Paul Robin

Chief Executive

Hertfordshire Community Foundation

What

do you do?

We are an independent charity that distributes grants to hundreds of small charities and voluntary groups in Hertfordshire. Established more than 30 years ago, we have built up endowment funds from philanthropic individuals, families and businesses in Hertfordshire. These invested funds produce annual income for us to dispense as grants. The capital funds are never spent down, ensuring we can give grants out in perpetuity. We also distribute some funds in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council

We are proud to be the Chamber’s Charity Patron, which has helped us make numerous new contacts and build new partnerships with members.

Who

do you work for?

I technically work for a Board of Trustees. That is to whom I am answerable! But in many ways, I feel I work for the organisations we support who in turn make a positive difference to those people in our county who are facing desperate social need and hardship.

Why

did you join the Chamber?

To widen our profile and establish relationships with the business community in the county. We have been blown away by how supportive the Chamber team has been as well as how much genuine interest there has been from the members.

How has it helped your business network?

There is no doubt that the Chamber is currently thriving with new members joining every month to add to the numerous established members. However, to get the most from the Herts Chamber, I believe you need to be proactive. So we attend many of the events that are in the Chamber’s calendar and we ensure we chat to people we have not met before.

We are proud to be the Chamber’s Charity Patron, which has helped us make numerous new contacts and build new partnerships with members. Some members have started their own company fund, others give a regular monthly donation and some are running the London Marathon in support of HCF.

Thank you Donna!

What advice would you give someone starting out?

My advice is to be passionate about what you do, be open to new ideas and different opinions, focus on the positive and not exclusively on the problems and work with people who are as passionate as you about their work.

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

Dealing with the unexpected as there are always external factors that affect businesses.

What support do you want from Government?

The sector I work in would like incentives for philanthropists and more positive recognition for the thousands of amazing small charities and organisations that do such vital work with so little to improve our communities. They are heroic and we would all be so much worse off as a society without their considerable efforts.

How confident are your business will grow in the next year?

I am confident that we will gain further support from the people and businesses in Hertfordshire as most people want to make a difference to their local community. Come and talk to us!