Inspire July 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited

INSPIRE.45

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce July - August 2021

Inside

Herts firms

lead the way on sustainability p4

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Finalists p30

p16

Spotlight Focus

p40

Tourism & Hospitality

Diversity is key for North Herts economy Strength of tourism can power economic recovery

p54

Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire Campaign to help drive growth across the County

For a greener future, think Hertfordshire IQ. With a focus on sustainable travel solutions, renewable energy and tax breaks for green businesses, Hertfordshire IQ is the perfect place for your business to thrive. Find out more and get in touch at herts-iq.co.uk

WELCOME & CONTENTS

Digital power can sustain economic growth Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce As the COVID vaccination programme continues apace, thoughts are turning to the future and what it might look like. From a business perspective, technology will play an even greater role in day to day activities as trends seen during the pandemic become the norm for many of us. Even before COVID-19 hit our shores, technology was making a difference to our lives. More people were starting to work from home, for example, and using social media platforms as the basis for client communications campaigns. As the pandemic forced us to stay indoors, Zoom and Teams

calls became the norm and people jumped on What’s App groups to stay in touch with friends and colleagues. Going forward, however, technology has a much wider role to play. It will be central to improving healthcare provision and provide lucrative new business opportunities for companies willing to adapt to this fast-evolving digital age. Many companies in Hertfordshire, particularly those in the north of the County (featured in this edition), are already at the forefront of this evolution – influencing its direction and using tech-led innovations that are having a positive impact on society.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is helping companies to commercialise products that can be turned into regenerative medicines to improve the health and quality of people’s lives. The Stevenage-based STEM Discovery Centre, pioneered by Airbus with North Herts College and the local enterprise partnership, is educating the next generation of scientists and engineers about the future of space exploration and other fantastic STEM-led career opportunities. Meanwhile, MBDA Herts is using technology to cement its position as a world-leader in missile systems.

networks and forge new contacts. It will also open doors for local companies to trade with each other – which is exactly the ethos behind our Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire campaign. While technology will play a huge role in the economic recovery, let’s not forget the traditional bricks and mortar businesses that have done so much for the local community. There is a place for all of us in this new digital age.

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Here at the Chamber, we’re adapting too. We have just launched our new digital platform, Connect Herts, which will allow businesses to expand their

Contents Sustainability

4-9

Patron Focus

12 & 14

Members News

38-39

Tourism & Hospitality

40-41

Spotlight Focus

16-19

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Chamber Events

24-27

Hertfordshire Global

46 47

Peer Networks

Members News

Wellbeing Conference

New Members

48-49

Members News

50-53

Entrepreneur Foundation 32-33

Keeping the Heart in Hertfordshire

54-55

Members News

Membership Benefit

Inspirational Leader

Last Word

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards

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

30-31

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

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40 Published July 2021 © 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. ©2021 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. 1850

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SUSTAINABILITY

Herts firms lead the way on sustainability Recently the UK government launched a new initiative to urge businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. The Together for our Planet Business Climate Leaders campaign is designed to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting emissions in half by 2030 and to net zero by 2050. 4

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he campaign is the latest move to tackle climate change – one of the most pressing challenges that individuals and businesses face as they move into a post-COVID world. It will enable small businesses to use the new UK Business Climate Hub to find practical tools, resources and advice to understand their emissions and develop a plan to tackle them, as well as providing ideas for steps they can take.

With tough emissions goals set by UK ministers and governments around the globe, it’s clear that a greener future depends on all of us doing more to reduce our impact on the environment. This extends to the commercial world, where sustainability is a huge buzzword. Several initiatives are underway around the country, with Hertfordshire leading the way in creating a greener, better future.

Businesses are often surprised by the actual cost-savings made by taking environmental action along with the less tangible benefits of staff engagement and talent retention. What’s more, not only is taking sustainability action the right thing to so, it can also result in competitive advantage.

Hertfordshire County Council has published its sustainable strategy and action plan, which sets out a route-map for Hertfordshire to become carbonneutral by 2030 by cutting emissions and improving the quality of lives of residents and their local environment. The strategy highlights the important role that businesses can play in helping to achieve a sustainable Hertfordshire whilst reducing their own costs. The Council said: “Businesses are often surprised by the actual cost-savings made by taking environmental action along with the less tangible benefits of staff engagement and talent retention. What’s more, not only is taking sustainability action the right thing to do, it can also result in competitive advantage. “Increasingly, businesses want to demonstrate to customers and clients their commitment to net zero goals. New ways of thinking on how to do things differently, cleaner and greener can lead to product and process innovation and growth opportunities.”

JPA Workspaces is one local company that’s passionate about the environment and community. The company specialises in sustainable planning and refurbishments of offices, education facilities, hospitality, healthcare and hospitality environments. Each refurbishment is designed to increase user wellbeing whilst having minimal impact on the environment and maximum economic benefit to the local community. Fiona Edwards, Head of Sustainability at JPA Workspaces, says: “All JPA projects, deliveries and installations are carbon-neutral. We are externally certified as both a carbonneutral and a carbon reduced organisation and committed to carbon zero by 2030, reflecting the green growth ambitions of the Herts LEP and Growth Hub. “As we plan for return to work, it’s time for organisations to make more informed decisions about the carbon and waste costs of their refurbishment works. We take a holistic approach to furniture supply – it’s so much more than simply the furniture provided. “We focus on reducing the carbon cost of our products and services, with local operation enabling reduced carbon miles and improved service for clients – local works!” Cont. >>>

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SUSTAINABILITY

“Rehoming of still fit-for-task furniture in local organisations serves the community and reduces landfill, enabling JPA to have a meaningful impact. A local approach, local activity and local contacts enable a more sustainable operation for our business in line with our values and vision to keep the heart in Hertfordshire.”

As well as reducing the carbon cost of clients’ refurbishment and re-location projects, JPA also eliminates their furniture landfill by ensuring that all redundant items and packaging are recycled. This is important as landfill is associated with a number of nasties, including: increased air pollution from methane greenhouse gases; loss of biodiversity; decaying organic materials and toxic substances affecting soil fertility; unpleasant smells; increased traffic noise, vehicle numbers, carbon emissions, rats and adverse affects on health. If that’s not enough, there’s also possible groundwater pollution and harm to eco-systems from toxic chemicals seeping into groundwater, rivers and lakes. JPA recently completed carbon-neutral projects at Rothamsted Research with the launch of the refurbished Russell Building, as well as several Hertfordshire NHS Trusts and local businesses. Fiona continues: “We’re currently working on the Rainbow Rooms project for East and North Herts NHS Trust which involves the upgrading of staff areas with furniture sourced from ethical and sustainable supply chains, alongside the clearance and recycling of redundant items for materials recycling.

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Others are contributing to the drive to green up Hertfordshire. LEVC, the automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recognised for its iconic black taxi cabs, has opened a new flagship electric van centre in Potters Bar. The dealership specialises in sales and maintenance of LEVC’s new VN5 electric van, which it says can achieve a pure electric range of more than 60 miles and a total flexible range of 304 miles.

LEVC’s eCity technology has

New to the market, VN5 bridges the gap between conventional and electric light commercial vehicles, offering zeroemission capability.

prevented over

The acclaimed VN5 (winner of industry awards from What Van? and Company Car and Van), allows the driver to select from three driving modes to match the environment. ‘Save’ retains the electric charge in extra-urban settings such as motorways; ‘Smart’ switches between petrol and electric power for mixed roads and ‘Pure EV’ is designed for urban driving, suitable for both intercity and inner-city assignments.

C02 from entering

LEVC has already made a significant environmental impact with over 5,000 TX electric taxis now on the roads in cities round the world. Covering an estimated 188 million miles, LEVC’s eCity technology has prevented over 57,000 tonnes of C02 from entering the atmosphere and 35 million litres of fuel from being pumped.

57,000 tonnes of the atmosphere and 35 million litres of fuel from being pumped.

SUSTAINABILITY

“Due to the pandemic, we adapted and now offer a hybrid model for events, meaning that some people are physically present and others can attend from afar. This is important as it gives people more flexibility and ensures that they can continue to discuss this vital issue wherever they are in the world.” Sustainability is also at the heart of Redmond Group, which has more than doubled in size each year since 2013 through its work on major plumbing and mechanical engineering projects across London and South East England. The company maintains the highest levels of customer service and quality, exceeding industry standards and finding innovative ways to maximise customer satisfaction. It has also completed several projects designed to improve the local environment.

As well as the automotive industry, agriculture will have a central role to play in Britain’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. The challenge for this sector will be to turn cutting-edge scientific research into practical, workable solutions that feed billions of extra mouths from less land and smarter use of agrochemicals. Harpenden-based Rothamsted Enterprises was established in 2015 to achieve exactly that. Formerly known as Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprises (RoCRE), the company aims to harness the world-renowned scientific expertise of its research capability with high-quality innovation – creating one of the most dynamic, vibrant and wellconnected agriculture R&D communities found anywhere in Europe. With a variety of office and lab spaces for rent, international conference centre, popular restaurant, and VIP destination venue, Rothamsted Enterprises attracts some of the best researchers, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs who work on innovations that will improve agri-sustainability.

Nicole Sadd of Rothamsted Enterprises says: “We focus very heavily on farming sustainability. Ideally, we want to make sure that farmers get maximum yield from their crops but in a sustainable way that minimises any adverse impact on the environment. Members of the general public are now more interested in the way their food is farmed because they are more concerned about the environment than perhaps they were ten or twenty years ago. “Our location, which is set in 800 acres of parkland, attracts the finest minds from academia and industry but we don’t just operate in isolation. We’re part of the Green Triangle, Herts Innovation Quarter, the local enterprise partnership (LEP) and The Herts Science Partnership, and together we’re making Hertfordshire one of the leading players in agri-sustainability in the country.

Stephen Redmond, Managing Director of Redmond Group, says: “We’ve been restoring an ancient woodland in Hertfordshire. We’ve planted 2,200 metres of hedging for bird nesting and feeding, and we’ve felled around 160 dead or dying trees. We’ve also created numerous habitats for hedgehog homes, which is really important as we don’t want to see this animal become extinct. “We’ve installed nests for birds, bats, owls and woodland mice and new colonies for bees. As part of the project, we’ve also created ponds for extra biodiversity. “I’m a big environmentalist at heart; it’s really important to me and my 60 staff. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of today and it’s vital that we all do our bit to protect and improve the environment. At Redmond Group we seek to work with clients who are aligned with our ethos and we subscribe to 13 of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.” Richard Davidson, too, is keen to protect the environment. He’s currently working on a project to transform his house into an eco-friendly home, with fitted heat pumps and sustainable materials such as timber. Cont. >>>

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SUSTAINABILITY

vehicles to electric vehicles and we buy only 100% renewable electricity for all of our buildings and activities.

In his day job, Richard is a Director at Willmott Dixon Construction, which is part of the Willmott Dixon group that last year proudly confirmed it had reduced carbon emissions (relative to turnover) by 66% since 2010 and cut construction waste (relative to turnover) by 58% since 2012.

75% of the renewable energy generated by the building.

The construction business has worked on many sustainable projects, including one that has created the UK’s first Passivhaus ‘plus’ net carbon-positive school, Hackbridge Primary School. The way in which the building has been designed means that the school needs to use only

Richard says: “As part of our corporate strategy, we want to become a truly net zero business by 2030. To achieve this, we have to cut our emissions, not just offset them, and so far we’ve been very successful in this regard. We’re transitioning from petrol and diesel

Willmott Dixon has also delivered the largest Passivhaus secondary school in the UK, Harris Academy Sutton, which is fitted with ultra-insulation to reduce unnecessary energy usage.

“With regard to our energy efficiency and performance, all of our evidence is validated and verified independently so we can measure our progress. It’s safe to say that we’re leading the way in our sector when it comes to our environmental credentials. On the Hackbridge Primary School project, for example, the school generates more renewable energy than it needs and exports the excess energy back to the National Grid. As well as designing an eco-friendly building for them, we also provide ongoing support so that they can maximise their energy efficiency – such as showing them how to get the most out of the underfloor heating system. We also educate the children on various aspects of the building to further their learning. “In addition, we work with several SMEs in our supply chain to help them decarbonise their operations. If we’re going to tackle climate change, we all have to do our bit and at Willmott Dixon we definitely do just that.”

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Rothamsted Businesses and individuals are increasingly conscious of making their events sustainable. We are proud of our sustainable credentials. When you hold an event at Rothamsted Manor or Rothamsted Conference Centre you can be sure we will do everything we can to ensure your event reduces its impact on the environment as much as possible. Many of our buildings with smart heating/ cooling systems. We encourage guests to arrive on foot or by public transport. We support the 20% less plastic movement, in line with the Meeting Industry Association‘s pledge. Our Sustainable DDR package provides delegates with our excellent service and facilities while reducing plastic and waste.

Our chefs limit the amount of meat on our menus and offer many delicious vegan and vegetarian options. We use local food providers wherever possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint. We offer virtual event planning and showrounds, rather than visiting in person. We can offer state-of-the-art audio visual and video conferencing technology to minimise unnecessary travel by delegates.

All profits generated by Rothamsted Enterprises are ploughed directly back to Rothamsted Research, a non-profit research centre that focuses on strategic agricultural science to tackle climate change and focus on food security. 01582 938500 I info@rothamstedenterprises.com I www.rothamstedenterprises.com

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In conversation with James Newell Groundwork East is your local charity tackling climate change by helping communities to become more sustainable. We are facing a profound challenge: the need to tackle climate change and restore the balance between people and nature. For over 30 years, Groundwork East has been supporting businesses and communities across the East of England to do just this. Meaningful initiatives to create positive change must start by engaging communities in active conversations around the climate and nature emergency who might not normally get involved or have their voices heard. Our expert staff are supporting communities to take practical action in their local areas. Doing jobs that protect

the environment. Creating places that help to protect us from the impacts of climate change. Delivering a wide range of projects to make the places where they live fit for a greener future. Our Sprouting Out and Get Outdoors Get Active courses help people to improve a local green space, whilst learning conservation and growing skills, that they can use in everyday life, teach to others, or help them to gain employment; to live better and more sustainable lives. In Watford, we’re helping residents to rediscover, protect, and enjoy their local river and the area around it. Residents will reconnect with the River Colne,

recognising the need to preserve it, and will learn how they can do their bit to improve the health and appearance of the river. Our Sustainable Business Services team supports businesses of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint and be better corporate citizens. As the UK prepares to lead the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 26, in Glasgow this November, we are redoubling our efforts to engage communities and businesses across Hertfordshire.

If you would like to work with Groundwork East as a supportive and expert partner, please get in touch with James Newell (james.newell@groundwork.org.uk), and together we can take local action and have a global impact.

N OW IT’ S YOU R TU RN • Flexible 304 miles total range • Over 60 miles pure electric range* • Impressive overall cost of ownership • Eligible for £6,000 government plug-in van grant

Book your test drive at our new dedicated EV dealer

0175 396 8318

LEVC London North, 343 Baker St, Potters Bar, EN6 2DZ

Pure EV (electric-only) range 60.9 miles in accordance with EAER Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) figures (October 2020). These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle loads. ** 5 year / 150,000 mile Vehicle warranty, 8 year / 150,000 mile Battery warranty. Terms and exclusions apply, full details available: levc.com/warranty. *

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Our farms in Uruguay are situated in one of the world’s most important grassland biomes, the lush pampa humeda. We are strongly committed to the protection and preservation of these natural grasslands, as conservation is an integral part of our livestock production. We keep these grasslands in their natural state by never spraying, tilling, or fertilising.

The Raw Natural Beef Co to provide you with the finest grass-fed, freerange beef, produced with unquestionable sustainability and in harmony with nature

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We breed our own unique Aberdeen Angus cattle. They are the result of many years of work improving our genetics, tracing back the roots of the original bloodlines. The original Aberdeen Angus was a robust but smaller framed animal, well adapted to grazing on natural grasslands. Our unique genetics return to the origins of the breed. The result is efficient animals, capable of thriving exclusively on grass and easy to breed. Perfectly adapted to the environment, our strong genetics allow our cattle to live healthy lives year-round. By returning to the origin of the breed, we can maintain our commitment to animal welfare while producing sustainable, high-quality grass-fed beef with good nutritional properties, marbling and distinctive flavour.

100% grass-fed We have chosen the Aberdeen Angus breed due to its original characteristics and because it adapts well to our environment in Uruguay. Our beef production is based entirely on grass, so we select those cows that breed efficiently and deliver steers that perform well exclusively on grass. Our Aberdeen Angus beef obtains the proper marbling, offering a high-quality grassfed meat with great nutritional properties and great flavour. Uruguay differs from most other countries in Latin America, in that it has no mountains and very little natural forest. Over 80% of Uruguay’s land area can be used for agriculture. Uruguay’s temperate climate and natural grasslands lend themselves to livestock production.

Certified Natural Beef Certifies the entire production process all the way through packing and labelling. Compliant with food safety and traceability requirements.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Never Ever 3 Guarantees meat comes from animals that never received antibiotics, hormones, or proteins of animal origin during their lifetime. In order to comply with national regulation and to deliver the renowned Raw natural beef co. quality beef products, we invest a lot of resources in food safety and traceability. We track each individual animal from pasture to plate. This is possible due to a double eartag system comprised of a visual plastic tag on one ear, and an electronic chip in the other ear. Each animal is given a 9-digit ID number and we record its date of birth, sex, place of birth, and subsequently every movement through its entire lifetime.in addition to identification and tracking, the electronic chip also enables better management of our cattle. Via many records and numbers, the provenance of the animal is traced all the way through processing to the final cut of beef. At Raw Natural beef co, we believe traceability is an integral part of being a responsible food producer. Animals are a useful tool in the box of regenerative agriculture. Strategic grazing can stimulate forage photosynthesis and maintain the natural condition of productive pastures, while herbivores are an integral part of the carbon cycle, contributing to healthy soils. We believe that grass-fed livestock systems have multiple benefits, such as higher levels of Omega-3 and vitamins A and E, superior meat flavour, marbling and tenderness. With balanced breeding that supports the health, feed efficiency, meat, and meat quality, we are actively refining our herd genetics for animals that are best suited for our farm environments. We follow strict ethical practices on how we treat and handle our livestock to ensure the best animal welfare, and ultimately, the best meat. Good livestock husbandry needs a dedicated, hands-on team of people living on-site, creating what we call “living farms”. We employ people that have a gentle passion for caring for animal

We aim to be climate positive by 2030 Climate change is the defining issue of our lifetime. While agriculture can be intensive with greenhouse gas emissions, this does not have to be the future. At Raw Natural beef co, we plan to be a part of the solution to climate change, by challenging ourselves to transition to climate positive farming by 2030. We are mapping out how to achieve this goal through regenerative agriculture and sequestering carbon in our soil. Agriculture is turning a corner towards a new way of farming, thinking, adapting. With rising themes of regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and soil health awareness, never has the prospects of farming looked so exciting. Narratives around agriculture’s role in climate change paint farmers negatively, and public pressure will only intensify in the coming years. It is often overlooked that farmers have enormous potential to help solve the world’s

climate crisis. Our choices for managing land can either contribute to global warming through degradation and disturbance, or be a critical part of the solution by removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Farmers must take responsibility for their emissions We are increasingly mindful of curbing our net emissions. Our animals are grass-fed and open range. We are working to improve soil health through reducing tillage, cover cropping, diver-sifying rotations and strategic grazing to drive soil carbon sequestration. We are planting trees, protecting native pastures, and exploring renewable energy sources. In 2019, we launched a new cornerstone goal for a better future for farming: aiming for climate positive farms by 2030. This means that our farms will have positive net effects on the climate by drawing down and storing more CO2-emissions than they release. The next decade will determine what world humankind will inhabit in the next century. With proactive problem-solving and action, Ingleby Farms is committed to doing the best that we can with our farms to help reverse the negative effects of climate change. To do this, Raw Natural Beef co. with Ingleby farms joined the Cool Farm Alliance in April 2019, and we are inte-grating their carbon calculator, the Cool Farm Tool (CFT), within our sustainability reporting programme. A global, online calculator used by farmers in more than 115 countries worldwide, the CFT can measure emissions from the use of fertilisers and fossil fuels, but also estimate the amount of carbon that the land sequesters, to provide a net carbon figure.

Farming with nature As hands-on farmers and long-term stewards of the land, Raw Natural beef co. believes in farming in harmony with nature. Nature matters, diversity matters, and agriculture plays a central role in preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services on a global scale. We actively use landscape tools (e.g., beetle banks, waterbody creation, uncultivated buffers, let habitats naturally revegetate or plant native plants) to increase the area, diversity or quality of natural/semi-natural habitat on our farms. This helps ensure successful feeding and breeding to build healthy populations and enhance resilience. Habitats woven throughout the productive landscape balance conservation and production; improving biodiversity, connectivity and ecosystem services while positively affecting productivity.

The CFT also equips Ingleby Farms to track emissions and overall carbon footprint of each crop or animal production, highlighting where across our portfolio needs the most focus. The science of farm carbon calculating is evolving rapidly. For proactive farmers interested in their role in climate change mitigation, the possibilities and learning opportunities in the near future will be endless.

Tel: +44 1992 350132 Email: Info@therawnaturalbeefco.com

www.therawnaturalbeefco.com INSPIRE

PATRON FOCUS

The power of digital marketing Cheryl Luzet knows only too well the benefits that being a Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Patron can bring. Her digital marketing company, Wagada, became a member of the Chamber just over two years ago and within eight months had signed up to become a Patron. Cheryl says: “By the time we became a Patron of the Herts Chamber, people already knew us through our initial Chamber membership. We wanted to continue working with the Chamber team to make sure we were getting in front of the right people.

Initially during the pandemic we saw a slight dip in business as companies scaled back on their marketing budgets. Quite quickly, however, businesses realised the importance of digital marketing in terms of helping them to remain visible to customers so they came back. As a result, we had our best year ever last year.

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“It has certainly benefited us. We’ve managed to win some new business as a result of being a Chamber Patron. We picked up a new client at the Chamber’s black tie dinner and we’re still working with them now. “Personally, I’ve found the Chamber to be very proactive. Not only that, the Chamber members are keen to do business. In some other networking groups, the members tend to join up purely for social reasons but Hertfordshire Chamber members are there specifically to share ideas, make new connections and do business with each other as well as socialise. That’s exactly how a Chamber should work.” Wagada was founded by Cheryl in 2011 and since then she has grown the business and built a powerful team of digital experts that help clients to achieve their goals. The company works with a range of clients from across the world, from Australia to the US, and across several sectors including construction, cyber security, medical, professional services, travel and leisure.

Wagada has a strong track record of helping clients to raise their profile and visibility, attract quality traffic to their websites and, ultimately, boost their revenues. Everything is carefully monitored and data is analysed, giving clients a clear idea of what works and what doesn’t at every stage in the process. Cheryl says: “Initially during the pandemic we saw a slight dip in business as companies scaled back on their marketing budgets. Quite quickly, however, businesses realised the importance of digital marketing in terms of helping them to remain visible to customers so they came back. As a result, we had our best year ever last year. “Going forwards, there will be many opportunities for companies looking to bounce back from the pandemic. The digital revolution is in full swing and businesses need a strategy to connect with their customers via the many digital platforms that are out there. “We always start with a client’s business goals. We determine their objectives and then work back from there, creating a digital marketing strategy that helps the client achieve its goals. “The last year has been difficult for a lot of businesses but I’m confident that the worst is behind us now. Companies are looking to expand and promote their products and services again and that is good news for us.”

Viatris

is a new kind of healthcare company, committed to empowering people to live healthier at every stage in life. www.viatris.co.uk NON-2021-1737 Date of Preparation: June 2021

We do so via: Access: Providing high-quality trusted medicines regardless of geography or circumstance Leadership: Advancing sustainable operations and innovative solutions to improve patient health Partnership: Leveraging our collective expertise to connect people to products and services

PATRON FOCUS

Viatris takes a different approach to healthcare Formed in 2020 through the combination of Mylan and Upjohn, VIATRIS is a new kind of healthcare company, committed to empowering people in the UK to live healthier at every stage in life through its 40,000-strong global workforce. In the UK the company has four sites, including one in Hatfield. With approximately 500 UK staff, the business provides access to affordable, high quality medicines to more than six million patients in the country each year. Matt Salzmann, UK Country Manager at Viatris, says: “We believe in healthcare not as it is, but as it should be. We are passionately committed to UK healthcare improvement and transformation. We know that good health matters to everyone, everywhere. This universal truth is the inspiration behind our mission and the reason we are focused on building sustainable partnerships is to improve healthcare and tackle health inequalities. As our UK business is headquartered in Hatfield the best place to start is here in Hertfordshire.”

that we can add value to other organisations through our Global Healthcare Gateway. This offers our partners ready access to expanded markets through an innovative global infrastructure that accelerates opportunities to connect more people to the high-quality medicines and services they need.” Viatris is also giving back to the local community through its volunteer programme, where staff are able to use up to two days of work to carry out volunteering activities at organisations of their choice. Collectively, staff at the company have around 1,000 volunteer days to use in the community each year. Matt says: “We’d also like to use the Chamber’s quality membership base to further expand our presence in Hertfordshire. The Chamber is a highly professional organisation, easy to deal with and very supportive.

This is one of the prime reasons why Viatris recently became a Patron of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. The idea is to work with the local community to create new networks and contacts that will help the company to improve healthcare outcomes.

“In a way, their approach is very much aligned with ours. They’re very keen to facilitate partnership-building to achieve a greater good, while we’re changing our business model from a product-centric to a more customer-centric approach. To achieve this, we have to be more outward-facing and build connections. This will enable us to move to a future in which more people will have better access to high-quality affordable healthcare – and better access will lead to better health outcomes.”

Matt commented: “Being a Chamber Patron gives us the opportunity to capitalise on Hertfordshire’s strong pharma base but also to work with organisations that we might not ordinarily have connected with. While this will naturally benefit our business, we hope

“We are six months into our Viatris UK journey and we are excited to be able to partner with the Chamber and its members to begin to work together in realising our mission of healthcare not as it is, but how it should be.”

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We know that good health matters to everyone, everywhere. This universal truth is the inspiration behind our mission and the reason we are focused on building sustainable value-based partnerships to improve healthcare and tackle health inequalities. As our UK business is headquartered in Hatfield the best place to start is here in Hertfordshire.

ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

As the workforce returns, will leases allow tenants to adapt workplaces to meet COVID safety requirements? Occupiers will need A to consider social distancing, space between workstations and possible extra facilities such as cycle storage to facilitate safer commutes. To protect the value of a landlord’s reversionary interest, leases usually limit alterations. Commonly, external and structural alterations are prohibited but internal nonstructural alterations are permitted with the landlord’s consent. In multi-occupied buildings, alterations to common areas are likely to be carried out by the landlord but with the costs potentially recovered through a service charge, although landlords should carefully consider the provisions of each lease to check whether they can actually recover such costs.

Landlords and tenants The implications of COVID-19 on commercial property continue to evolve. Helen Bunting answers some common questions still faced by both landlords and tenants.

Can the terms of a lease be varied to assist either party through difficult times?

It can be in all parties’ interests to discuss any hardships being experienced and to work together to find a solution. However, there is no legal obligation to agree proposed variations and acceptance will generally depend on commercial viability.

What is a covid clause and should a lease contain one?

Covid clauses are still evolving. There is no market standard yet and the

extent to which landlords will agree them is unknown. If, agreed, they apply if the Government imposes measures that restrict or prohibit the tenants’ use of the property to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and range from a rent suspension to a tenant’s right to terminate the lease.

Can a landlord terminate for nonpayment for rent yet? A Commercial landlords are barred from forfeiting commercial leases and evicting tenants for nonpayment of rent until 30 June 2021. Predictions are that some form of restriction will remain after this date, possibly by treating arrears which arose during the pandemic differently to arrears that arose before or after it, or possibly by treating certain sectors differently, but we eagerly await a Government announcement. If a tenant cannot pay rent, the Government has issued a voluntary Code of Practice and encourages landlords to adopt it as good practice, although it is not a legal requirement.

Can a tenant terminate the lease or withhold payment of rent?

Leases normally require rent to be paid on specified dates without deduction or set-off, meaning it is unlikely a tenant can withhold payment without the landlord’s agreement. Break clauses, rent suspension and force majeure clauses should be reviewed. If the lease cannot be terminated, tenants may be able to agree a surrender or assign or sublet with the landlord’s consent. Landlords will review the financial standing of the incoming tenant and additional security might be needed.

A lease can also be frustrated (which means it comes to an end immediately) if it is impossible or unlawful to use the property at all, and not just for a specific business purpose. The Courts have set a very high bar for successful claims and we are not aware of a successful claim for COVID reasons.

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.

www.longmores.law

01992 300333 enquiries@longmores.law 24 Castle Street Hertford SG14 1HP

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SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH HERTS

uch of North Herts is pleasantly rural and contains quaint market towns and numerous picturesque villages and hamlets. It’s an attractive area in which to live and work, and has a wide variety of attractions including museums, galleries, parks and areas of natural beauty. Many of the towns in North Herts offer much to tempt the discerning shopper, combining high street names with traditional markets, quaint antique and craft centres and small speciality outlets. Farmers’ markets are held regularly at Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Royston, selling a range of local produce. Larger shopping centres can be found in Stevenage, Luton, Welwyn Garden City and Watford, all with their own distinct retail offering.

DIVERSITY is key for North Herts economy

Located a short journey from central London, North Hertfordshire is arguably one of the most diverse areas in the UK. 16

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Given the range of attractions and diverse retail offering in the area, it’s easy to see why North Herts would attract a high volume of tourism. However, several other sectors contribute to the local economy, including retail, technology, financial and business services, public administration, education and manufacturing. With such a diverse range of businesses on its doorstep, recruitment specialist Tate Hitchin is able to support jobseekers with a wide range of local roles and career openings. Emma Tarbox, Operations Manager at Tate Hitchin and a Patron of Herts Chamber, says: “With work-life balance so high on the wellbeing agenda now, people are enjoying a short commute and being close to home and leisure pursuits.

SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH HERTS

Given the range of attractions and diverse There are numerous pharmaceutical companies and scientific providers in this area as well as the Bioscience Catalyst Centre in Stevenage, and we are close to many universities. We have excellent transportation links to the other vital pharmaceutical and medical hubs; road, rail and airport networks are all easily accessed in, or from, Hertfordshire.” Being a forward-thinking company, GMPharma was already set up so that staff could work remotely and therefore hasn’t found the pandemic too disruptive.

With Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston all having a business improvement district (BID), business owners in the town centres especially are very invested in promoting and supporting the buy local ethos. This extends well into the wider business network around Hertfordshire as residents who work in the County tend to want to trade locally too.” That said, the North Herts business community will face challenges as it recovers from the COVID pandemic. Emma says: “Businesses may find that the reduced working week or working from home flexibility that was enforced as a lockdown necessity are going to be expected as the new normal going forward. Traditional employers who don’t embrace change too well could find themselves affected by staff retention or winning the best talent when hiring. Going back to the old conventional way of working and commuting isn’t an attractive proposition anymore.” “At Tate there’ll be plenty of opportunities to grow our business going forwards. We’ll be able to reach a much wider customer audience and service businesses further afield by using our enhanced technology. We plan to home in on specialist sectors to be able to use specific consultant expertise in our business with certain customer groups.” “Our adjusted ways of working enhance our employment offering, which makes us an even more attractive brand to want to work for.” GMPharma is also of the opinion that North Herts has a lot to offer the local business community. Gordon Muirhead, President of GMPharma, says: “Hertfordshire is a perfect location for our business. We are in what is known as the Scientific Golden Triangle: London, Cambridge and Oxford.

Gordon explains: “Our GMPharma offices and a video conference room were set up ready to go so we didn’t need to perch on kitchen tables. The only distraction was our cats! We were doubly fortunate that one of our areas of expertise is drug delivery to the lungs, so our workload has increased over the last 18 months. “Medicines and healthcare are local, national and global issues so we see the sector growing. The platforms used to develop the new vaccines so quickly can be used to accelerate other new medicines. The Global Regulatory Agencies have also adapted to this new environment; let’s learn from this pandemic to focus on other disease states.” The third sector, too, has a major presence in North Hertfordshire. Garden House Hospice Care provides free specialist palliative care for patients, families and carers facing life-limiting illnesses from across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and towns and villages in Central Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, serving a population of around 230,000 people. Harry Folgate, Fundraising Coordinator at the Hospice, says: “We are very lucky to work with a range of local businesses in North Herts that are very keen to support our charity and share our views on supporting the community. In recent years, Garden House Hospice Care has been selected as ‘Charity of the Year’ by some great companies such as Fortem Solutions in Hitchin and North Herts College in Stevenage. During the span of these partnerships, we put together a calendar of events to raise vital funds for the hospice such as cake sales, walks and raffles. We can also provide volunteering opportunities as part of the partnership too, which helps to promote positive mental well-being amongst staff in the workplace.” “Commercial partnerships are also a great way for businesses to engage with us. One example of this is how we worked with the Garden City Brewery in Letchworth to create a beer for the Hospice, with proceeds from sales going to our charity. There are also some fantastic opportunities for businesses to sponsor our events, where their branding will be on display to hundreds of people.”

retail offering in the area, it’s easy to see why North Herts would attract a high volume of tourism. However, several other sectors contribute to the local economy, including retail, technology, financial and business services, public administration, education and manufacturing.

The Hospice increased its capacity to support the NHS in the pandemic and continually updated and adapted its services so it could safely support as many people as possible. Harry says: “The inpatient unit remained open throughout the pandemic to people needing symptom control and end-of-life care and we continued to support people in their own homes, increasing our virtual beds to cope with demand. Wellbeing and rehabilitation support and groups were provided online during the bulk of the pandemic, but we are now welcoming patients back to the Hawthorne Centre too.” “Something that I’m always striving to do is to dispel the taboo that hospices are dark, scary places surrounded by negativity. You only have to spend five minutes visiting the Garden House Hospice to know that this is not the case. Our fantastic staff work tirelessly to make sure that our patients get the best care and everylife is celebrated.” “Our charity has to raise over £5 million a year to continue providing our services free of charge, even in a year without a pandemic being prevalent. Our challenge is always to do everything we can to raise funds and awareness for this great local cause. As long as the Hospice exists, our team will be doing everything we can to fund our services.”

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SBC - Inspire Magazine Advert_Final.indd 1

14/06/2021 10:33

One of the biggest success stories over the past 12 months was the £37.6m we were awarded through the Government’s Towns Fund initiative. An executive summary of the proposal is available to view on the regeneration website. Stevenage Town’s Fund proposals were based on direct feedback from residents and businesses. The funding provides a fantastic opportunity to invest in Stevenage and to secure its future as a successful 21st century new town. The funding will address the following 9 areas: Station Gateway With some ageing infrastructure, facilities around the station gateway area are no longer fit for purpose for today’s businesses and residents. The new funding will help support the early stages of plans to transform the space into a new thriving commercial and residential gateway to the town, releasing land to enable this vision to be developed with our partners and key stakeholders. Stevenage Innovation & Technology Centre A new state of the art centre will be operated by North Hertfordshire College in partnership with key businesses to provide new training and employment opportunities for local people. A new National New Towns Heritage Centre will celebrate Stevenage’s contribution to the 20th century urban planning movement and be based centrally in our new Civic Hub. Stevenage Enterprise Centre will provide workshops, co-working and meeting rooms through the use of digital creativity and technology to harness the strength of major life science, satellite and digital sectors currently based in Stevenage. Marshgate A new ‘mixed-use’ development will provide additional space to fulfil the continued growth of Stevenage’s specialist bioscience cluster.

Sport and Leisure Hub at Town Centre Gardens A new consolidated state of the art facility will encourage greater participation in sport and provide improved health and well-being for local people. Garden Square Commercial & Leisure Utilising currently vacant retail units, a new vibrant Garden Square with cafés/bars, independent enterprise, co-working premises, a hotel and residential homes will generate a new night time economy and support a wide range of year round outdoor events and activities. Cycling & Pedestrian Connectivity including Heritage Arts Trail With parts of our ageing cycle network quite fragmented and seen as unappealing, a five-phase strategy is proposed to enhance the network and meet the town’s future sustainable transport requirements. Gunnels Wood Road Improvements Investment into the existing transport infrastructure on Gunnels Wood Road employment area will address identified capacity constraints that limit new employment development in this key area. The funding will help to deliver the early stage enabling works.

We’re always on the lookout for more feedback, thoughts and ideas – get in contact with us at...

@StevenageBetter 18

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www.Stevenage-Even-Better.com

SPOTLIGHT ON STEVENAGE

Regeneration programme taking off We’re now well underway with our 20-year, £1bn regeneration programme and, despite all the major challenges that have been faced, we have made fantastic progress.

The transformation is designed to upgrade the central areas of the town and improve what it can to offer to residents, businesses and visitors both now and in the future. As many of you will be aware, the programme follows a ‘mixed-use’ strategy designed to drive more footfall and activity in the central areas of the town – a great place to work, visit, shop or live. We have made significant progress with a number of our key projects:

Queensway North

The former Marks & Spencer retail unit and adjoining buildings have been extensively redeveloped and will introduce new retail, residential and commercial facilities into the heart of our town by Stevenage Boorugh Council, Aviva and Reef. Reef’s contractor, Henry Construction, maintained momentum and the site is now nearing completion. A range of commercial tenants including PureGym, Card Factory, Cakebox and a new restaurant have already invested in the new facilities with more new arrivals being announce in the coming months, and show flats have been completed as part of over 100 new apartments for rent.

New Bus Interchange

Town Square and North Block

Our new purpose built bus interchange has progressed significantly over the last couple of months. Foundations and steel frames are now in place on the development that is scheduled for completion in the autumn. The next few weeks will see the emergence of the new canopy offering an attractive visual as well as vastly improved practical aspect for our new interchange to include a café, toilets, covered seating areas and live departure information. This will also enable redevelopment of the current bus facilities, into a newGarden Square with outdoor seating, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the town as part of our major regeneration project with Mace Developments.

We’ve been working hard to improve the town centre here and now. The first phases of work on the Square were completed in spring with new granite paving, street furniture, bespoke streetlights, festoon lighting on the trees and surrounding structures and more help to create a really attractive new area and event space.

Some highway improvements are in progress, with the new entrance from the road now partially installed. You can see how the development has progressed through the use of time-lapse cameras installed on the roof of the leisure centre here.

The canopies and upper floors of the North Block building have also been fully transformed and we’re pleased to announce that we have signed an agreement with a company called Co-Space who will be providing new flexible working facilities right in the centre of town. Significant work has also been underway to restore and highlight key heritage features in the area, such as the sculpture by Peter Lyon on the Western face of the building and the balcony overlooking the fountain.

We have also installed a new 60 metre-long visual timeline of Stevenage’s history placed on the hoarding around the site. The hoarding is visible to road and railway users as well as pedestrians visiting the Leisure Centre and provides a visual history of Stevenage from its early beginnings to the modern day, culminating with our 20-year, £1bn regeneration programme. It charts our unique history and covers the Saxon and Roman eras, the first mention of Stevenage in the Domesday Book, all the way through to the development of the New Town in 1959 and beyond. The timeline also features Stevenage’s cultural and sporting heritage as well as highlighting some of the activities of our local schools. A larger, interactive digital version can be found on www.stevenage-even-better. com/stevenagetimeline.

For more information about the regeneration plans, please go to our website Stevenage-even-better.com and follow us on Instagram and Twitter (@StevenageBetter).

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Where there is HOP,

HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

there is HOPE!

Photo credit: Emma Fletcher

HOP competition provides hope for the future A new report commissioned by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire gives a snapshot into the hearts and minds of young people during the pandemic and provides hope for the future. A series of focus groups was set up by the Lieutenancy earlier this year to hear directly from young people about the impact of COVID-19 on their studies, mental health and future aspirations. Their responses are captured in a report by Deputy Lieutenants Jo Connell and Marion Brown which demonstrates the impact COVID-19 has had on all aspects of their lives.

By listening to the voice of youth and working together we can find out how best to support and empower them to go on to lead fulfilling, productive lives in the future. Robert Voss CBE CStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

The report found that students were worried that employers would see themas “the Corona generation” with a disrupted education and meaningless grades and therefore less employable. It highlights that now more than ever young people need to know where to access information to help make decisions about their future career paths, training and skills development options. Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP), powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

(LEP), is the County’s premier gateway connecting young people to future employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities. To help spread the word about this free resource, Hertfordshire LEP set up a competition offering £3,000 to the school or youth group that registered the most young people, their parents and carers on HOP, resulting in thousands of new registrations. The prize is to be presented in person by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ and Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Skills and Employment Board and Chair, Stevenage Development Board. Adrian Hawkins OBE said: “This report gives us a snapshot into the very real hopes and fears of this generation and presents a fantastic opportunity to signpost young people to available sources of advice and support. That is why we ran this competition to raise awareness of this skills portal. I would like to thank the Lord-Lieutenant for his ongoing support. Where there is HOP, there is HOPE!”

To download the report and read the article in full, visit: www.hopinto.co.uk

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON YOUNG PEOPLE IN HERTFORDSHIRE Key findings: • Personal: loss of face-to face interaction with friends and peers; • Studies: uncertainties around exams and assessments causing stress; • University: lot of nervousness about going to university. Would they be behind in their learning; would they be ‘locked’ in their room if there was another lockdown; what restrictions would be in force? • Employment: very few had been able to find part-time work and had been unable to save for their further education. Generally, students were pretty pessimistic about opportunities in the immediate and near future; • Mental health: students with previous mental health issues spoke of how this had deteriorated. Peers, who had not had mental health issues previously, were also affected; • Voice of young people: They felt they had been blamed unfairly for the spread of the pandemic and felt very strongly their voice had not been sought or heard.

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HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

By promoting apprenticeships and other recruitment opportunities, we are working together to support economic recovery and stability #KeeptheHeartinHerts.

Apprenticeships: Back to Basics We know businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. Investing in skills now can help grow your business and ensure it is futureready. There has never been a better time to hire an apprentice in Hertfordshire, developing the skills your business needs and promoting the talent pool of our local residents.That is why Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships campaign to help: • Deliver a resident workforce fit for the future; • Raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work; • Showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19 Over the next 12 months, Hertfordshire LEP is proud to partner with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce to deliver a series of events to help

employers at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, by providing practical advice and digital toolkits via its skills and employment portal, HOP (www.hopinto.co.uk). The yearlong campaign will culminate in a large scale networking event in March 2022 to shine a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprentices across the County, marking the finale of the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships campaign. By promoting apprenticeships and other recruitment opportunities, we are working together to support economic recovery and stability #KeeptheHeartinHerts. At this first event, we are delighted to be working with West Herts College, one of four Further Education colleges in the County, and will hear from:

• Professor Sir Tim Wilson DL, Emeritus Professor and Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, on the importance of apprenticeships; • John McMahon, Managing Director of Together Training, on how they, together with West Herts College, are tailoring their apprenticeship programmes to meet local skills and business needs; • Becks Bailey, Learning and Development Manager, Camelot UK Lotteries, to hear an employer perspective; • Apprentices on their incredible career progression and the return on investment for their employer; • Caroline Cartwright, Skills, Employment & Apprenticeship Lead, Hertfordshire LEP, on the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP).

For more information and to register, visit the Events pages on www.hertschamber.com

GET FULL SUPPORT

WITH YOUR NEXT APPRENTICE HIRE There’s never been a better time to hire an apprentice thanks to the Government incentive for employers who can earn up to £3,000* per new hire. Whether they’re a current employee or a new hire, we can support your business throughout the hiring process and ensure you benefit from this fantastic incentive. *A new employee with a contract start date by 30th September 2021

We spoke with Molly Dooling, Programme Support Officer at The Hertfordshire LEP about her experience hiring an apprentice Mara Hubbard, pictured left.

Mara Hubbard completed her Administration Apprenticeship with Herts LEP

How did Hart Learning & Development (HLD) help you to enter the apprenticeship scheme? As soon as the employee started their role at the LEP, HLD communicated well for the apprentice to begin the business administration course. The support given was professional and the team were very helpful to enable a smooth start. What are the positive aspects of your employee/s studying an apprenticeship with you? Employing an apprentice is a productive and effective way to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce. Within the LEP there is plenty of

expertise and experience that the apprentice can have access to support them throughout their course making it achievable and enjoyable. Would you recommend apprenticeships to other employers and why? I would highly recommend any organisation to recruit an apprentice. Not only do they work hard to achieve their qualification, but it also allows them to gain the experience of working in the workplace and expand their knowledge and skills on the job. It’s a great achievement watching their confidence and work ethic improve over the course and achieve their goals.

We can provide support with a range of high-quality apprenticeship programmes to benefit your business. To speak to our expert team visit www.hartld.co.uk, call 01462 471041 or email hello@hartld.co.uk INSPIRE

2021 THE YEAR FOR

Apprenticeships Looking to recruit? The time is now. Receive a grant of £3000 for new apprentices of any age who join your organisation by September 2021 or £4,000 for every new apprentice aged 16-18 or under 25 with an EHCP. There is no limit to the number of new apprentices the government will fund and you can reserve funding up

to six months ahead of the start of the apprenticeship. Scan the QR code now to find out more.

01923 812345 westherts.ac.uk 22

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£3000

grant for every

new apprentice of any age who joins your organisation before September 2021.

78%

of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity

£4000 grant for every

new apprentice aged 16-18 or under 25 with an EHCP hired by September 2021.

86%

of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation

74%

of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service

QR Code Scan now to find out more

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Webinars The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce have organised a series of Webinar Events in these challenging times in order to continue supporting our members and non-members, and to provide vital information that businesses may need. With our members and benefit partners we have designed the programme to cover a variety of topics:

Sales Skills: Learning how to become

more Effective Date: 06/07/21 Time: 15:00 – 16:00 Price: FREE

This is the second of two webinars on the subject of ‘selling’ and will look at skills that will help you sell, once you have engaged with your prospect.

Application of the practical learning from these webinars will help you sell more of your product or service.

These events are designed not only to be applicable in direct face-to-face sales situations, but also to be integrated more widely into the approach you take when focussing on selling your product or service.

Topics covered will include:

Thus, the content examines what a business does from a sales perspective and, whilst you might need to learn new approaches in order to become effective, does not promote a hard or aggressive sales methodology. There will be reference to sales terms that you may have heard – but with a fresh perspective – and an introduction of workable concepts that you may not have heard.

• Making contact – the Key Outcome message • Client needs – using feedback and insight • Turning needs into wants – the Golden Mantra • Closing and objections • Delivery is brand There will be two interactive exercises during this webinar and the presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Do you have a question for our speakers, Nigel Grant and Noshir Desai? You can submit a question in advance when booking your place by emailing bookings@hertschamber.com.

Business Breakfast with Herts Chamber Date: 08/07/21 Time: 08:30 – 10:00 Venue: Hatfield House, Riding School Conference Centre Price: Members £12.50 +VAT Non-Members £17.50+VAT

The first live event since we went into lockdown in 2020 is a pure networking event, taking place at Hatfield House, Riding School Conference Centre. Join us on Thursday 8th July, from 8.30-10:00, for a light breakfast and refreshments, followed by a sociallydistanced networking opportunity, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences. Please note, there are limited places at this event with a maximum of two places per company.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

Apprenticeships: Back to Basics

At this first event, we are delighted to be working with West Herts College, one of four Further Education colleges in the County, and will hear from:

Date: 15/07/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE We know businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic. Investing in skills now can help grow your business and ensure it is future-ready. There has never been a better time to hire an apprentice in Hertfordshire, developing the skills your business needs and promoting the talent pool of our local residents. That is why Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships campaign to help: • Deliver a resident workforce fit for the future; • Raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work; • Showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19 Over the next 12 months, Hertfordshire LEP is partnering with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce to deliver a series of events to help employers at every stage of their apprenticeship journey, by providing practical advice and digital toolkits via its skills and employment portal, HOP (www.hopinto.co.uk). By promoting apprenticeships and other recruitment opportunities, we are working together to support economic recovery and stability #KeeptheHeartinHerts.

• Professor Sir Tim Wilson DL, Emeritus Professor and Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, on the importance of apprenticeships • John McMahon, Managing Director of Together Training, on how they, together with West Herts College, are tailoring their apprenticeship programmes to meet local skills and business needs • Becks Bailey, Learning and Development Manager, Camelot UK Lotteries, to hear an employer perspective • Apprentices on their incredible career progression and the return on investment for their employer • Caroline Cartwright, Skills, Employment & Apprenticeship Lead, Hertfordshire LEP, on the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) Who should attend? SMEs and employers who are new to apprenticeships or who are seeking to improve the success of their apprenticeship programmes. This practical workshop will provide a step-by-step guide intended to help employers at the various stages of the apprenticeship journey, directing to key information and local support services.

MHFA England Mental Health Aware Masterclass Date: 16/07/21 Time: 09:00 – 13:00 Price: Members £75+VAT Non-Members £95+VAT The Mental Health First Aid England half day online course is an introductory four-hour session to raise awareness of mental health. It is designed to give you: • An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma • A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues • An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining wellbeing • Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue

What to expect

Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions and workshop activities.

Course Outline

What is mental health?

• Mental Health Continuum • Factors which affect mental health • Stigma • Stress and stress management • Spotting signs of distress

Mental health conditions: • Depression • Anxiety disorders • Psychosis • Eating disorders • Suicide • Self-harm

Recovery

• Take 10 Together starting a supportive conversation • Supporting mental health in the workplace • Useful statistics • Helpful resources

The course is delivered by Mind Fitness Training who are Mental Health First Aid England instructor members. Instructor details: Andy Barker is a coach, trainer and author with a background in senior corporate management.

Bookings for this Masterclass will close on 2nd July INSPIRE

CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Webinars The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: A Workshop Date: 19/07/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 were launched in May this year. These highly prestigious awards for outstanding achievement by UK businesses, are given in recognition for: • Innovation • International Trade • Sustainable Development • Promoting opportunity through social mobility

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is working with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, to promote the importance of these awards and encourage businesses within Hertfordshire to submit entries. We are delighted to bring you this event in association with the

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. If you are considering entering your business into the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and would like some help with how to enter, why not come along to this free to attend workshop, to find out what makes a winning entry.

The workshop will include: • An overview on the benefits of entering the Queen’s Awards • Opportunities to check your eligibility and seek guidance • Hints and tips to assist with your entries The panel for the Q&A session will include: • HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ • Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the LEP Network • A member of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise team at the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) • Dianne Lee, Managing Director, DLRC and winner of a Queen’s Award for International Trade 2021

F HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ

F Mark Bretton

Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the LEP Network

To book your place for this free to attend workshop email:bookings@hertschamber.com #KeeptheHeartinHerts

Virtual Networking

Opportunity The next webinar event of the series that Herts Chamber have organised, is a networking event, designed to continue supporting our members and non-members in these challenging times.

Date: 21/07/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: Members FREE Non-Members £15.00 +VAT

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Join us on Wednesday 21st July at 11am and enjoy the powers of networking, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences whilst working remotely.

N.B. Any non-member attending this meeting who subsequently signs up for Chamber membership within one week (i.e. by 28/07/2021) will receive a full refund of the cost of attending this webinar.

CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

Step 4 of the Roadmap

and Looking to the Future Date: 23/07/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE

Hear from our expert Environmental Health, Fire Safety and Licensing Officers on the following topics: • Risk Assessments and controls

This webinar is to support Hertfordshire businesses to plan for the changes at step 4 and what this means going forward.

• Contingency planning for trading safely

It will focus on what you need to consider both short and longer-term in regard to Covid19 and trading safely in the broader sense – to protect your customers, staff and future-proofing your business.

• Managing your business to stay open (avoid/reduce impact of outbreaks)

We are delighted to have Frank Harrison, Environmental Health Manager, North Hertfordshire District Council speaking at this event.

• Support from Hertfordshire local Councils, the BBfA Trading Safely Toolkit and Hertfordshire Growth Hub

• Best practise moving forward to future-proof your business

• Support for workplace cases/outbreaks • Fire safety key considerations

This webinar will include a Q&A session with an expert panel to answer questions on continuing to trade safely, assessing COVID-19 and similar risks, health and safety, fire safety, licensed premises and business support in the County. In addition to the speakers, this will include: • Liza Armstrong, Business and Strategic Development Manager, Hertfordshire Growth Hub • Jeannette Hollingsworth-Biggs, Environmental Health Team Leader, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council • Lauren Dovey, Programme Manager - Better Business for All (BBfA), Regulatory Services Community Protection, Hertfordshire County Council

Sustainability in Property and Construction Summit Date: 27/07/21 Time: 14:30 – 16:00 Price: FREE This Summit is the next in our series of events, designed to focus on key industries within Hertfordshire and provide a platform for sharing information, ideas and latest thinking. Property and Construction is a sector that has been high on the Chamber agenda for many years, as we recognise the importance of this industry to the County and the many companies within its associated supply chain.

Sustainability is a very hot topic across all sectors of business, and none more so than Property and Construction. This Summit will consider the delivery of sustainable and practical building services design solutions, together with how best to work with partners, customers and supply chains to achieve building Net Zero.

F Cllr. Richard Roberts Leader, Herts County Council

Speakers include: • Cllr. Richard Roberts, Leader, and Patsy Dell, Director of Growth, Herts County Council, who will provide an overview of their strategic vision for the County • Richard Davidson, Director, Willmott Dixon Construction • Simon Green, Director, Green Building Design Consultants • Carol Massay, Head of Construction, Access Group

F Patsy Dell

Director of Growth, Herts County Council

#KeeptheHeartinHerts INSPIRE

PEER NETWORKS

Peer Networks programme for SMEs set to run in Hertfordshire for second year

After the success of the pilot in 2020, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to support the Peer Networks programme for a second year running.

The national Peer Networks programme is delivered locally by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and is designed to help SMEs to grow and position themselves for future success. Peer Networks brings together diverse cohorts of SME leaders who, with the guidance of experienced facilitators, collaborate to find solutions to existing barriers to growth. The programme challenges participants to take onboard new perspectives and find ways to improve their business performance and resilience, ultimately helping tackle the UK’s productivity issue.

Under the programme, Hertfordshire Growth Hub will provide eligible businesses with 18 hours of support through a series of high impact group sessions, and at least 3.5 hours of one-to-one support to discuss their business needs, from finance and HR to sales and marketing. Active involvement in the programme will enable participants to build their leadership capabilities, knowledge and confidence, and strengthen their ties with the local business community. Jamie Sukroo – Lean Caffeine Ltd., said ‘The Peer-to-Peer sessions have been immensely valuable as I have

To express your interest in joining this scheme, register or login to the Hertfordshire Growth Hub website (www.hertsgrowthhub.com) and visit the Marketplace. 28

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learned from others in the group, and it has enabled me to focus on key areas within the business. The process of sharing an issue makes it smaller and the breadth of experience in the group means many different perspectives are brought to bear on the issue. Highly recommended.’ The Peer Networks programme is now open to all Hertfordshire SMEs that have been operating for at least one year, with a minimum of five employees and a minimum turnover of £100,000.

The Hertfordshire Chamber

Wellbeing Conference

14.10.2021

Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden Herts Chamber are very excited to be holding our first Wellbeing Conference and Exhibition, on Thursday 14th October, with our Headline Sponsor Hertfordshire County Council. We are delighted to have Director of Public Health, Professor Jim McManus, giving the keynote presentation at this Conference. The Conference and Exhibition will provide you with exciting new ideas and the information necessary to create positive change in physical and mental wellbeing.

The programme includes: Keynote presentations Breakout sessions A Panel discussion An Exhibition including companies focussed on the supply of wellbeingrelated products and services Significant opportunities to network For the opportunity to host an exhibition stand or Breakout Session at this event, please contact the Events Team at: bookings@hertschamber.com or call 01707 502180

Exhibitor Stands The exhibitor package includes: One free place at the event (Equivalent to £125 + VAT) Your logo and short description featured on the conference programme The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event Inclusion in the social media and marketing campaign regarding the event Your details and company logo included in an edition of Inspire magazine

Cost per stand: £299.00 + VAT

Breakout Session Sponsorship The Sponsorship package includes: Two free places at the event (Equivalent to £250 + VAT) The opportunity to deliver a 50 minute breakout session (topic to be agreed with HCoC) Your session featured on the event webpage Your session featured in an edition of Inspire Magazine The opportunity to have an Exhibition Stand and display your own collateral and banner at the event Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event Inclusion in the event programme – logo and company profile

Breakout Session Cost: £1,500.00 + VAT

INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS AWARDS INSPIRING

The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Finalists 2020/2021 Congratulations to all of our finalists, we are looking forward to celebrating with you all at Warner Bros. Studios in September! Inspiring Business of Year

Business of the Year West Herts

Headline Sponsors: Hillier Hopkins and SA Law Winner to be announced at the Gala Dinner on 9th September 2021

Sponsor: Porsche Centre Hatfield

Business of the Year East Herts Sponsor: Longmores Solicitors

Outstanding Contribution to Business

Sponsor: Tate Recruitment Winner to be announced at the Gala Dinner on 9th September 2021

Outstanding Services to the Community

Sponsor: Redwood Bank Winner to be announced at the Gala Dinner on 9th September 2021

Hertfordshire Heroes Award Sponsor: EasyBuild an Access Group Company

Finalists F Bio Products Laboratories F Caroline Stevens, Herts Inclusive Theatre F Hertfordshire County Council F Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline F Isabel Hospice - Children’s Bereavement Service F JPA Workspaces F Julia George, Red Trouser Day Trust F M.K. Ginder & Sons Funeral Directors F Sensei Roy Hazelwood, Active Hertfordshire Karate F Small Acts of Kindness

INSPIRE

Finalists F Beyond Governance F CHEXS F Croft Communications F The Property Presenters

Business of the Year North Herts

Sponsor: Stevenage Borough Council Finalists F BestStart HRCHQ Architects F Hart Learning & Development F Intuity Communications F The Living Room

Finalists F Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding F Aubrey Park Hotel F Castaway Cottage F ManAlive Fitness

Business of the Year Medium to Large

Sponsor: Croft Communications

Finalists F Kane International F Morgan Sindall F Quanta Consultancy Services F Rayden Solicitors F TYSERS

Business of the Year Small to Medium Sponsor: Chasebridge Wealth Management

Business of the Year South Herts

Sponsor: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Finalists F Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding F Aubrey Park Hotel F AVS VAT F Kane International F Rayden Solicitors

Finalists F Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding F HBC Logistics F IBC Simply F JPA Workspaces F Kestronics F Silent Sentinel F Intuity Communications F Wagada

Best use of Technology Sponsor: IT Builder

Finalists F BCM Agency F CHQ Architects F HBC Logistics F Optima-Life F PayByPhone F Wagada

Community Champion Sponsor: Ocado Group

Excellence in Customer Commitment

Sponsor: Austin’s Family Funeral Directors

Finalists F HBC Logistics F IBC Simply F Kane International F Lumina Technologies F MetroBank F Sonovision

Excellence in People Development Sponsor: Spaces

Property and Construction Project of the Year Sponsor: Dobsons

Finalists F Hertfordshire Building Control with J & L Build Ltd. F Jarvis Contracting (Maiden Park Project) F Jarvis Contracting (Watford Health Campus Project) F The Property Presenters

The Green Award

Sponsor: Ambition Broxbourne Finalists F Age UK Hertfordshire F Barratt Homes (nominated by Keech Hospice) F Home-Start Herts F MetroBank F North Hertfordshire College F Resolve F University of Hertfordshire Law School

Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year

Sponsor: Intuity Communications

Finalists F Keech Hospice Care F Silent Sentinel F Sonovision F Wagada

Education in Employment

Finalists F Chasebridge Wealth Management F CHEXS F DLRC F Hertfordshire Building Control F Quanta Consultancy Services F VolkerWessels UK F Sonovision

Finalists F Emmaus Hertfordshire F Henkel F JPA Workspaces F Origins of Beauty F PayByPhone

Export Business of the Year

Workplace Wellbeing Award

Sponsor: Chapman Ventilation

Finalists F Kestronics F Silent Sentinel

Family Business of the Year Sponsor: Ashbourne Insurance

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsor: Rothamsted Enterprises

Finalists F Archie Major, Castaway Cottage F Cheryl Luzet, Wagada F Diane Lee, DLRC F James Longcroft, Silent Sentinel F Beyond Governance F Sharp-AX

Finalists F Harrisons Research & Genealogy F Kestronics F Quanta Consultancy Services F Sonovision F Wagada

Year of Culture Award

Sponsor: University of Hertfordshire Law School

Finalists F Hart Learning & Development F SETPOINT Hertfordshire F Wagada

Sponsor: VolkerWessels UK

Sponsor: Signature Senior Lifestyle Finalists F Castaway Cottage F Gatwards of Hitchin F JHP Electrical Castaway F JPA Workspaces F Kane International F Kestronics F Taylor Heating

Most Promising New Business Sponsor: Barclays

Finalists F Beyond Governance F BB Group Business Consultancy F Castaway Cottage F HBC Logistics F KM4HR F Snide London

Finalists F YC Hertfordshire F Herts Visual Arts Forum F Trestle Theatre F University of Hertfordshire

We hope you will join us in finding out which of our extraordinary finalists will be awarded the winners of this years’ Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards and who will take the overall crown as Inspiring Business of the Year! INSPIRE INSPIRE 31 31

ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION

Foundation backed by business entrepreneur and philanthropist An initiative launched by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is showcasing the County’s entrepreneurial excellence. Launched last year, the Entrepreneur Foundation provides training, advice and monitoring to dozens of talented individuals. The idea behind the scheme is to connect budding entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who have been there and done it – successful individuals who have overcome adversity, adapted to new challenges and found innovative ways to grow and sustain their business ventures. The Chamber teamed up with several founders to launch the initiative – people who are business owners and influential decision-makers with philanthropic desires

to give back to the local community by passing on the wisdom of their experiences. One of the founders is Stelio Stefanou, a highly successful British businessman and philanthropist. He’s perhaps bestknown for founding Accord, a public services and building maintenance company which grew to employ 4,000 people before Stelio sold it in a multimillion-pound deal in 2007. He then moved into the world of philanthropy, establishing the charity For Baby’s Sake to help break the cycle of abuse between parents and young children. Stelio explains: “I was struck with the case of baby Peter in Haringey in 2007. Unfortunately, he died after suffering horrendous abuse over a period of several months. Other children have faced similar abuse and I thought that this was a problem that needed to be addressed.

“The foundation is a fantastic way to connect like-minded entrepreneurs and enable them to learn from each other. Many of the entrepreneurs who I’ve spoken to have a really • Stelio Stefanou

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interesting story to tell.”

“For Baby’s Sake [originally called the Stefanou Foundation] empowers parents to break cycles of abuse and tackles the root causes of disadvantage and vulnerability, focusing on very young babies who do not have a voice. We offer adults who’ve suffered in their own childhood a programme that gets to the root cause of their trauma and gives them coping mechanisms that prevent them from repeating behaviours that can cause hurt or fear in their relationship and family. “We started in Hertfordshire and West London, then rolled out the programme in Cambridgeshire and Blackpool. Last year, when the pandemic hit, we launched For Baby’s Sake CONNECT, a service that uses video and phone technologies and enables people from all over the country to access help. This is vital as it provides a lifeline for people who may otherwise not be able to benefit from the service.” With his vast experience in the commercial and philanthropic worlds, Stelio was happy to become a founder of the Entrepreneur Foundation. “It’s great to be involved in something that’s so worthwhile,” he says. “The foundation is a fantastic way to connect like-minded entrepreneurs and enable them to learn from each other. Many of the entrepreneurs who I’ve spoken to have a really interesting story to tell.” The foundation has also built a network of supporters, one of which is Redwood Bank, a passionate advocate of UK enterprise. The company believes in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and empowering people to give them the confidence to move forward and make their dreams a reality.

ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION

“Joining the Chamber helped us to connect with other companies, which brought us closer together and allowed us to build new relationships, share best practice and create new opportunities.” Graham Reynolds, Chief Development Officer at Redwood Bank, says: “We all have to start somewhere, and some people might have an idea, but their lack of experience and know-how could be preventing them from actually getting it off the ground. That’s when understanding the financial options available to you can be absolutely vital. “As a Foundation supporter, we feel we’ve contributed towards building a community which supports collaboration, encourages learning and improves sustainability. It’s a very rewarding feeling to be a part of something so beneficial to others. “The members of the Redwood team who have been directly involved have spoken of how working alongside these talented individuals has really inspired them, so being a part of this initiative clearly works both ways.

• Graham Reynolds, Chief Development Officer at Redwood Bank

“Nurturing entrepreneurship is so important, particularly now as the country is battling back from the impact of COVID-19. Entrepreneurs have the ability to improve standards of living and create wealth, not just for themselves, but also for other related businesses. That’s why they’re so essential to this country. “At Redwood we specialise in supporting small to medium-sized British businesses, so we’ve seen first-hand how a small business can really fly with the right amount of support behind it.” Graham says that embracing innovation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship puts Hertfordshire ahead of the game when it comes to economic growth. “The increasing need for entrepreneurship, growth and change often provides great opportunities for businesses,” he says. “Look at how technology has enriched all of our lives in the past 50 years.

“As a result, businesses have been forced to embrace innovation to move with the times and ultimately to continue to meet the demands of their customers. “Joining the Chamber helped us to connect with other companies, which brought us closer together and allowed us to build new relationships, share best practice and create new opportunities. “The Chamber sits at the heart of local business communities in every part of the UK, which we believe has helped Redwood Bank to thrive within the banking sector. “We’ve seen how the Chamber and its members are constantly working to improve the local business environment and communities in which they work, which for us as a challenger bank is essential. “The Chamber is the voice of local businesses and we’re proud to be a part of it.” For more information, visit www.redwoodbank.co.uk

For more information visit https://www.hertschamber.com/entrepreneur-foundation INSPIRE

Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers

A helping hand to keep you on track Helping Hertfordshire businesses to grow and prosper for more than 80 years. Proud sponsors of the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2020/21.

0330 024 3200 hillierhopkins.co.uk

Independent member of

MEMBERS NEWS

Transparent Type IIR Mask

Herts Transparent Face Mask

to receive CE Marking

Design Abled are preparing for the release of their range of transparent face masks, branded as Helloface, which will soon be receiving CE/UKCA marking. Intended to solve problems around communication for medical professions and industries where facial recognition is crucial, the Helloface team have created leading products that are safe, transparent and comfortable for all.

The first mask set to be released is a clear alternative to type IIR face masks with CE/UKCA marking. Designed and developed in Britain, the mask is made from recyclable materials with a 98% bacterial filtration efficiency filter. Ideal for medical professionals and industries such as retail, hospitality and tourism, this mask enables you to lipread and see the entire face, providing a protective barrier without the barrier. Conforming to the health, safety and environmental protection standards, a second mask set to be available on the market in October is a transparent P3 face mask. With 99.95% filtration, the P3 mask will protect the user such as surgeons, dentists, those working in transportation, hospitality, tourism, and industrial industries from harmful microbes. Acoustic tested for excellent sound quality and speech intelligibility, both masks are comparable to leading masks on the market. Design Abled, which is a member of the Herts Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur Foundation, started work on their range of Helloface masks in July 2020 led by Managing Director, Dean Ezekiel.

He says, “The development of the company is inspired by my wife who is partially deaf and relies onlip reading to assist when she may not be able to quite hear the person”. “Face masks create a barrier to communication that we take for granted. People should feel comfortable going about their daily activities” It comes as no surprise that since the introduction of face masks in society, there has been a drastic increase in loneliness, intimidation and miscommunication. Studies show that face masks cause up to 45% communication loss. This drastically increases to 98% for deaf and hard of hearing people as they tend to rely on cues such as lip reading and facial movements. Face masks impede individuals from recognising important facial expressions and lip movements that are imperative for efficient and effective communication. For many people, the launch of transparent face masks has been revolutionary. The seethrough body of the face mask permits full facial expressions, without the barrier of an opaque face mask covering them. Helloface aims to provide a way for health and safety to remain in public shared spaces and workplaces with a high level of security and comfort, allowing UK and Hertfordshire businesses to thrive once again in a safe and friendly environment. Supported by local organisations including the University of Hertfordshire, Wenta, Innovate Edge UK, the National Physical Laboratory and the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Design Abled are excited for the release of their new masks and are keen to spread as much awareness about the call for transparent masks as possible.

Release dates for the Type IIR and P3 masks will be available soon. To be the first to hear, follow us on social media @thehelloface and subscribe to the Helloface mailing list on www.thehelloface.com. For more information, including trade enquiries, contact Jamie on 0203 905 1888.

BPL celebrates World Blood Donor Day and the essential contribution of its plasma donors in providing critical therapies worldwide Bio Products Laboratory (“BPL”), the specialist manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products based in Elstree, UK, celebrates World Blood Donor Day (“WBDD”) in recognition of the critical role of donors worldwide in enhancing and saving lives. BPL, which collects plasma from its donor communities and processes it to manufacture high-quality products, supports the WBDD’s aims for greater global awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and recognition of the contribution donors make to national health systems. David Gao, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman, BPL Holdings, commented: “We join the WHO in thanking blood donors around the world and support this year’s specific focus on promoting the community values of blood donation and its ability to build solidarity, following the impact of Covid-19 on communities across the world. For BPL, World Blood Donor Day is a reminder of the essential contribution of donors, and we would like to thank everyone who has donated plasma at one of our 26 collection centres in the US, whose contribution we value greatly.” For more information on Therapies: www.bplgroup.com

INSPIRE

SHARP-AX - THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS

integrated accounting, accounting, order order processing, processing, stock stock control control and and ror integrated website systems. ebsite systems.

SHARP-AX - THE BEST SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS

heSharp-aX Sharp-aX software flexible,powerful powerful and userfriendly. friendly. We keep e software isisflexible, and user We keep One stop/long term solution and the last software you will ever need omplexity behind the scenes. mplexity behind the scenes. for integrated accounting, order processing, stock control and website systems. tsisbuilt builttotobebethe theheart heartofofyour yourbusiness businessbringing bringingtogether togetherallallthe theinformation information ourbusiness business needsinin oneplace. place. ur needs one The Sharp-aX software is flexible, powerful and user friendly. We keep complexity behind the scenes. One stop/long term solution and the last team software fyour yourbusiness business usesother otherspecialist specialist software,our ourexperienced experienced teamwill will you will ever need uses software, nsurethat thespecialist specialist software willbe betightly tightly integrated itwere were apart part website systems. Itthat is the built to be the software heart of your business bringing together the information sure will integrated asas if ifitall a and accounting, order processing, stock control f Sharp-aX. your business needs in one place. Sharp-aX.

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quicklyand andeasily. easily.Enter Enteronce onceforforaccess accessbybyall. all. safelyand andsecurely securelyforforasaslong longasasrequired. required. uickly safely Save Time/Increase Efficiency = Return on Investment The Paperless Office Easy to use tools for staff to record key business data, keep Save space with our policy of “no data archiving”. Pro-active Marketing Customer Service everyone up to date and share knowledge with your colleagues No need for paper records – the system will hold all information ro-active Marketing Customer Service Usethe thesystem systemand information accurately targetyour marketing Yourknowledge knowledge andthat that your most experiencedstaff staffis isheld held quickly easily. 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01442505 505950 950 01442 www.sharp-ax.com 01442 505 950 www.sharp-ax.com www.sharp-ax.com Call us today, we will be delighted to hear from you

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

Jean Freeman: the vision inspiring the growth of Sharp-aX Computers Those who succeed in the fast-moving world of digital technology need to have vision to allow them to stay ahead of today’s technological advances. Such vision drives inspirational leaders and has characterised the career of Hertfordshire businesswoman Jean Freeman, the Managing Director and a founder member of Sharp-aX Computer Systems. Her ability to spot gaps in the market and a determination to focus on developing the most modern, powerful and flexible software is what has driven the success of Sharp-aX in its first four-and-a-half years. The result is that Berkhamsted-based Sharp-aX has grown rapidly and now employs 22 local Hertfordshire people. Specialising in distribution software and with an integrated website, the company is perfectly placed to focus on new business sales. Jean says: “For the first three years of our existence, we focused on our own Sharp-aX software and integrated website development, ensuring that it became the most modern, powerful and flexible system available. “It’s important to lay those foundations; everyone in our company is involved in R&D as we continue to develop new modules and apps based on our close scrutiny of the market and our customers’ needs. The result is that our systems are capable of uniquely flexible and powerful complex functions, rules and workflows designed around exact company requirements – automation from sales quotation to sales order/purchase order/invoice/statement allied to integrated mobile sales and warehouse apps. “Our delivery routing module is vital for our customers who have heavy delivery commitments. Orders are allocated to vans by route, time, weight and size – legally essential when failure to comply with weight restrictions can lead to instant prosecution. “Our integrated website uses the customer and product information held within the Sharp-aX system so that customers can order online 24/7, enabling instant access to their products, pricing, historic orders, invoices and statements. “Sadly and inevitably, our growth plans suffered last year but we remained profitable by working harder and looking

after our customers through, in some cases, vicious and prolonged lockdowns. Some were food distributors, the hardest hit, but the majority of our customers are allied to the building trade. With the Sharp-aX software and our integrated websites, they were able to offer a service over and above those of their competitors without websites.”

Adam Brown, Managing Director of Nationwide Supplies claims: - COVID made us totally rethink our customer service. Using Sharp-aX, we are wholly delighted with the outcome whereby all orders, enquiries and payments are processed online as well as minimising social contact.

Nationwide Building Supplies – Buntingford One of those customers is Nationwide Supplies, a local builders’ and plumbers’ merchant in Buntingford. The company supplies a range of products including underground drainage, soil and vent, waste pipe and fittings, copper plumbing, bricks, insulation, radiators, timber and driveway paving. Using its fleet of vehicles, Nationwide aims to offer a fast and efficient delivery service locally, and uses an extensive network of couriers to ship goods to locations from Aberdeen to Southampton. Adam Brown, Managing Director of Nationwide claims : “Covid made us totally rethink our customer service. Using Sharp-aX, we are wholly delighted with the outcome whereby all orders, enquiries and payments are processed online as well as minimising social contact.” Nationwide’s drivers simply load their vehicles, a photograph of the goods and their reg plate is taken and they drive off. Similarly – using the Sharp-aX Delivery Routing app – photographed deliveries are stored on the system. Sharp-aX also set up 24/7 collection points – a system which has since become a standard service. Together with the company’s new same-day delivery system, this has resulted in a 450% rise in website sales at Nationwide.

INSPIRE

NEWS

The role of business in charity support:

building back better Professor Sir Tim Wilson DL, Chair of the Lieutenancy’s business panel and Emeritus Professor at the University of Hertfordshire, explains the importance of charitable giving in the corporate sector. As we emerge from the darkness of COVID, we recognise the huge pressures that have been exerted on businesses. We also recognise the truly impressive impact that many businesses have had upon their local communities through their social interventions: food banks, emergency transport, PPE supplies, equipment donations, answering special pleas from those in greatest need. The response of many businesses has been remarkable and without recognition or tangible return; companies that have “done the right thing” and responded to the needs of their communities. But where do we go from here? Do we return to pre-pandemic practices or, to coin an oft-used phrase by government, do we “build back better” and extend that critical link between the needs of our local communities and our Hertfordshire businesses?

How do we establish sustainable links between charities working “at the sharp end” and businesses that want to make a difference? What’s the benefit to the business, where’s the motivation? Business motivation comes in many forms – directors’ interests through personal experience, improving staff morale through unifying campaigns, investor interest, marketing exposure through charity association, or perhaps just social conscience – doing the right thing. But how does a business become involved in charitable work? For some businesses, a corporate charity is the right solution; a dedicated charity with its own infrastructure, distributing funds systematically in pursuit of its objectives. It’s a significant investment; it’s not for everyone. For others, working with an independent charitable trust and establishing a named fund within

Business motivation comes in many forms – directors’ interests through personal experience, improving staff morale through unifying campaigns, investor interest, marketing exposure through charity association, or perhaps just social conscience – doing the right thing. 38

INSPIRE

that trust is the right way forward. For example, Hertfordshire Community Foundation manages more than 100 endowment funds, delivering the objectives of each fund. Many companies chose a “charity of choice” to support. Often this is a local charity well known to employees, raising funds through team-building sponsored challenges, sometimes introducing an optional payroll giving scheme, sometimes engaging with customers using a discretionary “round-up bills” approach to fundraising. There’s a plethora of options for companies looking to support a charity of choice. Does support have to be financial? Not always. In-kind donations are often a good way forward, especially for those charities which rely upon expert volunteers. Mentoring, specialist advice and trusteeships are examples of in-kind donations, as are charity shop donations and gifting goods for food banks. This paints an attractive landscape of opportunities for a business looking to play an enhanced role in its community through charitable activity. However, caveats need to be recognised. Charities exist and work for their beneficiaries but they share the imperative of business efficiency and effectiveness. A business that expects exceptional recognition or marketing exposure in return for its donation may be disappointed. The primary payback to a corporate charitable contribution is the sense of supporting its community; doing the right thing. The COVID months have seen exceptional interventions by Hertfordshire businesses supporting local charities. It’s time to build on that momentum and build back better.

NEWS

CYBERCRIME health check campaign Cyber chiefs urge Herts SMEs to protect themselves SMEs are a significant target for cyber criminals, particularly those that are part of supply chains to bigger corporations. Lacking the resource and expertise to protect themselves can be part of the problem, but mostly they don’t think it will happen to them.

In March this year, a new government report laid bare the true effects of cybercrime. It showed that almost four in ten businesses (39%) and a quarter of charities (26%) reported having cyber security breaches or attacks in the previous 12 months. Where businesses faced cyber breaches with material outcomes, the average cost of these breaches was an estimated £8,460 – a substantial amount for smaller businesses. The cost of some of the breaches was much higher. Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has repeatedly warned businesses about the dangers of cybercrime and encouraged them to protect themselves against unscrupulous criminals who are hell-bent on stealing their valuable data or their cash. One way they can do this is to sign up for a novel scheme pioneered by Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards in partnership with the County’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd. Launched in 2019, Cyber Basics Review offers any Herts-based SME with fewer than 50 employees the opportunity to get a free cyber health check. This can be carried out via video call or in person by accredited companies that follow a police-approved template. Every business gets an action plan detailing where they are vulnerable and what to do to put it right – and the rest is up to them. The man leading the campaign on behalf of the Council is Michael Nadasdy, programme manager in the organisation’s community protection department.

He says: “SMEs are a significant target for cyber criminals, particularly those that are part of supply chains to bigger corporations. Lacking the resource and expertise to protect themselves can be part of the problem, but mostly they don’t think it will happen to them. “However, all SMEs know a business owner who has been caught out. Fraud is now the single biggest crime type by volume. “Only one in five SMEs provide any training to staff on cyber security, yet humans are the most vulnerable point for any cyberattack. Most cybercrimes, just as with most offline crime, are opportunistic – criminals take advantage of poorly defended property. The vast majority of cybercrime is preventable simply by getting the basics right.” It seems as though the scheme is having the desired effect. At least 130 SMEs have enrolled on the programme since it started in 2019. Not one of them suffered a cyber breach in the 12 months after completing the scheme. Michael says: “One of the SMEs described the programme as a wake-up call. The disruption, chaos and drain on resources to put things right after a cyberattack can be huge. “It’s important for Hertfordshire’s 60,000 SMEs to take steps to protect themselves: by having up-to-date antivirus software, for example, installing software updates regularly, backing up data and training staff to be cyber-vigilant. “These small steps can make a big difference in the long run.”

To request a CBR for your business, simply email CyberProtect@hertfordshire.gov.uk INSPIRE

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

Strength of tourism can power economic recovery HERTFORDSHIRE’S TOURISM INDUSTRY is one of its greatest assets. Located just 20 minutes from London by train but far away from the stresses of the big city, this picturesque, green County is brimming with exciting things to do and some great places to stay and explore.

he Visit Herts website lists just a few of Hertfordshire’s finest attractions: St Albans Cathedral, Hatfield House, Knebworth House and Warner Bros Studio Tour London, where people can sample the magic of Harry Potter. For those seeking a glimpse of wild beasts or want to explore Roman ruins, sculpture gardens, traditional English villages and five-star luxury or boutique B&Bs, Hertfordshire is truly the place to be.

All of this attracts hundreds of visitors each year – and that means a lot of money floods into local businesses. According to the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the County’s visitor economy topped £2.4 billion for the first time ever in 2019, drawing in around 29 million visitors. An estimated £139 million was spent on average in the local economy each month as a direct result of the County’s tourism and hospitality industry.

“Our refurbishment and extension is based on the rich heritage and period glamour of the original Comet Hotel, hearkening back to this golden age of air travel, glamour and sleek design.”

ª The Comet Hotel is one of Hertfordshire’s most iconic buildings. It has been welcoming visitors for close to 100 years, so has firmly established its place in the hearts of the local community. After a multi-million-pound refit two years ago, it has been refurbished for the modern age and is now a unique

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combination of luxurious modernity, period features and refined glamour. Originally the hotel was named for the locally built de Havilland Comet DH.88 racing aeroplane, which had been developed specifically for the 1934 England Australia MacRobertson Air Race.

Philip Jenkins, general manager at the hotel, says: “Our refurbishment and extension is based on the rich heritage and period glamour of the original Comet Hotel, hearkening back to this golden age of air travel, glamour and sleek design. Beautiful period architecture, classic design and future-facing technology combine to create a welcoming and exciting environment, a genuine rebirth for Hatfield’s most iconic building.

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

“The COVID situation was a difficult time for all tourism businesses and there’s some uncertainty in terms of when social distancing restrictions will be lifted. All we can do is be as agile as possible and take the necessary precautions to look after our staff and customers.” “However, our popularity is not just based on the luxurious building; it’s also based on the people who work here. A lot of customers have commended us on our excellent customer service and willingness to go the extra mile. “Hatfield is a corporate-led destination so we do rely on businesses for a significant part of our custom. The hotel is easily accessible, it’s in a great location and is kitted out with Wifi. “The COVID situation was a difficult time for all tourism businesses and there’s some uncertainty in terms of when social distancing restrictions will be lifted. All we can do is be as agile as possible and take the necessary precautions to look after our staff and customers.” ª This philosophy is also in evidence at the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree in Hertfordshire. Director of Sales, Hollie Adams joined the company in January this year having been in the hotel industry for 12 years, and says she was immediately struck by the care and attention shown to customers by all of the staff.

She says: “We’ve started to recover from the COVID pandemic, with wedding and religious ceremony enquiries picking up and corporate events starting to come back. Whether guests are travelling for business or leisure, our carefully considered amenities are designed to make their stay as comfortable as possible. “We completed a £4.5 million refurbishment and rebranding. The product is now even better than it was before. We are in a great location with good transport links and we are able to offer our Hilton Honors rewards programme for our guests. Naturally, we’ve done everything possible to make our premises COVID-secure following the Hilton CleanStay initiative and we’re seeing customer confidence returning. All we can do is make sure that we’re as thorough as possible for our customers. People want to be out and about and have some form of social contact.”

natural surroundings and get some exercise. Shenley Park is also a perfect destination for staff get-togethers or business away-days – a break from the monotony of office life or working from home. “The Walled Garden is really popular. We have open-air theatre and concerts in the natural grass amphitheatre during the summer and a famous Apple Day each October. As well as the Walled Garden and amphitheatre, we have an orchard, meadow, some lovely woodland walks and historic buildings. It really is the perfect getaway and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet sampled these delights to come along and do so.”

ª For those who want a change of scenery, a trip to Shenley Park would be a good option. Shenley Park Trust was established in 1992 as an independent charitable trust to develop, manage and maintain a 45-acre rural park for the inhabitants of Shenley and neighbouring parishes. It is now famous for its Walled Garden, where fruit and vegetables are grown and open-air concerts have been hosted. Liz Ensor, one of the gardeners at the site, says: “It’s a beautiful park which we kept open during lockdown. Lots of people came here to appreciate the

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HERTFORDSHIRE GROWTH HUB

Getting Your Business Back on Track for Growth In May, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) announced that their quarterly Small Business Index (SBI) reported that the share of businesses aspiring to grow increased by the most on record this quarter. The share of businesses aspiring to grow over the next 12 months has increased from 39.9% in Q4 2020 to 52.7% in Q1 2021. Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, is the entry point to business support in the County and is supporting local businesses that are ready to grow again through their Get Growing 2 service.

and many businesses are seeking advice to help make this shift in their strategy. For other businesses, the in-depth support provided by the service is helping them get financially ready by evaluating their growth ambitions and working through their finance options.

Get Growing 2 is fully funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers a package of tailored support to businesses, helping them to become more profitable, competitive and grow.

Eligible businesses are supported by an experienced Growth Account Manager. They will work closely together reviewing all aspects of the business, looking at the challenges and opportunities that exist to produce a realistic growth plan for the business. Areas where additional support will benefit the business are also identified, as well as providing access to all the benefits the Growth Hub website has to offer, including on-demand videos and live webinars.

Among the businesses currently being assisted through the service, several have pivoted during the pandemic and as a result now need support to refine their marketing strategy to reach new markets. Digital marketing has never been so important in the post-pandemic era

Businesses can also access a match-funded grant enabling them to seek external expertise to implement growth actions with specialists in the private sector. The grant has recently been increased to offer between £3,000 and £10,000 to fund 45% of a business’ eligible expenditure. The Growth Hub work with a wealth of professional organisations and business support services, both locally and nationally, to provide relevant, up-to-date business advice. The Growth Account Manager will also help businesses to navigate their way to any additional support, enabling the business to focus on what really matters - getting back on track for growth.

Grow with us hertsgrowthhub.com

GovGrant seeking partnerships

with Accountants in Hertfordshire GovGrant is an R&D tax credit and Patent Box specialist based in St. Albans, with a 70 strong team. They create value to UK businesses, including SMEs, by recognising their R&D and maximising the value of their Intellectual Property. This local business already works with thousands of accountancy firms in the UK but is now specifically looking for accountancy partners in the Hertfordshire area as they develop specialist tools and resources. The aim is to help accountants deliver more services to their clients. GovGrant is embracing the move toward more digitally enabled accountancy practice and are investing in a tool that drives better compliance and integrity when it comes to R&D tax relief. Called Elevation, it doesn’t need any specific software to run, is simple to use and is a secure platform that

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puts accounting partners in control. The first step is to give accountants clarity about whether clients are eligible (or not). Then Elevation can take accountants through a simple process to help smaller, eligible clients make a claim. It’s all based on GovGrant’s experience and knowledge of the R&D tax credit schemes, and benchmarked against their data going back since the schemes began. Elevation makes the scheme straightforward and accessible. It also gives accountants access to wider IP and Patent Box services. “Accountants may find that their clients are already be claiming R&D tax relief through online “apps”,

which is a potential risk to both them and their client. Elevation also gives accountants full visibility and transparency of their clients’ journey through their R&D tax claim. It also includes a secure document sharing element so accountants can share confidential data with confidence,” said Sharon Veness, Accountant Partnerships Manager. GovGrant can work with accountancy firms in different ways under different arrangements – one size certainly does not fit all. They will work with you to tailor our offering, giving you the comfort you want and additional resources you need.

To find out how to get involved and to have a demo of our new Elevation platform contact Sharon on accountants@govgrant.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Is your business properly insured? For over 40 years, ASHBOURNE INSURANCE has been providing advice and support to Hertfordshire businesses from tradesman to professionals and shops to commercial properties.

Here are six ‘Top Tips’ from award-winning Ashbourne Insurance to make sure your business is insured correctly. 1. Review your cover annually Take time to study the insurance schedule at least once a year, do the sums insured accurately represent your current exposure and are the sections of cover provided in-line with the needs of your business? If you have continually renewed cover without checking over a period of years your cover will be out of date and in some instances, you may find that you are paying for cover you don’t need.

2. Start the process early

Jack Smits

Commercial Account Handler at Ashbourne

Continuity of insurer helps achieve a competitive premium year-in, year out. It is always worthwhile having your broker complete a full market exercise, however, don’t be too keen to change insurer for a fiver!

Whether it is a new “risk” or renewal of an existing policy start the process early, at least 6-weeks in advance. This will give you time to review the current schedule of cover, engage the appropriate supplier and allow them time to analyse the risk to ensure cover tailored to your specific needs at a price to suit your budget.

3. Build a relationship with your broker

over a 3–5-year period they are more likely to give you their most competitive rate. It doesn’t hurt the existing insurer to know that your broker is looking at alternatives; this will keep them on their toes.

5. Cheap quote equals cheap cover If a quote seems too cheap to be true, it is often just the case. Reductions in premium are always attractive, however at what cost? Remember you only know the true value of your policy when it comes to making a claim, insurance policies, service and claims handling are not the same wherever you go.

6. Don’t buy online On-line quotations are based on a series of assumptions and are “packaged” policies designed to be “one size fits all”. If you purchase cover on-line you become the broker, who then do you refer to it all goes wrong when it comes to making a claim?

Engaging with a single independent broker (supplier), one with access to the full range of markets available is much more effective than engaging multiple brokers. You want your broker to become your advocate and to get insurers competing against each other for your business. Multiple brokers approaching the same insurance markets will force the price up or just restrict the options available.

4. Continuity is the key Continuity of insurer helps achieve a competitive premium year-in, year out. It is always worthwhile having your broker complete a full market exercise, however, don’t be too keen to change insurer for a fiver! If insurers see that there has been continuity

For a no obligation quote and a review of your business needs please call 01992 471001 (quote HCC21 for free key insurance upon purchase). Ashbourne search all the leading insurers to get you the right policy at the right price.

www.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk

50 Amwell Street Hoddesdon EN11 8UA 01992 471001

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eTh carbon ThTh e carbon e Meeting carbon the challenge benefi t hidden benefi t hidden in in benefi hidden in of tplastics - PlasticFreeJuly clothing ourour clothing our clothing ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS

ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS ENVIRONMEN

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Fast fashion Act disposal on waste Check out the and, more importantly, change the of waychange they and Q&A the story wardrobe. you and, more presentation importantly, change the way they and,telling more importantly, the WasteAware way they WasteAware wardrobe. can offerwardrobe. youcan offer is Plastic making clothing more disposable, with WasteAware can offer you making clothing more disposable, with iscampaign: making clothing more disposable, with Free July Hertfordshire’s waste, including plastics. rails and hangers free to hangers get you for free to get you consume. For example, did you know that rails andknow hangers for free to getfor you consume. For example, did you know that rails and consume. For example, did you that cheaper prices and less durable garments, eaper prices and less durable garments, https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/ cheaper prices and less durable garments, started. FashionWeek Revolution Week isRevolution Week is every year, Hertfordshire residents throw started. Fashion Revolution is Fashion started. every year, Hertfordshire residents throw every year, Hertfordshire throw • What’s in the average householder’s bin? residents meant to last out the season what-you-can-do/category/for-business/ eant to last out the season rather thanrather meant to last out thethan season rather than 20-26 April 2020. Join in to make it the 20-26 April 2020. Join in to make it the over 7000 tonnes of textiles into their rubbish 20-26 April 2020. Join in to make it the over 7000 tonnes of textiles into their rubbish This offers simple check lists covering how over 7000 tonnes of textiles into their rubbish years. This accelerates carbon emissions, ars. This accelerates carbon years.emissions, This accelerates carbon emissions, • How good are the Herts recycling schemes? largest swap in history. For details contact For details conta largest swap in history. For details contact largest swap in history. bins, when they could have been reused, businesses can: when they could havebins, beenwhen reused, they could have been reused, causes global increased globalincreased warming andbins, sees uses increased warming and sees global causes warming and sees • What happens to the recycling… WasteAware@hertfordshire.gov.uk WasteAware@hertfordshire.gov.uk WasteAware@hertfordshire.gov.uk or recycled. repaired recycled. more textile waste landfi repaired or recycled. 3 Engage with staff suppliers ore textile waste in landfi lls.incustomers, more textilells. waste in landfi lls. orrepaired and the food waste? and employees to reduce plastics 5. Use guppywashing bag 5. 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It is a three-pronged the watercourse. vironmentally friendly supply chain environmentally friendly supply chain entering theentering watercourse. entering the watercourse. 3 Procure non-plastic alternatives for championing. in Your approach you can easily in easily adopt in approach which you which can easily adopt in adopt and packaging production methods, approach which you can d production methods, but itproduction won’tbut it won’t and methods, but it won’t Watch another WasteAware video recordingRecycle: Recycle: Recycle: yourand business and home: change overnight. need to play our your business at home: youratbusiness and at home: ange overnight. We single-use need toWe play ourwater change overnight. We need to play 3 Replace plastic bottles, with our local cook and blogger Becky Alexander 6. When you are ready togarment, part a garment, part beverage inthe changing the use and consumption 6. When you are ready to part with a 6. 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Keep in touch WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership Sign up to our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme/ HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership @HertsWasteAware www.wasteaware.org.uk HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware @HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership 44

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HERTFORDSHIRE GLOBAL

Documentary Letters of Credit: A Practical Guide

GLOBAL TRADE a key driver for economic recovery

Date: 20/08/21 Time: 10:00 – 16:00 Price: Members £300.00+VAT Non-Members £350.00+VAT This one-day, on-line course provides a step-by-step guide on how to deal with Documentary Letters of Credit – from receipt of order to successful presentation. The course tutor, Alan Bracken, has over 30 years practical experience working with Letters of Credit. Focus on a real case history of a Letter of Credit gives delegates the opportunity to increase their awareness and skills of the requirements involved with using Letters of Credit. Topics Covered:

By John Woodruffe Head of International Trade and Policy

The British Chambers of Commerce held their Global Annual Conference in June. The BCC’s new Director General, Shevaun Haviland, set out her thoughts on the action needed to help firms and communities rebuild following the pandemic. She also stressed the key steps needed to boost UK trade, unblock the blockages in skills training and build a greener, more sustainable economy to meet the target of net zero by 2050. Trade and export are very much at the heart of her future vision for the country and if we are to succeed, Shevaun has argued that government and businesses must work together behind a shared UK trade and investment strategy. Shevaun also said that although some lockdown restrictions have been extended for a further four weeks, coupled with the various challenges many firms are facing such as the rising burden of debt and depleted cash flow, there are signs that many firms are beginning to feel more positive going forward. However, she warns of a high risk of redundancies and insolvencies and the recovery will naturally be uneven across different sectors, locations and demographics and that continued government support is vital. Finally, she paid tribute to the role that accredited Chambers of Commerce have made to help businesses during this difficult

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time. She also mentioned the growing network of 73 international Chambers, putting us in a unique position of strength to grasp global opportunities as we open up again. Alongside Haviland’s speech, the BCC has also published their Rebuild report – which sets out the detail of what the organisation believes is needed for UK businesses and communities to prosper in 2021 and beyond. Needless to say, we at Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce remain committed to assisting you in a variety of ways to trade. Members of the Chamber receive 50% reduction in the cost of Export documentation processing, there is access to the CONNECTS platform (details as per a previous Inspire article and access to this can be found on our website) along with help accessing our overseas network. We have also held a series of webinars in conjunction with the overseas network, the latest being Dubai, which can be found on our past events website page. For help or advice please do not hesitate to contact us.

johnwoodruffe@hertschamber.com

• Requesting a workable Letter of Credit • Selecting the correct Letter of Credit • Preparing Bills of Exchange (Draft) • Examination of supporting documentation • Cost of trading under a Letter of Credit • UCP 600 • Examining and understanding the role of the UCP 600 in the Letter of Credit transaction and its impact upon documents to be presented for payment • Examination of a Letter of Credit in conjunction with UCP 600 Delegates will be involved in a practical exercise, examining and correcting documents before payment is made. Delegates are encouraged to use their own Letter(s) of Credit during the course as a learning tool. On completion of the course, all delegates receive a certificate of attendance and a free helpline number they may contact for advice regarding future Letters of Credit. Also includes a free copy of UCP 600, a certificate of attendance, all written materials, PLUS a follow-up helpline to the lecturer. Register your place on the Herts Chamber website.

Accounting your way to a sustainable future As many individuals move towards making their lives more sustainable, businesses are stepping up and playing their part.

Keech Hospice Care As the Chamber’s Charity of the Year 2020/21, we are once again delighted to update you on the progress we have made this year and how we are moving forward as an organisation. KEECH HOSPICE CARE like many has seen great changes due to the pandemic. It has been a privilege over the past 18 months to stand shoulder to shoulder with our community, whilst caring for an unprecedented number of patients, including those with Covid-19, at this challenging time. We also continue to provide adults and children living with a life-limiting and terminal illness the end-of-life care that everyone deserves. We have continued to care for adults and children throughout the pandemic, both at the hospice and in people’s homes. But of course, like you we have had to adapt. Doctors and nurses having to wear full PPE and maintaining social distancing has become the new normal here at Keech. It has been a challenging and exhausting environment for our nurses to care in, but we are positively striving forward as the country begins to open once again. As a charity our fundraising team continues to actively raise funds so that we can keep caring for our patients and their families. It is thanks to generous donations from groups, businesses and individuals who support us through various fundraising

events and activities, regular giving, and other charitable donations, that we can provide this service. Our retail shops were also able to re-open in April which saw a huge surge of support in the way of items donated for re-sale. As the warmer months approach, we are very much looking forward to re-uniting with our supporters once again, providing it is safe to do so and to attending some of the scheduled events with the Hertfordshire Chamber, especially the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards in September 2021. To encourage positivity, wellbeing and to get supporters active again the Community and Corporate Fundraising team have recently launched a campaign called ‘Smile Every Day.’ This campaign offers a collection of fundraising activities and challenges, designed for all to get involved whilst fundraising for the hospice, including:

‘Bake Someone Smile’ and ‘Sport Summer Smile’. If you would like more information or to get involved with supporting our charity please get in touch by emailing letmehelp@keech.org.uk We are very much looking forward to the future and brighter days ahead and thank you immensely for your continued support.

n Faye Thompson

Head of Cloud Accounting at Wilder Coe Chartered Accountants

----------------------------------------------------------Companies now review their non-finance performance around environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities – which is fast becoming a critical component for building a resilient organisation. Business owners need to concern themselves with their energy and waste consumption, the impact of their economic activities and their social responsibility to their employees and local communities. Your accountant can be a strategic partner in the transition to a more sustainable future. Faye Thompson, Head of Cloud Accounting at Wilder Coe, explains why. “With most of the country working from home during the pandemic, we have all had to learn new ways of working, which in-turn have had a positive, sustainable impact. With lockdown easing, a lot of these newly adopted processes can remain in play. Many businesses have introduced a cloud document management system to go paperless. Workers are clocking up fewer commuting miles as people work flexibly from home, and meetings via video calls are the daily norm. Your accountant can play a significant role in helping your business become more sustainable. Don’t forget they are at the source of processing your costs and will monitor for reporting on your chosen sustainable business areas. Your accountant can then build into the reporting such metrics for management review. Even making small changes has a positive effect. You don’t need to spend lots to be sustainable, and done correctly can effectively reduce costs.”

Arrange a free consultation with Wilder Coe today.

01438 758100 info@wildercoe.co.uk

As the warmer months approach, we are very much looking forward to re-uniting with our supporters once again, providing it is safe to do so and to attending some of the scheduled events with the Hertfordshire Chamber, especially the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards in September 2021.

www.wildercoe.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members u BEAR COMS LTD Better Business Communications - Broad Band / Internet / Office Cloud Telephony / Mobile Phones. Web:

www.bearcoms.co.uk uu u

u Brand Machine International Ltd The Brand Machine Group houses a diverse and idustry-leading portfolio of fashion and sports lifestyle brands.

u BTL Creative (Braden Threadgold Ltd)

Full service graphic design agency. Twitter: BTLcreative Email: info@btlcreative.co.uk Web: www.btlcreative.co.uk Tel: 01707 661500 Address: Unit 7, Knuway House 5 Cranborne Road Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3JN

Email:

customerservices@ brandmachinegroup.com Web: www.brandmachinegroup.com Tel: 01992 538003 Address: Unit 1 Windsor Industrial Estate 424 Ware Road Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7EW uu u

u BRANUE We are a digital marketing, data & tech agency with full strategy services and we help brands to amplify their connection emotionally & meaningfully. Email: allison@branue.com Web: www.branue.com Tel: 07872 344124 Address: 6 Oak Grove Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 8AT

NEW PATRON

u Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd

Business phone and connectivity solutions Twitter: flipconnect Email: russell.dawson@flipconnect.co.uk Web:

www.flipconnect.co.uk

Tel:

01462 417107

Address: Suite 1, The Maltings Bridge Street Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 2DE uu u

NEW PATRON

u CAE Technology Services Technology Solutions Provider. Twitter: thisiscae Email: Jane.Pullen@caeuk.com Web: www.thisiscae.com Tel: 01923 477600 Address: CAE House 9 Colonial Way Watford Hertfordshire WD24 4PT

u Digitaza Digital marketing specialists Email: lisa@digitaza.co.uk Web: www.digitaza.co.uk Tel: 01923 964100 Address: 2 Church Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6NE uu u

Manufacture of soft drinks; production of mineral waters and other bottled waters.

u EgoPetram Limited

Twitter: Britivic Web: www.britvic.com Tel: 0044 121 711 1102 Address: Breakspear Park Breakspear Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4TZ

Email: andrew@egopetram.co.uk Web: www.egopetram.co.uk Tel: 01582 227045 Address: 2 Kinsbourne Close Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3PB

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u Flip Connect

Commercial finance broker

u GM8 Group Ltd Provider of rainwater harvesting solutions. Web:

www.gm8group.com uu u

u GMPharma Limited Senior Pharmaceutical consultants to the global pharmaceutical industry Email: gordon.muirhead@gmpharma.co.uk Tel:

01438 811289

Address: 6 Sacombe Mews Bragbury End Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 8SB uu u

u Hertford Rugby Football Club Rugby Club. Twitter: HertfordRFC Email:

commercial@hertfordrfc.co.uk

Web:

www.hertfordrfc.co.uk

Tel:

01920 462975

Address: Highfields Hoe Lane Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9NZ

NEW MEMBERS

u Herts Visual Arts Forum

u Makevale Group Ltd

We are a not-for-profit membership organisation for Herts-based Visual Artists. We run the well-known annual Herts Open Studios, a number of other art events and provide a development and growth network for our members.

Organic chemistry business manufacturing speciality polymers for the medical, cosmetic, dental and other industries.

Web:

www.hvaf.org.uk uu u

u Just be a Child Charity working in Kenya – building libraries from 40ft shipping containers and donated books from the UK and delivering community development programmes. Twitter: justbeachild Email: Lenka.mcalinden@justbeachild.com Web:

www.justbeachild.com

Tel:

07737 500501

Address: 5 Lindens Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 1ST uu u

u L Kahn Manufacturing Company Limited Supply bespoke accessories to the cosmetics industry. Email:

orders@caressakahn.com

Web:

www.caressakahn.com

Tel:

01707 262287

Address: Wellfield Road Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0BS uu u

u LMS Design London Limited

Email: info@makevale.com Web: www.makevale.com Tel: 01920 460641 Address: Valley House Marsh Lane Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9QP uu u

u Moh Cleaner Londons Leading Domestic Commercial Cleaning Services. Twitter: MohCleaner Email: linamoh@mohcleaner.co.uk Web: www.moh-cleaner.co.uk Tel: 07864 663320 Address: 4 Old Park Lane Mayfair London W1K 1QW uu u

u One Consulting Group One Consulting Group Project management and consultancy. Web:

www.oneconsultinggroup.co.uk uu u

u Rennie Grove Hospice Care Registered charity caring for adults and children with life-limiting illness in West Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Twitter: renniegrove Email: info@renniegrove.org Web: www.renniegrove.org Tel: 01442 890222 Address: Unit 3, Icknield Way Industrial Estate Tring Hertfordshire HP23 4JX uu u

Graphic and web designers.

u SHL Minutes Limited

Email:

hello@lms.design

Web:

www.lms.design

Minute Taking/Note Taking, Transcriptions, Editing and Proofreading.

Tel:

07747 653850

Address: Midland Place 146 Victoria Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3TB uu u

u London Examinations Board Limited Education training provider. Web:

http://leb.education

Web:

www.shlminutes.co.uk uu u

u Small Acts of Kindness Trust Charity Twitter: smallkindact Email: general@smallactsofkindness.co.uk Web: www.smallactsofkindness.co.uk Tel: 01923 372717 Address: PO Box 3 5 Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 0FD

u Sustainability Made Easy Limited Business advisory services relating to sustainable trading and business practices. Provision of access to content, websites, and portals. Email: hello@above-average.co.uk Tel: 07464 892681 Address: 38 High Oaks St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 6DN uu u

u Sycamore Wealth LLP Financial Advisors. Email: wayne@sycamorewealth.co.uk Web: www.sycamorewealth.co.uk Tel: 020 3114 2112 Address: Churchill House Mill Hill London NW7 2AS uu u

u Trauma Recovery CIC Service which combines the skills and experience of three experts within the community of dealing with sexual, domestic and relational trauma and the long term effects that those experiences bring. Email: hello@trcic.co.uk Web: www.trcic.org Tel: 01707 891872 Address: 116 Dawley Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1DX

NEW PATRON

u Viatris Global healthcare company. Twitter: viatrisinc Email: andrew.mooney@viatris.com Web: www.viatris.com/en Tel: 01707 853000 Address: Building 4, Trident Place Mosquito Way Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9UL

u VTA Services Virtual Assistant proving business admin support to business owners and individuals. Twitter: vta_services Email:

sue@vtaservices.co.uk

Web:

www.vtaservices.co.uk

Tel:

07918 131766

Address: 67 Stirling Close Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 8TG

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MEMBERS NEWS

THRIVING What’s your marketing approach in the ‘new normal’? All businesses have been impacted by the pandemic. Large or small, everyone has had to take stock and work out what their next move is. At OnBrand, we have been gathering inspiring survival stories of local businesses from the past year that have all demonstrated resilience and used both strategic and opportunist marketing to their advantage. Our top learning’s to thrive in a rapidly changing market are: • Brand loyalty and reputation is still a key driver for small businesses • Find ways to listen to and stay engaged with your customers • Think creatively, competition is harder now than ever • Make digital marketing work harder for you • Put innovation at the heart of everything you do There are plenty of opportunities up for the taking as we emerge from lockdown this year, and we’d love to help you make the most of them. OnBrand are a St Albans based marketing agency, working across digital and brand strategy, social media, events and PR. We work with startups to established brands and our ethos is to provide cost effective, marketing solutions that are proven to succeed. If you’re in the area, we’re at the top of Victoria Street, St Albans and are now open for business (and coffee!) Visit www.onbrand.co.uk or sayhello@onbrand.co.uk

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Dobsons’ bathroom showroom is award finalist Hertfordshire-based family firm Dobsons has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Bathroom Showroom of the Year category of the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards. The kbbreview - the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen industry’s leading trade magazine - has been running these awards for the past 27 years. These national awards celebrate the UK’s very best retailers, designers and manufacturers in the kitchen and bathroom industry. Reaching the final in such an uncertain year has made Dobsons’

achievement even greater. In fact, the way companies have coped with the pandemic, such as implementing COVID-safe measures in their showrooms, is included in the judging criteria for the 2021 awards. Director Helen Dobson is obviously delighted: “The kbbkreview awards are among the most prestigious in the bathroom and kitchen industry,

so we are thrilled to make it to the finals. We specialise in luxury bathrooms, which means the way we display our products is of paramount importance. So to have this endorsement from industry specialists is wonderful.” The winners will be announced at a gala evening which, if all goes according to plan, will take place in Liverpool on 15th September.

Dobsons’ bathroom and kitchen showroom in Cheshunt has recently reopened after the latest lockdown. COVID-safe measures are in place which means visits are by appointment only. Appointments can be booked online at https://dobsonshome.com/showroom-appointment/

HB Accountants expand on Carbon Positive Business programme by planting a tree for every new client signing up We are excited to be expanding our HB Accountants’ CPB programme, by planting a tree for every new client signed up. Would you choose a Carbon Positive Accountant or Business? Would it make you feel great knowing that your accountant is actively striving to minimise their impact on the environment and by choosing to partner with them would help the planet just a tiny bit more by a tree being planted, thanks to you? HB Accountants are proud to celebrate our Carbon Positive Business programme. We want to be part of delivering a sustainable future for the spaceship we live on called Earth. We need to continue to think about the environmental impacts of our business and continue to champion positive changes. We are accountable accountants and are striving to minimize the impact we have on our

environment. We reduced business travel by encouraging digital meetings, our directors have switched to fully electric vehicles, we promote “car share to work” (Covid19 Safety Guidelines permitting). We use plants in our office to create a healthier & more calming environment to work in. We provide our team and clients with reusable bags, we have increased the amount of waste we recycle, are moving towards a paperless office and the paper we do use is sourced responsibly using local business Cowan’s, Blue Marble Initiative. So why a tree? Planting a tree contributes to reducing emissions, these hardy plants work hard to lock up carbon. New trees also open new habitats for wildlife. We are proud to partner with

The National Trust and we will plant a sapling, dedicated to you or your business, when you engage with us as your accountant, tax adviser, auditor, or payroll provider. One of the greatest threats to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it, let us be accountable together. Blog on our website can be found here: https://www. hbaccountants.co.uk/wouldyou-choose-a-carbon-positiveaccountant HB Accountants are here to help support and grow your business by giving you access to experienced accountants and useful information no matter your business size or sector. Please feel free to contact the team. We are accountants for business, and we are here to help you grow.

MEMBERS NEWS

Random Café supported by Mayor’s Small Grants Fund to help town become carbon neutral As part of the Council’s ambitious goal to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030, the elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, has awarded Random Café - a community hub which uses waste food donations from Supermarkets - over £1870 from his Small Grants Fund.

In July 2019, Watford Borough Council declared a Climate Emergency and set out the commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of the borough. The challenge of global warming and pollution is one of the biggest threats facing the world and it has been predicted that unless action is taken, we are 10 years away from the effects becoming irreversible, with drastic results. To become more sustainable, it will require making big changes to the way we all live, travel and work and therefore, the elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, prioritised green and sustainable projects in this year’s Small Grants funding programme, including the amazing work by Jane Johnson and her team of volunteers at Random Café. The Random Café – which is currently operating three days a week - is a pop up café helping Watford reduce the amount of food wasted in the town, thereby making it a greener and more environmentally friendly town. They use food donated by local supermarkets and cafes that would usually go to landfill for a variety of reasons including damaged packaging, over ordering, end of a promotion and past its best before date. They supply hot fresh meals, snacks and hot drinks to those in need in the local community, helping to ensure that nobody goes hungry. Any fruit, vegetables and cupboard items they have left are offered to customers in their mini market and this is offered on a Pay As You Feel basis, where customers can donate anything from just a few pennies to several pounds for the food, making it accessible to those on the lowest incomes.

Last year, they secured a permanent site at The Meriden Gardens, which houses the fulltime café, the shop, an allotment growing space to grow produce on site and also space for social, educational and craft groups. The funding from the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund will go towards the cost of keeping their electric van operational as this is vital for the collections of food donations, food distribution and moving equipment for the site regeneration. Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “A key part of the Sustainability Action Plan and becoming carbon neutral by 2030 looks at people power - harnessing the energy and drive of residents to make changes on a local level. Nothing captures this more than the work of Random Café, who are dedicated to saving food waste and bringing essential items to those in need. Not only that, they also use electric vehicles to transport their food which further helps the environment. I’m really happy that the funding will go towards keeping the van operational, so they can continue to support people across the borough.” Jane Johnson, founder of the Random Café said: “This is such an exciting project with a strong focus on sustainability as well as offering something truly needed in the area with the pay as you can ethos in the pop-up shop and future café. I’m so thankful for the support of the Mayor’s Small Grants Fund to keep the electric van operational, so we can continue to do our vital work”. For more information, please visit randomcafewatford.com or email randomcafeuk@gmail.com

ACTIVATING

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www.corpalc.com INSPIRE 51

MEMBERS NEWS

Preparing for recovery - how businesses can boost operational resilience

Simon Carvill-Biggs, Partner at FRP’s St Albans office, explores the ways in which businesses can bolster operational resilience to prepare for the months ahead, as they can rebound after a challenging year. Businesses across Hertfordshire have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. However, the vaccine rollout has provided many with a sense of renewed optimism, and business leaders will now be looking to take stock and plan for future growth. So, what steps can they take to review their operations and bolster resilience for the long-term? Perhaps the most important takeaway for those looking to build resilience is an awareness of where their business stands financially. Business leaders should have a quarterly cashflow forecast - a powerful tool to spot upcoming

threats to liquidity - which should centre around a plan of where, from a strategic perspective, they want their business to be over the medium to long term. Whether it’s through consolidation, growth or acquisition, business leaders need to map out how they intend to achieve their targets and what working capital is required. The forecast should also include inflationary purchase pricing, particularly if the business is import reliant, and factor in the repayment of government loans and deferred taxes, and any other payments plans reached with trade suppliers and landlords. Once a business understands its cash position, it can then consider

ways to give itself extra headroom. Here, management teams may need to consider reducing their business’ cost base to drive efficiencies. This can be done by reducing any discretionary, non-essential spending, or postponing any planned capital investment projects.

stakeholders will likely stand the best chance of securing flexibility from those around them. Having strong management information – gleaned from systems such as an integrated cashflow model – can really help in those negotiations.

Underpinning all of this should be transparent communication with stakeholders. Keeping communication channels open is paramount when implementing resilience strategies and plotting the course for growth in the future.

We are seeing an uptake of mergers and acquisitions activity in the market, and the consolidation of competitors provides those businesses with leaner, more agile operations. Maintaining an eye on the future and on competitors will enable business leaders to react accordingly.

Businesses may have negotiated concessions from partners on outstanding liabilities. Firms that proactively engage with their

Business leaders should take action now to review, adapt and evolve their offering, to empower it to prosper in the new economy.

Helping Hertfordshire Grow Small businesses in Hertfordshire have been going through a rough stretch recently, with many forced to close or seeing reduced footfall for long stretches of the pandemic. But as the country begins to reopen, help is on the horizon. Organised by Watford Borough Council and the Hertfordshire Growth Hub, the Watford Business Growth Grant is a new programme designed to support local small businesses and help them bounce back from a bad year by providing expert business advice and financial assistance up to £5,000 per business. To be eligible, a business simply needs to have between five and ten employees, be based in Watford, and to have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Once a business has expressed interest in the scheme, Growth Account

Managers from Hertfordshire Growth Hub work closely with them to determine their business needs and offer free, bespoke advice and support. If the business is a suitable candidate, the Growth Account Manager will also assist them in applying for a grant of between £2,000 and £5,000 to help improve operating performance and drive innovation and growth.

“Watford’s business community is so important to the town, providing employment opportunities to residents and helping us to prosper. The past year has been so tough for so many small companies. The Watford Business Growth Grant Scheme is our way of investing in local businesses so that they can get the support they need to succeed in the future.”

Grant money can be spent on consultancy services, software and important equipment, or even be used as match funding to unlock larger grants. Elected Mayor, Peter Taylor, hopes that the expertise and financial aid supplied by the program will be a lifeline for businesses trying to get back on their feet:

The programme will remain open until all the existing funds have been allocated, or until 31st March 2022, whichever is the sooner. Since launching at the end of March, a large number of businesses have already applied, so it’s worth applying soon if you think you might be eligible.

Find out more at https://www.watfordbusiness.com/business-growth-grant 52

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MEMBERS NEWS

Helping businesses manage their cashflow as they start to reopen How businesses can avoid spending more than they have to In these uncertain times, many businesses are looking for ways to save money and maintain a healthier bottom line. The good news is that getting a smart meter for your business is a small change that could make a big difference.

Cash is king - how businesses can take control of their outgoings The impacts of the pandemic will be felt well into the future but for now, businesses are taking their first steps in gradually reopening. Coffee shops and cafes are welcoming customers inside, hairdressers and beauty salons are switching on the lights and workers are starting to return to the office. Despite these first steps, trading will continue to be difficult for some time, especially for smalland medium-sized firms. These are the ones who will have seen their cash flow significantly hit and are now looking for all the help they can in trying to budget and plan for the future.

A smart meter can help businesses take control of their energy bills as they enable accurate, not estimated billing. Meaning, they only pay for what they use – helping to take the stress out of budgeting. We all want to work smarter not harder. Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier so you don’t have to!

Manage your environmental footprint It is also important to bear in mind that it’s everyone’s responsibility to become more conscious of their environmental impact. Regardless if your business has three employees, or three thousand, we all should be aware of how much energy we’re using and a smart meter is a simple way of doing this. A smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings and if your firm has 10 employees or less your business could be eligible.

To find out more got to www.smartenergygb.org. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker. It could be one of the best calls you make this week.

Legal Property Experts in association with Penman Sedgwick LLP Kamran Shah – Partner, Head of Residential

Cladding Issues a Major Concern for Flat Owners Flat Owners in high-rise (and other less substantial) blocks are still having to contend with the risk to life 4 years after the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as the continuing difficulties in selling or remortgaging their flats. Whilst there was revised guidance issued in March 2021 by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure that only those blocks where there are risks of costly remediation as a result of safety concerns from cladding are subject to additional checks, and therefore to reduce the number of wall safety surveys (known as ESW1s) being requested by valuers on behalf of Banks and Building Societies, this has not had the desired effect. Flat Owners are still being asked for ESW1s where there appears to be little or no flammable material attached to their blocks, and there is no obligation on valuers and lenders to follow the guidance issued by the RICS. The Government’s £5bn fund to protect Flat Owners from the

costs of cladding remediation has also been largely untouched as managing agents and other stakeholders are concerned that all the associated costs around cladding will not be covered by the fund. The continuing uncertainty means that Flat Owners are paying for interim safety measures including patrols and alarms, which does not in any way actually resolve the cladding issue. A very recent announcement by the Government is a consultation on one of the recommendations from the Grenfell enquiry on introducing personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) in high-rise residential buildings. PEEPs seek to provide people who cannot get themselves out of a building unaided with a bespoke escape plan in a fire emergency. PEEPs in the workplace are already the norm, but they are not usual for highrise residential blocks. This is adding another layer of financial pressure upon Flat Owners. If you are looking for legal advice, we can help.

Problem Solved

e: kshah@penmansedgwick.com t: 01923 225212 www.penmansedgwick.com

5 George Street, Watford, Herts WD18 0SQ INSPIRE INSPIRE 53 53

LET’S KEEP THE HEART IN HERTFORDSHIRE

Hertfordshire Growth Board to champion the

‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ Campaign Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that the Hertfordshire Growth Board is to champion the ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign to help to drive growth, economic recovery and renewal across the County. Hertfordshire Chamber launched the campaign earlier this year with goals to achieve a number of objectives in 2021: 1. Promoting ‘Buy Local’ 2. Organising Supply Chain, Meet the Buyer and Networking events 3. Showcasing Hertfordshire Professional Services 4. Launching a platform to facilitate introductions to companies who have County-based contracts requiring suppliers, talent and services (launched on 1st June) 5. Focusing attention on the talent pool of Hertfordshire residents by helping promote apprenticeships and other recruitment opportunities Now with Hertfordshire Growth Board sponsoring this campaign, it sends out a very positive message of collaboration with public and private sector leaders working together to ‘build back better post pandemic’. Hertfordshire Growth Board is made up of the County Council, the 10 district and borough councils and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Working together is how we continue our ‘joint’ success and create opportunities for everyone, now and in the future. By highlighting the opportunities for Herts based businesses, the ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign signals that the County is open for enterprise and innovation.

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Briege Leahy, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce said: “Herts Chamber is delighted to have Hertfordshire Growth Board’s support with this campaign. In what has been an incredibly challenging year, the Chamber team and I have seen that businesses are keen to offer assistance to others wherever they can, which has been further highlighted in our Hertfordshire Heroes Award category in the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards. The ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign’s purpose is to help re-build Hertfordshire and highlight commercial opportunities for Herts-based businesses, and it is lovely to see how much take up we have received. We invite all Herts enterprises to get involved and spread the news that the County is open for new business and we will share contract opportunities for those seeking suppliers from within Herts.” Patsy Dell, Director, Hertfordshire Growth, Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “It has never been more important for businesses and public sector organisations to work together to help drive the growth of our economy and create a sustainable future for everyone. The past 12 months have placed an incredible toll on our communities. We are delighted to support this campaign and help create the right conditions for our people, places and businesses to flourish.”

So far, the campaign has delivered a number of events including the Supply Chain Summit on 11th February, a Meet the Buyer webinar with BAM Construction on 26th February, an event on Sustainability with Ambition Broxbourne on 22nd April and numerous Virtual Networking events which have proven very popular throughout the pandemic. The Chamber Events Team are in the process of organising further webinars on the topics of Apprenticeships in partnership with Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Sustainability and Meet the Buyers/Leaders. If you are interested in watching any of the Chambers’ previous webinars, you can do so through https://www.hertschamber. com/past-events-presentations

“The ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign’s purpose is to help re-build Hertfordshire and highlight commercial opportunities for Hertsbased businesses, and it is lovely to see how much take up we have received.”

LETS’ KEEP THE HEART IN HERTFORDSHIRE

ConnectHerts launched as part of the

‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ Campaign Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce launched the ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign earlier this year, setting out a number of goals to highlight opportunities for Herts based businesses, and showcase that the County is open for enterprise and innovation. The Chamber have now invited all members to join CONNECTS; an online business match-making platform, that allows businesses to connect with each other worldwide, creating global opportunities you can trust; providing instant access to trustworthy leads, potential customers, suppliers, skills and partnerships. CONNECTS incorporates ‘ConnectHerts’, a community within this platform, designed specifically to enable Chamber members to meet with other local companies online. This community allows Herts Chamber members to: make local connections, share best practice,

facilitate introductions, find County-based contracts requiring suppliers, talent & services, and promote local opportunities to help ensure that we ‘Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’. Briege Leahy, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce said: “We are so happy to launch the ConnectHerts platform as part of this campaign. We have had a lot of businesses show an interest in #KeepingtheHeartinHertfordshire and it is a delight to see, now with this new online community we have a way to facilitate introductions and keep promoting local opportunities for future economic growth in the County.”

Patsy Dell, Director, Hertfordshire Growth, Hertfordshire Growth Board said: “It is really good to see this platform going live, enabling businesses to make valuable connections at such a critical time. Hertfordshire has solid foundations for growth thanks to its legacy of partnership working. With the public and private sectors working in tandem, we can help Hertfordshire Build Back Better post COVID-19 and beyond.”

Chamber members are invited to attend a webinar on 1st July, to learn how to best utilise this platform. Places can be registered on the Chamber website.

Find out more about this campaign and other upcoming Herts Chamber events at www.hertschamber.com Companies and organisations interested in taking part in the ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign should contact editorial@hertschamber.com or visit the www.hertschamber.com/keeping-the-heart-in-hertfordshire #LetsKeeptheHeartinHertfordshire #KeeptheHeartinHerts INSPIRE

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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We add Interest and our costs to your UK B2B debts - where we are successful in collecting these, the service is effectively free to you.

How it works 1. Contact STA International on 01622 423 753, or email jonathan.degilbert@staonline.com 2. We’ll create an account for you to place your debts via our online portal 3. As soon as we receive your instruction, we’ll get to work, contacting your debtor by post, email and phone calls in a proven workflow to amicably request payment of your overdue invoices. 4. Where successful, we’ll remit collected funds to you via BACS weekly, minus our discounted collection fee where applicable. If we can’t gain payment from your debtor, we’ll recommend further steps, including the possibility of legal action, all handled by STA.

Contact Jonathan De Gilbert on 01622 423 753 or email jonathan.degilbert@staonline.com to solve your cash flow worries today. 56

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DELIVERING NEW HOMES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE Hemel Hempstead based housing association West Herts Homes are delighted to announce the completion of their latest development of homes for local people.

The new homes in London Colney comprise a 2-bedroom apartment for sale, and three 1-bedroomed apartments for rent. The new apartments are being named in honour of West Herts Homes past Chair of the Board and company President Mrs. Mary Pedlow.

Paul Eastwood, Chief Executive at West Herts Homes, said: “The new apartments at Mary Pedlow Court mark the achievement of the first part of our 3-year business plan, which we hope will deliver much needed homes across the west Hertfordshire area.”

we look forward to doing more

Mr. Eastwood continued: “Building new homes, and delivering services all require team good team work. My thanks to Redloft and our builders NFC, for bringing this new development to fruition. My thanks also to our legal advisers, Perrin Myddleton, for their support throughout. With some new Board members in place, led by our Chair, Deborah Fenton,

we look forward a successful

and achieving more over the next 3 years. 2020 into 2021 has been a challenging time for all companies but through our committed staff team we have kept our services at a high level and kept our tenants safe, and year ahead.”

All initial enquiries about lettings and sales to Helen Kenyon at West Herts Homes on 01442 244484 or helenkenyon@whh.org.uk

ON YOUR SIDE

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

AUSTIN’S is delighted to

announce the opening of its new Funeral Arrangement Office in Hoddesdon 60

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

AUSTIN’S Funeral Service was established in Stevenage over 300 years ago and is still owned and operated by the Austin family. You will find AUSTIN’S quality of service exemplary, with professional and dedicated staff and up to date facilities for the care of your loved one.

The independent family business has recently opened its new funeral arrangement office at 77 High Street, Hoddesdon, to provide a private and welcoming environment in which to arrange the funeral of your loved one. This location becomes Austin’s eleventh funeral arrangement office in East and North Hertfordshire. Families in the Hoddesdon community will benefit from the use of private Chapels of Rest, giving them the opportunity to visit their loved one, in comfortable surroundings, before the day of the funeral. Those visiting this office will be attended by, highly experienced Funeral Administrator, Tina Williams. Tina will be available at 77, High Street every weekday between 9am and 5pm. An appointment is not necessary but desirable.

Providing modern hearses; accompanied by limousines should you so wish. A horse drawn glass hearse is available for the really traditional touch. Austin’s will also be happy to assist you with options such as floral tributes, funeral stationery and catering arrangements. The Austin family are proud to provide ‘the complete Funeral Service’ in Hertfordshire. In 1997 they designed and built Harwood Park Crematorium in Stevenage, set amidst colourful and welltended memorial gardens and surrounded by peaceful open countryside. Harwood Park offers a wide selection of memorials to commemorate the life of your loved one. Those wishing to plan the arrangements for their own funeral in advance may do so through AUSTIN’S. The Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is exclusive to AUSTIN’S and provides future peace of mind for family and loved ones. ‘The Little Green Book’ produced by AUSTIN’S, gives advice and guidance on the loss of a loved one and all aspects of arranging the funeral. This is available from all AUSTIN’S branches and Harwood Park Crematorium.

Assistance and enquiries outside business hours are received by a 24 hour on-call service which is available by calling any AUSTIN’S branch.

You will find AUSTIN’S quality of service exemplary, with professional and dedicated staff and up to date facilities for the care of your loved one. AUSTIN’S 77, HIGH STREET, HODDESDON, HERTFORDSHIRE EN11 8TL TELEPHONE: 01992 471709 E-MAIL: funerals@austins.co.uk WEB: www.austins.co.uk

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THE LAST WORD

The Last Word Carol Massay Head of Construction at The Access Group Q

What do you do?

I sold EasyBuild (Construction Software) UK, to The Access Group in December 2020 and now work for the latter. With more than 4,500 staff worldwide, we are one of the UK’s top 10 leading providers of software to the best and fastest growing mid-market businesses. I am Head of Construction, so essentially I look after the construction software side of the business. Since the sale we have incorporated the EasyBuild Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution within the group. EasyBuild is an award-winning construction ERP solution which brings together clients’ procurement, commercial and finance data into one system. It is specifically designed to address the needs of construction companies by providing an end-to-end view of projects, from estimate to completion, with data available instantly whenever clients need it.

Who do you work for?

The Access Group, which has an office in Harpenden. It is good to be part of one of the top ten software houses in the UK.

Why did you join the Chamber?

Whilst we are an international company with a global outlook, I wanted EasyBuild (now an Access Company) to become more visible locally in Hertfordshire. The aim is to connect with more construction businesses and forge stronger links with organisations such as the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Chamber presented itself really well, so it was an easy decision to become a member.

Patrons

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What do you get from it?

Chamber membership provides many opportunities to network with local companies. It also gives me the chance to pass on some of my experience to other company ownermanagers and entrepreneurs who could benefit from it. Sometimes this can be constructionrelated advice; at other times, people just need general advice, such as how to steer a business through a crisis. The COVID pandemic has taught us all the value of resilience and the need to have a strong enough cashflow to keep a business going through tough times.

How has it helped your network?

What advice would you give someone starting out in business?

It has certainly helped me to grow my network of contacts locally, which has been very useful. It has also given me ideas on how to open doors for smaller businesses, particularly those in the construction supply chain.

Make sure that you have a plan and understand what makes your business different from others in the field. It is also a good idea to have a strong social media presence and a decent website with engaging content. The other thing that is important is for business founders to put themselves out there, to be the face of the company and represent it to the best of their ability. Also, it is important to surround yourself with a team with diverse skills.

What’s the biggest challenge in running and growing a business?

Dependent on the sector you are providing your services to, it can sometime be hard to attract the right people. Some people thrive on the thought of working for a smaller organisation and some prefer to be in a bigger pool. The success is ensuring that you share the company vision and how important their role is to the future of the business. The construction sector to some is seen as a challenging sector because it is usually one of the first sectors to suffer when there is an economic downturn.

However, through COVID-19 the sector has shown how resilient it can be, building the “Nightingale hospitals” in record time, and maintain a good level of activity to the muchneeded infrastructure and housing market. Building financial resilience is so important; it helps you ride out tough trading conditions.

What support do you want from government?

Generally, the UK government has supported businesses well during the pandemic, from the furlough scheme to the various grants and loans on offer. Naturally, there are some people who have fallen through the cracks, but many others have received a decent level of financial assistance. We have been fortunate in that we have not had to use the support schemes as our cashflow position was strong enough to carry us through the worst of the pandemic.

How confident are you that your business will grow in the future?

I am extremely confident. We now have the stability and security of being part of a large, established group and we have access to skilled staff and high-quality technology. For those reasons, we are in a good position to grow our business over the next few years. We also have a strong customer base and want to help give back to them in terms of technology offering, to help them grow more digitally.

“Make sure that you have a plan and understand what makes your business different from others in the field. It’s also a good idea to have a strong social media presence and a decent website with engaging content.”

Personal, caring and independent. The complete funeral service 24 2 4 hhour our sservice ervice

•

Private P i C Chapels h l off R Rest

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•

Own Crematorium S TE VE NAG E • 01438 316623 H ITC HIN • 01462 438422 K N EB WO RTH • 01438 812365 B U NTING FO RD • 01763 274111 WELWYN GARDEN CITY • 01707 390018 W E LWYN • 01438 714686 H E RTFO RD • 01992 582052 WARE • 01920 468551 L E TC HWO RTH • 01462 684292 H ODDE SDO N • 01992 471709 H A RWO O D PARK • 01438 812515

Harwood Park

The perfect setting to commemorate the life of your loved one

Crematorium and memorial gardens created and managed by the Austin family in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

www.austins.co.uk

www.crematorium.co.uk

Serving the local community for ten generations austins_A4_ PORTRAIT_dove.indd 1

08/03/2021 12:08

Construction Computing AWARDS

ncial & Project Accounting Software 'Bu· t for Construction by Construction' EasyBuild is an end to end bespoke construction software solution. Built to address the operational financial and commercial management of all types of construction projects. It provides real-time data and information to enable key business decisions and mitigate risks. EasyBuild software will provide you with: • The ability to see in real-time the financial position of your projects through our CVR module • Provide you with financial snapshots across your business through our Dashboard • Integrate site and the back office through our mobile Requisition, Good Received Notes and Timesheet application • Secure, anytime, anywhere working through EasyBuild Cloud • An integrated platform managing Financials, Procurement, Commercial and much more All within a user friendly solution, built for Construction.

WHO WE HELP

CONTRACTORS

HOUSEBUILDERS

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

EasyBuild Jn

O access

..... pcir y

Aston Court, Marlborough Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire. AL5 1 NL +44 01509 279 259 • easybuild.sales@theaccessgroup.com • www.accessgroup.co.uk

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