Inspire January 2024

JAN - FEB 2024

inspire.60 Patron Focus Professor Mairi Watson, deputy vice chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, on why being a Chamber patron is integral to the relationship between the university and the business community.

Inspirational Leader Rachel Budge, head of Hertfordshire at Barclays Corporate Banking, talks about leadership and the importance of female role models.

Spotlight Focus Welwyn Hatfield borough, a mix of history and modern day living, attracting residents and businesses alike.

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2024 IHA 2024 provides the opportunity to mark 100 years of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and the chance to celebrate and recognise the successes of local businesses throughout Hertfordshire.

Celebrating 100 years of Hertfordshire Chamber

Since 1924, we have been committed to supporting membership and the wider business community across the county.

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

‘From ‘Fromlittle littleacorns, acorns, mighty mightyoaks oaksgrow’ grow’

limited limitednumber numberof of subsidised subsidisedBronze Bronzememberships membershipsAvailable Available Enquire EnquireNow! Now!

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Access Accesstotothe theCentre Centre55days daysper per month month Use Useofofaahigh-end high-endworkstation workstation Access Accesstotoour ourwellbeing wellbeinggarden garden Collaboration Collaborationbar bar Business Businesslounge lounge Games Gamesarea area 500 500pages pagesofofblack black&&white white printing printingper permonth month Please Pleaseuse useour ourcontact contactdetails detailsororQR QR code codebelow belowfor formore moreinformation. information.

hattech.org.uk hattech.org.uk info@businesscentres.org.uk info@businesscentres.org.uk 01707 01707623623 623623

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inside

inspire.60 100 Year Anniversary

4-5

Women in Leadership

6-7

Skills

10

Patron Focus

13

Inspirational Leader

14

Spotlight Focus Area

16-18

Upcoming Chamber Events

24-27

Women in Leadership Conference

28-29

Magistrates Scheme

32

Entrepreneur Foundation

34

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2024

16 28 Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 admin@benhampublishing.com www.benhampublishing.com

36-37

Heart in Herts

38

Members News

39

Venues

40

Environment

42

Growth Hub

45

Members News

46-47

New Members

48

Members News

49

Herts Go Green and Grow

52-53

Meet the Team

54-55

Membership Focus

56

British Chambers of Commerce

57

Membership Benefits Long Standing Members Last Word

59 60-61 62

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Inspire and the first for me as the new MD of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

welcome Happy New Year to you all – and a big welcome to 2024.

This year is a very special one for the Chamber as we celebrate our centenary. And we have a very exciting package of events that we will unveil over the coming months to help us make this a memorable year.

I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed Managing Director at a such a momentous time in the Chamber’s history.

I am looking forward to continuing the great work carried out by previous leaders and supporting our diverse, creative, groundbreaking and successful membership.

To kick off the celebrations for 2024, you will have noticed a big change to your Inspire. We want to have a magazine that proudly represents the Chamber and our fantastic membership.

It is as much your magazine as it is ours, and we welcome your suggestions for future topics to cover.

In this issue, we are celebrating female leaders ahead of International Women’s Day and our Women in Leadership Conference in March. You can read more about the conference on pages 28 and 29.

We have also spoken to some leading women in business, including Professor Mairi Watson (page 13) and Rachel Budge (page 14).

Returning to our centenary, we have highlighted some of our longstanding members on pages 60 and 61, and Chairman Jeremy Bishop offers his thoughts on the real value of the Chamber on page 5.

If you are wanting to join us at an event over the next couple of months, we have a number of workshops, lunches and networking opportunities. You can find all the details on pages 24 to 27.

I am looking forward to getting out and about and seeing as many of you as possible through 2024.

Donna Schultz Managing Director Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 karen@benhampublishing.com

Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce York House, Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5AD

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

Tel: 01707 502180 enquiries@hertschamber.com www.hertschamber.com

Media No. 2037

I am honoured and delighted to have been appointed MD at such a momentous time.

INSPIRE

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Published January 2024 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

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. ©2024 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.

Inspire 60 3

100 Year Anniversary 4 Inspire 60

Introducing our new MD as Chamber enters milestone year Donna Schultz takes the helm to continue delivering on 100 years of promises to county’s businesses.

Over the past 100 years, we have welcomed many new faces, not just across our membership, but also within our board and leadership team, all of whom have joined the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce to guide our institution to the success we all experience today.

This year presents great opportunity for our members as we celebrate our centenary. As ever, we will continue to provide inspiring events and networking opportunities that allow you, our members, to connect, collaborate and grow.

To deliver on that promise, we are delighted to announce that Donna Schultz has been promoted to Managing Director.

She said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed to this role, embracing the dynamic community that drives economic growth. Contributing to the commercial success of businesses across our county is incredibly motivational.

As a female managing director, leading with passion and purpose, I am inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

“Together, we’ll break barriers, foster diversity, and create an environment where every voice is heard. I am committed to championing inclusivity, propelling our organisation to new heights through the power of diverse perspectives and collaborative innovation.

“This year, we’re introducing more networking opportunities across our county, from net walking and outdoor sporting pursuits to conservation days that connect with our Herts Go Green and Grow initiative.

This year, we’re introducing more networking opportunities across our county, from net walking and outdoor sporting pursuits to conservation days that connect with our Herts Go Green and Grow initiative.

“You’ll also see changes at our monthly lunches and more collaboration with our neighbouring Chambers of Commerce.”

On the appointment, Jeremy Bishop, Chairman, said: “Having joined the Chamber in 2019, Donna brings a wealth of experience to the role as she has worked closely with our members to understand their needs and ambitions.

“This appointment will provide a seamless transition as the Chamber enters the next phase of its growth. The Board looks forward to working with Donna as we celebrate our centenary year.”

We hope you will join us in congratulating Donna on her appointment and we look forward to seeing you at an event soon.

Connections built through the Chamber are where the real value of membership lies for businesses and organisations across the county.

Chairman Jeremy Bishop believes this ‘marketplace for relationships’ provides genuine benefits for members looking to grow and develop their businesses and their people.

He is in a unique position to highlight the benefits of membership. He is currently guiding the Chamber’s longterm strategic plan, as well as being on the other side of board decisions as a member with his own business.

Jeremy joined the Chamber board in 2012 and he recognises that members join for varying reasons and at different times in their corporate journey. The benefits of membership, including HR and legal support, health plans, export services and documentation, amongst others, have widespread appeal, but he believes it is the building of relationships that has contributed to the long-term success of the Chamber.

Entering the centenary year, Jeremy said: “It’s a marketplace, not for services or products, but for relationships and personalities. We are building trust with people.

“In the old days, you’d look through the Yellow Pages to find what or who you wanted but you had no idea of the quality of the service being offered.

People don’t do that any more. You can go online, but it’s easy to have an impressive website, so that’s not a guide.

“By using the Chamber services, you can get a personal recommendation. If you ask about a specific service, someone will know someone.

“When I give out recommendations, I hope people find it useful and valuable.

“For me, that level of relationship is really high value and can make a genuine difference to an organisation.”

Jeremy has seen changes over the years and is eager to see how the Chamber grows and develops as it enters its next 100 years.

“It’s significantly different now in terms of atmosphere, activities and the general interaction between members. I think it’s nearer to the vision of how I want it to be than it’s ever been.

“This is where you come to meet real people, to hear about real people and see if you can help those real people.

And by the same token, can they help you when you need some support?

“The events are a big part of that. The Christmas lunch was a good example – I think the largest attendance we’ve ever had for a Christmas lunch. And at the end, people were still chatting and building relationships. It hasn’t always been like that.”

Looking ahead, Jeremy is keen to keep moving the Chamber in the right direction.

“All the previous chairmen tried their best and I believe they each left the Chamber in a better condition than when they took over.

“We’re building the organisation in a really positive direction. I want the Chamber to become even more relevant

We’re building the organisation in a really positive direction. I want the Chamber to become even more relevant to businesses, to really appeal to the inner emotion of the business owner.

to businesses, to really appeal to the inner emotion of the business owner.

“And it’s important that young entrepreneurs feel that the Chamber of Commerce is a place to go to, not because they are going to be sold various services, but because we have a lot of experience and can help them deal with all sorts of challenges.

“It’s important that we stay relevant to them.”

100 Year Anniversary

Chairman celebrates ‘marketplace for relationships’ in centenary year

Inspire 60 5

Women in Leadership 6 Inspire 60

Redwood Bank exceeds milestone for gender diversity An increase in women in senior management roles is just the beginning, says specialist business bank More women than ever are working in senior management roles at Redwood Bank, with a 14 per cent increase in the past four years.

While Redwood has surpassed its own target of 30 per cent top-level female representation as part of the HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter, there is an acceptance that more can be done to champion equality.

Signing the Charter in 2019, Redwood made a commitment to reach its goal by the end of 2023, but achieved 34 per cent of women in board, executive committee or heads of department roles in August.

Tracey Lester, Head of People, said: “We are obviously delighted to have exceeded our original objective, and this milestone is a big step in the right direction. Our people are important to us and we will continue to work tirelessly to develop a culture of opportunity for everyone in Redwood.”

The Women in Finance Charter was launched in March 2016, inviting firms to pledge to support the progression of women in their organisations, as well as further aims to promote gender diversity in the sector.

Redwood has a number of ongoing initiatives to promote equality and diversity through the business, including a mentoring programme, implementing relevant strategies and providing a fair working environment where all staff can grow and develop.

Tracey said: “While we have achieved our target, going from one in five to one in three, we will continue to address diversity within our senior leadership population with a holistic approach.

“We want to make lasting change across our whole business, not just at the top, and this takes time, but we will continue to take action that will bring continued progress.”

We are obviously delighted to have exceeded our original objective, and this milestone is a big step in the right direction.

Our people are important to us and we will continue to work tirelessly to develop a culture of opportunity for everyone in Redwood.

Tracey Lester, Head of People Redwood Bank

‘Inspiring’ talk sets out key tips No matter who you are or what you do, family comes first.

For those who were unable to attend, here are Kate’s tips:

That was one of the key takeaways from guest speaker Kate Jansen’s presentation at the latest Women in Leadership lunch.

•

Don’t leave yourself at the door.

Over time we can naturally morph to be accepted – and in doing so you can lose yourself and all the great qualities you bring. Be true to yourself and find a way of being accepted, respected and valued as that person.

•

Have someone in your close world who believes in you, no matter what.

They will reinforce your self-belief and quite often we need that. Check in with them regularly, ideally every day.

•

Appreciate that caring for yourself is not self-indulgent – it is part of creating peak performance. Think about what is in your ‘self-care bag’ and make it personal to you – songs, people, books. Things that help you when you need some strength.

•

Know when to lead and know when to be led. When to push the throttle and when to pull it back.

•

Block out unhelpful noise.

Decide whose voice matters and remove the sound of those around you who are not helping you.

•

Surround yourself with a wide range of perspectives and not just ‘yes’ people.

They’ll only help your ego for a limited time, then you’ll need people to be honest with you.

•

Never be the ladder grabber.

Help others who are trying to climb it first.

•

Finally, family first, every time.

The Director of Organisational Development and Learning at Chamber patrons Willmott Dixon rounded off her ‘inspiring talk’ with her top eight tips for other women leaders.

Her words were well received by more than 90 attendees at Dyrham Park Golf and Country Club.

No matter who you are or what you do, family comes first.

Kate Jansen, Director of Organisational Development, Willmott Dixon

With the assistance of CITB funding and Cambridge Judge Business School, Willmott Dixon created a Women’s Leadership programme to develop their future female leaders’ mindset, confidence, capabilities and resilience as part of their 50/50 gender parity target.

The programme won the award for Excellence in Business Culture at the 2022 Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards.

Donna Schultz, Managing Director at the Chamber, said: “It was a pleasure to hear Kate’s inspiring talk that gave everyone a lot to take away with them.”

To hear more inspiring words from female leaders, the Chamber’s annual Women in Leadership Conference is on Friday, March 1 at Sopwell House. To book, visit the Chamber events page.

Women in Leadership

Put family first, women leaders advised

Inspire 60 7

SPONSORED FEATURE

Taking care of your HR headaches Employee lifecycle solutions

E

mployment legislation is continually being updated.

It is hard enough running or setting up a business without having to worry about the complexities of people, employment legislation and best practice.

H-J Dobbie, Head of HR Consultancy Services at Azets looks at our top 5 real-life queries below, and the key considerations for each:

1. I’m ready to take on my first PAYE employee, what else do I need to think about?

As well as registering a PAYE scheme with HMRC, you must issue them with a contract or at least meet the legal minimum requirements of the Employment Rights Act in a written statement of particulars. You will also need to determine provisions for pensions, sick pay and holiday entitlement.

You need to have the legally required policies in place, as well as taken data protection into account and registered with the ICO. Additionally, you should think about things like a job description, probationary period, and any business protections you might to want to put in place.

2. An employee is off on long term sick; do I have to keep paying them?

Subject to their entitlement to contractual and/or statutory sick pay, the answer is likely to be yes.

You might consider the nature and length of this person’s illness and future ability to render good service when determining next steps.

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Dismissal is always a last resort. You must follow a fair process and ensure the relevant reports and/or certification are acquired including fit notes, GP reports or an occupational health assessment, if necessary. Signpost employees to the relevant help and support that they can access. Bear in mind also the need to meet your obligations under the Equality Act, make reasonable adjustments, and encourage the employee to seek assistance through Access to Work or similar.

3. What do I need to pay my employee who we have terminated?

Although there are some statutory obligations, it depends on a number of factors, including the reason for dismissal, length of service, notice period, right to pay in lieu of notice, and additional contractual entitlements. This can be a tricky one to answer without reviewing your contracts, and you want to avoid any potential wrongful dismissal or other claims.

4. A lady is on maternity, does she still get a pay rise and a bonus?

Generally, the answer is yes, but there are a number of things to consider such as contractual terms, bonus criteria and the timing of such increases or awards. Bonus awards cannot discriminate on the grounds of protected characteristics (in this instance maternity/ pregnancy and sex).

Following the well-known Alabaster case, maternity pay calculations need to take into account any pay rises effective between the start of the Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) calculation period and the end of the statutory maternity leave. This potentially leaves open a seventeenmonth period and may include more than one pay increase.

5. How do I calculate holiday entitlement for someone with no fixed hours?

This is all set to change again following the outcome of the governments’ consultation on holidays and holiday pay! You need to look at the type of contract i.e. casual/zero hours, bank, seasonal, term-time only or a standard contract, which allows for regular but varied amounts of overtime. You should consider the Working Time Regulations, statutory minimum entitlements (both as per the EU and the UK), additional contractual entitlements, and the notion of rolled up holiday, which is still technically permitted in the UK. Most employers moved from the “12.07% method” to the “calendar week method” in 2022, but for holiday years beginning on or after 1 April 2024, holiday entitlement will again be calculated using the 12.07% accrual method. It will accrue as 12.07% of any hours worked during that pay period, rounded up to the nearest hour.

Holiday should be taken wherever possible but can be paid monthly or quarterly if this is what employees want, as long as it is shown as a separate line on their payslips. Holiday pay then needs to be considered, as this is also legislated for.

Get in touch For more information or to discuss how we can help to relieve your staffing headaches, please get in touch with our HR Consultancy team today.

H-J Dobbie Head of HR Consultancy, Azets H-J.Dobbie@azets.co.uk

Here for you and your team As the largest regional advisor to SMEs across the UK, we are able to assist you and your business throughout the entire employee lifecycle.

The HR Consultancy Services team at Azets are specialists in the provision of Human Resources related guidence, offering flexible support solutions covering all aspects of HR across a variety of sectors.

The team at Azets maintain an industry-wide reputation for providing professional, commercially focused HR advice, specialising in bespoke HR solutions.

We’re offering fellow Hertfordshire Chamber members a free, free 30 minute HR consultation.

Get in touch with H-J Dobbie to book your free meeting.

H-J.Dobbie@azets.co.uk 01622 690666

#AzetsSMEChampions azets.co.uk

Left to right: Frank Bowley, DfE, Jane Gratton, BCC, John Woodruffe, Herts Chamber, Kate O’Sullivan, LinkedIn

Skills trump qualifications in jobs market Herts bosses encouraged to change approach to recruitment Hiring managers in Hertfordshire should turn their focus from qualifications to skills when looking for their next recruit.

Skills

Taking this approach will help address the skills gap that exists across the county and ensure the current and future workforces can adapt for the jobs of tomorrow.

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Business and employment-focused social media platform LinkedIn made the recommendation in its Skills-First: Reimagining the Labour Market and Breaking Down Barriers report.

John Woodruffe, from Herts Chamber of Commerce, was invited as a panellist when the report was launched in London in November.

The report aims to help address the skills gaps that currently exist across the UK in all sectors. Its insights show how skillsfirst approaches will support improved labour market outcomes.

Alongside keynote speeches from MPs, John was involved in discussions with fellow panel members, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy, British Chambers of Commerce; Frank Bowley, Head of the Unit for Future Skills, Department for Education; and Kate O’Sullivan, Senior Director Public Policy and Economic Graph, LinkedIn, around the current issues in hiring the right people for the right jobs.

With the Chamber leading the second stage of Hertfordshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the insights gained from the event and the report will help inform the next stages in bringing together training providers and employers.

John discussed the issues that were raised in the report from the county’s first stage of LSIP around the lack of soft skills, the absence of engagement from some companies and how time is often cited as an issue when it comes to training.

With the Chamber leading the second stage of Hertfordshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), the insights gained from the event and the report will help inform the next stages in bringing together training providers and employers.

LinkedIn has been working with the Department for Education and the British Chambers of Commerce on the UK-wide LSIP initiative. Data from the social media platform helped shape Herts’ initial LSIP report, enabling the Chamber to ascertain the current in-demand roles and associated skills required.

The new LinkedIn report will be used as part of the ongoing LSIP project, reminding bosses of the importance of skills in an ever-changing employment landscape.

For more details on the LSIP project, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/lsip

LEGAL MATTERS

Q Are global

A

events part of the problem?

This has certainly been an eventful period.

Brexit was followed by the pandemic, followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which in turn led to high energy prices and soaring inflation across the globe. Significant disruptions never pass by unnoticed. However, it is still interesting to ask why the rise has happened now. The pandemic has passed, energy prices have stabilised, and recent months have seen inflation ease.

Many simply hope that something will turn up, even when it is obvious their business is no longer viable.

In these circumstances, the confidence and optimism that helps to grow companies can actually work against them.

Q What is the main reason?

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Why are Business Insolvencies on the Rise?

Nat Young, Partner specialising in insolvency and dispute resolution, explains the current increase in liquidation.

Total company insolvencies are now at their highest since the credit crunch in 2009 with an increase in corporate insolvency over the last two quarters.

Startling to note is that voluntary liquidations are at their highest since records began, more than 60 years ago.

Meanwhile, the business ‘birth rate’ dropped below the ‘death rate’ in 2022.

In my opinion, this is the effect of rising interest rates, which have shot up as fast as they dropped following the credit crunch. For many years, debt finance costs were low, so even marginally profitable ventures were viable. This was the era of the zombie business: heavily indebted and unviable by historic standards, but still officially undead.

The scope of Covid support exacerbated this trend - with credit offered on uncommercial terms, there was no reason to close.

Higher interest rates have once again imposed financial discipline on businesses. Since funding working capital is expensive, cash generation has regained its importance. There is no doubt that borrowing costs (and therefore interest rates) are behind many of the recent insolvencies.

Q Why are voluntary

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liquidations so high?

Higher rates of return on cash mean that owning marginally profitable businesses is no longer appealing. Business owners are not simply being forced into insolvency. They are choosing to close their companies to focus on more profitable ventures. Seen in this light, the rise is perhaps less alarming.

Not only are some businesses still coming to terms with high interest rates, but some are still coming to terms with previous shocks, such as the impact of Covid and inflation.

This also means there is little sign of any respite. Even if underlying economic conditions improve, existing factors will take time to work their way through.

Q Faced with tough

A

conditions, what should business owners do?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Even well-run and successful businesses fall victim to circumstances outside management’s control.

However, you should ensure you have adequate and timely management accounts so you can spot problems before they become too large to solve. You need to be realistic and objective about the prospects for your business.

Finally, don’t forget to seek professional advice – that way you understand the risks of action – and inaction.

Q Is this just a short term blip?

A

Unfortunately, directors are notoriously bad at identifying when their companies are insolvent, and often seek advice far later than they should.

• www.longmores.law • 01992 300333 • enquiries@longmores.law • • 24 Castle Street Hertford SG14 1HP • Inspire 60 11

A sustainable events venue, enabling innovation, collaboration, learning and business growth by bringing people together at events.

Rothamsted Conference Centre is a purpose-built events and conferencing venue in the heart of leafy Hertfordshire, uniquely situated to host local, national and international events, conferences and meetings.

We are focused on delegate wellbeing, set in beautiful natural surroundings, providing healthy food, and a range of vegetarian and vegan options as standard.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce members can save 10% on room hire at our Conference Centre by booking and hosting their event before March 31st, 2024. Quote "HERTSCC10" when booking.

01582 938500 conferencing@rothamstedenterprises.com www.rothamstedenterprises.com

Rothamsted Enterprises, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ

Business community is key to ensuring university students are ready for work Professor Mairi Watson started her new role as deputy vice chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire on January 1st 2024. She talks to Sarah Dale about the university’s exciting plans and why being a Chamber patron is integral to the relationship between the university and the business community.

A new year brought a new role for Professor Mairi Watson, who became the University of Hertfordshire’s deputy vice chancellor on January 1st.

“One of the most exciting parts of my new job will be leading the development of our new strategy,” said Mairi, who has worked at the university for almost four years. “I am also very excited to see what our new buildings will bring us.”

A new health and life science building, including a medical school, is then due to open within three years, while the university’s ambitious ‘Green Herts’ project will see a full reinvigoration of its College Lane campus core.

“The level of investment shows our growth in these key areas,” said Mairi.

“We were the first university to offer a computer science degree and now we have come full circle to become a major investor in, and provider of, computer science learning, teaching and research.”

Mairi is also looking forward to having more opportunities to engage with businesses around the county in her new role. As the only university in Hertfordshire, the educational establishment is, according to her, “very grounded in the local community and the business community”.

“A key part of this is expanding our degree apprenticeships,” she continued.

“We’re doing this to both help more students develop valuable, industryrelevant skills, and more local employers to bridge their work-critical, skill gaps.

The university’s challenge is ensuring it increases social mobility, as set out by the Government, and to make sure every degree provides added value to students.

“The heart of our strategy is to ensure our students leave university employable, enterprising and work-ready,” said Mairi.

“Thanks to the fantastic engagement and support we get from local businesses, most of our students undergo highquality, work-based learning during their degrees here, which employers have told us makes a massive difference to graduate success.

“We also cultivate entrepreneurial talent at our Enterprise Hub, with our latest economic impact report showing we’ve helped launch more than 330 graduate start-ups over the last five years.”

The university has been a member of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for many years, becoming a patron in 2013.

“We joined because we’re absolutely committed to working with businesses in the county to power growth,” she said. “The skills agenda and solving the region’s productivity challenge is central to our mission.

“Many of our students are employed by businesses in the Chamber, both during their degrees and post-degree, and we have many international students who stay on to work with local employers.

Thanks to the fantastic support we get from local businesses, most of our students undergo highquality, work-based learning, which makes a massive difference to graduate success.

This keeps us aligned to the region, strengthens the local economy and demonstrates our role in retaining talent in Herts.”

She advises new members to make the most of their Chamber membership by attending as many events as possible.

“Hertfordshire Chamber has an exceptionally good level of events and members that are prepared to talk about their own experiences,” she said. “It’s a very warm, supportive community.”

She also urges new members to reach out to the university for any support they may need, from recruiting students to benefitting from the expertise of academics, to using the Enterprise Hub. To find out more, visit www.herts.ac.uk/for-business

Patron Focus

The university is undergoing a £375m transformation over the next decade. In September 2024 the university’s new, state-of-the-art School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, named Spectra, will open, providing a focal point for STEM innovation, research and enterprise for the university and wider community.

“That’s what’s exciting about apprenticeships; it directly links what the university is doing with employers.

As an anchor institution, we’re uniquely positioned to adapt our curriculum to respond to employers’ talent and workforce-development challenges.

We also do professional and technical courses and are a member of the University Alliance, which is the voice of professional and technical universities working at the heart of their communities.”

Inspire 60 13

Having a great team around you helps you to be an inspirational leader

Inspirational Leader

Rachel Budge, head of Hertfordshire at Barclays Corporate Banking, talks to Sarah Dale about leadership and the importance of female role models.

14 Inspire 60

Surrounding yourself with great team members, who are allies that believe in you, is key to becoming an inspirational leader, says Rachel Budge.

She has worked at Barclays for nine years, starting as a relationships director, and has been head of Hertfordshire at Barclays Corporate Banking for the past three years.

Rachel’s leadership style is to encourage others to be “the very best versions of themselves”.

“My boss said that he would describe my leadership style as honest, empathetic, authentic and to embrace change.

I believe that when you’re a leader, you must have other people buy into you and if you take something on, you should make it your own.

“If I’m speaking from the heart, what’s really important to me is that all my team want to bring the best versions of themselves to work every day and I look at how I can support them to do that.

Ultimately, when people are happy and enjoy coming to work, they deliver a better client experience too.”

She said her leadership team is “amazing” and she has never felt so supported and appreciated as she does in her role at Barclays Corporate Banking.

“When I first took on the head of team role, we were still in lockdown. Despite the circumstances, it was important to become a visible leader,” she said.

“It is really important to get out into the business community and we can provide support. I have nine relationship directors with varying levels of service and experience, so if a businessperson was coming across something they had not encountered before, there would be someone in the team who has been through it. We have that breadth and depth of experience so we’re well placed to give something back to the business community.

“I’m a female leader and there’s more of us than there used to be,” she said.

“I am really passionate about meeting businesses and if there’s something we can do to support, we will.”

“I can’t stress enough the importance of having both male and female allies around you; you get a different perspective from men and women.”

Barclays Corporate has been a Patron of the Chamber for two years and Rachel can see the benefits of membership.

The Hertfordshire team has expanded into Milton Keynes and, this year, will bring more surrounding geographical areas together.

Our strategy with clients is to support them, not just financially but by looking at the bigger picture with them and looking for opportunities for them to expand.

We live the challenges with them and act as financial partners.

“Our strategy with clients is to support them, not just financially but by looking at the bigger picture with them and looking for opportunities for them to expand. We live the challenges with them and act as financial partners.

“We are hoping to increase our visibility, brand awareness and become more involved in the wider business community,” she said.

“I feel like we have done this successfully in Hertfordshire and we want to do this across the Herts, Bucks, Beds areas.”

What affects Barclays Corporate clients affects the bank and Rachel said that despite “uncertainty in the macro environment”, their outlook is positive.

“People are struggling to recruit and there is a skills shortage across the UK, particularly in Hertfordshire which is competing with London markets, but the businesses in our space have learned how to react quickly by adapting, budgeting and being very agile to navigate challenges.

“The Chamber has certainly helped us raise our profile and visibility and has a wide range of events which are excellent.

You meet people from across the board, from start-ups to big businesses that have been around for years.

“For me personally, as a female leader, we talk a lot about imposter syndrome as females. I spoke at the Women in Leadership Conference last year. It is important to me to present to others and say, ‘If I can do it, you can do it’.

We are not only female leaders, but female role models.”

Rachel mentors three junior females and being a positive role model is important to her.

“I want to give them what I have had with my network of allies,” she added.

“I was a single parent and I didn’t go to university, but I worked my way up from the bottom. I really enjoy having these conversations with people and helping them to believe in themselves.”

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS FACE ADDITIONAL RISKS DURING COLD WEATHER 6 steps you can take right now to reduce them

Cold weather and excessive rain poses many additional risks for commercial properties including damage to buildings and contents, injuries to employees and members of the public, and increased risk of break-ins.

Commercial Property Owners should be aware of the additional risks of very cold and wet weather, and take additional measures to ensure their buildings, employees and visitors stay safe during winter.

Here are 6 steps you can take to reduce these risks: 1. Book a professional plumber to check your pipes for leaks. Take particular notice of any green discoloration on copper pipes as this could be a sign of leaking. Clearing blocked drainpipes is also important as these can freeze and shatter in cold weather or impair essential drainage during heavy rainfall.

2. Leave heating on the same schedule during any winter holiday closures. Buildings that remain unheated for extended periods of time are liable to frozen pipes which can burst causing flooding or building damage.

3. Check doors and windows. Swelling and shrinking from wet and cold weather can lead to stiff mechanisms. This could lead to health and safety risks if fire doors are unable to be opened easily in case of emergency. Criminals may also be able to exploit gaps in doors and windows, or stiff security latches which did not close correctly.

4. Carry out a risk assessment for cold weather taking into account risks associated with ice and snow. This may include risks such as snow falling from roofs and risk of slips, trips or falls from hazardous walkways around the building.

5. If additional heating is being used during cold weather (e.g. portable heaters) ensure these appliances are PAT tested and

risk assessed. Faulty devices or heaters plugged into extension leads could be a fire hazard and overloading electrical outlets can also cause electrical faults. It’s also important to inform your insurance company of any changes such as the use of portable heaters to ensure you stay covered.

6. Check exterior lighting is working and sufficient to cover areas around the building that may be hazardous e.g. pathways and carparks. Employees or visitors accessing these areas with poor visibility will be at increased risk of trips, falls and accidents if they are unable to see icy ground underfoot.

Ensure the information on your insurance policies are up to date, and provides adequate cover for cold weather risks. It’s important to inform your insurer of any changes such as any change of use to your buildings.

You should also check that your policy has sufficient cover for Public Liability or Employee Liability claims of injury, and that you are abiding by the terms of your policy by carrying out any necessary risk assessment for cold weather risks and reducing hazards where possible.

Speak to an expert If you are unsure if your current level of cover is sufficient for your current property or business’ activities, or are looking for advice on how to manage your risks during the winter months, get in touch. We take the time to understand the unique risk factors for every clients and can advise the best cover to protect your business.

Rebecca Sugden rebecca.sugden@tysers.com 01462 439 849 | 07971 501 757 www.tysers.com

Tysers Retail Limited is an Appointed Representative of Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited, a private limited company registered in England under 02957627. Registered office: 71 Fenchurch Street, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 4BS. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to conduct general insurance activities, Firm Reference Number: 305496. This can be verified on the FCA’s website. R.272.12.23.V1.0

Spotlight Focus

Why Welwyn Hatfield’s mix of history and modern living works for us

16 Inspire 60

Welwyn Hatfield is a vibrant borough in Hertfordshire, attracting residents and businesses alike. The borough council and several business owners share the positives of the area.

Welwyn Hatfield is a borough in Hertfordshire with a population of 119,700.

The area consists of two towns, several villages and a rural area. It is unique in that the two main settlements both have relatively recent origins: a Garden City and a post-war New Town.

The attractive town of Welwyn Garden City is the world’s second oldest Garden City and celebrated its centenary in 2020. Ongoing changes to the town centre have focused on improving accessibility by active travel and creating more and better public space which is used for events. Work included the remodelling of Anniversary Gardens, a well-used space for informal gatherings.

The town centre acts as an important service centre for the borough with John Lewis attracting many visitors.

Welwyn Garden City has a cultural offering, based around the Campus West centre, which hosts films, shows, exhibitions and activities such as roller discos.

Hatfield has several surrounding villages for which the town is the closest service centre. The town is a significant and important entity with many assets. It is home to the University of Hertfordshire which has around 24,000 students and 2,500 staff spread across two campuses. Five miles south of the town centre lies the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), the most prestigious institution of its type, housing 1,200 students and more than 700 staff. Hatfield is home to a major heritage visitor attraction - Hatfield House - just under a mile away from the town centre that attracts more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Hatfield House, which is 21 miles north of London, is a fine Jacobean house and garden in a spectacular countryside setting, the Great Park. The Grade II listed house was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and chief minister to King James I. The 413-year-old property, which is a stunning example of Jacobean architecture, is now the private home of Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury.

With a beautiful countryside setting, Hatfield House also has excellent transport links to London via train and road.

The house, park, gardens and the Old Palace, where Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed a happy childhood, are open to the public at specific times throughout the year.

Welwyn Hatfield is home to just under 5,000 businesses and represents a popular location, with the business base increasing by 28 per cent over the past 10 years.

Hatfield Business Park is a high-quality business park of regional importance generating more than 13,000 jobs. It includes a diverse range of business occupiers from corporate headquarters to logistics and cuttingedge R&D. Evidence from the Hatfield 2030+ Transport Strategy (2017) shows that employees come from a significant distance to work at the park.

One Town Centre Investment and plans for Hatfield’s revitalisation are centred on the Hatfield 2030 project, a strategic initiative aimed at injecting new energy into a pivotal gateway area.

Designed with careful attention to connectivity, the development incorporates ground-floor commercial units and 71 homes, with 38 designated for social housing.

This undertaking adopts strategic connectivity through roads, cycle paths and pedestrian routes, enhancing the town’s accessibility and increasing footfall to the town centre. The inclusion of landscaped spaces further integrates the project with Hatfield’s public areas, including improvements to White Lion Square.

Recognising Hatfield’s historical roots as a Victorian New Town, the One Town Centre projects blend contemporary design with contextual sensitivity.

Guided by a Heritage and Townscape assessment, the development achieves a harmonious fusion of old and new, preserving Hatfield’s built heritage while ushering in a modern era of revitalisation.

Car park at Campus West

As part of the Hatfield 2030 project, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, in partnership with Lovell Homes is currently engaged in the construction of 80 new homes within a six-storey building at Link Drive. Construction commenced after the opening of the new multi-storey car park at The Common, facilitating the consolidation of existing parking. The project is anticipated to be completed this year.

As an integral component of the development plans, the recently opened car park at Campus West plays a pivotal role in advancing the broader WGC 2120 project, an ambitious programme to develop the town centre and take WGC into its next 100 years. This redevelopment not only expanded the capacity of the existing parking area, facilitating the phased development of other sites, but also introduced several enhancements.

The design of the project places a strong emphasis on seamless integration with the surroundings, with particular attention to preserving mature trees along the site’s north, east and south boundaries. This design philosophy aligns with the principles applied in the Hatfield 2030 project, ensuring a harmonious balance between Hatfield’s historical legacy and its contemporary development, exemplified in initiatives like the One Town Centre project.

These improvements encompass the addition of 156 spaces through a single-deck structure, along with the integration of 12 electric car charging points, 30 disabled parking spaces, 21 parent and child bays and 92 cycle racks. These features are strategically designed to promote eco-friendly travel options within the development.

Supporting local businesses HatTech and WelTech are two council-operated business centres where smaller organisations are given an environment to collaborate and thrive, with popular workshops hosted on key topics. The council is using the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to subsidise 12 months’ bronze membership co-working space at the council-owned HatTech Business Centre to support businesses based at home. Benefits include access to the centre five days per month with the use of a high-end workstation, wellbeing garden, collaboration bar, business lounge and games area, plus 500 pages of black-and-white printing per month. Please visit www.hattech.org.uk for more information.

Recognising Hatfield’s historical roots as a Victorian New Town, the One Town Centre project blends contemporary design with contextual sensitivity. Guided by a Heritage and Townscape assessment, the development achieves a harmonious fusion of old and new, preserving Hatfield’s built heritage while ushering in a modern era of revitalisation.

It gives businesses the opportunity to be immersed in a community, to be around other people to work and chat, generating a real sense of belonging. Home-based businesses taking up this offer will have a professional space to meet colleagues and clients. The meeting room is perfect for hosting business meetings and the breakout spaces are great for more casual catch-ups. The centre also offers a cup of coffee at no additional cost.

It is no surprise that some of the UK’s largest companies have chosen to locate here. The borough has excellent transport links and is strategically located for easy access to the whole of Hertfordshire, London, Oxford and Cambridge and the borough is within an hour of three international airports. The borough has a large and well-educated workforce and businesses can attract

Spotlight Focus

Link Drive

Inspire 60 17

and retain the people needed to make businesses thrive.

There is a wide range of facilities available from SME and start-up office space to a mix of industrial and campus facilities.

The council also has a dedicated economic development officer, who acts as a first point of contact, also offering support.

industry, including fans, ductwork, air conditioning and control systems.

The firm has a dedicated maintenance team which is on call around the clock. Its commitment to sourcing the most sustainable products on the market and being able to advise clients on site installation has led to the company working with some of the biggest names in hospitality.

As Gold holders of the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme since 2021, they are committed to the Armed Forces and have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show their support to those that protect the nation.

Spotlight Focus

Originally based in London Colney, they moved to Welwyn Garden City in 1986. They have chosen to keep Welwyn Garden City as their base even though their requirements are different from 1986. In 2013, it was necessary to move to a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility and head office but they did not consider relocating from Welwyn Garden City.

A larger space was important as the business was growing and, therefore, the volume of in-house manufacturing was increasing.

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Businesses are invited to join the Welwyn Hatfield Business Forum that provides an opportunity for locally based businesses and organisations with an interest in developing and growing the local economy to come together with the council to form a partnership that can steer future work and have areas of focus to promote the economic growth of the borough.

A prosperous community As a place to live and work, the borough of Welwyn Hatfield has much to offer. It is a prosperous community with a high standard of living, low unemployment and offers a good quality of life. The borough not only has several great schools, but also a highly regarded university and one of the leading veterinary colleges in the country. You’ll also find a fantastic range of housing, whether in or around the town centres or the stunning villages throughout the borough.

Welwyn Garden City has everything you would expect from a vibrant town centre combined with beautiful floral displays, iconic trees and award-winning parks.

Hatfield mixes history with modern living, with plenty of great entertainment on offer including a multiplex cinema, and a range of independent shops and restaurants as well as The Galleria, a designer outlet centre with more than 80 shops. The town is also home to historic gems including Hatfield House and the Eight Bells public house – where Charles Dickens is rumoured to have had a tipple or two. Regular community events are held throughout the year, including Hatfield’s weekly market and Welwyn Garden City’s annual World Food Festival in May. Founded in 1967, Chapman Ventilation is a family business that began as a general ventilation company, fitting fans in homes and industrial settings.

Today, it is a specialist ventilation contractor for the hospitality industry and has more than 50 years’ experience designing, manufacturing, installing and maintaining bespoke HVAC solutions in the restaurant

Being located in Welwyn Garden City has provided the business with great benefits, for example, excellent transport links; team members can walk to the train station and be in central London within an hour and the A1 and M25 are nearby for those driving. This makes it easy for clients and suppliers to visit the firm, as well as for the staff, who have different options for travelling to work.

Over the past decade, they have built great relationships with the local businesses and charities surrounding them and support each other wherever possible.

Chapman Ventilation adds that the “central location and fantastic community spirit” make Welwyn Garden City “a fantastic place to be”.

Hertfordshire Building Control has been based at Campus West, Welwyn Garden City since 2016.

The firm, which leads the building compliance process, checking plans, inspecting work on-site, and ensuring customers and communities benefit from good quality, safe and sustainable buildings, strategically chose Welwyn Garden City as its base due to its central location in Hertfordshire.

Being in the middle of the county has allowed the firm to establish its office space as a convenient hub for the workforce, fostering accessibility and efficient operations. Additionally, its close ties with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council as a part owner of the organisation, played a crucial role in its decision to occupy one of the council’s buildings.

Hertfordshire Building Control has brought together eight Hertfordshire local authority building control departments. This strategic move aimed to foster synergies and enhance efficiency in their operations, building a network of building inspectors across the county.

The positives of the location in Welwyn Garden City are manifold, says Hertfordshire Building Control.

They include its location on the train line to London and adjacent to the A1, robust infrastructure, good transport links, and proximity to key educational and commercial entities which contribute to a thriving and interconnected environment.

Who are we • Locally based, independent, reputable firm covering Hertfordshire • Flexible options to suit your company’s needs • Excellent customer service • High calibre, fully trained and licenced staff • Fully accredited with SIA Approved Contactor status, ISO 9001 and Safecontractor • Competitive rates

What we do • Keyholding • Unlocks / lockdowns • Alarm activation response • Mobile patrols • Reception cover • Static Guarding • Out of hours cover • Concierge role

Our client base • Accounting firms • Bio Science companies • Business Parks • Corporate offices • Higher Education colleges • Law firms • Manufacturing firms • Property Agents • Schools; primary and secondary • Universities

For a conversation to discuss your individual requirements and our bespoke solutions, call Charlie on 01707 682670 or email : Charlie@reassurancesecurityservices.co.uk Head Office: Ground Floor, Bishops Court, 17A The Broadway, Old Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 5HZ

Inspire 60 19

SPONSORED FEATURE

Film & TV Production: Supply Chain Innovation Programme

Review and Fast Forward –

2023 Hertfordshire Highlights

By Lucy Gravatt, Director of Partnerships & Communications, Hertfordshire LEP

In the latest in our series looking at how the county is working together to grow a more sustainable and inclusive economy, we look back at some of the joint successes over 2023 and what’s on the horizon.

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All The Help You Can Get business support show

BUSINESSES When it comes to starting and growing a business, Hertfordshire now ranks fourth in the UK for start-up density. According to Tech Nation 2023, there were 1,335 active early-stage and scale-up businesses in the county in 2023, up 13% from 2022.

Nurturing this entrepreneurial base and developing the innovation and skills pipeline is key to Hertfordshire’s future wealth and job creation.

Providing support at the very early stages is critical to future growth. Hertfordshire LEP’s Get Enterprising programme, delivered by

HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

Despite rising costs, the vast majority of respondents said they felt optimistic for the future of their businesses and satisfied with their lives.

Other signs for business optimism emerged for the tourism and hospitality sector which is bouncing back to near pre-COVID levels.

According to the latest economic data report by Visit Herts, by the end of 2022 the value of the county’s visitor economy had increased to over £2.2 billion – a 40% increase compared to 2021 and just behind the value of the visitor economy in 2019 which topped £2.4 billion.

Earlier this year, Visit Herts was one of the first destination management services in England to be awarded ‘Local Visitor Economy Partnership’ status in recognition of its impact to date and its key role in research, placemaking, and helping SMEs in the sector to diversify and increase resilience.

As part of the Government’s levelling up drive, Hertfordshire secured £850,000 from the UK Community Renewal Fund to widen opportunities within the creative industries supply chain and visitor economy. Over 180 businesses received either direct or indirect support via Herts Camera Action delivered by Visit Herts in partnership with University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Growth Hub.

Knebworth House, image: Visit Herts

Wenta, had, at the time of writing, supported over 730 entrepreneurs and fledgling businesses, while over 1,600 next stage companies had received support from Hertfordshire Growth Hub between April and November.

Sharing knowledge and insights, building clusters and leveraging what works across our communities are all key elements of the wider business support landscape in Hertfordshire. Two major surveys in 2023

by Hertfordshire Growth Hub and Visit Herts gave valuable insights into how the cost of living is continuing to impact households and businesses and how as a county we can plan accordingly.

Looking Forward: From April 2024, Hertfordshire’s grassroots creative industries are set to benefit from further targeted business support and access to finance thanks to £0.5m from the Government’s Create Growth Programme.

Hertfordshire’s new Inward Investment service’s website is set to launch in Spring, providing all the information potential investors, businesses looking to expand or re-locate in the county need to inform their investment decisions.

Get Enterprising programme

Hertfordshire Film Office Hertfordshire secured the second biggest market share for filming in England after London. Over £5m was spent between July and September on filming activities, despite a 55% decrease in spend compared to 2022 due to protracted Hollywood industrial action.

To support this growth, Hertfordshire Film Office (HFO) launched earlier this year to provide a coordinated gateway for productions looking to film in the county.

Since its inception, HFO has hit the ground running, generating over £4.8m of estimated local spend for Hertfordshire in the first two quarters, according to Creative UK’s economic impact calculator, and has assisted with nearly 100 production enquiries. With a new website launching in early 2024 and a dedicated team, the volume of enquiry handling is set to rapidly increase next year.

Adam Morley, Creative Sector Lead at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “The creative sector presents one of Hertfordshire’s biggest economic growth opportunities in recent years. We are accelerating the momentum by mobilising local and national partners to ensure that our workforce is equipped with the skills they need to meet industry demand, and our SMEs are supported to maximise their potential and seize new avenues for growth.”

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council and member of Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “I’m delighted to see our thriving film and screen industry back on track following industrial action. This is a significant sector for Hertfordshire, creating thousands of quality jobs and brilliant films. This year’s blockbusters ‘Barbie’ and ‘Wonka’ were made here in Leavesden, and I’m excited that Warner Bros. have since announced plans to expand its studio space creating an additional 4,000 jobs. This makes us home to one of the largest film production spaces in the country.”

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SPONSORED FEATURE

PLACES In September 2023, the Hertfordshire Growth Board launched its Development Quality Charter, which sets a new benchmark for high quality sustainable development in Hertfordshire. The built environment is responsible for about 25% of greenhouse gas emissions, so one of the best things we can do is improve the construction, heating, cooling and powering of our homes and other buildings.

The Growth Board, which is represented by all of Hertfordshire’s districts, borough and county councils, is calling on all councilowned development companies, housing associations, developers, landowners and others to sign up to the Charter and commit to achieving its pledges.

Generation Stevenage 2023

PEOPLE Hertfordshire’s residents are its biggest asset. For the county to compete on a national scale it must develop a best in class skills economy and a more inclusive workforce. A raft of initiatives have sought to widen participation by empowering residents to learn, re-train and upskill and enable employers to more easily identify and plug skills gaps.

One prime example of how the county is now working together are Skills Bootcamps.

These are designed to give adults from all walks of life the chance to improve their career prospects by removing barriers to access and providing the opportunity to build sector-specific skills. Hertfordshire LEP successfully secured £1.4m to run these flexible programmes funded by the Department for Education until April 2024.

Inspiring young minds about the career options available on their doorstep has been the mainstay of the highly successful Generation model of careers fairs which is going from strength to strength. A total of 13 Generation events have now taken place across the county since 2020, attracting over 7,300 young people and parents, with several districts already signed up for next year. Over the past 12 months Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) has nearly doubled its number of users making it even easier for residents to find out about local employment and training options.

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Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Herfordshire LEP and the brainchild behind the Generation events said: “Where job opportunities abound, it is vital that employers have this platform to connect with the next generation of talent to ensure our local residents reap the benefits.”

Looking forward: Over the coming years, Hertfordshire must radically improve the energy efficiency of its homes if it is to meets its net zero commitments.

Hertfordshire has secured a share of £5.5m of additional funding to equip local people with vital retrofit skills to meet the needs of the green sector. This will provide farreaching countywide benefits, including warmer homes and lower energy bills for the most vulnerable households; greater job prospects for local residents; and the chance for SMEs to secure new contracts and boost business growth.

Caroline Cartwright, Head of Skills at Hertfordshire LEP, said: “The drive to accelerate housing retrofit provides a rare opportunity for Hertfordshire to cultivate a thriving new sector that could boost the local economy for decades to come, and increase our contribution towards national net zero targets.”

Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board said “From building new homes and protecting green spaces to growing our economy while cutting carbon emissions, Hertfordshire is perfectly placed to lead the way on sustainable place-making.

“Consistently delivering high-quality new homes and buildings which meet the latest environmental standards is vital to achieving this ambition which is why the launch of Hertfordshire’s new Development Quality Charter is so important.

“It will set the benchmark for quality and sustainability for new developments across the county and ensure residents benefit from well-designed places to live, work and visit.”

SPONSORED FEATURE

CEO Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE and Dr Marco Delise, SBC’s Entrepreneurship & Business Development Director, with Noebe Therapeutics, cohort members in 2023.

Getting UK science to where it’s needed In this Q&A, CEO Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE, explains how SBC makes sure outstanding science gets delivered where it’s needed to improve human health.

Why was SBC initially created?

SBC was set up in 2010 to help accelerate the translation of cutting edge science to improve people’s health and the quality of their lives.

What excites you most about the future of UK Life Sciences economy?

A Q&A with Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst CEO, Dr Sally Ann Forsyth OBE

S

ince its foundation over 11 years ago, through a collaboration between GSK, Wellcome and the Government, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) has created a globally recognised cluster of life science businesses.

There are currently around 45 organisations on the site, and their focus is on the development of new medicines and treatments to help cure serious diseases such as cancer.

The UK has some of the best science in the world. What excites me is translating that research into innovations that benefit patients.

SBC is only 11 years old and is a relative newcomer, however, the campus is now established as a leading life science cluster. It is world recognised for its specialism in Cell and Gene therapy. This demonstrates that the UK is a great place to grow your company.

What is the purpose of SBC and how are you contributing to the Stevenage Life Sciences economy?

SBC’s purpose is to support companies from research through to commercialisation.

Our aim is to create that innovation supply chain that gets right to the customer, which in this case is the patient. It’s very much the commercialisation piece of the pipeline that we focus on at SBC. We want to generate greater economic return for the UK and deliver profound health benefits for patients on a global scale.

The 45 businesses here provide 1,000 jobs. Since opening in 2012, our companies have raised over £3bn in funding. Looking at levels of Venture Capital investment in biotechnology, this puts Stevenage at parity with Cambridge, Oxford and London clusters.

What do you think are the greatest challenges to the UK Life Sciences economy, and what is SBC doing to combat?

The greatest challenges are access to specialist facilities, skills and funding. SBC provides a wrap around supportive environment to make sure our businesses are in the best place to overcome these.

We offer early stage businesses six months’ rent free accommodation in our dedicated laboratory facility, the Lab Hotel. Companies on site are given free access to specialist

laboratory equipment at Cytiva Lab. Later stage organisations have access to GMP manufacturing facilities at the Cell and Gene Catapult.

In terms of developing skills, we also offer informal mentoring at SBC, with opportunities for businesses to take part in events, occupier presentations, and peer to peer learning at our CEO networking club.

SBC runs two formal training programmes for businesses; January 2024 will see us launch applications for Catalyser, our accelerator programme for start-up businesses, which is into its third year. Later, we will be launching a second accelerator programme to support more mature companies looking to scale.

At SBC we help our businesses get access to the right type of funding at the right stage of their business journey. We support applications for grants through to venture capital [VC] to initial public offering [IPO] and Exit. With four IPOs and four major Exits in recent years, we already have some experience in this area and our aim is to build on this further in the coming year.

SBC’s Catalyser open events are taking place on the 18th of January at IDEALondon and on the 23rd of January in the Moller Institute in Cambridge.

Inspire 60 23

Events programme

30/01

ARE YOU RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS OR DOES YOUR BUSINESS RUN YOU? TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2024 08:30 – 10:30

25/01

Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden

INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2024 LAUNCH

Member: £15 + VAT Non-Member: £20 + VAT

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 18:00 – 20:00 Old Palace, Hatfield House

Upcoming Events

Member: £15 + VAT Non-Member: £15 + VAT

24 Inspire 60

We invite you to join us at the Old Palace, Hatfield House for the launch of our Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2024.

Now in their 13th year, these awards are set to be the best yet.

Come along to the launch, enjoy a glass of fizz and some nibbles, meet the category sponsors, past winners and finalists, and find out more about these prestigious awards, which are designed to showcase and celebrate best practice across Hertfordshire businesses.

Join us for a breakfast workshop at Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden with business coach Martin Purvis.

For many business owners, their day-to-day presence in the business is vital to its successful operation. And, while this may work now, for business owners with ambitions to sell in the next three to seven years, being integral to your business will significantly affect your ability to scale and the value that you could achieve.

Even if you do not want to sell, do you want your workload to increase as the business grows? Smart business owners build their businesses so it works without them, which will allow them to scale and ultimately sell if that is their choice.

06/02 02/02

CSD AUTOMATION: MANIPULIFT PRODUCT LAUNCH

ENTERING IS WINNING - INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS ENTRY WORKSHOP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 ,2024

10:00 – 12:00

8:30 – 10:30

Tewinbury Farm Hotel

CSD Automation

Member: Free Non-Member: Free

Free Event We are holding a breakfast event with CSD Automation for the launch of their next generation CSD ManipuLift™ Parallel Arm range, taking place at their design and manufacturing facility in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

This event is aimed at manufacturers and warehouse/logistics companies who regularly experience the need to lift/handle/ move items around their premises.

The CSD in-house design team has developed its current parallel arm range to fulfil evolving customer requirements and make effective use of the latest innovations and materials available.

Please note, there are very limited spaces at this event, and we will only be accepting bookings from those within the manufacturing and warehouse/logistics sectors.

To book this breakfast launch event please email bookings@hertschamber.com.

We hope you are considering entering the Inspiring Herts Awards this year and if you would like some advice on where to start with your entry, come along to our FREE Entering is Winning workshop, to find out what makes a winning entry.

This workshop will cover: • Reasons for entering the Inspiring Herts Awards • Guidance on what makes a winning entry • Hints and tips with do’s and don’ts • Practical, tailored advice with your entry/entries

07/02

VIRTUAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

APPRENTICESHIP RECRUITMENT WITH UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024

11:00 – 12:00

16:00 – 18:00

Zoom

University of Hertfordshire

Member: Free Non-Member: £15 + VAT

Member: Free Non-Member: Free

Join us and enjoy the powers of networking, with the chance to meet a variety of businesspeople in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences while working remotely.

Each participant will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business.

N.B. Any non-member attending this meeting who subsequently signs up for Chamber membership within one week (i.e. by 14/02/2024) will receive a full refund of the cost of attending this webinar.

EXPORT DOCUMENTATION A PRACTICAL GUIDE

The University of Hertfordshire will be discussing its existing apprenticeship provision, exciting additions to their 24/25 portfolio, and the support the university can provide to SMEs in apprenticeship recruitment.

Celeste Jones, the Associate Director of Apprenticeships and Professional Programmes at the university, is working with local and national employers to assist them with their workforce and skills needs. She will showcase some of the existing apprenticeship programmes on offer at the university as well as some of the exciting new provision proposed for the next academic year. Following Celeste’s presentation, we will be joined for a panel/Q&A discussion with Julia McNally, Founder of Iknaia Limited, and their electronics engineer apprentice, Faisal Shaifta, where they will discuss support available to SMEs interested in recruiting an apprentice.

Come along for an afternoon of networking with refreshments.

Please note, places are strictly limited to two per organisation.

This event always sells out, so we advise you to reserve your places early.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024 9:30 – 12:30 Zoom Member: £350 + VAT Non-Member: £400 + VAT This online British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited course looks at export documents and explains why documents are needed and the key content that should be used with each specific one.

The content includes: • Why are documents required to export goods?

• Export documents for trade with the EU • Standard export documents o Invoices o Packing list o Transport documents • Essential pieces of information required on a commercial invoice • What are preference documents?

• What is the function of preference documents?

• Origin statements explained for export documents • Why would you be asked to provide a health certificate?

• What is a certificate of free sale used for?

• The difference between a non-preference origin and a preference origin • The importance of keeping a full audit trail of documents for each export

13/02

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND ENGINEERING SUMMIT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 16:00 – 18:00 IET, Stevenage Member: £20 + VAT Non-Member: £27.50 + VAT

Join us for the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Summit with FB Chain as our headline sponsor.

This summit is one of a series, designed to focus on key industries within Hertfordshire and provide a platform for sharing information, ideas and latest thinking.

Advanced engineering and manufacturing 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 numerous companies within its associated supply chain.

This year’s summit supports the work of Herts Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), for which many of our members have provided valuable input.

Upcoming Events

09/02

08/02

Inspire 60 25

15/02

FEBRUARY CHAMBER LUNCH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024

20/02

11:45 – 14:15

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Shendish Manor Hotel

08:30 – 10:30

Upcoming Events

Member: £45+ VAT Non-Member: £55 + VAT

26 Inspire 60

Our speaker will be Kieran Dent, Bank of England Agent for the South East and East Anglia, who will be discussing an off-therecord briefing on the Bank of England’s February Monetary Policy Report. His presentation will cover the outlook for the UK economy, output growth, labour market, price inflation, and the latest Monetary Policy Committee decision.

Kieran became an agent for the South East and East Anglia in 2023. Prior to joining the Bank’s Agency network, Kieran was, for many years, a senior economist within the Bank’s Monetary Analysis area, working on the Bank’s UK forecast and monetary strategy teams. Kieran joined the Bank in 2011, starting out in its financial stability area, working on the design of the Bank’s concurrent stress test of the UK banking system, and issues concerning the UK banking sector more generally.

Come along to this event for a delicious lunch, a chance to catch up with existing business contacts and use the opportunity to meet and network with new potential clients.

Please note, bookings for this event close at 3pm on Monday 5th February 2024.

27/02

GROWING AND REALISING THE VALUE OF YOUR BUSINESS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024 10:00 – 11:30 Venue: Zoom Member: Free Non-Member: £15 + VAT

Business owners will often wonder: how can I grow the value of my business and what are my options if I want to realise some or all of the value I have built up in it? Grant Thornton and VWV will deliver an interactive presentation on this topic, which will include insights on: • The state of the M&A and investment market • How businesses are typically valued (and how buyers assess businesses), and what levers can be pulled to grow the valuation of a business • What options exist for business owners to either exit completely or generate liquidity from their business – whether it is to take money off the table or provide funding for growth • What are some of the key things business owners can be doing years ahead of any such event to ensure they are best prepared and value is maximised • What are some of the wider considerations around personal/ family planning in relation to a potential sale/liquidity event The event is suitable for anyone that thinks some form of sale/ exit or liquidity event might be applicable to their business at any point over the next few years. The webinar is free for any Herts Chamber members to attend.

LEARN HOW HERTS CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS!

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Member: Free Non-Member: Free Join us on at our office in Hatfield for a complimentary networking breakfast specifically for businesses not currently Herts Chamber members, who want to learn how membership benefits can support their organisation to ‘Connect, Collaborate & Grow’. There will also be ample time for networking.

Herts Chamber members are also welcomed.

Established in 1924, the Herts Chamber is a privately run membership organisation that can open doors for local businesses and organisations of all types and size by helping them to grow their profile and connect with other businesses locally, nationally and globally.

As one of 53 British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited Chambers, Herts Chamber members can benefit from this association nationally, as well as almost 80 British Chambers of Commerce and business groups located in every continent of the world.

28/02

INHERITANCE MATTERS – NAVIGATING SUCCESSION AND INHERITANCE! WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024 08:30 – 10:30 Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club Member: Free Non-Member: Free

Join us for a breakfast event sponsored by accountants and business advisors, Azets. We will discuss managing your succession and how best to mitigate inheritance tax burdens, while maximising return on the investments you continue to hold.

Guests speakers include: Paul Attridge, Partner at Azets Paul joined Azets in April 2021 as Regional Tax Partner for the North Thames and South Midlands offices and is based in the Hertford office.

Richard Horwood, Partner and Head of Private Client, Longmores Solicitors Richard has been with Longmores since 2001, advising individuals and families about their wills, trusts and inheritance tax planning arrangements.

We will also hear from Nick Farnden, Financial Planning Director, Azets Financial Planning.

Please note: Bookings for this event are limited to two per company.

05/03

BUSINESS PROBLEM, CUSTOM SOLUTION! TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024

06/03

10:00 – 12:00

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

Knebworth Barns

11:00 – 12:00

Member: £15 + VAT Non-Member: £20 + VAT During this workshop we will hear from John Cornforth, Head of Professional Services, Tier 2 Consulting, who will give you the tools to help analyse your business problems, and the potential to solve them with a custom software solution tailored to your specific needs. You will learn how to clearly define your requirements (as ‘user-stories’); prioritise them; and take away a ‘product backlog’ for a custom software system.

With a background in Java Development, John is a Certified JBoss Application Administrator, Red Hat Technical Consultant, Analyst and Trainer.

As well as being the head of Tier 2’s professional services team, John works in the field providing technical consultancy and training on Red Hat products in the UK and Europe. These deliveries have been across a number of market sectors including banking, insurance, legal, automotive and local government.

VIRTUAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

Zoom Member: Free Non-Member: £15 + VAT Join us and enjoy the powers of networking, with the chance to meet a variety of businesspeople in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences while working remotely.

Each participant will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business.

N.B. Any non-member attending this meeting who subsequently signs up for Chamber membership within one week (i.e. by 14/03/2024) will receive a full refund of the cost of attending this webinar.

Please note, this is aimed at business professionals. (Techies welcome but no technical knowledge required to join!)

12/03 07/03

LOOKING AFTER FAMILY BUSINESS: THE NEXT GENERATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024 8:45 – 11:00 Hanbury Manor, Hawthorn Room Member: Free Non-Member: Free

Every business runs through a cycle of leadership and changes which, within a family business, can be particularly emotive.

You may have inherited your business, or started and grown your own successful enterprise, but that does not guarantee the next generation want or have the experience to take over.

Perhaps the question of selling the business has arisen.

You can never start succession planning too soon in a family business. Nor is it ever too early to work towards selling a business so you can maximise the opportunity when the time comes. Critical to either route is preparation and understanding how to implement your decision with as little stress as possible.

During this seminar we will hear from guest speaker Graham Pitts, Group Managing Director at KGK Genix, who has experienced the handing over from one generation to the next.

A panel of solicitors will also discuss how a business can be passed to the next generation, how to prepare a business for sale, and how to avoid the common pitfalls.

BENEFITS OF AN INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE – RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND DEVELOPMENT TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 8:30 – 10:30 Venue: TBC Member: £15 + VAT Non-Member : £20 + VAT

Join us for a breakfast with Step2Skills who would like to share their passion and knowledge of supporting Hertfordshire residents and employers to ensure everyone has an opportunity to reach their potential.

Step2Skills has an excellent history of supporting employers to have the confidence around employing, retaining, and developing staff who face barriers at work. They can offer skills training to your teams to enhance their careers and income, support you to become confident in working with colleagues who have health barriers and help you to reap the rewards of having a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The speakers at this event will be: Chantal Lommel, Head of Service, Step2Skills Chantal has been a teacher and manager in adult education for 18 years.

She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in assessing and teaching people with dyslexia and she is a trained therapeutic counsellor with a master’s degree as a therapist.

Jo Beazley, Project Manager, Step2Skills Jo started her career in the commercial sector of recruitment and training. After having her first child in 2001 she changed direction, worked for Hertfordshire Police and then the Intensive Family Support Team within HCC Children Services, supporting families with complex and multiple barriers.

Upcoming Events

The advanced-level training delivered by John has focused on topics such as clustering, EJB and web-tier load balancing, and in-depth messaging configuration (including bridging, load balancing, HA clustering and performance tuning).

Inspire 60 27

Women in Leadership Conference 2024 This will be our fourth annual Women in Leadership Conference, which has grown in popularity year on year, and welcomes men and women.

The conference provides an inclusive environment for delegates, where they will be informed and empowered by inspirational female leaders.

At this year’s conference there will be a focus on innovation and skills, highlighted by speakers who will relate their journey through their careers and personal lives, describing the opportunities and the challenges they have encountered, and how these have been met.

Upcoming Events

In addition to sponsorship of the conference, we have a limited number of breakout sessions and exhibition stands available, so take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to be part of this established event.

28 Inspire 60

Keynote speakers Christine Armstrong Christine Armstrong is obsessed with research into the world of work.

She writes, speaks and vlogs on what the trends and data tell us is and isn’t working.

Christine melds research and scientific evidence with her own experiences. to ensure you will be well-equipped to survive – and thrive – in the emerging workplace of today – and tomorrow.

She co-founded Jericho Chambers, an early example of flexible and hybrid work, and writes regularly for the Times and Telegraph. Recently named sixth out of the top 50 Future of Work influencers in the world, and named a top 50 workplace leader 2023 for driving cultural change, Christine is also author of ‘The Mother of All Jobs: how to have children and a career and stay sane(ish)’. The book is based on six years of interviews with working parents, employers, leadership experts and carers.

Date: Friday, March 1, 2024 Time: 9:30 to 15:45 Venue: Sopwell House, St Albans Conference programme includes: • Keynote speakers • A choice of breakout sessions • Panel discussions • An exhibition • Networking opportunities

Breakout sessions Emma Ellis, MD, Amber Mountain Marketing: Dare to raise your voice – the power of personal branding Let’s be real – women are nothing short of incredible, but we tend to just get on with being amazing and want to keep that quiet and remain humble. Self-promotion and standing out from the crowd can feel like an intimidating challenge, but why does it have to be that way?

Whether you’re striving for career advancement, looking to expand your network, or aiming to grow your business, it’s essential to put yourself out there. But how can you do it comfortably and authentically?

Join Emma from award-winning digital marketing agency Amber Mountain as she shares bite-sized, practical tools to help you define, communicate, and express your unique identity. Discover how to step outside your comfort zone, celebrate your achievements and confidently make your voice heard.

Annie Brewster

Liz Redway, MD, Redway HR:

Annie Brewster, an ex-international athlete, was unexpectedly invited to enter local politics 16 years ago. Since then, she has served at three tiers of government, been the 467th Right Worshipful Mayor of the City & District of St Albans, and the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council.

Creating a culture and structure for sustainable success

She was the Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Sport, leading on the new St Albans Museum + Gallery, three leisure centres and the Eric Morecambe Theatre, as well as being Deputy Executive Member for Public Health during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Currently, Annie, also a local magistrate, is the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in nomination, a position she will take up in April.

The Office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political Royal appointment, the origins of which date back to Saxon times.

Annie will share the successes and the struggles she has encountered as a woman in her various leading roles.

In today’s dynamic and competitive landscape, innovation is not just a buzzword but a critical driver of organisational growth and sustainability. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of fostering a culture and structure that fuels sustained innovation within your organisation.

Key takeaways: •

Discover how to design an organisational structure that empowers innovation and collaboration.

•

Navigate the complexities and power of culture change.

•

Learn how to integrate innovation into your organisation’s DNA.

•

Tools and strategies to cultivate a culture of innovation that drives your organisation’s success.

Dr Wendy Molefi, GP and menopause specialist, Vital Wellness Clinic: Embracing midlife For most women, midlife can be a time of many transitions, often accompanied by a litany of life stresses and endless responsibilities. One of those transitions is indeed the menopause and, thankfully, we are speaking more openly about the menopause these days.

The menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, and it affects us and our families in so many different ways.

Most women embrace this time of change positively, while others may struggle physically and emotionally with the changes brought about by the menopause.

Midlife can also be a time to redefine your life and to embrace this phase in your life as a new beginning. In fact, in some cultures, the menopause is described as the second spring.

This session is about empowering you with knowledge and providing practical tools on how to thrive and embrace this stage in life. This session is also an opportunity for us to normalise this conversation.

Headline sponsorship We are offering the opportunity for ONE additional company to be joint headline sponsors of this conference.

Package includes: •

Four free places at the event (equivalent to £540 + VAT).

•

The opportunity to give a 10-minute introductory presentation at the conference.

•

Your logo featured on the event webpage.

•

Your logo featured in an edition of Inspire magazine.

•

Your logo featured on all collateral regarding the event.

•

The opportunity to host your own exhibition stand during the conference.

•

The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner in the main conference hall.

•

Inclusion in the social media campaign and all marketing regarding the event.

Find your leadership voice and fulfil your potential

£3,000 + VAT

Breakout sessions

How do you get to where you want to be in your career and also ensure you nurture and protect all the things that matter to you personally and professionally?

We have ONE more breakout session available to sponsor at this event.

Join Alison and other female leaders in Viatris UK to explore reflective practice, growth mindset, building trusting relationships, and identifying key ingredients for leadership success.

•

Two free places at the event (equivalent to £270 + VAT).

•

The opportunity to deliver a 60-minute breakout session (topic to be agreed with HCoC).

This empowering session will help you proactively recognise and seek out the right support and enablers for your leadership journey as you develop your roadmap for personal and professional growth and success.

•

Your session featured on the event webpage.

•

Your session featured in an edition of Inspire magazine.

•

Opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event.

Considerations to take from this session:

Package includes:

•

Becoming a reflective practitioner – knowing yourself to lead yourself.

•

Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event.

•

Securing an internal sponsor.

•

•

Taking advantage of formal growth and development opportunities or career development programmes, building a growth mindset and getting out of your comfort zone.

Your logo and session description featured in the conference programme.

•

Securing an external mentor.

•

Participating in formalised leadership development training for behaviour and practice.

£1,500 + VAT

Exhibition stands We have ONE exhibition stand remaining.

Package includes: •

One free place at the event (equivalent to £125 + VAT).

•

Your logo and description featured in the conference programme.

•

The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event.

•

Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event.

Sponsored by:

£295 + VAT

If you are interested in taking up one of these opportunities, please contact: bookings@hertschamber.com

Upcoming Events

Alison Dixon, Commercial Leader of Pharmacy Business Unit, Viatris UK Healthcare Ltd:

Inspire 60 29

A healthier team A healthier team can take your can take your business further business further Our St Albans centre: Our St Albans Building, centre: One Abbey View Threadneedle Threadneedle One Everard Close,Building, St Albans, AL1Abbey 2PS View Everard Close, St Albans, AL1 2PS If you want to learn more about how you can support your people with services, please us you can support your people If youour want to learn morecontact about how with our services, please contact us

03308 224 253 03308 224 253 Or scan the QR code to visit our website Or scan the QR code to visit our website CLI 03223

ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEW YEAR – NEW KITCHEN

At Dobsons they understand how important your new kitchen is to you. It’s a room for the entire family to enjoy and spend time together, a focal point for entertaining as well a functional space to cook, eat and store.

Every family has a different list of desires for their perfect kitchen, therefore their designers will spend time with you finding out your individual style and how you like to use your kitchen before creating a design that is right for you.

Dobsons are experienced with working with kitchens of all shapes and sizes and understand how to overcome niches and unusual features in rooms. They also work on many extension and home renovation projects and can design from your plans and work alongside your architect and builder to ensure your kitchen is given due consideration at every stage of the project.

and their designers can even help source wallpaper, light fittings and seating for your kitchen as part of their complete interior design package.

All their installations are carried out to the highest standard, with every aspect project managed by their team to take any stress and hassle away from you, providing you with a perfect seamless finish.

Why not arrange an appointment to visit Dobsons inspirational showroom in Cheshunt to discuss your project with one of their experienced team.

dobsonshome.com 01992 623066

They can undertake every aspect of your kitchen project, including all building services

Visit our inspirational showroom and start your journey to a beautiful home

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Windows & Doors • Home Renovations 128 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, EN8 9BN

•

01992 623066

Kitchens Bathrooms Windows & Doors

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www.dobsonshome.com

Inspire 60 31

Magistrates’ Scheme

First employers sign up to Magistrates’ Employer Recognition Scheme

32 Inspire 60

The Lord Lieutenants of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire launched the Magistrates’ Employer Recognition Scheme in 2023.

The scheme, which is facilitated by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, recognises employers that support magistrates in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Luke Rigg MBE JP Last November, the first event was held to celebrate the employers now participating in the scheme. Robert Voss CBE, CStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and Luke Rigg MBE JP, Lead Diversity and Community Relations Magistrate for England and Wales, spoke to 70 employers about the importance of the scheme and the benefit to businesses. Sally Hopper, HR Director of Hertfordshire County Council, also spoke about the benefits of participating in this scheme.

through a rigorous recruitment process to sit in court and fulfil their magistrate responsibilities. In the process, they develop significant soft skills such as decision making, communications and critical thinking, which help in their personal and professional lives.

•

They show the wider community that they care about supporting a vitally important civic role

Mr Voss presented awards to the following employers:

•

They promote recruitment and retention within their organisation by encouraging their employees to be magistrates

•

Their employees who are magistrates gain important soft skills that benefit the workplace

•

Oaklands College (Bronze Supporter award)

•

GNR Solicitors (Bronze Supporter award)

•

Hertfordshire County Council (Silver Supporter award)

What are magistrates and why should employers sign up to the scheme?

Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in court and make decisions affecting criminal offenders and families.

They have no legal qualifications but go

Employers benefit in several ways by being part of the scheme:

How does the scheme work?

All employers in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire are encouraged to sign up to the scheme via the Hertfordshire Chamber website (https://www.hertschamber.com/mers).

Employers can sign up for a bronze, silver, or gold level of award. Details about the requirements for each award are included on the website.

Once an employer has signed up, their nomination will be reviewed

by Hertfordshire Chamber, then Luke Rigg MBE JP, and the decision notified via email, with a digital certificate for those who are successful.

Once an employer has signed up, their nomination will be reviewed

by Hertfordshire Chamber, then Luke Rigg MBE JP, and the decision notified via email, with a digital certificate for those who are successful.

Any further questions If you would like to discuss the scheme or ask any questions, please email Luke Rigg MBE JP, Lead Diversity and Community Relations Magistrate for England & Wales.

Luke.rigg.jp@ejudiciary.net

LEGAL EXPERTS

Failure to prepare is preparing for failure The Company Commercial team at Neves Solicitors offer five essential pieces of advice to anyone considering selling their business.

Simon Porter, Senior Associate, Company Commercial

1. Preparation and planning in good time As a business owner, you will want to maximise the value realised and minimise your tax bill.

Planning should be started as early as possible to groom the business for sale and hence maximise the valuation. Also, the business structure may need to be reorganised to ensure maximum tax efficiency (for example, if the assets include cash/profit surpluses and/ or business property). The process can take several months at least (and possibly much longer if you are not prepared!). As the mantra says, if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail!

2. Appoint your professional team It is important that you appoint a team of experienced and trusted professional advisers at an early stage. Your IFA, accountant and solicitor should be consulted on all major decisions affecting your finances and assets, including advising on the sale itself and the post-sale planning. You should also have in place a strong management team prior to the sale. The sale process will take up a lot of your time so you will need others to run the business in the interim and this is also a good selling point for the buyer.

3. Find the right buyer It can be harder than you think to find a suitable buyer for your business. You first need to consider what your future plans are (for example, retirement) and your business (for example, leaving the business in good hands

for future growth). Passing on your legacy to the right person is a key concern for most business owners. Your plans will then help to identify the type of buyer you are looking for. Examples include a trade/strategic buyer (someone who has a similar business and, by buying your business, will be able to move their business to the next stage), a financial buyer (a professional investor who is buying with a view to making a profit and may require you to continue to run the business for a period after sale) or an operational buyer (a person running an established and successful business, perhaps senior employees in your own business, who want to be their own boss and earn a decent income). You can then consider engaging a professional adviser to help you market your business and find the type of buyer you are looking for. Be careful to check their terms of business so the agreed fee structure is sufficiently incentivised (such as a success fee on sale). Your existing professional advisers (IFA, accountant and solicitor) may also be able to help in finding a buyer.

4. Get the right deal Business sales take a variety of forms and a big decision that needs to be made at the outset is whether to proceed by way of an asset sale or a share sale. In an asset sale, you sell only those assets you want to sell (or the buyer wants to buy) and you are left to deal with the liabilities that are left behind. Going down the share sale route allows you to sell your business as a whole including all assets and liabilities. There are also many different

We’re more than just legal experts.

We’re trusted advisers who take the time to really understand your issues.

Legal Solutions we provide: Company Commercial Commercial Property Dispute Resolution

Employment Law Family Law

Residential Property Will, Trusts & Probate

types of sale consideration, such as cash, deferred consideration, shares in the buying company and loan notes. There are distinct tax advantages and disadvantages to these structures, so it is critical that advice is taken before making a final decision.

5. Understand the process You are likely to sell your business only once in a lifetime and it can be a time consuming and stressful experience. It is largely a buyer-driven process and this can be managed with the support of a skilled professional team. Having a lead negotiator by your side from the start will help to manage relationships with the buyer and its advisers.

Neves Solicitors Company Commercial Team The Company Commercial team of experts have many years of experience in a broad range of company/commercial matters, ranging from company sales and acquisitions, investment, fundraising and lending agreements, corporate reorganisations, shareholder protection, employee incentives and options (including EMI options), franchise agreements, management agreements and partnership matters to assisting schools convert to academies and join multi academy trusts (MATs). Neves also assists a number of clients with wider ranging commercial documents including IT/Software licences/agreements, general commercial agreements and commercial property related documentation.

01582 715234

info@nevesllp.co.uk www.nevesllp.co.uk Neves Solicitors LLP Tollgate House, 69-71 High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2SL Inspire 60 33

Entrepreneur Foundation 34 Inspire 60

Left to right: Colin Spiller, Herts Chamber Board member, Poppy Field, sculptor, Jeremy Bishop, Chairman, Herts Chamber, with miniatures of the original sculptures.

Poppy’s creations unveiled by King Charles at historic venue Sculptor says ‘thank you’ for ongoing support from Chamber’s Entrepreneur Foundation after royal work is put in place A sculptor supported by the Chamber’s Entrepreneur Foundation has seen her latest work unveiled by King Charles at the Royal Albert Hall.

extraordinary privilege and the project of a lifetime. Seeing the sculptures come to life as I immersed myself in the project was so exciting.”

Poppy Field created sculptures of the late Queen and Prince Philip to be placed in niches on the capital’s historic venue from her studio at Grandey’s Place Heritage and Craft Centre in Green Tye, Much Hadham.

The sculptures were cast in bronze and unveiled as part of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s formal visit to the Royal Albert Hall for last year’s Festival of Remembrance in November.

The former student at The Courtauld and the Florence Academy of Art was one of the original 2020-21 cohort of the Entrepreneur Foundation.

Through the initiative, she received two years of mentoring, training and support from Chamber members, led by the Chairman Jeremy Bishop, and appreciates the ongoing guidance.

She said: “Thank you so much for continuing to support me as part of the Entrepreneur Foundation.”

As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations in 2021, the Royal Albert Hall commissioned sculptors supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, a charity dedicated to promoting excellence in British craftsmanship. Poppy spent nine months creating the two-metre sculptures.

“I am grateful to have been entrusted with this responsibility.

Sculpting Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip was an

“I was very moved to be at the sculptures’ unveiling on Armistice Day. “I grew up surrounded by anatomical illustrations, visiting patients on hospital wards to chat and take their history. Stories and bodies have always seemed intertwined to me, and I sculpt from life whenever possible. I have found that capturing that intangible thing, a kind of iconography of moments that someone else might call an essence, presence, or spirit, requires as much listening as modelling of form.”

Chamber chairman Jeremy Bishop said: “Our Entrepreneur Foundation was set up to help people just like Poppy. We are delighted to see the success she is enjoying and are proud to have played even a small part.”

Poppy sculpts commissioned works and studio pieces, combining traditional techniques with a painterly application of clay and expressive gestures to bring her sculptures to life. www.poppyfieldfineart.com / Instagram: @poppy.field

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2024 The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards (IHA) were launched in 2012 to focus on and celebrate the expertise, achievements and outstanding contribution that businesses and individuals continually make to the growth of our county.

IHA 2024 provides the opportunity to mark 100 years of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and offers an amazing chance to celebrate this, alongside recognising the fabulous successes of local businesses, large and small, throughout Hertfordshire.

The awards ceremony and gala dinner will be at the picturesque Tewinbury Farm Hotel, just outside Welwyn in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

The evening will include pre-dinner drinks, a three-course meal with wine, fabulous entertainment and, for those who enter the awards, the opportunity to discover whether they have won a trophy – either for one of the 20 categories available to enter, or one of two Special Recognition Awards chosen by the Chamber and the headline sponsors.

In recognition of the Hertfordshire Chamber Centenary, all guests are invited to partipate in a Roaring Twenties theme, by putting on their glad rags and getting into the spirit of the celebrations.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available – from award categories to branded bars or table decorations, so please contact us for further information on these chances to get involved in this glittering event.

INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2024 LAUNCH THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024 18:00 – 20:00 Old Palace, Hatfield House Member: £15 + VAT Non-Member: £15 + VAT We invite you to join us at the Old Palace, Hatfield House, for the launch of our Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2024.

Now in their 13th year, these awards are set to be the best yet.

Come along to the launch, enjoy a glass of fizz and some nibbles, meet the category sponsors, past winners and finalists, and find out more about these prestigious awards, which are designed to showcase and celebrate best practice across Hertfordshire businesses.

ENTERING IS WINNING - INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS ENTRY WORKSHOP TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 10:00 – 12:00 Tewinbury Farm Hotel Member: Free Non-Member: Free We hope you are considering entering the Inspiring Herts Awards this year and if you would like some advice on where to start with your entry, come along to our free Entering is Winning workshop, to find out what makes a winning entry.

This workshop will cover: • Reasons for entering the Inspiring Herts Awards • Guidance on what makes a winning entry • Hints and tips with do’s and don’ts • Practical, tailored advice for your entry/entries

36 Inspire 60

Headline sponsors:

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards categories: •

Apprenticeship Champion

•

Entrepreneur of the Year

•

Business of the Year East

•

Excellence in Business Diversification

•

Business of the Year North

•

Excellence in Customer Commitment

•

Business of the Year South

•

Excellence in People Development

•

Business of the Year West

•

Excellence in International Trade

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Business of the Year Small to Medium

•

Family Business of the Year

•

Business of the Year Medium to Large

•

Green Award

•

Best Use of Technology

•

Most Promising New Business

•

Community Champion

•

Property and Construction Project of the Year

•

Diversity and Inclusion Award

•

Workplace Wellbeing Award

Special Recognition Awards: •

Inspiring Business of the Year

•

Outstanding Contribution to Business

SAVE THE DATE INSPIRING HERTS AWARDS CEREMONY AND GALA DINNER THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024 18:00 – 23:30 Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Tewin, nr. Welwyn Member: £140 + VAT Non-Member: £165 + VAT

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Law firm keeps it local for brand revamp

Heart in Herts

A Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire-based law firm has collaborated with multiple local businesses to revitalise and modernise its brand identity. Taylor Walton Solicitors sought to align its corporate image with its internal culture, reflecting its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel to a diverse clientele.

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Taylor Walton Solicitors is a well-established and reputable law firm with offices in St Albans, Harpenden, and Luton.

It is known for providing a wide range of legal services to individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK. With a history dating back over 100 years, the firm has built a strong foundation of expertise and has a reputation for delivering high-quality legal advice.

The firm’s team of experienced lawyers specialise in various practice areas; their priority is to develop strong relationships, built on trust and experience. Taylor Walton is recognised for its client-centric approach, focusing on understanding clients’ goals and objectives ensuring it provides efficient and effective legal solutions.

In June 2022, the firm welcomed Emily Waddell as its new Marketing and Business Development Manager. Emily promptly identified that Taylor Walton’s branding did not accurately portray the team of seasoned and dedicated legal professionals, nor did it capture the essence of the firm itself.

Internally, Taylor Walton fosters a welcoming and friendly company culture, placing significant emphasis on the growth and development of its staff. This commitment extends beyond professional advancement to personal growth. Managing Partner Dermot Carey said, “I have been the Managing Partner for 18 years, having started as a trainee at the firm. I have witnessed many individuals evolve from trainees into fellow partners.

We take pride in creating a nurturing environment that both challenges and motivates. I am delighted that our refreshed branding accurately reflects who we are as a team and who we are to our clients.”

The rebranding initiative represented an exciting project for the firm, with the team eagerly anticipating the opportunity to

showcase their “true” identity to clients, colleagues and friends of the firm.

As the project commenced, Emily and the firm’s partners had a clear vision of the authentic Taylor Walton and recognised the importance of collaborating with local businesses on this endeavour. Emily said: “We have exceptional businesses here in our Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire business communities, and as one of the largest law firms in the region, we strongly felt it was important to us to undertake this project in partnership with other local businesses.”

The firm extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following local businesses for their invaluable contributions to the project: Indigo Tree for their website design and build; Stephanie Belton Photography for the fantastic team portraits; Midnight Blue Marketing for their strategy and brand design; as well as Claire Connold Photography and Wagada Digital.

Ongoing relationship develops from Chamber introduction A leading heating, ventilation and air conditioning company found local support when new marketing materials were needed to support attendance at prestigious hospitality events.

Chapman Ventilation, based in Welwyn Garden City, was introduced by the Chamber to Datum Creative Media to help develop fresh collateral.

Katie Neville, EA to the MD of Chapman Ventilation, said: “We sponsor several events and each year and we primarily needed a new advert for brochures. Amy Rich, our account manager at the Chamber put us in touch with Datum Creative Media and I was intrigued to find out more about them.

“I looked at their website and the examples of their work, the breadth of clients they have supported and the variety of services they provide was all very impressive.

“I got on a call to brainstorm ideas with Dan and explained that we would like the ad to showcase our work to industry peers and he shared useful tips to ensure it was eye-catching and leaves a lasting impression.

“Following a few tweaks and testing alternative images and fonts, the finished product was modern and professional.”

Chapman Ventilation was so impressed, Katie spoke to Datum again when they were looking to upgrade the company’s website.

“Datum assumed responsibility for website hosting and engaged in direct dialogue with the previous service provider to oversee the seamless transfer process. Upon migrating the site to Datum’s beta platform, a comprehensive overhaul was performed, encompassing plugin updates and a rigorous security assessment.

“Subsequently, the enhanced and fortified website was seamlessly launched without any disruption in service.”

Scott Pearce, Managing Director of Datum Creative Media, said: “We frequently assist companies in migrating their hosting services to our platform. In many instances, their current providers consist of single individuals who often face operational bottlenecks, resulting in delayed response times.”

Sky Studios Elstree: A hub of creativity and sustainability In 2019, Sky embarked on an ambitious venture—to establish a state-of-theart film and TV studio that would not only host some of the world’s most significant productions, but also provide an unparalleled experience for those working there.

Fast forward to today, and Sky Studios Elstree stands proudly as the UK’s newest film and TV studio, a 12-stage facility designed to the highest standard right in the heart of Hertfordshire.

Noel Tovey, Managing Director of Sky Studios Elstree, provided more information…

Noel, tell us a bit more about the site?

When people come on to site, they are often blown away by the sheer scale of the studio, with 12 stages ranging from 10,000 to 40,000 square feet. We also have a six-acre backlot, five office blocks, screening rooms, warehouse spaces and, not to forget, an excellent café. It really is a one-stop shop for productions.

Who have you been filming with since you’ve been here?

Since opening our doors, we’ve played host to an array of productions, with the feature film adaptation of Wicked as the inaugural project. This was a large-scale production, featuring A-list talent like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Having them here marked a milestone for the studio and really showcased how we’re a world-leading facility that can easily cater to big budget productions.

Tell us about the different jobs that the site has created?

The first roles at our studio came through our construction, which created more than 6,000 roles, of which 537 were brand new with one in four employees coming from within 10 miles of our site. Now that we’re up and running we have our core team of about 100 people, everything from client services to operations.

But the bulk of the roles at a studio come through productions using the site. Thousands of people come to site daily to work on these big-budget films, creating sets, rigging lights, designing amazing costumes. A really great example of this is Wicked which created over 2,000 roles, with nearly one third coming from the local area. It really does take an army and we’re creating a local talent pool list to share with productions so they can hire the best of Hertfordshire.

We’ve also focused on training the next generation of talent, right here in Hertfordshire, ensuring there is a pipeline of young people who can come and work with us. We’ve trained and inspired more than 1,000 young people through school visits, work experience placements and our training programmes. Plus, we’ve already welcomed 24 members of our Content Academy programme on to site for a fully paid year of experience.

Why does sustainability matter to the studio?

The commitment to sustainability lies at the heart of Sky. So, when we built Sky Studios Elstree, it was a given that this would form a major part of our plans.

We’ve achieved lots during the build, with solar panels on every rooftop, exclusive use of LED house lighting, and we have a fleet of electric vehicles for all operations. We also encourage sustainable travel to site, we invested heavily in the local Beryl bike scheme, and we have many electrical charging bays as well as an electric shuttle bus to site.

What benefits have you felt being based in Hertfordshire?

We’ve had the privilege of meeting a range of people across Hertfordshire, from people who have worked on site to charities and suppliers as well as our community board members. In total, we’ve held over 50 community events on site; recently we held a pop-up cinema where we gave away 4,000 free tickets for people to see some of the biggest hits from Sky and NBCUniversal inside one of our sound stages.

At the end of 2023 we held a Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce networking event, and it was great to see the thriving local businesses, many of whom we’ve worked with already. It’s such a massive benefit for us to be part of this community and we’re excited to work with even more people and continue to give back.

Find out more about Sky Studios Elstree at www.skystudioselstree.com

As a next step, we’ll be opening a Sky Up Academy Studios, which will welcome 10,000 young people per year for a full training day where they will get firsthand experience of a real-life film and TV studio.

Members News

Our vision for Sky Studios Elstree was to create a home for the biggest and boldest films and TV shows from across the globe. And I’m extremely proud to say that’s exactly what we’ve achieved.

As a next step, I’m really excited that we’ll be opening a Sky Up Academy Studios, which will welcome 10,000 young people per year for a full training day where they will get firsthand experience of a real-life film and TV studio.

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Rodi Restaurant Rodi Restaurant is a venture of three lifelong friends driven by their passion for fine quality food and hospitality, and their vision to create a truly family business.

Smashing a pomegranate on New Year’s Day is an ancient Greek custom that continues to this day and the more the seeds scatter on the floor, the luckier the New Year will be.

For the Welwyn restaurant owners, Rodi represents quality food, the very definition of long, happy and healthy life. Rodi has been carefully designed to take guests on a sensory journey combining authentic Greek food with elements of modern Mediterranean cuisine. The concept of the restaurant is simple: an epicurean journey through Greece, covering regional traditions with a modern twist. The meat and poultry are carefully selected from local farmers and marinated in a unique blend of Greek herbs, transforming them into delectable culinary delights. At Rodi, each wine has been carefully selected to ensure only the best quality is being poured.

Rodi is the Greek word for pomegranate, which holds a strong symbolic meaning for life, health and good luck. The pomegranate tree has been known and appreciated in ancient Greece; it is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey and Hippocrates – known as the father of modern western medicine – refers to the pomegranate’s beneficial health effects.

They are inviting visitors to come and enjoy an “unforgettable culinary experience” which embraces the welcoming spirit of Greece – approachable, original, and hard to leave.

Rodi is open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and dinner.

They also offer takeaway and delivery.

For bookings or hiring the space for private events (up to 100 guests), visit https://rodirestaurants.co.uk/

Tewinbury Farm

Venues

Originally a dairy farm, Tewinbury has been home to the Williams family since 1931, when they moved in with their herd of 50 cows.

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Who knows what they will do next?

Whether it’s creating more space for celebrations, working on a spa, or cooking

Working from home (WFH) has its benefits, such as flexibility, low cost, simplicity, and no commuting. But it also has its challenges, such as internet issues, home distractions, privacy and security concerns, business image, missed calls and deliveries, and lack of social interaction and space.

Great North Business Centre (GNBC) can help you overcome these challenges and enhance your WFH experience. GNBC offers costeffective solutions, such as: •

Registered address – use a virtual office, for all your post, with your own mailbox and let Google show a proper business address.

•

Call handling service – have your calls answered professionally in your own business name, with call details sent to you.

•

Meeting rooms – impress your clients with a formal setting and refreshments.

•

Flexible serviced offices – rent a ready-to-move-in office for short term or specific projects.

It can be lonely working for yourself, and even lonelier working from home, with the same four walls staring back at you. At GNBC, you can enjoy the charming Grade II listed buildings, extensive gardens, good parking, proximity to the railway station, bus interchange and motorways, not to mention the extensive Hatfield Park being just a minute’s stroll away.

In 1980, they sold the dairy herd to purchase some of the surrounding farmland and opened a farm shop to sell local produce. Then they decided to try a little experiment. They advertised four rooms in the family home as guest rooms for visitors – and so Tewinbury was born.

Proud of their farming roots, the Tewin grounds are still farmed and owned by members of the Williams family.

Today, Tewinbury is a much-loved meeting place; from the restaurants to the guest rooms, this is where everyone can come together and have a good time. The facilities include a live music venue, art and piano bar, the Cowshed afternoon tea, 53 bedrooms, a beautiful 17th century barn wedding venue, 12 conference suites and a private house on the Kingsbridge estate.

How to improve your WFH experience with GNBC

up foodie favourites in the new bakery, they are all-embracing and always keen to expand their home. One thing’s for sure though: sustainability is a biggie to them. They have always been conscious of their environmental impact, but they are working out their current footprint and their green policy is in place to improve this. So, no matter what exciting decisions they make at Tewinbury, they will ensure it is a sustainable one.

Clients give great feedback for the friendly and supportive team.

Others love the regular inhouse events that are held for clients, such as curry lunches, Christmas mince pies and mulled wine, or summer barbeque days.

WFH may be great for you, but GNBC can make it even better.

Get in touch for more details and to arrange a viewing.

Great North Business Centre 82 Great North Road, Hatfield AL9 5BL hello@gnbc.co.uk

Greek & Mediterranean Cuisine We pride ourselves in offering authentic Greek food using recipes handed down through generations.

We invite you to come and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience which embraces the welcoming spirit of Greece – approachable, original, and hard to leave.

We are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We also offer take away and delivery.

For bookings or hiring our space for private events (up to 100 guests) please visit our website https://rodirestaurants.co.uk/ or call us on 01438 717499.

RODI

SPECIAL OFFER for Chamber Members 15% off food from Monday-Thursday

Small or large group events catered for. Mention Herts Chamber when calling.

Offer open for bookings made by 29th February 2024

1 Church Street, Welwyn, AL6 9LN

Call 01438 717499

ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT

Simpler Recycling - changes for all businesses

New Government regulations, known as Simpler Recycling, have been introduced under the terms of the Environment Act 2021. From 31 March 2025 businesses with ten or more FTE employees will be required to have recycling systems in place. Along with your waste contractor, you will need to provide for the separate collection of dry recyclables, food waste and residual waste (rubbish). Micro businesses of less than ten FTEs have until 31 March 2027. The idea is that similar recycling opportunities are offered to everybody whether at home or work.

Requirements for dry recycling The Government has produced a list of the specific materials to be targeted for recycling: • Cartons o e.g., Tetrapak • Glass: o bottles and jars • Metal: o steel and aluminium tins, cans and aerosols o aluminium foil and food trays o metal lids o aluminium tubes • Plastic: o plastic bottles o pots, tubs and trays o plastic tubes o plastic film packaging and plastic bags (from 31 March 2027) • Paper and card: o ALL types of paper and card EXCEPT: o paper and card that contains glitter, foil or lamination o sticky paper o padded envelopes, books and wallpaper

What about food waste?

If you do not have a canteen or arrangements for staff to prepare food on the premises, it might be a simple matter of instructing staff not to dispose of any food waste at work and this might exempt you from the obligation to offer a food waste collection at all.

Requirements for food waste recycling Businesses will be obliged to procure a food waste recycling service to start no later than 31 March 2025 (except for business employing less than ten FTE employees who have until 31 March 2027).

However, note that businesses where no food waste is produced (e.g. businesses where there is no canteen and staff make their own arrangements to eat off the premises) will NOT be required to arrange for separate food waste collections.

The material to be included in the food waste collection is: •

all food intended for human consumption.

The legislation also empowers the Secretary of State for the Environment to add other materials later (as has already been done with plastic films and bags).

•

biodegradable material resulting from the processing or preparation of food, such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags and coffee grounds.

Following consultations, the Government has decided that it is not necessary for each of these material streams to be collected separately; it will be acceptable for targeted dry recyclables of all types to be collected mixed e.g. in a single container, with no mandatory requirement to separate the different dry elements.

The Government says that it will issue “additional detail in statutory guidance on what should NOT be included as part of the food waste stream” in due course.

If food waste is generated on the premises (e.g in a canteen or staff kitchen) then discuss with the appropriate contractor ways of complying with the requirement to separate food waste for recycling.

Meanwhile individuals and caterers alike can do more to reduce the amount of edible food which is thrown way, with attendant financial and environmental costs. See WasteAware’s #WorthSaving – Save Food, Save Money campaign for simple advice on reducing edible food waste.

Can the Council help me?

Your first port of call should be your current waste contractor. The waste disposal industry has been fully involved in these waste management developments and should be geared up to help customers comply with the new requirements.

If the Council is your waste contractor or if your existing waste contractor cannot comply with the new requirements, contact your local Council’s commercial waste service to discuss how you can implement waste collection arrangements in line with Simpler Recycling.

However, note that while Councils will be required to offer weekly food waste collections to households, no such requirement is placed on businesses.

What should businesses do now?

Many businesses will already have a recycling collection in place, but if you do not, or if it does not include all the above materials, get in touch with your waste collection contractor and ask about modifying your recycling arrangements to bring you into compliance with these requirements, noting the timescales.

Keep in touch

Sign up to our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme/ www.wasteaware.org.uk 4242 Inspire Inspire 60 60

@HertsWasteAware

@HertsWasteAware

Higher & Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Hertfordshire At the University of Hertfordshire, we’re passionate about providing apprenticeships as an alternative route to traditional education, with over 20 higher and degree apprenticeship programmes available.

Our team of experts work with a wide range of employers, including Chamber members, to create apprenticeship programmes that truly drive value to both the employer and the learner.

Apprenticeships are an effective way for businesses to develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce, either by upskilling existing employees or recruiting new talent.

For the learner, studying an apprenticeship is an exciting way to gain a recognised qualification whilst earning a salary and gaining relevant industry experience.

Associate Director of Apprenticeships at Herts, Celeste Jones, who leads the Apprenticeships and Professional Programmes team in the Lifelong Learning & Employment Department, says: “There are so many benefits to becoming an apprenticeship partner with the University of Hertfordshire! We can help tackle workforce development challenges, work with you to create bespoke, relevant education programmes and provide award-winning teaching.

“Rest assured that you and your business will be supported and listened to through every step of the apprenticeship process. Our team of experienced apprenticeship experts will work closely with you to assess your business needs, advise on levy transfer, compliance, and eligibility, and ensure you are truly getting the most from your investment.”

Ever since the University of Hertfordshire began delivering apprenticeships, they have taken part in the government National Apprenticeship Week initiative and this year will be no different. This week-long celebration brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that

apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

Herts will be hosting a series of celebratory events for both learners and employers, and hosting information sessions to showcase the value, benefit, and opportunity that apprenticeships bring to both employers and apprentices. Under this year’s theme, ‘Skills for Life’, we aim to bring to life how individuals can develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and employers can develop a workforce with future ready skills.

By attending one of these events, you’ll get the chance to learn about the extensive apprenticeship provision we have available at the University of Hertfordshire, find out how our team of apprenticeship experts can help you and network, connect and collaborate with peers.

For more information, visit https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/ news-and-events/events/2024/nationalapprenticeship-week

For more information on the University of Hertfordshire’s Higher and Degree Apprenticeship provision, please see https://www.herts.ac.uk/for-business/skills/apprenticeships or contact one of the team on apprenticeships@herts.ac.uk

From 4-6pm on Thursday 8 February, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Hertfordshire will be hosting an informal, free, twilight event – Apprenticeship Recruitment: How to engage with education and offer apprenticeships - in the Enterprise Hub on De Havilland Campus.

As well as showcasing their existing apprenticeship provision, the organisations will provide an update on exciting additions to their 2024/25 portfolio - including business, data and digital apprenticeships and the support the University can provide to SMEs in apprenticeship recruitment.

Places are limited, so please see the Chamber event pages for more details and to book your place as soon as possible.

Celebrate at Ware Priory ...we've got something special for you!

SCOTLAND

Weddings / Parties / Business Events and so much more...

A choice of historic, traditional and

contemporary surroundings, a range of wonderful rooms accommodating 10 to 200 guests, picturesque riverside location, beautiful gardens & superb catering.

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High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9AL Tel: 01920 460316 www.warepriory.co.uk @ware_priory

warepriory

Hertfordshire Growth Hub brings together ‘all the help you can get’ December saw the return of Hertfordshire Growth Hub’s flagship All the Help You Can Get Business Support Show with the theme Grow Yourself, Grow Your Team and Grow Your Business. The event brought together Hertfordshire SMEs and business advice services all in one place.

Aimed at those looking to start, grow or scale their business in Hertfordshire, attendees had the chance to gain actionable advice, discover opportunities and connect with the wealth of support available locally and nationally. Over 15 organisations exhibited, showcasing the publicly funded business support and advice services available in the county that can be accessed via Hertfordshire Growth Hub. Key highlights and takeaways 1. The importance of connecting with other businesses Networking with other businesses can open doors to new opportunities, provide access to resources, and help you to build a strong network of support.

Hertfordshire business owner Gemma Rabbini of Coach and Bloom, who delivered a workshop at the event said: “It’s really lonely to run your own company and you need occasions like this to come together with like-minded people to get support on things that you are struggling with, but also to get inspiration for ways that you can deal with challenges.”

2. It’s OK to ask for help Reaching out to others isn’t a sign of weakness, it is, in fact, a strength.

Sometimes seeing things from another perspective can help, as Martyn Miman of King Bee Animation based in Elstree Studios found out.

Martyn, who took part in the panel discussion at the show, and who has received business advice and support from the Growth Hub, told delegates: “I think it’s a good thing to just step out of your comfort zone and just ask for help. I think it’s tough because when you’re running your own business, you’ve got so many different hats on and it’s that kind of taking a step back and developing the ability to work on the business rather than in the business.”

3. Support from Hertfordshire Growth Hub can help your business to grow Business owners during the event panel discussion, who have benefitted from support from the Growth Hub, spoke of the impact on their business of receiving this independent and funded support.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and Chair of the LEP’s Skills & Employment Board, who opened the show, spoke about the vital role the Hertfordshire Growth Hub plays in being the central point of access to business support in the county.

“Hertfordshire Growth Hub has supported over 9,000 businesses and over 600 jobs since it was launched in 2014, with 98 per cent of those receiving high intensity support last year seeing improvements to their scale up and growth.

This is a fantastic result, especially considering the current economic climate.

I hope this event has driven home the impact that the Growth Hub can have on a business’ growth trajectory. I encourage all our SMEs to kickstart 2024 by taking advantage of the support on offer.”

Hertfordshire Growth Hub would like to thank all the businesses and partners that presented, attended and exhibited on the day.

Want to grow your business in 2024? Get in touch with Hertfordshire Growth Hub today by calling 01707 952777 or email enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com or visit www.hertsgrowthhub.com Sign up to the monthly newsletter by scanning the QR code.

Legal Property Experts

in association with Penman Sedgwick LLP

Claire Miller – Partner – Head of Property

Commercial Leases: Uninsured Risks What happens if damage is caused to a property but the landlord’s buildings insurance policy does not cover it, either due to an exclusion imposed by the insurers or because insurance for the particular risk is not available? Who is responsible for repairing this damage: the landlord or the tenant?

As ever, it will depend on the terms of the lease. However, tenants may find that the liability rests with them because the tenant’s repair covenant only excludes liability for damage by Insured Risks (as defined in the lease), and the landlord’s reinstatement obligations only apply to damage by Insured Risks - leaving the tenant to bear the responsibility (and cost) related to damage by uninsured risks. The rent suspension clause in such leases will probably also only be triggered by damage by Insured Risks, so that not only does the tenant have to carry out the necessary repair works at their own cost but there is no relief from the obligation to pay rent whilst the property cannot be occupied or used due to the damage caused by the uninsured risk.

It is now becoming increasingly common for tenants to seek to exclude such liability, so that the responsibility for uninsured damage is dealt with more fairly. How might this be addressed in the lease? The tenant should consider making the following proposals to the landlord: 1. Excluding from the tenant’s repair covenant any liability for Uninsured Risks (and including a definition of this term), as well as Insured Risks.

2. Providing for the rent suspension provisions to apply when damage is caused by an Uninsured Risk, as well as an Insured Risk.

3. Imposing an obligation on the landlord to elect within a defined period of time after the date of damage by an Uninsured Risk whether to terminate the lease or to carry out the works required to reinstate the property at the landlord’s own cost – and if the landlord does not make the required election within the required period the tenant should then be able to terminate the lease.

Whether the landlord agrees to any of these proposals will (to a large extent) depend on the relative bargaining strength of the parties.

However, it is of note that the 2020 Code for Leasing Business Premises states that leases should include provisions along the lines points 2 and 3 above. This reinforces the tenant’s argument, but the landlord would certainly want to ensure that the definition of Uninsured Risks is clearly drafted, and does not include damage caused by the tenant (or someone under the tenant’s control).

If you are looking for legal advice, we can help.

Problem Solved e: cmiller@penmansedgwick.com t: 01923 225212 www.penmansedgwick.com

5 George Street, Watford, Herts WD18 0SQ Inspire 60 45

Charity founder receives MBE for her outstanding service to vulnerable communities From Watford to Windsor Castle. Founder and CEO of Goods For Good, Rosalind Bluestone, has officially been presented with an MBE for her exceptional dedication and service to vulnerable communities across the globe.

The prestigious award was presented in October, during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, where Rosalind had the honour of being recognised by Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne.

Acknowledging exceptional commitment to vulnerable communities This well-deserved honour recognises Rosalind’s dedication and commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities across the world.

Under her visionary leadership, Goods For Good has made a profound impact on countless lives, offering essential resources, support and advocacy to those who need it most.

Members News

A global reach with local impact

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Founded on the principle of compassion and driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to basic necessities and the opportunity for a better life, Goods For Good’s mission resonates with local and international communities.

Through Rosalind’s visionary leadership, the charity has extended its reach to vulnerable groups in various corners of the world, bringing hope and tangible support to over four million vulnerable people in over 26 countries.

Advocacy and systemic change Rosalind has not only provided immediate relief but also tirelessly advocated for systemic change. Her dedication to addressing the multifaceted challenges of poverty has inspired numerous others to join in the collective effort to create a more compassionate and equitable world.

A beacon of hope The MBE award represents a shining recognition of Rosalind’s outstanding service to vulnerable communities, and how the tireless efforts of her small team have kindled a beacon of hope for those who often go unnoticed and underserved.

Dean Russell, MP for Watford, said: “We are immensely proud of Rosalind and the entire Goods For Good team for the incredible work they do. This MBE is a testament to her tireless dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable communities and the impact Goods For Good has had on countless individuals worldwide.”

A humble leader Rosalind expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasised the importance of collective efforts

Chamber members named programme leaders for European association Communications and leadership experts and members of Hertfordshire Chamber, Susan Heaton-Wright, Superstar Communicator, and Sarah Jones, Sarah Jones Coaching, have announced that they are both European Women in Leadership Programme leaders for the renowned Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA).

The HBA is a global leader in gender equity, advancing women into positions of influence and decision making and improving health equity and outcomes.

Susan said: “We are helping hundreds of emerging leaders across the region and the world take their next, or often first, steps in leadership. The HBA programmes empower leaders to hone their executive presence, personal brand and leadership skills.”

Sarah added: “We’re delighted to help develop inclusive, forward-thinking leaders for some of the world’s leading

in addressing the needs of these underserved communities. Upon receiving the MBE, she humbly said: “This recognition is not for me alone but for the entire Goods For Good team, our dedicated partners, and the communities we serve. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that, together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.”

Susan Heaton-Wright

Sarah Jones

brands in the healthcare sector, helping them grow and lead with impact.”

LeAnna J. Carey, HBA Global Ambassador Programme, Committee Chair of Advisors, said: “Both Sarah and Susan bring incredible knowledge about gender equity, culture differences and most importantly leadership. Their global impact has been tremendous.”

The HBA Global Ambassador Programmes are typically one-year long and provide support for emerging leaders by building their confidence and growing their exposure to senior leaders as they craft initiatives that have diversity, equity, and inclusion front and centre.

Susan and Sarah have already successfully launched programmes in India, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, and many other markets, which are due to wrap up next year with full graduation ceremonies.

Hertfordshire business community boosted with opening of new centre The £10m Theobalds Enterprise Centre, designed to support the economic growth of the Borough of Broxbourne, was officially opened in November.

The centre will focus on supporting existing small and medium sized enterprises and business start-ups to enable innovators and entrepreneurs to realise their business growth potential, generating high value jobs and opportunities for local people.

More than 80 invited guests attended the launch of Theobalds Enterprise Centre, which will become home to 54 businesses when it reaches capacity. Joining the event were the centre’s six existing tenants, which include CHEX, The UK Electric Vehicle Company and Vow Sports, with another two businesses due to move in at the start of the new year.

The centre is one of two Broxbourne Enterprise Centres jointly funded by Broxbourne Council and Hertfordshire LEP - the first of which being the

The Theobalds Enterprise Centre building was designed to an exceptionally high standard, with a number of environmentally sustainable features, including photovoltaic panels to help meet its energy needs, motion sensitive LED lights in communal spaces and daylight sensitive LED lights in each office to help reduce wastage. The centre has a BREEAM Very Good rating for sustainability and efficiency, and a Platinum WiredScore which indicates an exceptional standard of wired infrastructure and wireless network connectivity.

Councillor Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Council said: “I am proud of what has been achieved here. This is an amazing space and has everything a company needs to start-up or grow their business.

“I would like to thank the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership for its

support and for providing funding through the Government’s Get Building Fund to enable this project to take place.

The LEP’s continued support is helping this Council achieve its ambitious plans for a prosperous Borough.”

Tim Smith, Oxford Innovation Space Deputy Managing Director, said: “The opening of this centre is the culmination of many months of hard work and years of planning. We are delighted to be operating two centres in Broxbourne and are looking forward to managing the development of one business community across the two buildings, where local entrepreneurs can work together to pursue their ambitions.”

For more information on Broxbourne Enterprise Centres, visit https://www.broxbourneec.co.uk/

Best Next Generation Employer award for St Albans City and District Council St Albans City and District Council has been named Best Next Generation Employer at the prestigious LGC Workforce Awards.

The Council won the award for its innovative programme to recruit and retain young staff in today’s highly competitive job market.

“We felt the summer interns programme was particularly innovative and replicable.”

Growing Your Own – Bringing In and Bringing On Talent has created rewarding jobs for young people at the Council to the benefit of residents.

Amanda Foley, the Council’s Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that the hard work which has gone into our efforts to recruit talented young people has been recognised with this prestigious award.”

Jane Pearce, the Council’s People and Organisational Development Manager, and Jonathan Ellis, a National Management Graduate Trainee who has benefited from the programme, presented the entry at the finals in Birmingham.

The Council offers young people a range of apprenticeships, summer internships and graduate placements that can lead to challenging career paths.

“It is important that we bring on our own next generation of employees so we can continue to provide much needed services for our residents.

“We face a lot of competition, being so close to the capital, to persuade young people that a career in our organisation is the best way forward for them.

The internships, for example, provide practical experience of working within local government with the chance to develop skills and knowledge.

“Our programme is designed to offer them a bright future with clear career pathways, the chance to gain professional qualifications, lead work on major projects and take up well-paid positions with exciting prospects.”

Judges voted the Council as the winner out of a shortlist of six and said: “The Council has made next generation employees feel welcome and valued, providing great opportunities for development by giving them ownership over major pieces of work.

Sarah Calkin, editor of the LGC, a news service formerly known as the Local Government Chronicle, said: ”While money may be in short supply in local government, ideas, enthusiasm and commitment clearly are not.”

Members News

The centre was jointly funded by Broxbourne Borough Council and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with the LEP contributing £5m, part of which was secured from the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

Hoddesdon Enterprise Centre, which opened in 2016 and is now home to more than 40 businesses. Both centres are managed by Oxford Innovation Space.

Inspire 60 47

Welcome to our new members Adapt and Exceed Ltd Adapt and Exceed focuses on improving the quality, speed and commitment towards a future that is different.

T 07540 422913 E nigel@adaptandexceed.com W https:www.adaptandexceed.com 138 Cowper Crescent, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 3EB AKN Engineering Ltd AKN Engineering, your trusted partner in precision engineering solutions for the modern construction and site engineering landscape.

T 01279 927033 E office@aknengineering.co.uk W https://aknengineering.co.uk/ A 13 Twyford Mill, Pig Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7PA Amy North T 07975 971127 E stevenageQ0199manager@luxury-leisure.co.uk A 61 Queensway, Herts, Stevenage, Herts, Hertfordshire, SG1 1DN

New Members

Andreea Mormoloc Nacu T 07926 843864 E andreeanacu95@yahoo.com A 7-9 Town Square, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1BP

48 Inspire 60

ARISE Hatfield ARISE Hatfield provides an annual fund of money to support local initiatives and socially based activities that enhance the lives of those living in Hatfield.

T 01707 275050 E mail@almarketing.com A AL Marketing, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 5EH Barr and Associates Barr and Associates, accountants in Welwyn Garden City, providing a personalised service to local business owners and individuals.

T 01707 246640 E penny@barrandassociates.com W www.barrandassociates.com A 2nd Floor, Orion House, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, Al7 1HH DGtal-Mind Ltd DGtal-Mind is an IT outfit with a new model designed to work with BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) Communities, through a robust training programme.

T 02081 429233 E hello@dgtal-mind.com W http://www.dgtal-mind.com A 104 Westmill Court, Westmill Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2SF Emmy’s Brigadeiro Emmy’s specialises in brigadeiros, a delicious, luscious, handcrafted Brazilian treat.

T 07506 561591 E hello@emmysbrigadeiro.com W https://www.emmysbrigadeiro.com/ A 92a Town Centre, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0JW Heads Up and Freer Ltd Leadership development, executive coaching, optimise your impact and energy.

T 07843 510858 E mark@headsupandfreer.com W https://www.headsupandfreer.com/ A 8 Castle Hill Close, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1HR

Hult Ashridge Through highly relevant programmes, passionate teaching and focus on applied learning, Hult Ashbridge builds the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers want, and entrepreneurs need to thrive in today’s workplace.

T 02039 361185 W https://www.hult.edu/apprenticeships A Ashridge (Bonar Law) Memorial Trust, Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS huunuu Huunuu offers a range of inspiring products and tools that can be standalone or built into a programme supporting the wellbeing and resilience of your employees.

T 07826 541787 E hello@huunuu.com W https://www.huunuu.com/ A Homeleigh, Woodman Lane, London, E4 7QR Manor Law Family Solicitors Manor Law is a specialist family law company with offices in Hertford, Hertfordshire and the City of London.

T 07592 120482 E info@manorlaw.co.uk W https://www.manorlaw.co.uk/ A 95 Fore Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1AS Mayfair Place Ltd Mayfair Place is a content amplification platform that helps businesses increase their exposure and credibility by creating high-quality, well-researched content that can be shared across various channels, such as news websites, influential blogs and podcasts.

T 07990 795893 E info@mayfairplace.net W http://mayfairplace.co A 11 Barleycroft Green, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6JY

PerCurra Watford PerCurra helps you live your life, your way – offering home care and support to adults in the Three Rivers area.

T 02045 533146 E ssharma@percurra.com W https://www.percurra.com/percurra-watford A PerCurra Watford, Cardinal Point, Park Road, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1RE Porsche Centre Hatfield A German automobile manufacturer specialising in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans, headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany T 01707 277911 E charlotte.raven@porschehatfield.co.uk W http://www.porsche.co.uk/hatfield A 1 Hatfield Avenue, Hatfield Business Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UA Rodi Restaurant Rodi is the perfect place to enjoy fine food, great cocktails with excellent service, in comfortable atmospheric surroundings.

T 01438 717499 E rodiwelwyn@rodirestaurants.co.uk W https://rodirestaurants.co.uk/ A 1 Church Street , Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9LN Social Elements Social media marketing agency for the life science industry.

T 07803 123041 E lisa@socialelements.co.uk W https://socialelements.co.uk/ A 22 Turmore Dale, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6HS

Meridian Vehicles Solutions Meridian Vehicle Solutions offers premium vehicles on fixed or flexible contracts as part of its nationwide car leasing, offering cost effective solutions to business and personal customers.

T 03303 830346 E info@meridianvehiclesolutions.co.uk W http://www.meridianvehiclesolutions.co.uk/ A McDonald Way, Unit 21 McDonald Business Park, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7EB

Platinum Member VOW Sports Ltd All VOW Nutrition products are manufactured in the UK to the BRC Global Standard for food safety.

T 02039 981777 E simon@vowsports.co.uk W http://www.vownutrition.com A Theobalds Business Park, Innovation Place, Platinum Way, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 8YD

MJ Solution Consulting Ltd Specialises in data automation and robotic process automation (RPA), delivering quick, insightful data analysis and streamlined and automated business operations.

E mark@mjsolutionconsulting.com W https://www.mjsolutionconsulting.com A 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE

Y&C Wholesale Ltd Y&C Wholesale is a wholesale and distribution company supplying wholesale retail to schools, hotels, caterers, yachts and more.

T 02034 755252 E office@ycwholesale.co.uk W https://ycwholesale.co.uk A Riverwalk Business Park, 27-28 Riverwalk Road, Enfield, London, EN3 7QN

Platinum Member NFU Mutual Hertford and North Herts NFU Mutual combines a range of insurance products for personal and business customers with a professional, local, friendly service and where it gets to know its customers by name and not by number.

T 01920 469173 E hertford_nherts@nfumutual.co.uk W https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/agent-offices/ hertford-and-north-herts/ A The Maltings, Hyde Hall Farm, Sandon, Buntingford, SG9 0RU

YBA PPC Its Google Ads strategy and management enables other businesses to rapidly grow – to double and even triple their turnover – through the world’s most advanced advertising platform.

T 01727 298040 E Team@ybappc.co.uk W https://www.ybappc.co.uk/ A 72e High Steet, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2SP

Watford Borough Council’s tree planting scheme to blossom over town in coming months

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, planting trees together with a group of school children

As winter grips and we look forward to the return of brighter days, Watford Borough Council is embarking on another ambitious tree planting initiative that will enhance the town’s green landscape.

The project, set to begin in the coming weeks and finish by March, encompasses the planting of over 50 new trees along Watford’s streets, after locations were suggested by residents. These will not just be a source of beauty, but a testament to Watford’s commitment to a sustainable future.

In addition to the street trees, Watford’s parks will soon witness a burst of green with five new trees in Radlett Road Playing Fields, four trees in Cassiobury Park, four trees in Oxhey Park, four trees in Oxhey Green, six trees at Leavesden Green Recreation Ground, and three trees at

The council’s commitment to a greener future does not stop here. The council is exploring the possibility of planting even more trees, subject to a grant from the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescape Fund. The newly planted trees throughout the town, along with the potential for additional plantings, will contribute to the thriving and sustainable natural landscape for future generations to enjoy.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “By planting new trees along our streets and in our parks, the council is taking a significant step towards improving our environment and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

“I am committed to increasing the number of trees in Watford. Our town already has a

good tree population, with 18 per cent tree canopy cover, two per cent higher than the national average. However, if we are going to play our part in responding to the climate emergency, it’s vital we do more.”

Councillor Kennedy Rodrigues, Portfolio Holder for Parks, said: “Our goal is to create a more sustainable and beautiful Watford for current and future generations.

These new trees will not only enhance the aesthetics of our streets and parks, but also provide valuable benefits to the environment.”

The tree planting is part of the council’s objectives to plant 20,000 trees by 2026, and this aim is on target following two tree giveaways in 2022 with 10,000 in February and 4,000 in December, and in December when 9,000 trees were given away in Cassiobury Park.

For more information on the town’s tree and woodland strategy, visit www.watford.gov.uk/clean-streets/trees

Award-winning theatre group in the spotlight A St Albans theatre group has taken centre stage after receiving a King’s Award.

Herts Inclusive Theatre, which last year won the Diversity and Inclusion trophy at the Inspiring Herts Awards, was awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Director Caroline Stevens said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Herts Inclusive Theatre team.

“We’d like to thank our wonderful staff, volunteers, trustees and ambassadors for their commitment over the last 21 years.

We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our incredible community and supporters.

“Your encouragement motivates us to continue our mission of making performing arts accessible to all. Together, we are creating inclusive and enriching experiences for children, young people, and adults. Thank you for being part of our journey.”

Herts Inclusive Theatre uses the arts and wellbeing practices to build confidence, develop skills and give participants and their families memorable, enjoyable life experienced where everyone is encouraged, valued, supported and has their part to play.

Caroline Stevens, Director

The group uses activities to break down barriers around disability and encourages everyone to work together without prejudice.

It runs an extensive programme of activities across Hertfordshire.

Members News

Research published by Forest Research and Defra last year showed that trees planted outside woodlands are worth over £3.8 billion. The valuation is based on the important role they play in sequestering and storing carbon, regulating temperatures, strengthening flood resilience and reducing noise and air pollution.

Woodside Playing Fields. Additionally, hundreds of new tree saplings will be planted in Lea Farm Recreation Ground and Woodside Playing Fields.

Inspire 60 49

DKI Litehouse delivers sophisticated lighting design and solutions in commercial, industrial and domestic settings across the UK. Our focus is on the qualities of light that enable everyone to get the best out of their day, and then the best of out of their evenings too.

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50 Inspire 60

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Inspire 60 51

New

Herts Go Green & Grow

for 2024!

52 Inspire 60

HGG&G Nature Conservation Se New Chamber events for 2024 are being held in partnership with the Herts Go Green and Grow team and Home Farm Glamping, a boutique glamping site on the Aldenham Estate, Elstree.

Volunteer events offer a range of powerful benefits that demonstrate company intentions, improve staff retention, help with work wellbeing, and foster team unity.

These taster sessions will be led by Lucy Attwooll-Jones, the Estate’s gardener, who is working closely alongside habitat and conservation consultant, Rob Hopkins, on an ambitious environment management plan which was designed by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

Depending on the need, participants will be carrying out a variety of duties with Lucy, which will vary from month to month, but include: • Tree planting • Habitat creation • Fence building • Woodland management • Removing invasive species • Planting, weeding and supporting in the community garden

Sessions are being run as follows: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024 09:00 – 12:00 Or: 13:00 – 16:00 Members: £15.00 + VAT FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024 09:00 – 12:00 Or: 13:00 – 16:00 Members: £15.00 + VAT Location Home Farm Glamping Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 3AZ www.homefarmglamping.com

Following these taster sessions, there will be full volunteer days offered later in the year, providing a chance to get further involved by helping to restore biodiversity and combat climate breakdown on the Estate.

For further information and to book your place, please see the Chamber website events page.

Herts Go Green & Grow

ssions 2024

Inspire 60 53

Meet The Chamber Team 54 Inspire 60

in conversation with...

Abigail Parkins How long have you been at the Chamber?

I started working at the Chamber in October 2023 as their events manager. I have worked in the events industry for more than eight years, primarily venue based, doing every type of event out there, from conferences to weddings. Managing and planning weddings used to be my forte.

Do you have a favourite event?

So far, I have enjoyed all the events I have worked on. However, I loved managing the Christmas Chamber Lunch, specifically the performance

by Lance Corporal Richard Jones, the magician winner from Britain’s Got Talent.

When you are away from the office, what do you enjoy doing?

I love being active, whether that’s going for a dog walk with my family and friends or attending an exercise class. Last year, I started attending an aerial hoop class in Welwyn, it’s definitely harder than it looks! I also have two cats who aren’t the best of friends so they keep me occupied while I’m home.

If you could have a dinner party with three guests, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Tough question, it is hard to narrow down, but I would probably go with Sir David Attenborough. He is an absolute national treasure, I could listen to him talk all day long. Secondly, I would pick Queen Elizabeth I. I’m a huge history buff. I would love to know what it was like to rule as a woman in the 16th Century. And finally, Harry Styles. I saw him in concert in 2023 with my sister and it was the best concert I have ever been to. I would love to hear him again.

I have enjoyed all

Tell us about the best holiday you’ve ever had.

the performance

I’m going to have to pick two holidays, both for different reasons. In 2014 I decided that I needed to see a bit more of the world so I went on a solo trip to Fiji and Australia. I toured the mainland and islands of Fiji for two weeks with a group of strangers, then hopped on a plane to Australia where I volunteered at a koala and kangaroo sanctuary for six weeks.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the animals and assisted organising activities for the school trips which came to the sanctuary (this was probably the moment I realised I wanted to work in events). I would also pick my honeymoon to Mauritius. My husband and I hadn’t been abroad since 2019 and after the crazy post COVID-19 wedding season in 2022, it was pure bliss to relax on the beach with a cocktail.

by Lance Corporal

And, finally, tell us something people may not know about you.

the events I have worked on. However, I loved managing the Christmas Chamber Lunch, specifically

Richard Jones, the magician winner from Britain’s Got Talent.

I am an ex-gymnast; I used to compete nationally until the age of 14.

After that, I started coaching gymnastics after school and during the holidays. Then I received my Level 1 Women’s Artistic Coaching qualification when I was 16. After university, I returned to my local gymnasium and eventually earned my Level 2 Women’s Artistic Coaching qualification.

Mary Sykes Tell us about your time at the Chamber.

It has been my absolute pleasure to work alongside the talented and dedicated team with unimaginable passion at Herts Chamber to help so many varied businesses. We truly help ambitious organisations “connect, collaborate and grow”.

From introducing Angus Thirwell, co-founder of Hotel Chocolat (to say he is passionate about chocolate is an understatement!) at the Christmas lunch in 2014 to visiting the planet Mars at Airbus, supporting Stevenage Biocatalyst when it first opened and helping share the significant news about Sunset Studios (Hollywood!) coming to Broxbourne, my time at the Chamber has been a tremendous journey of showcasing a wide range of outstanding businesses and organisations.

What has been your proudest moment?

My best holiday?

Please do not ask me to pick just one…. a few of the several hundred highlights include: • Celebrating 10 years’ service in 2023 • Having Invest Nova Scotia (Canada) as a Herts Chamber Member for the past four-plus years (a great pleasure to introduce them face to face in Hatfield with Ocado) • Attending the celebration of the Queen’s Awards for London Examination Board 2021 • Supporting Ukrainian refugees via the Chamber network • Interviewing Kelly Smith MBE at the Women in Leadership Conference 2020 • Hosting members at the British Chamber of Commerce annual conferences where we have met so many inspirational business and political leaders over the years • Supporting Patrons, charities, members and the brilliant team

Hiking in the

Do you have a favourite event?

Himalayan

The annual Inspiring Herts Business Awards, aka ‘The Oscars of Hertfordshire’.

Mountains of

When you are away from the office, what do you enjoy doing?

Nepal where

Spending time with my UK (including furry and feathered ones) and Canadian family, enjoying the Hertfordshire countryside, photography and travel (trying to be ever more mindful of sustainable travel).

I met my future husband at 11,000 feet above sea level.

If you could have a dinner party with three guests, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Queen Elizabeth II, David Attenborough and Coco Chanel.

Tell us about the best holiday you’ve ever had.

Hiking in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal where I met my future husband at 11,000 feet above sea level.

And, finally, tell us something people may not know about you.

Ich habe in der Schweiz gearbeiten

Meet The Chamber Team

in conversation with...

Inspire 60 55

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Economic growth ‘stuck in the slow lane’, says BCC forecast Unemployment rate expected to stay higher for longer with inflation predicted to remain above two per cent target.

The UK Economy is set to remain in the slow lane, according to the latest forecast report from the British Chambers of Commerce. In its latest Quarterly Economic Forecast, the BCC marginally upgraded its 2023 and 2024 GDP forecast but lowered the outlook for 2025 as economic growth for all three years flatlines.

The report said the UK economy looks set to continue expanding until the end of 2025, but growth will remain very sluggish.

“The Government set out several pro-growth measures in the Autumn Statement, but businesses and consumers have had their fingers badly burned by the pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.

“It will take a Herculean effort to shift the dial on investment and consumer spending, against that background, and inject some much-needed vitality.”

A growth rate of 0.6 per cent in 2023 will drop to 0.4 per cent in 2024, nudging up only slightly to 0.6 per cent in 2025.

Prolonged high interest rates, trade barriers, particularly with the EU, and limits on consumer spending are all seen to feed into a low-growth climate.

The unemployment rate is also expected to stay higher for longer, hitting 4.8 per cent by the end of 2025.

Key points in the forecast include: •

2023 GDP forecast upgraded to 0.6 per cent from 0.4 per cent in previous forecast.

•

GDP growth in 2024 upgraded and 2025 downgraded from 0.3 per cent and 0.7 per cent to 0.4 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively.

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Interest rates have now peaked at 5.25 per cent but will ease only slightly in 2024 to 5 per cent, before dropping to 4.25 per cent by the end of 2025 – still well above the average for the past 10 years.

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The inflation rate has slowed to 4.6 per cent in Q4 2023, but will remain above the 2 per cent target in 2024, at 3.1 per cent, before dropping to 1.9 per cent in Q4 2025.

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Imports, exports and general government spending all declined in 2023. In real terms, government spending and business investment will contract in 2024, both by -0.8 per cent.

Imports and exports are both expected to grow slowly in 2024 (0.3 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively) and 2025 (1.1 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively). This is weak by historical standards and less than the global average.

“While it’s welcome that GDP should continue to expand there is an underlying fragility that is eroding confidence.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The UK economy is one of the most advanced and innovative in the world.

“However, the cumulative effect of three years of economic shocks ranging from Covid to Brexit, as well as policy uncertainty, have significantly weighed down on our ability to grow further.

“Steps like making full expensing permanent, and pledges to improve planning and grid connectivity can all make a difference.

“Long-term business and investor confidence can only come from a clear plan for infrastructure, skills, trade and technology.

“The BCC has long called for a longer-term plan from Government, otherwise any bump from the Autumn Statement will soon be lost.”

As the country heads towards an election, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop “a much-needed long term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow”.

BCC

Vicky Pryce, Chair of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, said: “The BCC’s latest forecast shows the UK economy has yet to find a way to break out of its current rut.

As the country heads towards an election, she said politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop “a much-needed long-term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow”.

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Flexible workspace is now on your doorstep in Harpenden.

It’s our mission to help you find the best way of working possible.

A way that reduces commuting, cuts emissions and helps you stay focused and productive. It’s why we built the world’s largest workspace network. Because we want you to enjoy a great day at work.

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Membership Benefits Benefits of the scheme also include:

Chamber members can provide their employees with a Westfield Health quality healthcare plan to help them look after their everyday health.

Best Doctors enables employees, their partners and dependent children to get an expert second medical opinion from a world-leading medical specialist after receiving diagnosis of a serious or worrying medical condition..

Westfield Rewards provides access to discounts, special offers and cashback at more than 450 leading high street/online retailers, including Sainsburys, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Boots and B&Q, as well as travel companies such as Expedia.

Alongside these benefits, Westfield Health has also enhanced its existing GP telephone consultation service DoctorLine™ by introducing a new webcam consultation service.

Policyholders can have an online face-to-face consultation with a GP at a convenient time, avoiding the need to wait days

Each day that someone is absent through sickness is a considerable cost to your company in lost productivity.

So, at just over 36p per employee, per day, the Chamber Plan effectively pays for itself.

The Plan provides eligible employees with cash benefits towards a range of routine healthcare needs, including optical, dental, chiropractic and therapy treatment.

Its Employee Assistance Programme provides a confidential 24-hour counselling and advice line for a range of medical, legal and wellbeing issues, including up to six face-to-face counselling sessions for the policyholder.

Ashbourne Insurance The Chamber is delighted to offer a range of competitively priced travel insurance benefits through its Patron member Ashbourne Insurance – an independent broker based in Hoddesdon, Herts, established for over 40 years. Herts Chamber members benefit from a 10% discount.

There is a diverse range of products available, including single-trip, annual multi-trip, backpacker, winter sports and policies for senior citizens.

Members: To claim/find out more about this benefit, please visit your profile in the Members Area.

for an appointment.

Members: To claim/find out more about this benefit, please visit your profile in the Members Area.

Membership Benefits

Westfield Health

Inspire 60 59

Long Standing Members 60 Inspire 60

Chamber’s ‘thanks’ to long-time members 1924 – the year the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce began – witnessed Ramsey McDonald becoming the UK’s first Labour Prime Minister; Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell winning gold medals at the Paris Olympics; and John Logie Baird sending the first basic TV images.

It’s fair to say a lot has happened since then, but the Chamber has remained true to its roots and continues to support the county’s businesses.

Managing Director Donna Schultz said: “Reaching our centenary is an incredible achievement and it is thanks to our wonderful members that we are still going strong.

“There have been a lot of changes at the Chamber over the years, but our desire to champion the businesses we are fortunate to have in our county has never wavered. As we look back,

Taylor Walton is an award-winning, multiservice regional law firm with offices in St Albans, Harpenden and Luton.

Our partner-led teams work with clients across the UK, including FTSE100 and FTSE350 companies, public and private sector organisations, charities and high net-worth individuals.

Since joining the Chamber in 1982, it has been a pleasure to maintain our membership as we continue to expand and advance. We highly value the networking opportunities and relationships fostered by the Chamber and its events.

Emily Waddell Marketing and Business Development Manager, Taylor Walton

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it makes me proud to see so many members who have been with the Chamber for decades.

“I have to give special mention to everyone at R W Unwin and Co who have been members for an incredible 53 years. It is testament to the success of organisations throughout the county that we have so many long-standing members and the centenary provides the perfect opportunity for us to say a huge, heartfelt ‘thank you’ for helping us reach this milestone.

“It’s important to acknowledge that whether members have been with us for five years or 50 years, we appreciate you being by our side.

“No-one knows what the coming years will bring – nobody could have predicted Covid-19 and all its implications – but the Chamber will continue to support, guide and advise members.”

R W Unwin and Co Limited Pharmaceuticals and excipients Joined: November 1971

Altro Group Plc Manufacturer and sale of safety flooring, hygienic walls and car care products Joined: November 1974

No Climb Products Limited Manufacturers of test and service equipment for automatic fire detection systems Joined: April 1975

Digitimer Limited Manufacturer of medical electronics and contract manufacturer of electromechanical assemblies Joined: June 1975

PJ Pipe and Valve Company Limited Supply and project management contractors Joined: October 1981

Agar Scientific Limited Accessories for use in electron and optical microscopy Joined: November 1981

Taylor Walton LLP Solicitors Joined: July 1982

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H T Sports Sports goods and leisurewear distributors Joined: March1983

Azets Accountants and Business Advisors Chartered accountants and business advisors Joined: November 1983

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BPH Wealth Management LLP Lifetime financial planning. IFA authorised and regulated by the FSA Joined: April 1986

Sopwell House Conferences, weddings, fitness, health and beauty, dining, accommodation Joined: January 1987

Sherrards Solicitors LLP Business lawyers Joined: March 1989

Kane International Limited Sale and manufacturer of portable electronic gas analysers Joined: January 1990

Exemplas Limited Support services to business Joined: April 1990

Otodynamics Limited Manufacturers/distributors/RandD Joined: June 1990

Hertfordshire County Council Local government Joined: March 1991

Baqus Group PLC Quantity surveyors, project managers, building surveyors Joined: September 1991

SA Law Solicitors Joined: January 1992

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Local authority Joined: April 1992

Azets is the largest regional SME accountancy and business advisory firm delivering accounting, tax, audit, business and advisory services both digitally and at your door. We’ve had a presence in Hertfordshire for over 40 years and are proud to have been members of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce since 1983.

Being part of the Chamber allows us meet, network and collaborate with local business, and be part of the wider Chambers of Commerce community.

Chamber membership will always be a fundamental part of our commitment to engage with and advise entrepreneurial businesses in Hertfordshire.

Adam Anstey FCA Partner Accounts and Business Advisory Services, Azets

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Intellectual Property Law Patent and trade mark attorneys, registered design agents Joined: November 1993

• Knebworth Barns Conference and 94 Banqueting Centre Historical venue for conferences, training, exhibitions Joined: January 1994

• Grace Foods UK Limited 94 Manufacturers and suppliers of fine and exotic foods Joined: February 1994

• WMT LLP (Williamson Morton Thornton 94 Chartered Accountants) Accountants and tax advisors working with businesses and individuals in Hertfordshire Joined: May 1994

Long Standing Members

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IA Barnes and Co Limited Quality assured low alloy welding wires Joined: January 1983

Inspire 60 61

Sarah Smits

Finance Director Ashbourne Insurance Services Limited What do you do?

The Last Word

My role in the business is to look after the finances, both incoming and outgoing; ensuring that our suppliers are paid on time; and that all accounts are reconciled, and the books balanced.

Patrons

62 Inspire 60

Who do you work for?

I am one of three directors of the business, alongside my brother and husband.

We are the business owners and very proud of the fact that we are a third-generation, family-run business which has been established for more than 40 years.

Why did you join the Chamber?

Our business model always has been and always will be about building relationships and rapport and the Chamber of Commerce provides us with a mechanism to network with like-minded and entrepreneurial businesses.

How has it helped your business network?

Without doubt, the Chamber has helped increase our profile amongst the local business community and provided us with many useful local contacts and suppliers that provide us with services and support.

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Our business model

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you can’t hope to have all the answers from day one and the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask! Also, surround yourself with like-minded businesses, suppliers and consultants.

always has been

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

be about building

Recruitment is a challenge, particularly in the current climate. Attracting the right personalities that fit with our vison and culture has become even more challenging post pandemic. We spend lots of time and energy on training and development once employed; our staff are our biggest asset.

and rapport and

and always will relationships the Chamber of

What support do you want from Government?

Commerce provides

Regulation and compliance is a challenge for any small business and any assistance that the Government could give to cut red tape would be much appreciated.

We accept that working in the financial sector we need to adhere to rules and regulations; however, applying the same criteria to a small business as you would a multi-national corporation creates an unlevel playing field.

us with a mechanism

How confident are you your business will grow in the next year?

entrepreneurial

We anticipate steady growth in 2024, particularly in the commercial department where we believe we can add value to your business insurance solution and back this up with a first-class service.

businesses.

to network with like-minded and

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