, attracting the next generation of apprentices, so they too can fire up their future career. Throughout its 13 years, National Apprenticeship Week has brought together apprenticeship supporters from across the country, with MPs, ambassadors, apprentices, training providers and top employers involved in recognising the value and importance of apprenticeships. Organisers want to recruit even more supporters for 2020, to build on the recent week’s success, which included:

• More than 1,250 events taking place across England • NAW2019, National Apprenticeship Week and #BlazeATrail all trending UK wide on Twitter over the course of the week • More than 30,000 visits to the NAW resource pages on GOV.UK • A successful Ask an Apprentice day with employers, including TUI, Bentley Careers, Siemens UK, AXA Insurance and Cisco all involved. The nature of the event was praised by MP Anne Milton when NAW 2020 was launched at a time when she was still Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills; she left the post in the summer. At the time of the launch, she said: “I am thrilled that National Apprenticeship Week 2020 will take place during early February 2020. It’s a chance to celebrate apprentices and the brilliant work being done by schools, the FE sector and employers across the country to promote the huge benefits of apprenticeships. “Apprenticeships offer people of all ages and backgrounds a high-quality route to skilled employment with the option to train at every level in a range of exciting professions like aerospace

engineering, data science, teaching, law, nursing, and fashion. “I would encourage employers, training providers, schools, apprentices and our ambassador networks to start considering how they will get involved in National Apprenticeship Week 2020. We want next year to be even bigger and better reaching even more people and employers so they understand the advantages apprenticeships bring”. Keith Smith, apprenticeships director, Education and Skills Funding Agency/Department for Education, said: “A weeklong celebration of all things apprenticeships gives opportunity to recognise the importance of apprenticeships and their impact. National Apprenticeship Week also enables employers, providers, partners and apprentices themselves to creatively celebrate what apprentices achieve and the impact they have locally, regionally and nationally.” The theme of National Apprenticeship Week 2020 will be announced in the Autumn. More information will be announced on GOV.UK and on social media channels. You can follow @Apprenticeships on Twitter and National Apprenticeship Service on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

Unlock your potential In an increasingly competitive labour market where skills are at a premium attracting and retaining the best talent is becoming ever more difficult. Through carefully planning a training package with us we can help you introduce an organisational approach to talent development that helps you plan for the future. Working with Hart L&D to design and implement a staff development programme can help improve staff retention, raise morale and increase both productivity and

quality. Your current workforce can benefit from learning new skills that can lead to greater confidence and improved performance. Our experienced team work alongside you to create bespoke programmes which meet real-life challenges and deliver real results. We can support with accessing government funding and grants as well as providing a complimentary

recruitment service and a dedicated account manager. Why not contact us today about how our high-quality Apprenticeship programmes can benefit your current and future staff? Contact us for more information and to find out how we could help you? 01462 471041 or email enquiries@hartld.co.uk

SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT

Why Visit St Christopher School? St Chris is an independent school based in Letchworth Garden City for girls and boys aged 3-18. For more than 100 years the school has been a pioneering voice in the world of education, embracing new ideas based on sound educational principles. St Chris has also established a reputation as ‘not your typical independent school.’ And there is a reason for this. At St Chris, they see pupil happiness not as the result of achieving great exam results, but rather great results themselves as a product of being a really fulfilled individual. The enjoyment creates the achievement, and the achievement, the enjoyment. Those who would otherwise be good students do even better at St Chris, and in more dimensions than they would ever have expected. If you would like to know more about the St Chris approach, visit the school to find out what your child is capable of when they get their deepest needs met first.

Open Days & Contact Information Whole School: Saturday 28 September 2019, 9.30am - 1.00pm Sixth Form: Tuesday 15 October 2019, 6.00pm – 8.30pm There is no need to book, however you are welcome to pre-register by visiting our website stchris.co.uk or by contacting us by phone or email. 01462 650947 admissions@stchris.co.uk

INSPIRE

THE LAST WORD

Q Why did you join the Chamber?

ArchOver assists SME’s access the funding they require to grow. The Chamber has terrific reach to SMEs across Hertfordshire with whom we can engage in relation to their funding requirements.

Q What do you get from it?

Finding the

right financial partner is critical for growth

With our Platinum membership we can improve our networking and therefore assist more SMEs with their funding requirements. The Chamber is proactive in supporting and connecting members with Hertfordshire’s vast business community through traditional events and digital marketing.

Q How has it helped your business network?

It has been very useful. We find the events highly relevant with like-minded people hoping to access opportunities. There have been some high profile speakers at seminars that attract the appropriate audience to network with. Staff are proactive in assisting us to get the most out of membership particularly with introductions.

Q What advice would you

give someone starting out?

Dugald J. Carlean Regional Director for Archover, Head of Herts & Beds Office, St Albans

Patrons

INSPIRE

Work with enthusiastic people with different skill sets but similar attitudes. This reduces team tension which is communicated positively to those you wish to work with. Regard failure as an opportunity to learn, it remains our best teacher.

Q What do you think is the

biggest challenge affecting running and growing a business?

For ArchOver it is ensuring that processes remain robust to ensure our Lenders are protected and Borrowers get an optimum solution. This requires an excellent approach to recruitment along with outstanding on-going training. The vast majority of SME’s have growth challenges because of a lack of funding. It’s critical to find the financial partner who understands the model and strategy so as to provide adequate solutions to these challenges.

Q What support do you

want from government?

Same as all business big and small – certainty.

Q How confident are you that your business will grow in 2019/20?

Very confident. The current economic and political backdrop would suggest that SME’s will continue to face cash flow head winds. We are well placed to continue seeking out opportunities to support whilst maintaining an exceptional credit process.

Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers

â&#x20AC;&#x153;friendly expertiseâ&#x20AC;? Drive your business forward. Talk to us for advice on growth, profit and strategies for investment and exit.

44(0)330 024 3200 hillierhopkins.co.uk