Growth Hub/News

Ignite your Business Growth through the Building Back Better Growth Programme

THE BUILDING BACK BETTER GROWTH PROGRAMME is aimed at helping Hertfordshire SMEs to sustain their recovery and growth following the pandemic, as well as equipping them with the skills and capabilities they need to develop their sustainable practices, net-zero literacy, and digitalisation.

Much has been said in the past year about running your business in the ‘new normal’ landscape, but as businesses look to stabilise and rebuild growth the burning question now is what will the ‘next normal’ look like and how can you be ready for it in time?

Innovation, outlined as one of the three core pillars for growth in the Government’s plan for growth ‘Build Back Better’ published in May 2021, plays a crucial role in helping businesses to increase their productivity and improve their competitiveness. Simply put, innovation is all about introducing something new into your business. This might mean improving your businesses processes, developing a new product or service, or perhaps adding value to an existing product or service.

Improving business processes

Improving or just replacing existing business processes by introducing a new technology or working practice will help to increase the efficiency and productivity of your business. According to a survey conducted by CEP-CBI on technology adoption in response to the COVID-19 crisis, over 60% of businesses have adopted new digital technologies during the pandemic. The pace of technology adoption has highlighted a further challenge for businesses as the demand for digital skills increases.

Developing a new product or service

COVID-19 has changed the marketplace for many businesses as the needs and wants of customers have changed. Developing a new product or service is the lifeblood of all businesses. Investing in their development isn’t an optional extra - it is crucial to business growth and profitability.

Adding value to an existing product or service

In a competitive marketplace, adding value to an existing product or service can differentiate your business from its competitors and increase the value of your businesses brand.

Support to jump-start innovation in your business

Help is at hand from Hertfordshire Growth Hub to help businesses in the County plan for the future. The Hertfordshire Growth Hub is working in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire on the Building Back Better Growth Programme – a project funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund.

To find out more about the Building Back Better Growth Programme visit bit.ly/HGHBBBGP.

New and improved Paradise Wildlife Park

Paradise Wildlife Park is excited to announce that as of 12th February the park will reopen with some exciting changes across the whole park.

This reopening will see the grand opening of Bamboo Kitchen! An Asian cuisine restaurant right in the heart of the Land of the Tigers.

Visitors will be able to come eye to eye with Amur tigers; the largest tiger species in the world whilst enjoying a selection of asian street food including noodle and rice dishes. The floor to ceiling glass providing a 180 degree view across the habitat will be a dining experience you are not going to want to miss out on. With no need to book to eat at Bamboo Kitchen this up close encounter is available to all! The whole team at Paradise, including all the animals and dinosaurs are excited to welcome everyone back! Since the Park has been closed there has been a vast amount of changes across the site including updates to the driveway and entrance, addition of vibrant colours as well as, new and improved areas. Lynn Whitnall the CEO of Paradise states ‘the team are brimming with excitement to welcome everyone back and to see the reactions to the fun changes we have made across the site, as we continue to make Paradise a place for families to make wonderful memories with a roarsome twist!’. Exciting new additions including Sun Bear Heights, Jaguar Jungle, Otter Rocks and new Dinosaurs are expected to arrive later this year. Paradise Wildlife Park continues to evolve and develop and be a place for all the family to enjoy. From the variety of animals in the World of Animals to the life size animatronic dinosaurs in the World of Dinosaurs. There is something for everyone.

Strength in numbers

Female leaders are a business asset

The accounting profession has stereotypical characteristics which often are perceived as

‘male’. But now, the working landscape is changing.

n Faye Thompson

Head of Cloud Accounting at Wilder Coe Chartered Accountants -----------------------------------------------------------

Faye Thompson has seen a shift in attitudes during her 14-year career journey to Head of Cloud Accounting and is delighted to be part of a company that proactively supports females in management roles.

“We now proudly have three women at Partner-level at Wilder Coe. I am currently involved in the Partnership Development Programme alongside two other female managers. Across all departments, we have women in management roles and, this shift has been an asset to Wilder Coe’s growth. Although there are challenges, women must realise their potential for success. Male dominance may still arise in the workplace. However, women bring different skills and perspectives that have a positive impact an organisations bottom line. You often feel that your workload can overtake your life and leave little time for anything else. However, the pandemic has taught us that a healthy work-life balance is possible. Having a female support network as you work up through the ranks is integral to understanding you can have a family and a career. One does not dominate the other. Seeing successful women partners and managers will help the future generation know they can do it all.”

Wilder Coe Chartered Accountants are here to help with your business advisory and outsourcing requirements. Arrange a free initial consultation with Faye and the team to discuss your individual needs on 01438 758 100.

www.wildercoe.co.uk

Wilder Coe Ltd Business and Technology Centre Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX