Inspire May 2022 by Benham Publishing Limited

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

May - June 2022

INSIDE p16

Area Focus

Diversity is key to business success in North Herts

p28

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022 Finalists revealed

p42

Chamber News Grant Shapps praises Herts Chamber leader during special visit

p60

Hertfordshire Global Chamber Export team continues to help companies export goods worldwide

Herts firms join the digital revolution p4

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WELCOME & CONTENTS

Herts firms show resilience as costs soar Our next Chamber lunch will take place at the County Showground in Redbourn on May 26. We’re also looking forward to attending the County Show that weekend and hosting a marquee for the eagerly awaited Entrepreneurs Challenge, which aims to nurture, develop and celebrate some of the finest talent in our county.

Briege Leahy

Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce In addition, there’s pressure on businesses to do their bit for the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Although this is necessary, it has in some cases brought an extra cost burden for business owners, but we’re working with companies to help them achieve net zero in the most efficient, cost-effective way.

WELCOME to the latest edition of Inspire.

t has been a challenging time for the Hertfordshire business community as the country grapples with a cost of living crisis.

Higher energy bills fuelled by the humanitarian conflict in Ukraine, an increase in the cost of materials, the hike in national insurance and Brexitrelated supply chain disruption have all made life much more difficult for businesses ahead of the Queen’s jubilee celebrations.

In such a challenging trading environment, it’s important to recognise the achievements of local firms. That’s what we’ll be doing at Warner Bros. Studios on June 9, when the winners of this year’s Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards will be announced. The finalists have now been chosen – see the full list on pages 28 and 29 – and there are plenty of worthy candidates for an award.

We’re also helping many of our businesses to establish new connections through our events, and encouraging them to trade with each other via our successful Let’s Keep the Heart in Herts Campaign.

Best of luck to all of the finalists and we look forward to celebrating the Oscars of Hertfordshire on June 9!

While many of our businesses are motoring ahead in the fast lane, Herts Chamber has also been on the move. We were delighted to host Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary and Conservative MP for Welwyn Hatfield, in March, and Stephen McPartland, Conservative MP for Stevenage in April at our office in Hatfield Park. However, although we may have a different address now, our commitment to supporting local businesses remains undimmed.

Briege Leahy

Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Contents Digital Transformation Patron Focus

4-9 11 & 13

Inspirational Leader

Area Focus

16-19

Chamber Events

24-27

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards

28-31

Entrepreneur Foundation

34-35

Apprenticeships and Skills Regeneration

Chamber News

Economy

Members News Growth Hub

New Members

48-50

Members News

51-53

Long Standing Members 54-55

Magistrates Support Scheme

Skills and Development

Keeping the Heart in Hertfordshire

38-39

Hertfordshire Global

Tourism & Hospitality

40-41

Last Word

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

45-46

60-61

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

62 Published May 2022 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 01707 502180 Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Disclaimer Inspire is published for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Inspire are not necessarily those of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. ©2022 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

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

Media No. 1876

INSPIRE

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Herts firms join the digital revolution

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. It’s a phrase that’s synonymous with today’s rapidly changing business world, but what does it really mean? Essentially, it can be defined loosely as the adoption of digital technology within all areas of a business. This can open up all sorts of opportunities, from capitalising on emerging consumer behaviours to gain more revenue, to streamlining business processes to make them more efficient.

n some industries, digital transformation has been happening for years. Many retailers, for example, have integrated an e-commerce site within their operations to capitalise on the growing popularity of online purchases.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many people ditch the office and work from home, has fast-tracked this transformation. In its report entitled “COVID-19 and E-Commerce: A Global Review”, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) states that the share of e-commerce in total retail sales in the UK rose from 20.3% to 31.3%. Meanwhile, the Workforce Institute at UKG found that the pandemic propelled 87% of the UK workforce into new ways of working underpinned by digital technology. 86% of those surveyed appreciated the advantages that digital initiatives bring to work processes.

INSPIRE

In Hertfordshire, many companies are reaping the benefits of adopting digital technology and integrating it within their businesses. Boston has been providing cutting-edge technology since 1992 to deliver high-performance, server and storage solutions to customers around the globe. Manoj Nayee, Managing Director of Boston, says: “The digital revolution affects all aspects of our business. It’s an ongoing process and involves adopting, developing, and adapting applications that can automate routine tasks by utilising emerging technologies or applying new techniques.”

“For example, we implemented SAP B1 to automate aspects of our business, from products on our website through to order processing and stock control, followed by financial accounting. Via the customer-centric portal we developed, our business partners can view stock, get pricing, download invoices, and report issues through a ticketing system. We can track all aspects of client interaction with us in real-time, resulting in a paperless system. Not only has this led to greater business and operational efficiency and a reduction of costs and manual processes, but, critically, it is also lowering our CO2 footprint.” “Equally, our system teams now take advantage of smart tablets, to update system status as products move through each phase of assembly, and quality control. This way, we ensure the highest level of quality by allocating the right engineering resources at the right stage. It has dramatically improved the customer experience with the finished product and has benefitted our business with higher throughput too.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The digital revolution affects all aspects of our business. It’s an ongoing process and involves adopting, developing, and adapting applications that can automate routine tasks by utilising emerging technologies or applying new techniques. “These are simple, yet powerful examples and we have lots of similar cases where applications coupled with technology have made us more accurate and efficient in our day-to-day operations.” Like all UK businesses, Boston has had some difficulty in recruiting skilled people who can deliver new and emerging technologies to customers. “There have been numerous stories about the digital revolution and the negative impact of technologies such as AI. The real risk that we see is falling further behind because of a continued lack of upskilling and reskilling of talent.”

“Indeed, the skills shortage here in the UK remains one of our biggest challenges,” says Manoj. “We have the hardware technology from our server supplier, Supermicro, and we have the software, but currently lack the resources to utilise the combination as quickly as we’d like. For example, we want to replace our physical pass-based system that allows people to gain access to certain parts of the building with one that uses multi-factor human detection and recognition instead. We’re working on this as a proof of concept in our lab, but other priorities and a lack of resource means that we’ve yet to adopt this to use ourselves.” “Looking ahead, it’s fascinating to imagine what the impact of the AI-driven digital revolution will be. We could see greater adoption of shops with automatic re-stocking indicators, allowing a more just-in-time approach to stores and reducing waste, offering considerable benefits both to bottom lines and to the planet. People being charged automatically for what they take from stores would also create a significantly better customer experience.” “Businesses like ours could take orders on the website, process it, and then automatic systems could pick the stock and ship the goods in autonomous vehicles. Equally, technology companies like ours can deliver much of this infrastructure and service, whether it’s an internet of things (IOT) device at the edge, close to the consumer, or

an AI system housed in a datacentre. We sell all of this today but currently it’s generally only large organisations that have the funds, skilled resources, and know-how to adopt it. There is a pressing need for a unified UK strategy to cover all of the logical attributes of computing and accelerated computing, so we can bridge the gap between education and the application of new technology, and ensure that it is IntelligentlyApplied™.” IntelliQA is another Herts company that’s driving digital transformation for world-leading clients. The company is an award-winning IT consultancy that focuses on improving IT delivery for retailers using advanced test automation and robotics. There have been some challenges, however, as CEO Paul Kaye explains. “Transformation is constricted by the weakest link”, he says. “For key retailers, point-of-sale providers and payment acquirers, the bottleneck is commonly the test function within IT. Imagine how many tests a retailer needs to perform to be able to take your payment.” Cont. >>>

INSPIRE

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

“Historically, this testing was performed offshore, with logistical challenges and delays. Our technology and approach have liberated our clients in the US, UK, Europe and India, enabling them to complete within hours testing that previously took weeks. They can deliver point-of-sale solutions at pace, meaning they can deliver the IT that transforms the business faster.” “We’re proud to help leading retailers in Hertfordshire. Most of our clients are in the US and the pandemic has meant that remote working has become the norm. Our robotics-based solutions can aid remote, secure working. We’ve learnt how to deliver our services remotely, including high-quality training material and remote assistance.” While Paul believes that some people will inevitably lose their jobs in an increasingly automated world, in some cases automation has freed people to perform more fulfilling roles. He says: “We believe that IntelliQA and our pioneering clients have defined a new normal for point-of-sale testing, with advanced test automation, robotics and specialist payment testing equipment. Our second consecutive European Test Award win was for automating pay-at-pump testing.”

Andrew Elia

INSPIRE

“We’re looking to continue to lead these fields with the support of the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. We cherish these relationships.” Web and software development agency Arishi has also used technology to evolve its business. Established since 2002, the company has been at the forefront of the digital revolution for the last 20 years. Andrew Elia, Managing Director of Arishi, says: “Through various dotcom bubbles, passing technology trends and ones that have stuck around, we’ve seen it all! For example, before most people had even heard of augmented reality, we were the first to deliver this technology in the UK back in 2008 – for Paramount when they launched Transformers II and for Hugo Boss in their store in Sloane Square. We built connected mobile games in 2005 when phones were a lot more basic than they are now, and mobile maps in 2003.”

“We regularly have to strike the balance between being innovative in an evolving area while being relevant to our clients and delivering technology that’s useful to them rather than just for the sake of it. When we deliver artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for clients, it’s through an understanding of how businesses need that degree of automation to scale and how to apply it efficiently to achieve the desired outcome. It’s not about shoehorning technology into a business to tick boxes.” “The technology sector is all about adapt-or-die. While we have the foundation of tried and tested technology at our core, the application of it and our ability to innovate around it is what keeps evolving. We can’t afford to be the company that just does the same thing all the time because we’d be nudged out of existence within a couple of years. Fundamentally, we’re still doing the same thing we did when we started, but the technologies and processes we use have evolved and improved.”

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Andrew believes that the digital revolution has provided opportunities for companies to learn, improve their operations and add value to their clients’ businesses. “It has kept us on our toes and this agility is something that clients greatly value because we can give them a lift in the process. The only challenge we have is that when technology evolves in so many different directions, we have to use our experience to ensure we make the right choices with methodologies or systems. To date, we have a pretty good track record of backing the right technology and so far we’ve managed to avoid the Betamax moments!” “The trick is to ensure that you remain innovative while delivering long-term value for the client. Technology will evolve and as long as that core belief remains unchanged, you can keep up with the revolution. The form that this new technology takes varies in application from business to business so it isn’t always going to be relevant to everyone.”

Fundamentally, we’re still doing the same thing we did when we started, but the technologies and processes we use have evolved and improved. “For example, we deliver virtual reality technologies that are useful for training, education and in some cases collaboration and we saw a surge in interest during the lockdowns. However, it’s not for everyone. Likewise, not everyone needs AI or mobile apps. It’s about keeping an ear to the ground for something that’s relevant to your business and finding an expert to help determine if it’s relevant and beneficial for you.” Cont. >>>

The trick is to ensure that you remain innovative while delivering long-term value for the client. Technology will evolve and as long as that core belief remains unchanged, you can keep up with the revolution. INSPIRE

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

The use and adoption of technology increased exponentially in lockdown. On the one hand, this was practical; people found themselves working from home and needed technology that previously they only had in the office. Imagination Technologies is adept at sniffing out new opportunities to capitalise on the digital revolution. The private equity-backed company has more than 25 years’ experience of designing and licensing IP processor solutions and specialist knowledge of the latest automotive, consumer, computing, desktop/cloud and mobile challenges. David Harold, Chief Marketing Officer at Imagination Technologies, says: “We get a royalty when people use our chips, which are contained in everything from televisions to cars. Our technology is integrated into around 11 billion products – more than the world’s population – and we export them around the world.” “The use and adoption of technology increased exponentially in lockdown. On the one hand, this was practical; people found themselves working from home and needed technology that previously they only had in the office. Many people also needed technology to entertain themselves through those long lockdown months – games consoles, for example, or tech platforms to communicate with friends and family.”

INSPIRE

Imagination’s own digital transformation has been very pronounced in the last couple of years, with the company delivering products and supporting more customers online. “At the start of lockdown, we closed our HQ in King’s Langley and redesigned it,” says David. “We created a hot-desk environment so everyone could work wherever they wanted in the office, with small booths for breakout meetings. Hybrid working is the future for us and

David Harold

for many other firms. In my view, it’s not just a digital transformation, it’s a lifestyle transformation. For that reason, I don’t expect a massive reversal in these trends. Many of our large corporate clients have only 30 to 50% of their workforce in the office at any one time.” Imagination is a global company with strong local roots. It employs 850 staff, 600 of whom are based at the company’s site in King’s Langley, and annual turnover is around $150 million. Around one billion goods that contain Imagination’s products are shipped around the world each year. They can be found in more than 300 car models as well as Android and iOS mobile phones and digital signage. “The AI revolution has barely begun,” says David. “Alexa was just the start of it. We’re in a good place to capitalise on future opportunities presented by AI. For example, we’re at the cutting edge of neural network acceleration – decision-making information that’s assimilated in real time so action can be taken instantaneously. In practical terms, this involves AI applications where the user needs an instant response; if a car

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

needs to break very quickly, for instance. Technology is here to stay and will only become more prevalent in our lives.” Realm Partners would agree with that sentiment, having helped many public and private-sector clients navigate through some of the most challenging healthcare, clinical systems and IT transformations during the past two decades. The company’s consultancy and HR services provide real-world solutions to everyday challenges within a wide array of industries. Keith Mizon, Director of Realm Partners, says: “We’re fortunate to work in the world of digital transformation. The digital world moves so quickly so the worst thing you can do is to stand still. I started this business many years ago and we’ve evolved and adapted as new technologies have emerged.” “We’ve defined a digital strategy that will take us forward for the next three to five years. We’re looking at specialist areas, such as data analytics and cyber essentials, and we’ll outsource work to

experts who can help our clients in these areas.” “The automation of business processes is not about cutting corners to make things easier at the expense of quality. Automation can improve access to information and make business systems much slicker and more efficient; it certainly has in our business.” “COVID has probably fast-tracked the digital transformation seven years in the space of two. One of the challenges we have is to meet customers’ rising expectations. We’re trying to keep pace with the change of technology and the speed at which people expect us to respond to queries.” Unlike many businesses, Realm has managed to flourish in the pandemic. Since December 2020 the company has more than tripled staff numbers and almost doubled turnover to £680,000. Now Realm is seeking to introduce new services to help clients grapple with real-world issues such as delivering healthcare to an ageing population.

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“We’re looking at new services that incorporate AI and other technologies,” says Keith. “Going forwards, the retention of existing staff and recruitment of new staff will be a challenge but I’m hoping that the education sector can provide a pipeline of talent for our industry. We already have good links to education providers in the county, including the University of Hertfordshire, local colleges, schools and apprenticeship providers. We also have a great relationship with Hertfordshire Chamber.”

Automation can improve access to information and make business systems much slicker and more efficient.

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INSPIRE

ONE-STOP-STUDIO L ucie Scholey founded Launch Studio in 2017, after noticing a gap in the creative market. She realised that a lot of clients would work with multiple agencies for the different design disciplines they required – one agency would be working on their website, another on their print collateral and another creating social content, for example. Aligning everyone and ensuring communication was managed became a full time job in itself. Wouldn’t it be great if there was one agency that provided an end-to-end design service? One studio who you could contact regardless of the resource you needed and know they would get the job done – to a very high standard, but who would also work efficiently, to a quick-as-you-like deadline. Since 2017, Launch Studio has worked with many innovative and prestigious clients, from small businesses and disruptive startups to large, well known global brands... and everything in between. A three person start up? Yes. A local 30 person business striving to be the best? Yes. A multi-million pound events company running events on a global scale? Yes, them too.

thisiscae.com 10

INSPIRE

All of Launch’s clients get treated the same – respect, efficiency, investment, time allocation, and above all, quality. The main way Launch helps clients is through digitally transforming their business. This can mean a number of things; evolving a brand to be more web-friendly, creating social content and boosting their online presence, designing digital documentation, or creating a website that is responsive and works on all devices. One client Launch has had the pleasure of working with is the Herts Chamber. Their website only worked on a desktopsized screen, was incredibly hard for the team to update and didn’t reflect the values or direction the Chamber was heading in. Launch worked super closely with the team to understand these pains (and many more!) to ensure the response to the brief covered all bases. The team were thrilled with the result, and said “we are very grateful to have been able to bring the Chamber into the 21st Century with your help!” A true digital transformation! Launch provides exceptional design services across an extensive set of creative disciplines to ensure consistency across your visual identity and coherent brand portrayal. Launch is professional, highly qualified and trusted by clients of all sizes, worldwide.

Looking for a one-stop-studio to support your business? Get in touch today:

lucie@launch-studio.co.uk

PATRON FOCUS

KMG’s upgrade to Patron status strengthens Chamber ties Based in the scenic Hertfordshire village of Abbots Langley, KMG Partnership is a design practice that offers consultancy services in architecture and structural and civil engineering.

ith extensive experience in multiple sectors – including infrastructure and rail, leisure and media, distribution, commercial, retail and residential – the company has specialist expertise in industrial architecture and structural engineering, particularly in online retail warehousing, temperaturecontrolled storage and distribution and data-management centres. Margarita Germanos, KMG’s Managing Director, explains why the company decided to become a Patron of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce… She says: “The decision to become a Patron was very much driven by the desire to be an active member of the Chamber and to get to know other Patrons. Our initial Platinum Membership provided us with the right setting to explore and connect with local businesses. We believe that there’s more to be done and we hope to exert a positive influence while strengthening and reinforcing the collaborative approach established by the Chamber.

We’re also very impressed with the Chamber’s progress and tireless efforts to grow its membership and energise the business environment in Hertfordshire.”

“Our main objective is to grow our connections with like-minded businesses and forge stronger collaborative approaches to expand and grow our portfolio. We believe that the Chamber will provide the right platform for our business to expand its size and reach. Hertfordshire is a thriving and evergrowing county, both in terms of its population and business activities, and we’re confident that as a Chamber Patron we’ll be well placed to serve and reach out to existing members and businesses.” “KMG Partnership is a multi-disciplinary consultancy offering a wide range of engineering and architectural services. We’re part of the RSK Group and our family of companies form one of the largest sustainability organisations in the UK. We draw on our expertise to support the Chamber with a shared vision for an equal and just, sustainable society. We also like to reach out to the Hertfordshire business community to share initiatives in support of the Chamber’s activities.” “We started our membership with the Chamber in 2021, initially as a Platinum Member, before upgrading to Patron status to further strengthen our relationship. We’re delighted with the professional support and open friendly interactions we have with the Chamber’s leadership team. We truly feel part of a large family and as a Patron we hope to continue to develop closer and more meaningful relationships through the Chamber’s diverse and growing network.”

Margarita Germanos

Our main objective is to grow our connections with like-minded businesses and forge stronger collaborative approaches to expand and grow our portfolio. We believe that the Chamber will provide the right platform for our business to expand its size and reach. INSPIRE

LEGAL MATTERS

Q Do I need a

How family businesses can avoid family feuds FAMILY BUSINESSES can be challenging to manage as the boundaries between personal

Q What issues should we cover in

become blurred. Michael Budd, Commercial, explains that having

•

the right approach to running a

• •

family business can reduce the

•

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

Most family businesses have unwritten rules about how things are done. Sometimes they are communicated and understood by all. However, often these expectations are unspoken, and people may not know where discrepancies lie until issues arise. This can sometimes result in the interests of a family member not being aligned with the interests of the business. Examples of this can often be seen in situations involving the breakdown of a relationship, divorce, incapacity, and death. Therefore, as with any private company, it may be wise to have a shareholders’ agreement. With a shareholders’ agreement, family members are allowed to establish the ground rules for how the business will be run and to ensure all family members are on the same page. The risk of dispute can also be minimised as the process of preparing the agreement allows family members to brainstorm together and talk over major issues and agree on how they will be approached.

and professional relationships Partner and Head of Company

shareholders’ agreement?

• • •

a shareholders’ agreement for a family-owned business?

A shareholders’ agreement is a bespoke document that can cater to the needs and beliefs of each party. For a family-owned business, family members should consider the following issues to be covered in a shareholders’ agreement: How directors are appointed and how the board will take decisions Dispute resolution procedures How the business will be financed and how profits will be distribute Rules on transferring shares, including what happens when a shareholder dies or when divorce happens between the shareholders Rules on employment of family members Rules restricting shareholders from competing with the business Rules protecting confidential information.

Q Do I need to amend my company’s

articles of association?

Depending on your circumstances, you may wish to amend the company’s articles to suit your needs and circumstances. If you wish to prevent disputes such as when shareholders have a disagreement, you may want to amend the company’s articles by adding appropriate dispute resolution procedures or mediation procedures.

Q How do I bring in outside

investment but still retain control of a family business?

To retain control of your business, you need to control decisions taken at shareholder meetings and decisions taken at board meetings of the company. Generally, this means that you need to own more than 50% of the shares and/or voting rights of the company. However, you may have to accept limitations on your control in order to attract outside

investors.

Q How do I prevent family

shareholders transferring shares? Restrictions on the transfer of shares can be included in a shareholders’ agreement or the articles of association. For example, share transfers might require the approval of the board, or existing shareholders might have the right of first refusal on any shares being offered by another shareholder.

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Historic Hatfield Park

PATRON FOCUS

cements strong ties with Chamber

Anthony Downs, Estate Director at Gascoyne Estates-owned Hatfield Park, explains why the Hertfordshire tourist attraction is the perfect getaway for business professionals…

Why did Hatfield Park decide to become a Chamber Patron? Hatfield Park and the Chamber have a longestablished relationship including previous joint working and collaboration on the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Charrette series. Now that the Chamber has located its home within Old Hatfield, Patronage was a natural evolution and we look forward to working on further joint initiatives in the future.

What sort of benefits do you expect to gain from this arrangement? Hatfield Park is rooted in Hertfordshire, both in terms of its history and geography. Whilst our history and principles remain important, we take a long-term approach to business and much of our time is focused on planning for the decades ahead. Opportunities to share our ideas and thinking, to network and work collaboratively with a broad spectrum of businesses that are represented by the Chamber, will assist Gascoyne in ensuring we remain outward-focused and in touch with latest thinking.

What benefits will Hatfield Park bring to other Chamber members? Whether we can provide a future home for member businesses, a high-quality location for work, conferences and training, or simply a calm setting, a backdrop to meet, or a rare opportunity to slow down and think, we look forward to meeting more of the Chamber’s members and exploring how we might help or do business. Hatfield Park and Old Hatfield is a growing business hub with excellent transport links. When Old Hatfield is placed alongside the historic setting of Hatfield Park, we believe it’s an unrivalled setting for business.

Can you describe your relationship with the Chamber? What’s the organisation like to work with? The Chamber has proved to be an increasingly effective organisation and voice for Hertfordshire businesses. Above all, it has proven to be a friendly, worthy advocate and enthusiastic partner in previous (and, we hope, future) ventures.

Whilst our history and principles remain important, we take a long-term approach to business and much of our time is focused on planning for the decades ahead. INSPIRE

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

Bourne’s success relies on people power An experienced professional with a proven track record in HR, change management, customer experience and operations, Lou Thomas knows what it takes to be a successful business leader.

ou is currently the People Director at Bourne Leisure Group, with particular responsibility for the group’s well-known UK holiday brand, Haven. It’s a busy time for Lou and for Bourne, which also owns Warner Leisure Hotels and Butlin’s Resorts, as the relaxation of COVID restrictions leads to a rise in the number of people taking a well-earned break in the UK. Preparations are already underway for a busy summer this year, with Lou recruiting talented staff who can create memorable holiday experiences for families across the country. She’s also keen to develop the careers of those already at Bourne and inspire the next generation of great business leaders. “You need really good communication skills to be a good leader,” Lou says. “Everyone needs to know what their role is and how they contribute to the goals of the business. At Bourne we encourage people to develop their skills and attributes.” “It’s important to have a clear vision and strategy, and to be consistent in the implementation of that strategy. People need to feel aligned and excited about where the business is going and what their role is on that journey.” “Everyone in our business is a valued team member. Culture is incredibly important to us. We need people who love life and are committed to delivering a brilliant experience for our customers.”

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Lou has spent the majority of her career in customer-facing roles, working for three department stores before ascending the career ladder at high street retailer Boots. There she eventually became Head of Learning, Development and Customer Care before embarking on a people-centric career at Bourne Leisure, which was family-owned for more than half a century before being acquired by private equity giant Blackstone last year. She says: “Our mission is to give our guests a great time with memories that last a lifetime. To do this we need to be innovative and push the boundaries – and we need the right people in place to achieve this.”

them to our social mobility programmes. We want people to feel that they can develop in their roles here, that everyone matters, and their contribution is valuable.” “COVID was incredibly challenging but also rewarding, in a way. I learned a lot about our people and how they were willing to adapt. As a business we went through a transformational period; we fast-tracked our digital strategy five years in the space of 18 months! Our website now accounts for about 80% of our bookings and people routinely order food and drink from our apps.” “We’ve grown up a lot as a UK holiday company and we’re in a fantastic position to capitalise on the rising popularity of staycation breaks.”

It’s important to have a clear vision and strategy, and to

“We try to inspire people to stay and work for us by opening up rewarding career paths for them. Our skills and leadership academies give the team new opportunities and enable some to emerge as confident leaders. We already have some great leaders in our management teams, which in turn inspires people to come and work here.”

be consistent in the

Bourne’s commitment to sustainability, wellbeing and corporate social responsibility has also helped the group to attract and retain the team.

excited about where the

“Our culture, wellbeing and inclusion programmes are really important to our team,” says Louise. “In the last couple of years, we’ve also established early careers academies and explored how we can link

what their role is on

implementation of that strategy. People need to feel aligned and

business is going and

that journey.

CONSTRUCTION & ASSOCIATED HIGH RISK TRADES' INSURANCE In early 2022, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member, Tysers expanded its broking team. Two new construction insurance specialists, Peter MacLean and Ricky Smith, have joined the Hitchin Office. Below, Peter and Ricky discuss the main challenges for businesses operating in the construction sector.

Tyler ad to follow

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN THE TYSERS’ TEAM? We have many years’ experience of serving clients in construction and high-risk trades and wanted to join a broking business that would allow us to continue to work together and utilise our specialist knowledge and expertise. More than 200 years old, Tysers has a great heritage and reputation. Joining a broking business that is so well established is a fantastic opportunity and gives us great confidence in the firm’s long-term security. Most importantly, Tysers has built an extensive network of strong insurer relationships, which we will be able to leverage to provide our clients with solutions to protect their risks. 

WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESSES DO YOU DEAL WITH? Any type of business involved in construction and all the associated trades, including (but not limited to):

General Builders Property Developers Groundworkers Civil Engineers Brickworkers Electrical Engineers Plumbers Flooring Contractors Plasterers

We also provide insurance for trades which are regarded as higher risk such as:

Roofers Scaffolders Demolition Contractors Cladding Contractors Asbestos Removal Piling, Underpinning & Tunnelling

 www.tysers.com

WHAT TYPE OF INSURANCES DO YOU PROVIDE TO YOUR CLIENTS? We design solutions which allow for the transfer of a wide range of clients’ risks, including: Liabilities Professional Indemnity Contract Works Single Project Contracts Own Plant Tools & Equipment Hired in Plant JCT non-negligence Building Warranties

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MAIN CHALLENGES AND KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN 2022? Covid-19, Brexit and the current volatile

situation in Ukraine have all impacted the construction industry. Contracts were delayed, cancelled, or postponed and, more recently, we have seen shortages of materials, labour and fuel all causing issues in terms of both productivity and cost.

The insurance markets have also hardened meaning costs are increasing, so at next renewal it’s essential to take the time to undertake a full market analysis. This will ensure businesses are achieving the best value, in terms of both coverage and price. To save on overheads, it could be tempting to cut corners on your insurance renewal, but maintaining adequate cover is critical. Whilst we understand the frustrations caused by rising costs, the importance of ensuring the right cover is in place will always be our main priority.



WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Working with clients from the outset to understand the challenges they face as a business (including those they may be unaware of) and helping them find solutions. There’s nothing more rewarding than doing a great job and building a trusted, long-term client relationship in the process. If you would like an insurance review contact:

Peter MacLean

Ricky Smith

D 01462 439 867

D 01462 439 866

M 07909 561 274

M 07917 765 655

E peter.maclean@ tysers.com

E ricky.smith@ tysers.com

R.151.4.22.V.1.0 Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BS. Registered Company No. 2957627 England.

AREA FOCUS: NORTH HERTS AND STEVENAGE

Diversity is key to business success in North Herts

Located less than 40 miles north of central London, North Hertfordshire is a predominantly rural district and is home to interesting market towns and numerous picturesque villages and hamlets. It’s an attractive area in which to live and work and has a wide variety of attractions including museums, galleries, historic markets, parks and areas of natural beauty.

here are also numerous vibrant towns in North Herts – each with their own distinctive character. Hitchin, Baldock and Royston are medieval market towns, each retaining numerous historic buildings, while Letchworth Garden City is worldfamous as the first Garden City. The larger shopping centres of Stevenage, Luton, Welwyn Garden City and Watford are all within easy travelling distance of North Herts, and Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Lakeside and Bluewater are less than an hour’s car journey away.

Given North Herts’ rich diversity, it’s perhaps not surprising that the area has an eclectic mix of businesses. One of those is Mettler-Toledo, a global manufacturer and marketer of precision instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. With a base in Royston, the company has a broad product offering and one of the largest global sales and service organisations among precision instrument companies. One of Mettler’s Herts-based operations is Safeline X-ray, which produces highprecision x-ray inspection systems for the food and pharma processing and manufacturing sectors. Chris Plant, Head of Operations at Safeline X-ray, says that there are numerous trading benefits from being based in Royston. “Royston has excellent transport links to the north and south of the country, via road and rail,” he says. “It’s also ideally placed to access major air and sea terminals, making our logistical operations easier.”

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We recently moved into our purpose-built manufacturing facility, which will accommodate our projected growth as a business. We’ll continue to benefit from ongoing investment in the local infrastructure and this will allow our business to expand further.

“In addition, Hertfordshire is a great county to live and work in; it attracts the kind of talented people we need in the technical food and pharma industries.” “There are one or two challenges to navigate – namely, the paucity of local accommodation in the Royston area. For a global company with customers who travel across the world to visit us, that’s sometimes a problem.” “We recently moved into our purposebuilt manufacturing facility, which will accommodate our projected growth as a business. We’ll continue to benefit from ongoing investment in the local infrastructure and this will allow our business to expand further. Our aim is to develop our existing team by attracting talented individuals from the surrounding areas, as North Hertfordshire remains a hub for technical expertise.”

AREA FOCUS: NORTH HERTS AND STEVENAGE

Going forward, there certainly looks to be a need for CSD’s automation services. Also in demand are services provided by another North Herts company, Austin’s Funeral Directors. The Stevenage-headquartered family firm has served the local community for more than three centuries and its staff are renowned for providing a standard of professionalism, dedication and depth of knowledge that has been recognised by members of the public, professionals and other funeral directors.

CSD Automation is also an integral part of North Hertfordshire’s thriving technology hub. The Letchworth Garden City-based company specialises in the design and manufacture of process automation and engineering solutions and helps clients to use these solutions to maximise operational efficiency. Chris Pykerman, Managing Director of CSD Automation, says: “We trade both internationally and across the whole of the UK. North Herts has reasonably good transport links to the industrial Midlands heartland and many niche SME manufacturers across the south of England. International trade is made easier by our close proximity to Heathrow, Luton and Stansted.” “Historically, the local area has been home to several special purpose equipment manufacturers. This is good for us as it means that a pool of skilled labour is available for the design and assembly of our highly complex bespoke equipment.” “There’s a very limited pool of suitable properties in North Hertfordshire, so that’s a challenge for us as we expand the business. Ideally, we need a modern and presentable facility suitable for entertaining large blue-chip clients.”

“We’re planning to grow the business over the next few years, with larger premises and more personnel. We’re aiming to ride the wave of predicted significant growth in manufacturing automation, which is being driven by multiple forces. Manufacturers are being forced to automate due to the increasing cost of labour and/or limited availability of skilled talent. The pandemic has also led to a significant shift in risk management regarding outsourced manufacturing in Asia. Many companies are now finding it economical to reshore manufacturing, thereby driving a requirement for automated equipment.”

Historically, the local area has been home to several special purpose equipment manufacturers. This is good for us as it means that a pool of skilled labour is available for the design and assembly of our highly complex bespoke equipment.

Claire Austin, Managing Director of Austin’s, says: “The area is very diverse with a mix of urban and rural communities. As a new town, Stevenage grew as a result of the relocation of many families from London in the 1950s, so the needs and wishes of families provide varied and interesting scope for our business.” “Generally, the area is served by very good communication routes but the growth in our business and the local population can present some challenges in terms of the sheer volume of traffic.” “In future we’re aiming for further expansion. We’ve recently opened two new funeral arrangement offices in Hoddesdon and Harpenden, which has expanded our reach across the A1 and A10 corridors. However, these are still serviced by our head office in Stevenage so our plan is to provide more jobs and opportunities for local residents.”

Claire Austin

INSPIRE

AREA FOCUS: NORTH HERTS AND STEVENAGE

Also going for growth is Gatwards of Hitchin, a watchmaker and clockmaker that first opened its doors in 1760 when King George II was still on the throne. Over its long and colourful history, Gatwards has seen many changes and, with a history spanning more than 260 years, this award-winning family firm is the oldest family jewellers in the UK and 28th oldest family business. Director, Charlotte Gatward, says: “Online retail has grown significantly over the past couple of years, particularly during the pandemic. After investing in our online shop and social media presence, our focus now is very much on ensuring that we remain a destination shop in Hitchin. We want to create an experience for our customers who come into our physical store. We have exciting plans to update our showroom to enhance the in-store experience and we’ll be taking on another luxury jewellery brand very soon.” Charlotte says that she and her team are “fortunate” to be located in Hitchin’s market square, an area of the town where people come together for community events and more recently for Al Fresco dining. “These days people tend to eat where they shop and, for us as a luxury retailer, having dining options for our customers close by is great for our business,” she says. “It gives customers a chance to mull over a considered purchase over a nice meal in a local restaurant or on the square.” “Parking is always a challenge in a small market town like Hitchin. There are several car parks but they’re all quite expensive and there are limits on the amount of time you can park there. This creates difficulties

Ogle Models + Prototypes’ Philip Martin and Matt White

not just for our customers but also our team members as it’s hard for them to find somewhere to park for the day. Public transport links via bus are not always reliable either, although generally there are more advantages of trading in Hitchin than disadvantages.” For Letchworth-based Ogle Models + Prototypes, North Herts’ excellent transport links and close proximity to London are major benefits of being based there. For 67 years Ogle has provided a range of prototyping, modelmaking and more recently 3D printing services to companies around the world. Its reputation is built on experience that comes from longevity in a continually evolving sector. Director Philip Martin says: “Easy access to London and the rest of the UK makes the personal meetings that drive our business simple to accomplish. This access also makes it easier to achieve same-day dispatch and delivery.” “Having key partners just down the road is hugely beneficial. Simple access to our marketing, IT support and the teams managing our specialist outsourced processes are integral to timely delivery. The trusted relationships we’ve built over the 67 years we’ve been trading depend on quick communication and turnaround times.”

Charlotte Gatward outside Gatwards of Hitchin

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“In general, we experience no limitations given our great access to the UK as a whole, particularly

London and the surrounding areas. Our 25,000 square-foot facility sits in an industrial area of Letchworth so it’s simple to find partners. DPD, for example, is just a couple of doors down.” “Our location does, however, mean that we have higher operating costs – an issue exacerbated by the fact that, historically, this county does not get a lot of funding. The majority of business funding in the county is often some form of support for start-ups rather than established businesses like ours.” Going forward, Ogle plans to build on its diverse client base by taking advantage of local Hertfordshire investments and developments. “In the entertainment industry for example, the film and TV studio planned for Broxbourne and the new Sky Studios Elstree at Borehamwood provide fresh opportunity,” says Philip. “We’ve worked on several commissions relating to props and costume for film – including the original Star Wars trilogy – and working with these facilities will further our development of local enterprise.” “The more visible this local collaboration is to businesses that want to establish themselves in Hertfordshire, the more we’ll be able to attract business to the area and increase the potential for local companies such as ourselves. To meet this rising demand, we’re maintaining our investment in key processes and local skilled people.”

AREA FOCUS: NORTH HERTS AND STEVENAGE

In general, we experience no limitations given our great access to the UK as a whole, particularly London and the surrounding areas. Our 25,000 square-foot facility sits in an industrial area of Letchworth so it’s simple to find partners. DPD, for example, is just a couple of doors down.

Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage and the Herts Chamber team during his visit in April 2022

golden triangle near London, Cambridge and Oxford but with affordable land and rental values.” “We have excellent transport links by road, rail and air, with Thameslink connecting Stevenage to central London in 20 minutes. We also have a range of specialisms: the largest cell and gene therapy cluster outside of the USA, an aerospace and defence sector that’s internationally renowned, a significant healthcare sector and a thriving cluster of start-ups and small businesses.”

Local talent is a key reason why North Hertfordshire’s business community is thriving, according to the Stevenage Development Board. The board’s role is to provide strategic leadership and set out a town investment plan with a clear vision, strategy and delivery proposals that reflect the ambitions of local people. It consists of key stakeholders from public sector organisations, private businesses and not-for-profit organisations to ensure that a diverse range of views are represented. The Stevenage Development Board, says: “World-class businesses and supply chains already based here provide an environment of collaboration and innovation. Stevenage is a strategic geographic location in the heart of the

Stevenage Borough Council has been leading the way to a brighter future for the town, with a strong vision for growth that benefits local people including promoting the initial concept of the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) to provide up to-the-minute information on career pathways, apprenticeship posts and job opportunities for students, parents, teachers and employers.

In April, the Chamber were visited at their offices by Member of Parliament for Stevenage, Stephen McPartland, who said: “I was delighted to visit the Chamber’s new offices, meet with the team and celebrate the hundreds of millions of pounds worth of export successes achieved with the support of the Chamber. Hertfordshire really is the engine room of the British economy and I’m so proud to see many members from my own constituency, in Stevenage, being supported and benefiting from being part of the UK’s fastest growing Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations and thank you to Briege Leahy and her team.” Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber Chief Executive said: “It was great to meet with Stephen and discuss the opportunities available for the Chamber and Stevenage to continue to work together.”

“Strong leadership and partnershipworking have been key to the success achieved so far, with Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, along with a wide range of other partners, working together to maximise opportunities in Stevenage.” All of these organisations are doing their bit to support local firms and attract new businesses to the area.

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, and Briege Leahy, Chief Executive, Herts Chamber

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FINALISTS FOR BUSINESS OF THE YEAR NORTH HERTS AWARD, SMALL TO MEDIUM BUSINESS AWARD AND BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY AWARD 2022.

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Service Innovation Programme empowers Hertfordshire SMEs The pilot Hertfordshire Service Innovation Programme – delivering service innovation, better customer experience and improved value for Hertfordshire businesses – has been a phenomenal success. Delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the trailblazing initiative harnessed the world-class expertise of Estu and Royal College of Art (RCA) by helping businesses create and capture enhanced value from their products and services. The programme, which ran during the first three months of 2022, had several cohorts and, just from the 16 business leaders engaged in its first iteration, a total of £1.15 million of private investment is expected to be leveraged along with the creation of 55 jobs. Participants received training to develop a specific identified area of their business or market opportunity, and benefited from outstanding executive training covering the theory and application of design thinking and business model innovation. Pedro Tolipan, Head of McKinsey Design, Rikesh Shah, Head of Commercial Innovation at Transport for London, and Yao Yingjia, Design Chief at Lenovo, were among the industry leaders to share insights with Hertfordshire businesses. Louise Towler, Managing Director, Indigo Tree Digital, said: “This is an excellent course, which I highly recommend to all business owners and people responsible for customer service. I am excited that I now have a

PEDRO TOLIPAN

YAO YINGJIA

Head of McKinsey Design

Design Chief, Lenovo important to our customers. I can really recommend this, it has been really, really great. I am buzzing with ideas from the course.”

RIKESH SHAH Head of Commercial Innovation Transport for London toolkit of ideas and techniques which I can apply right now to improve how we help our clients. We will also be taking this and applying it directly to our new product and service development to ensure what we develop meets real customer needs. “This course has given me the confidence that as we grow and innovate we have a model to ensure we are always thinking about what is

Tolga Aramaz, Director, Learn Trade Skills described the course as “outrageously simple yet extremely effective” while Mohammed Alamgir Parveys, Operations Manager, Levollo, said it was “a very well-structured course,” which opened his eyes as to how Levollo could develop and grow. Anna Peck, Creative Director, Midnight Blue Marketing, added: “I loved this course from beginning to end. As a brand strategist it gave me a new perspective on the route to market, new ways to work with my clients and new ways to think about my own business. I will be taking my learnings to my team and taking them through the work so we can apply innovation to the way we work.” INSPIRE

Every business submitting post-event feedback said they would recommend the programme to a friend in business for reasons including the quality of speakers, lecturers, tutors and mentors, tools and models, the combination of theory and practical learning, use of real-life examples and seamless use of technology for learning. Artist/composer Nicola Kearey, cofounder of From Here Records, said: “This course helped me figure out how to ask the right questions, in order to make the most efficient pivot for my business. I can now confidently launch a new service, knowing I’ve made the right considerations.” Linda Hausmanis, CEO, IWFM, told course co-ordinators: “Rarely does a course surpass all expectations, this one did. Brilliant.” Dean Ezekiel of The Hello Face said it “challenged our way of thinking about our business and customers, to deliver added tangible value and long-lasting relationships.” Richard Cooksey, CEO, JPA Workspaces, added: “The Service Innovation course was fantastic and covered a great deal in a very short time that not only helped understand the theory but how to apply the learning in my organisation.” The programme was created by Estu, a leadership and development business which delivers enhanced business growth for clients and RCA, the number one ranked university worldwide for design teaching. The

work of both partners was highlypraised by participants. Rachel Kepinska-Smith, of KS Consulting, said: “I can’t tell you how incredibly useful this programme is. The team at Estu are outstanding! There isn’t a business in the world who wouldn’t benefit from this programme. If you are serious about being customer-focused and fulfilling your team to sustain your business, stop what you are doing and apply now.

Yemi Adeniran, Managing Partner at Digiterhub, said: “This programme has been a revelation - I have an MBA and we didn’t go into this level of insight around innovation. It’s been fantastic for me and the business. I would recommend to any business leader keen to understand the process of bringing products and services to market effectively. World class teaching, exceptional speakers, thank you to you and the team.” Nicholas De Leon, Service Innovation Programme director at the RCA, was among the tutors. He has been instrumental in maintaining RCA’s status as the number one global design teaching university for eight years running. Artist and designer Lee Simmons said: “Nick and the team were a breath of fresh air after an intense 18 months of work within my practice, the course has allowed me to reflect on a few things in relation to collaborative working and how to perhaps approach future collaborations and business plan propositions.”

Simon Hemington, founder of the Boffin Lab, said: “Great content, delivered by expert tutors that’s easy to apply back in our business. Sign up now.” INSPIRE

Managing Director Indigo Tree Digital

“In an ideal world, this would be the very beginning of every business’s growth journey.”

Josh Kubale, Marketing & Communications Manager, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “I hugely enjoyed this course and it helped me to frame the projects I am working on. Nick is a superb trainer and the presentations were diverse and hugely interesting.”

LOUISE TOWLER

ANNA PECK Creative Director Midnight Blue Marketing

NICHOLAS DE LEON Service Innovation Programme Director, RCA

SIMON LITTLEWOOD CEO, Estu

hertfordshirelep.com

organisational alignment, business case development and commercialisation.

LAURA WHEATLEY Head of Coaching Infusion Group Simon Littlewood, CEO of Estu, said he was delighted by the response to the pilot Service Innovation Programme. “At Estu we are proud to develop effective leadership development programmes that deliver proven business results and personal growth for learners. We link individuals’ learning journeys directly to organisational impact and are committed to great programmes that mean motivated, engaged teams and positive results. “The Estu Service Innovation Programme developed with the RCA is an exceptional opportunity for businesses to increase sales, innovate successfully and build value with some of the world’s top commercial designers. We are lucky to work with fantastic collaborators from the world’s leading universities and organisations such as Google X, McKinsey, Adidas and The NHS.” The exclusive, executive programme offered two pathways for participants to learn to apply customer centric design principles to their business. The first, a two-week Foundation programme, offered user insight, human-centred research methods, design thinking, visualisation and systems thinking, prototyping,

The eight-week Practitioner course asked participants to describe a key opportunity or problem they wanted to tackle. Based on this the team developed and introduced a number of tailored group project briefs to enable participants to practice applying the knowledge gained and then, in parallel, consider how it could be exploited for their own specific business or organisational opportunity or challenge. Learning took place online with a rich virtual learning environment, live realtime and interactive presentations, online workshops in breakout rooms along with an experiential project brief so participants could apply their learning to a real-life project. Laura Wheatley, Head of Coaching, Infusion Group, said: “Highly recommended! A fantastic mix of lectures, presentations, theory and practical with experts leading the charge. The resources made available are of such quality, we are already making plans to review these as a business to further strengthen and develop our service proposition for our valued clients.” Chris Tredget, Willmott Dixon MD for north London, added: “It was really helpful to understand the processes underpinning successful innovation, I would recommend this programme to any business leader interested in transformation.” Participants will receive their official certificates for completion of the course at the Service Innovation breakfast on 10 May at the Building

estuglobal.com Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford. Tutors, team members and participants will be joined by Rikesh Shah, Nicholas De Leon and Hertfordshire LEP for a panel Q&A on the lessons of implementing Service Innovation projects. The LEP funded the participation of 70 local businesses in the programme along with follow up support. Supporting partners include Rothamsted Enterprises, BRE, Hertfordshire Growth Hub, University of Hertfordshire, Innovate UK Edge, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Herts IQ. Nitin Dahad, LEP Board Member and Chair, Enterprise and Innovation Board, said: “The LEP’s Enterprise and Innovation Strategy focuses on the breadth of enterprise and innovation across 60,000 businesses, offering particular opportunities for high value and ‘additional’ growth which will equip Hertfordshire to compete internationally as well as nationally. This programme is a prime example of that innovative approach being developed by the LEP in partnership with prestigious organisations.” Going forward, Estu intends to develop the Service Innovation Programme further and has introduced its Government-funded Net Zero Leaders programme to businesses in Hertfordshire. Check Estu (www.estuglobal.com) and the LEP’s websites (www.hertfordshirelep.com) for updates and opportunities to join other programmes.

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Over the past year, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce have gradually been returning to live events alongside our webinars. We will continue to do so as long as it is safe and in accordance with current government guidelines, in order to continue supporting our members and non-members and to provide vital information that businesses may need. If the decision is made to postpone any of our events or to move them online, you will be notified as soon as possible. With our members and benefit partners we have designed our events programme to cover a variety of topics:

Looking After Family Business Date:

05/05/2022

Time:

08:45 – 11:00

Venue: Marriot Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club, Ware Price:

FREE

Do you pass on your family business to the next generation or sell it? Does the next generation want the business and have the expertise to run it? Are all the family in agreement about selling? A hallmark of many family businesses is the informality of relationships within the organisation, based on the assumption that family ties can overcome any and all business challenges. Experience shows that this assumption is flawed. You need to know what options are available when it comes to the question of succession or sale.

Early booking is advised for this established, popular event for family businesses.

Please note that bookings are limited to two places per company.

Michael Budd Partner and Head of Company Commercial Richard Horwood Partner and Head of Private Client

Join us at this free to attend breakfast seminar on 5th May at Hanbury Manor Hotel, Ware, and hear from an expert panel of solicitors from Longmores Solicitors, who will discuss the options for succession or sale, how to prepare for either eventuality and how to avoid the common pitfalls.

Delegates are encouraged to join in and ask the panel questions. If preferred, questions can be emailed in advance to bookings@hertschamber.com

Our Speakers:

John Wiblin Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution

Richard Gvero Joint Senior Partner, Head of Commercial and Head of Employment

BUSINESS BREAKFAST with Dobsons Date: 11/05/22 Time: 08:30 – 10:30 Venue: Dobsons Home Specialists, Cheshunt Price: FREE

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Join us at the fabulous Dobsons Home Specialists showrooms in Cheshunt, for a light breakfast and refreshments, followed by a networking opportunity, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences. Please note, there are limited places at this event, with a maximum of two places per company.

CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

BUSINESS BREAKFAST with Herts Chamber Date: 17/05/22 Time: 08:30 – 10:30 Venue: Knebworth Barns Conference and Banqueting Centre Price: Members £15.00 +VAT Non Members £22.00 +VAT

Join us on Tuesday 17th May, from 08.30-10:30am, at Knebworth Barns Conference and Banqueting Centre, for a light breakfast and refreshments, followed by a pure networking opportunity, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different people in an informal atmosphere, to share contact details and create new business opportunities. This event is sponsored by Steven Eagell Toyota and Lexus Hatfield.

MEMBERS! Don’t forget you can use your Event Voucher to attend this event. (To check if you have any remaining, please contact bookings@hertschamber.com)

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Launch Date:

19/05/22

Time:

11:00 – 12:00

Venue: ZOOM Price:

FREE

Once again, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce the launch of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, taking place virtually on Thursday 19th May 2022, from 11:00-12:00 noon.

The Chamber is hosting the launch of these Awards to promote their importance and encourage businesses within Hertfordshire to submit entries. We are delighted to bring you this event in partnership with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are highly prestigious awards, given in recognition of outstanding achievement by UK businesses, across the following four categories: •

Innovation

•

International Trade

•

Sustainable Development

•

Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility

Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the LEP Network, will discuss the role played by the Hertfordshire LEP in support of county-wide businesses. We are also pleased to announce that

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ will be joining us to emphasize the significance of these awards. In addition, we will hear from a number of Hertfordshire-based past winners of Queen’s Awards and learn about the benefits that winning one of these important awards has brought to their organisation.

Sarah Minney, Social Media and Stakeholder Manager, and Will Arndt, Deputy Head at The Queen’s Awards Office, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will explain how to enter these awards and provide some top tips for entrants. Adam Train, Brand Manager – UK Acute Healthcare, GAMA Healthcare will discuss their entry and how winning one of these prestigious awards has benefitted their organisation.

Mark Bretton

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Robert Voss CBE CStJ HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events Virtual Networking Opportunity Date:

24/05/22

Time:

11:00 – 12:00

Venue: ZOOM Price:

Members FREE Non-Members £15.00 + VAT

Join us on Tuesday 24th May at 11am for our next Virtual Networking Opportunity! These popular webinars are a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the powers of networking, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences whilst working remotely. 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 31/05/2022) will receive a full refund of the cost of attending this webinar.

MAY CHAMBER Lunch Date: 26/05/22 Time: 12:00 – 14:30 Venue: Herts County Showground, Redbourn Price: Members £39.00 +VAT Non-Members £49.00 +VAT

Join us for our May Chamber Lunch, taking place at the Herts County Showground, Redbourn, on the 26th May, and sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Use this opportunity to network and meet with new business contacts, while enjoying a delicious lunch.

Our guest speaker Mandy Hickson, former Fighter Pilot, will share her inspirational journey to become a pioneering female fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force and the transferable skills she has gained for her new career as a performance coach. Mandy Hickson has over 30 years experience within aviation. She joined the Royal Air Force in 1994 and flew the Tornado GR4 on the front line, where she operated in hostile environments, including patrolling the ‘No Fly’ zone over Iraq. Since leaving the RAF she retrained as a facilitator and coach in human performance factors. Drawing on her experience of calculated risk-taking, decision-making under pressure and the critical role of the human in the system, she transfers vivid lessons from the cockpit to other management and leadership contexts.

Hertfordshire County Show 28 - 29 May 2022

The Hertfordshire County Show is one of our county’s flagship events – a celebration of everything county, country living, food and farming offering something special for each and every one of the 35,000+ visitors! Organised by the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society, a registered charity whose aims is to educate our Hertfordshire communities and celebrate food, farming and our glorious countryside. All profits from these events support educational work through which they engage with local schools, children, and communities. Herts Chamber will be hosting a marquee over the weekend, for the highly anticipated Entrepreneurs Challenge! We look forward to seeing you there. Members wanting to book in advance for the show, can use the online discount code: ebHertsChamber to receive 10% off the full ticket price!

MEMBERS! Don’t forget you can use your Event Voucher to attend this event. (To check if you have any remaining, please contact bookings@hertschamber.com) 26

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CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

Your opportunity to help shape a state of the art CONSTRUCTION CENTRE Date:

17/06/22

Time:

10:00 – 11:30

Venue: ZOOM Price:

FREE

Oaklands College will be investing £15m to create a new, state of the art construction centre on its St Albans Campus.

At the event we will hear from:

The Centre, which is aimed for completion by December 2024, will be the regional hub for delivering the latest skills and construction methods and supporting the region’s construction sector.

• Harpreet Nagra, Deputy Principal, will outline the construction curriculum

Oaklands College is keen to ensure that the Centre, both the physical building and the skills taught within it, are informed by the sector and its current and future skills needs.

Most importantly, the event is an opportunity for you to input into the planning of the building and the skills that are taught within it. This event should be of interest to any potential users of the new Centre, including:

This online event on 17th June from 10am to 11:30am, is an opportunity for you to see their plans and to input into the Centre and the curriculum.

• Andrew Slade, Oaklands new Principal, who will outline the College’s refreshed strategy and its vision for the Construction Centre

• Nolan Smith, Director, and Dan Porter, Associate Director, Fusion Project Management, the College’s architects, will discuss the details of the Centre’s design.

• Businesses in the property and construction sector and associated services • Current and potential students • Tutors and other staff

Take the opportunity to join us at this free to attend webinar and participate in the shaping of this exciting new state of the art Construction Centre.

HERTFORDSHIRE PA CLUB:

The Magic of Storytelling Date: 23/06/22 Time: 12:00 – 14:00 Venue: The Riding School, Hatfield House Price: Members FREE Non Members £10.00 +VAT The Hertfordshire PA Club is a free benefit for members, designed specifically for Personal, Virtual and Executive Assistants, to enable you to share your ideas and thoughts with other like-minded colleagues. Join us on Thursday 23rd June 2022 at the Riding School, Hatfield House for a delicious complimentary buffet lunch.

Our speaker Martin Gladdish, Ghostwriter and Author at The Business Ghost will explore The Magic of Storytelling: For your personal life, working day and changing the world. From cave paintings, smoke signals and papyrus scrolls to broadsheet newspapers and today’s neverending streams of social media, stories have been making the world go round for millennia. In this magicfilled presentation, Martin will unravel the hidden secrets of storytelling, demonstrate how stories can change hearts and minds, and teach you to utilise the power of stories to change your world: at work, at home, and everywhere you go.

Martin Gladdish Martin Gladdish is a ghostwriter of business books and blogs by day, and a close-up magician whenever he gets the chance. He has been a freelance writer for the last 17 years and has published two books under his name while being the uncredited pen behind dozens of publications for his clients. Martin also performs table magic at corporate dinners and charity events when he is not hiding behind a keyboard.

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INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2022

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022

Finalists Revealed Apprenticeship Champion

Business of the Year East Herts

• • • •

• • • • • •

Sponsored by Willmott Dixon Construction

After much deliberation, the judges have reviewed each application carefully and the shortlist for the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022 has now been revealed.

he judging panels, made up of the 2022 Category Sponsors and additional VIP’s, reviewed each application rigorously to reveal the list of Finalists. With a record number of entries this year, which included some really strong applications, the judging was a tough job! However, the shortlists are now available, and Hertfordshire Chamber are looking forward to celebrating with all of the finalists, plus the winners, sponsors, headline sponsors: SA Law and Viatris, the judges and everybody involved in the making of this truly inspiring event. Tickets for the Gala Dinner have now sold out! Herts Chamber are thrilled to be returning to the magical Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden for this wonderful event – known as the Oscars of Hertfordshire – taking place on Platform 9 and ¾! We can’t wait to find out which of these extraordinary finalists will be awarded the winners of this year’s Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards and who will take the overall crown as Inspiring Business of the Year!

#InspiringHerts22 #KeeptheHeartinHerts 28

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Amber Mountain Marketing EIC Insurance HB Accountants JHP Electrical Services

Best use of Technology Sponsored by KGK Genix • • •

HBC Logistics The Storage Equipment Centre Wagada Digital

Business of the Year Medium to Large Sponsored by CAE Technology • • • • • •

Bio Products Laboratory Croft Communications KGK Genix One YMCA Quanta Consultancy Services Silent Sentinel

Sponsored by Fujitsu Air Conditioning Croft Communications Genmar UK HB Accountants KGK Genix One Consulting Group Silent Sentinel

Business of the Year North Herts Sponsored by Cawleys • • • • • •

Cromwell Hotel Stevenage HBC Logistics Lawrence Dean Recruitment Omega Group Resolve Sonovision

Business of the Year South Herts Sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree • • • • • • •

Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding IBC Simply JPA Workspaces MGP Nutrition OnBrand Group Smart10 Submerge

Business of the Year Small to Medium Sponsored by Redwood Bank • • • • • • • •

Creative Stripes HBC Logistics IBC Simply JHP Electrical Services JPA Workspaces Keeto Life Omega Group Wagada Digital

Business of the Year West Herts Sponsored by Porsche Centre Hatfield • • • • • • •

BB Group Business Consultancy Creative Stripes Emelec Building Services estarli EziDrops M.K. Ginder & Sons One YMCA

INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2022

Community Champion Sponsored by Ocado Group • • • • • • • •

CHEXS Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Home Start Hertfordshire Isabel Hospice One YMCA Resolve Small Acts of Kindness Trauma Recovery CIC

Excellence in People Development Sponsored by University of Hertfordshire Business School • • • • •

DLRC Quanta Consultancy Services Realm Partners Sonovision Zoocha

Property & Construction Project of the Year Sponsored by Oventrop UK

Diversity and Inclusion Award Sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction • • •

Herts Inclusive Theatre Innovative Trials L Lynch Plant Hire & Haulage

Excellence in International Trade

• • • •

BAM Construction Jarvis Contracting One YMCA RDT Architects

Sponsored by Chapman Ventilation • • • •

Brooks & Kempton EziDrops Premier Ship Models Zoocha

Green Award Sponsored by Ambition Broxbourne

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Longmores Solicitors • • • • • • •

Archie Major, Castaway Cottage Cat and Max Colman, MGP Nutrition Cheryl Luzet, Wagada Digital Jean Freeman, Sharp-aX Computer Systems Johnny Johnson, The Alcohol Free Brewing Company Midnight Blue Marketing Paul Davis, Paul Davis Fencing Academy

Excellence in Customer Commitment Sponsored by Kane International • • • • • • • • •

CAE Technology Services Croft Communications Debenhams Ottaway Genmar UK Herts Young Homeless IBC Simply Sonovision Sharp-aX Computer Systems Tate

Family Business of the Year Sponsored by Ashbourne Insurance • • • • • • • • • •

Brooks & Kempton Castaway Cottage EV Charger Store IBC Simply Innovative Trials JHP Electrical Services JPA Workspaces KGK Genix MCP Property Services Sharpstone & Sons Removals

Most Promising New Business

• • • • • •

Design Abled Ecoserv Group JPA Workspaces KGK Genix Sonovision University of Hertfordshire

Workplace Wellbeing Award Sponsored by VolkerWessels UK • • • • • • • •

CAE Technology Services DLRC GAMA Healthcare Quanta Consultancy Services Sonovision University of Hertfordshire Wagada Digital Zoocha

Sponsored by Cleveland Scott York • • • • • • • •

ACellZ Design Abled estarli EziDrops Midnight Blue Marketing Trauma Recovery CIC The Alcohol Free Brewing Company Uplifted Magazine

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INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS 2022

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022

Meet the Judges Inspiring Business of the Year

Sponsored by SA Law and Viatris Judges: Beth Leng and Simon Walsh, SA Law Andrew Mooney and Sorwar Choudhury, Viatris

Apprenticeship Champion Sponsored by Willmott Dixon Construction Judges: Michael Page and Emily Hay

Best use of Technology Sponsored by KGK Genix

Judges: James Ryan and Hollie Adams

Business of the Year West Herts Sponsored by Porsche Centre Hatfield

Judge: Charlene Nayler

Business of the Year Small to Medium Sponsored by Redwood Bank

Judges: Lindsay Hopkins and Dave Wickham

Business of the Year North Herts

Business of the Year Medium to Large

Judges: Anna Cawley and Kathryn Wright

Judge: Richard Behan

Business of the Year East Herts Sponsored by Fujitsu Air Conditioning Judges: Martyn Ives and Calum MacNeill

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Sponsored by DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree

Judges: Dave Pitts and Graham Pitts

Sponsored by VolkerWessels UK

Judges: Ant Chapman and Paul Hill

External Judges: Liza Armstrong Hertfordshire Growth Hub Kate Asante University of Hertfordshire Jeremy Bishop Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Bhavini Bhatt Institute of Engineering and Technology Trevor Clements Hertfordshire Building Control Gareth Dace Hertfordshire LEP

Judges: June Howard and Fran Howard

Richard Davidson Willmott Dixon

David Harold Imagination Technology

Laura Pearce Strand PR

Patsy Dell Hertfordshire County Council

Kris MacMahon KM4HR

Philippa Shaw Hertfordshire LEP

Margarita Germanos KMG Partnership Tom Grant, Grant Thornton

David Norton CommsQuest Vincenzo Pampararo Department of International Trade

Jeremy Silverstone Purple Marketing Colin Spiller Zenis Ltd

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CHAMBER CHARITY

Need an alternative to working from home?

Try out Dacorum’s new flexible workspace

FOR FREE*

* Charging will be introduced in 2022

Let your hybrid working days be in our new professional and relaxed working environment. Based in the Heart of Dacorum’s business community at Maylands Business Centre, Flexidesx boasts a range of services including: reliable internet connection, free parking, a high quality vending facility with Starbucks coffee, and showers.

Dacorum’s Den 2022

Could your business use £1000 FREE money? 3 Do you have a great business idea?

3 Do you need funds to help your business grow? 3 Do you have less than 20 employees? 3 Is your annual turnover less than £1m? 3 Are you based in Dacorum?

For more information and to reserve a desk, please get in touch on 01442 531002 or email us on

Maylands.Reception@dacorum.gov.uk The Daylight Club

We look forward to welcoming you!

If so, apply now via the Dacorum Borough Council’s website www.dacorum.gov.uk/dacorumsden or contact business@dacorum.gov.uk for more information. Applications close: Monday 6th June 2022

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Entrepreneurs are vital to business; individuals who have a vision, can inspire others to join them on their journey and drive the success of our local and national economy. Hertfordshire Chamber recognises this need and through the Entrepreneur Foundation is identifying entrepreneurs who are passionate about their ideas and about turning their concepts into reality.

The Entrepreneur Foundation was launched in 2021 to nurture and grow a new network of enterprising individuals; offering a two-year initiative of guidance, training and support, supplied by Founder members, by Supporters and, of course, by the Chamber itself. For 2022, we are delighted to welcome DUA Accountancy and Business Consultancy, Croft Communications and Strand PR on board as Supporters for the initiative. Founder Members

Supporters

Strand PR

Strand PR will be helping passionate business innovators take their ideas from concept to reality after signing up for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur Foundation.

Croft Communications “At Croft, we are delighted to be supporting and helping to nurture and encourage entrepreneurs via the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneur Foundation.” “Having grown from a small telecommunications company to a nationwide communications and managed service provider, we understand the common issues faced by all SMEs - the need for growth / budget constraints - whilst recognising that every company is different, with its own particular challenges. Using this experience and expertise across our team, we look forward to being able to help support businesses within the programme, focusing on the use of new technologies and automation tools to better communicate with audiences and assist growth.”

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The award-winning PR, communications and marketing agency supports businesses to communicate key messages to their target audience in the right way and is keen to use its experience to support the Chamber’s programme. Laura Pearce, Strand Founder, said: “As an organisation that has spent the past two years championing businesses as they negotiate a pandemic, we have seen first-hand the complexities of taking an idea from whiteboard to board room.

“This year we want to help those people with great ideas, bring those ideas to fruition.” Strand PR will host a number of Chamber-backed workshops throughout the programme’s life cycle with sessions including strategic planning, digital marketing and public relations. These will build on events and resources already provided by the Chamber to benefit budding entrepreneurs. Laura said: “We look forward to celebrating the success of those taking part in the programme.”

DUA Accountancy & Business Consultancy

When Rakesh and Barry launched DUA nearly 30 years ago, the mission was simple: put the client at the centre of every decision and service provided. We were a start-up once, we’ve travelled your road and that ethos of helping small businesses prosper will always be at our core. Our expertise in supporting start-up and high growth businesses has made the Entrepreneur Foundation a perfect initiative to nurture businesses and business owners for a better tomorrow. As entrepreneurs, life “at the top” can be lonely. The importance of sensible, trusted advice is paramount

to a business’s success and this is why DUA do what we do. We aim to provide collaborative support for mutual growth! The team at DUA not only get the basics right – we go above and beyond to give our clients’ businesses every chance of succeeding with our bespoke commercial advice.

If entrepreneurs are achieving their personal and business goals, we’re achieving ours! By working to understand clients’ individual requirements, our support can free up entrepreneurs’ time to focus on doing the work they’re passionate about. Our knowledge is your power.

ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION

Entrepreneur Members Celebrate Successes Now in their second year of the Entrepreneur Foundation, HOWND and The Alcohol Free Brewing Company (UNLTD.) are reaping the benefits gained from being a part of this initiative.

HOWND: Client testimonial

within a matter of days the sores on her legs cleared up!

Miss Zsa Zsa is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescued in 2020 from a puppy farm. She had several health issues including severe allergies which caused her legs to become sore, inflamed, bleed and crack. She was clearly very distressed by these ailments. Reluctant to have to continually use steroid creams we started to investigate other options to treat the condition. We came across a veterinary trained animal nutritionist who recommended trying a plant-based diet to address her allergies. At first we were hesitant, dogs need meat in their diets surely? However, her condition was getting worse and something had to be done, it was worth a try. We consulted with our own vet, read

2022/23 Entrepreneur Member, Martin Gladdish, The Watered Meadow said:

academic published papers by leading experts in veterinary nutrition and wrote to all the plant dog food manufacturers in the UK and Europe with a list of questions. We learnt that like any diet, it is nutritional value that really counts. Not all plant-based dog food is equal and we carried out our own research to find the ‘pawfect’ food that included all the essential ingredients. We started Miss Zsa Zsa on HOWND, and were amazed at how quickly her skin improved;

The Alcohol Free Brewing Company successfully raise nearly half a million in investment Non-alcoholic craft beer brand UNLTD. has recently secured a successful round of crowdfunding via Seedrs, which saw the company secure 87 investors and raise just over £400,000 within 1.5 hours of it going live to the public. The brand includes a non-alcoholic Lager and IPA within its range, tapping into the booming ‘better for you’ market with both products being low calorie, vegan-friendly, gluten-free, sustainably brewed and packed with vitamin b12. The beers appeal to the increasing number of health-conscious consumers, many who have reduced their alcohol intake accelerated by the lockdown caused by the pandemic.

Miss Zsa Zsa has been on a plant-based diet ever since, her allergies have never come back, her coat is shiny, thick and glossy. She has so much energy, which is amazing for a dog that lived in a crate for 6 years. She runs for hours on the beach, loves to swim and is the happiest dog ever. Besides the health benefits to Miss Zsa Zsa, a plant-based diet is less harmful to the planet and causes no suffering to other animals. Mark Hirschel, Commercial Director at HOWND says, “We are thrilled to hear about Miss Zsa Zsa’s success from using our plant-based Superfood. The health of animals is our number one priority and to see such a big improvement regarding her conditions is both incredible and heart-warming. It’s why we do what we do.”

Despite launching in the middle of a global pandemic, and with the hospitality sector completely shut down, UNLTD. still managed to secure listings across both on-trade and off-trade, with 100+ pubs, restaurants and shops now stocking its beer. The company has also made strong strides with direct-to-consumer sales, gaining a listing with Amazon and has a rate of 55% returning customers to the online shop via the UNLTD. web hop. The company announced that the funds raised via Seedrs will be divided between recruitment (50%), marketing (40%) and production (10%). With the brand proving to be popular with the trade, there is high interest in securing more listings in the sector across a variety of pubs, restaurant and bottle shops to offer consumers a quality alternative drinking experience. The funds allocated will be used to recruit salespeople and a sales manager to focus on accelerating even more growth within the on-trade and off-trade.

“I was delighted to be accepted into the Entrepreneur Foundation for 2022. Three months in and am already reaping the benefits! In my one-to-one with Jeremy and Colin, both experienced businessmen and entrepreneurs, the attention, observations and advice shared was exactly what I needed to hear (and with perfect timing). I have been trying to find my groove in this business for 17 years and the last two or three have finally revealed what that might look like. One of the things I teach my author clients is the art of being reassuringly familiar. This is where the reader already has a clouded sense of the answer or sees that the status quo is shaky and then a credible expert puts what they were thinking in a golden nutshell.” “That is what our conversation did for me, providing clarity, confidence, insight and belief in what I need to do next.”

The direct-to-consumer webshop has been so successful since launch that customers completely cleared out stock after initially going live. The webshop sees repeat purchasers demonstrating the regular thirst for nutritious alcohol-free offerings. The Seedrs funds will be used to expand on this by increasing presence for UNLTD. across, PR and marketing, social media and pay per click marketing. The final 10% set aside for production will be used to accommodate the increase in sales, with expectations that an increase in trade listings and additional marketing plans will pay dividends and there will be a need to ramp up production and meet the increasing demand of consumers and customers.

To find out more about the Entrepreneur Foundation, visit our website:

www.hertschamber.com/entrepreneur-foundation

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MANAGED PRINT SOLUTIONS • Supply Photocopiers, Printers & Multifunctional Devices

• Free print audits on request, that usually show savings upto 30% • Fully inclusive agreements that provide aftercare service, including all toners, parts & labour • Purchase, Leasing and Rental options all available • Supply new and used devices • Papercut printing & scanning solutions • Non contract repairs and supplies

www.copyquality.co.uk • david@copyquality.co.uk • 01707 659 312

You can help change a life Provide a child with skills for their future We need foster carers for children and young people in Hertfordshire To find out more about fostering in Hertfordshire scan the QR code

FOSTERWITHUS @hertfordshirefostering

@HCCFosterAdopt

Do any of these feel relatable? 4 You don’t have the time to keep up with changes in complex legislation and you need advice unique to your circumstances 4 Filing your personal tax returns can be a stressful yearly undertaking and you’re unsure if you could be saving more tax 4 Advancements in technology mean increased HMRC investigations, and you’re worried about penalties and worst case scenarios

www.myersclark.co.uk enquiries@myersclark.co.uk 01923 224411

Egale 1, 80 St Albans Road, Watford WD17 1DL

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In partnership with

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

You don’t have to struggle with complex tax issues alone - we have experts on hand

APPRENTICESHIPS AND SKILLS REGENERATION

Apprenticeships and Skills regeneration By Professor Sir Tim Wilson DL, Emeritus Professor and Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

No one doubts that there is a growing skills shortage within our county. The accelerating growth of key sectors is highlighting the skills needs of our economy. Wherever I go in the county, whatever sector I visit, there is a transparent need for skills enhancement to feed business success and hence the appetite of our growing economy.

ome say that we are fortunate in Hertfordshire. We have a Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) that aligns with our county boundaries. We have a highly visible and proactive Chamber movement. We have educational providers that strive to equip students with careerenhancing skills, and in Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) we have a leading edge website enabling our residents to explore career opportunities within the employers on their doorstep. Few, if any, counties have comparable infrastructure; foundations for delivering the valued goal of a high skills, high technology, high wage society. However this is not good fortune; those competitive advantages are the consequence of strategic foresight and collaboration among our civic, business and educational leaders; not all counties have been so fortunate. By almost any measure Hertfordshire has an enviable education system, however, it would be naive to think that our education and skills providers can equip their students with “oven baked” skills, tailored to each and every employer. The acceleration of business change determines that skill development is a lifelong journey in which both employees

and employers share responsibility; neither can neglect it and thrive. Within this landscape of skills development, there is a specific role for Apprenticeships. Of course the concept of Apprenticeships – learning whilst working – has been around for decades. However, the breadth of Apprenticeships in the context of both discipline and skills level is hugely different from 20th century models. From manual skills, to specialist scientific or technological skills, to business leadership, Apprenticeship routes traverse a wide and diverse landscape of opportunities. One of the roles of Lieutenancy is to help celebrate and promote success within our business community. Hertfordshire is renowned for its enterprise and entrepreneurship - it is the county for opportunity - but that does not diminish the imperative of a constant drive for skills enhancement. Business panel members of the Lieutenancy, working with the LEP, have been visiting leading edge SMEs to celebrate the success of their Apprentices. The sectors represented are varied building maintenance, construction, horticulture, digital marketing, pharmaceutical regulation, sports education - but there are two factors in common; enthusiasm within

the company for upskilling their employees, and determination amongst apprentices to succeed. An Apprenticeship is a demanding way of learning, success requires personal commitment, stamina and resilience. There is no single common pathway shared by successful apprentices, they each have their own story and often have unique barriers and challenges to overcome. Their commitment to succeed and the resulting benefits are hugely impressive. On May 18th there will be a Celebration of Hertfordshire Apprenticeships. Led by the LEP, Herts Chamber, and the Apprenticeship Ambassador network, I look forward to that event immensely.

Business panel members of the Lieutenancy, working with the LEP, have been visiting leading edge SMEs to celebrate the success of their Apprentices. INSPIRE

KEEPING THE HEART IN HERTFORDSHIRE

Woodhouse Workspace create a corporate ‘home for the family’ for Herts Chamber Patron: CAE Technology Services CAE partnered with Woodhouse to create their brand new 30,000 ft2 destination workspace in Hemel Hempstead.

s we all know, the pandemic has changed the way in which we work, and has catalysed positive acceleration in a more flexible approach towards how and where work is conducted. There are many challenges that have come with this, so the importance of getting CAE’s new office right for them, was critical. As well as an office space for 180 resident and visiting staff, this space was to be the main location for meeting clients and demonstrating what CAE does best: a case study for technology as soon as a visitor crosses the threshold. Working with Herts Chamber Member Brasier Freeth, CAE identified a new building on Maylands Avenue. The office fit-out started with an in-depth strategy phase conducted by Woodhouse, to gain an insight into what was required to create the optimum ‘home for the CAE family’. It was not only looking at the building in terms of space optimisation and design, but exploring the way the space would be used, the culture of CAE, and ensuring it would facilitate healthy interaction that would build cohesion, and reinforce a sense of belonging for the team. The office has really been redefined as the essential ‘mergespace’ -

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the place that people come to for the best interaction and collaboration. The outcome is a stand-out showcase for CAE the brand and CAE the home. Visitors step into an open reception area with a light-filled atrium connecting the ground floor to the first floor. A stunning tiered seating installation sits at the centre of this area. Viewed as the heart of CAE, this space is ideal for informal ‘town hall’ meetings or receptions and larger events that bring the whole CAE team together. Outside of these times, staff use this area much like people would use town hall steps on a warm summer’s day – for a quiet coffee, a quick telephone chat or a catch-up with work friends. A coffee bar with a relaxed seating area sits to the side, with a bar-style games room to the rear, providing ample opportunity for staff to mingle. Further wellbeing areas are upstairs, including a prayer room, and separate wellness room which have been very well-received by employees. Phone booths and video conference booths allow for private calls and meetings and library areas enable staff to work quietly and without interruption. The open-plan areas are used cleverly to enable teams that work closely together to easily collaborate, without

fear of disturbing others. Planting is used for a tranquil and engaging setting whilst helping to naturally divide space so that it doesn’t feel too exposed. The client areas demonstrate what CAE does best and are designed so that staff can proudly show visitors around. Equipment-configuration areas are places of precision – clean, clinical and organised. The service desk is a hi-tech hive of activity with live screens showing activity levels and status updates. Aggrey Lutta, the Culture Director, comments “At CAE, we pride ourselves on having a very strong culture… what is amazing is that Woodhouse have encapsulated the essence of CAE here in this building.” The end result of this project is a bustling destination workspace which offers staff a variety of different options in which to collaborate, create, concentrate or simply just be. It is a showcase of the CAE brand and a home in which the CAE family, and their culture, can thrive. For further information, visit www.woodhouseworkspace.com or call 01707 255300

KEEPING THE HEART IN HERTFORDSHIRE

Chamber Members KGK Genix and VolkerWessels develop ‘mutually beneficial working relationship’

By Paul Edwards Key Account Director at KGK Genix

aving recently upgraded to Patronage with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Mary Sykes, took some time to explain about the Chamber and the opportunities that membership could offer the business. One key benefit was that, as part of the membership, direct introductions could be made to other relevant Chamber members. KGK has a great deal of experience working in the building and construction sector, so there was an excellent potential synergy and

Hilary said: “The benefits of working with a local organisation – albeit one with national reach – cannot be underestimated, and it has been invaluable to have been introduced to and work with KGK. They have supported us on a number of key projects, as well as with a wide range of everyday communications and marketing requirements now - the introduction from the Chamber has certainly paid off on both sides!”

opportunity for a great working relationship with Hertfordshire-based VolkerWessels UK. An introduction was shortly set up between KGK Genix and Volker’s Head of Corporate Communications, Hilary Kendrick. A meeting between Rod Williams, Creative Director, Paul Edwards, Key Account Manager, and the VolkerWessels UK team followed, and KGK were delighted when, as a result, Volker briefed them on their requirements for some graphics and marketing materials. Over recent months, KGK have worked with the business on a wide range of activities and tasks, including the production of high quality stands for Highways UK - one of the construction industry’s leading events.

Paul said, “This mutually beneficial working relationship is one that probably wouldn’t have been possible without an introduction from the Herts Chamber. We can’t thank them enough for their help.”

#KeeptheHeartinHerts

Art By Vanessa has literally been

“Keeping the Hearts in Hertfordshire” Her business card is a heart bookmark!

anessa Hastings, Art by Vanessa was an exhibitor at the Wellbeing Conference back in October.

Through her engagement, she subsequently secured several clients: • Optima-Life • Hertfordshire Constabulary • Huunuu Ltd • Herts & Middlesex Wildlife trust In 2015, psychologist and art therapist Dr Cathy Malchiodi cited multiple studies confirming that being creative can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive

symptoms, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, and even improve immune system functioning. A 2016 study in The Journal of Positive Psychology supported these findings, concluding that “spending time on creative goals during a day is associated with higher activated positive affect (PA) on that day.” PA is the extent to which people experience positive moods, such as joy, happiness, and optimism. A higher PA lowers stress and “expands our perspective so that we notice more possibilities in our lives,” Wellness Coach Elizabeth Scott says.

Vanessa is also a member of the Entrepreneur Foundation and is being supported by this amazing initiative. She has met with Jeremy Bishop and Colin Spiller who endorsed Vanessa’s dream of bringing creative activities to companies to bolster positive team cultures and in turn, a well workforce. Vanessa is a volunteer with Age UK Dacorum and is also supporting The Blue Tangerine charity for young SEND students.

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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

Paradise Wildlife Park to rebrand to Hertfordshire Zoo!

The county of Hertfordshire is about to see a wild shake up, as change is coming to Paradise. Paradise Wildlife Park based in Broxbourne is proud to announce that they will be re-branding and taking pride of place in the county as Hertfordshire Zoo.

Paradise Wildlife Park has a rich history and for the past four decades has grown into one of the most beloved destinations in the county of Hertfordshire. Throughout this time the Park has welcomed generations of families who have made lifelong memories with the animals in their care, the attractions, and their unique and exciting events. The Park has seen dramatic changes since 2017, from new habitats for the animals such as the Amazon and Beyond to the Land of the Tigers. New attractions like the World of Dinosaurs and Sun Bear Heights have all been part of phase one of their long-term masterplan. With only two years until their 40th anniversary the founder of Paradise Wildlife Park, Peter Sampson shared that “it is time for us to look to the future and as the natural world does, evolve. By becoming Hertfordshire Zoo, we want to align ourselves more closely with the whole of

Novotel Stevenage

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the Hertfordshire community and establish ourselves as a zoo that everyone across our county is proud of. We will shine a spotlight on Hertfordshire as a positive beacon for animal welfare, conservation, and education.” Hertfordshire Zoo will be a truly inspiring experience and, as trusted experts and advocates for conservation, they want to share their wonder of wildlife with children and adults alike. Educating their visitors on the positive impact of conservation and highlighting how we can all live a more sustainable way of life is at the heart of our vision for the future.

Images courtesy of Paradise Wildlife Park

Lynn Whitnall the CEO of the Park shared: “We hope the local community and supporters of the park can understand our reasons for this change and we hope you are as excited as we are for what is coming as we continue to develop and evolve as a charity.” With less than two years to go, the Park will be releasing updates on their website and across their social media platforms in the build-up to this exciting change for not only the zoo but the whole county.

Hertfordshire Zoo will launch officially on the Park’s 40th anniversary which will be the 1st of April 2024 and will see an exciting new chapter in the zoo’s history. As the family-run charity enters the next phase of the long-term masterplan, which will see a host of new, amazing but sadly threatened species calling Hertfordshire Zoo home.

The Novotel in Stevenage is a modern 4-star hotel with 102 spacious bedrooms, ideally located adjacent to the Knebworth House estate, and is a perfect base for business or leisure guests. Location

Weddings and Events

The close proximity of London provides fast train links into central London, for those wishing to visit the capital. In addition, Stevenage has excellent leisure and entertainment facilities and there is plenty to see and do roundabout, making the Novotel an excellent base for exploring.

The Novotel Stevenage is also a great place to hold all intimate family events. With a dedicated team there to help make your memories and special day come true, Novotel pride themselves on their excellent service and comfort.

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

The DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree

After an impressive £5.5million refurbishment in 2020, The DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, formerly known as the Holiday Inn London Elstree, is open to guests to experience the new brand, décor, and facilities. Easily accessible with over 200 car parking spaces and spaces for up to six coaches, it is the perfect option for remote working, meetings, training, and celebrations for groups both large and small.

onveniently located just off the A1, the modern and sophisticated hotel is near Elstree Studios, Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio, Wembley Stadium, Centennial Park and just off the M25 at Junction 23. The hotel is also located next door to the new Sky Studios Elstree. Offering a range of adaptable meeting spaces, including 11 well equipped meeting rooms and a ballroom. Corporate meeting or event and away days, staff parties, large conferences, and board meetings can be accommodated for, and all event spaces come with wireless internet access, exceptional customer service and presentation equipment. The modern, art deco-styled Chaplin’s Bar provides a relaxing environment for a drink or light meal, along with a Starbucks coffee offering. Additionally, Chaplin’s Restaurant serves British and Continental dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. DoubleTree

have onsite facilities for external catered events, as well as an in-house kitchen team that can cater for bespoke menus. The on-site team are always on hand to make sure every detail is covered. With private entrances and check-in areas available, and a variety of bedrooms including twin rooms and accessible rooms and an on-site gym. At DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree, find an open, inviting atmosphere with warm, glowing service – from the first hello to the next. Not ready to get back to the office, but need somewhere to thrive away from home to get some work done? Settle into a productive day amidst the quiet elegance in the Chaplin’s Lounge for just £15pp. Enjoy unlimited hot drinks, a sandwich or salad for lunch, car parking and Wi-Fi from 8am-4pm.

For more information email enquiries@dtelstree.com

StayZo Ltd

Serviced Accommodation provider in Hertfordshire StayZo’s purpose is to deliver a brilliant Home from Home experience located in City Centre locations. Following on from the success of their two houses in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield, StayZo has continued to invest in Hertfordshire. With great access to the A1(M) and the railway line taking you directly into London and with a buzzing commercial hub, it is with much excitement that StayZo opened their latest location in Stevenage. This property is their most superior yet – for all guests, it comes with complimentary access. This new Stevenage location is a two bedroom apartment that can sleep six. It comes fully furnished with a 43” smart TV and free Wi-Fi. The brand-new beds can be set up as two super king doubles or twins and there is a double sofa bed. StayZo has built on this solid foundation and not only operate in Hertfordshire, but have also opened locations in Peterborough, Coventry, London and Southampton.

www.stayzo.co.uk INSPIRE

CHAMBER NEWS

Grant Shapps praises Herts Chamber leader during special visit We enjoyed giving Grant a tour of our new office and grasped the opportunity to tell him all about our work, as well as discussing some of the challenges faced by businesses based in Hertfordshire.

elwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps used a visit to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s new offices to champion the organisation’s role in the county’s economic development. The Member of Parliament for Welwyn Hatfield praised the work of the Chamber in supporting industry across the county, singling out Chief Executive Briege Leahy’s direction as instrumental to its members’ positive emergence from the pandemic. “The Chamber and I share the same aim – namely, making Welwyn Hatfield and Hertfordshire the best possible business environment,” said the MP. “Local businesses of all sizes are the lifeblood of my constituency, providing jobs and vital services, and the Chamber’s role in supporting many of them is invaluable.” The MP visited the Chamber’s new offices at York House in Hatfield, a part of his constituency, to draw attention to the county’s progressive adoption of electric vehicle technology and sustainability schemes, as well as to highlight regional east-west and west-east travel challenges.

The Chamber have been glad to host a number of members and VIP’s since moving into their new office this January.

Chamber welcome on board two new team members

Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield are leading the way in electric vehicle charger provision, the politician explained, adding that the area’s proximity to London made it an ideal location for businesses. They also discussed the Chamber’s business initiatives, including the second cycle of the Entrepreneur Foundation; a campaign dedicated to identifying entrepreneurs and helping them turn their concepts into reality. Commenting on the MP’s visit, Briege said: “We enjoyed giving Grant a tour of our new office and grasped the opportunity to tell him all about our work, as well as discussing some of the challenges faced by businesses based in Hertfordshire.”

Anthony Downs, Estates Director, Hatfield Park welcomes the team to their new premises

Claire Austin, MD, Austin’s Funeral Directors visits Herts Chamber

“Our programme of activities is dedicated to overcoming obstacles and addressing the opportunities raised by the Secretary of State, assisting the Chamber’s more than 800 members in their pursuit of operating profitable businesses.” Its expertise in organisational development, training, marketing, and sales helps local businesses within the community to grow and expand, while a range of membership benefits and networking opportunities helps members grow their profile and connect with other businesses locally, nationally, and globally.

Peter Griffiths, Mayor of Hatfield, visits Herts Chamber

Entrepreneur member Johnny Johnson, UNLTD. visited to discuss growing his business

For more information about the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce visit www.hertschamber.com 42

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ECONOMY

Spring Statement: Key points at a glance

Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the contents of his Spring Statement in the House of Commons at the end of March. He had been under pressure to help households with the cost of living squeeze, with prices rising 6.2% in the 12 months to February - the fastest for 30 years.

he chancellor announced he would cut fuel duty, raise the threshold at which people start paying National Insurance, and pledged to cut the basic rate of income tax before the next general election. Here is a summary of the main points:

State of the economy and public finances • The UK economy is forecast to grow by 3.8% this year, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, a sharp cut from its previous prediction of 6.0% • The economy is then forecast to grow by 1.8% in 2023, 2.1% in 2024, 1.8% in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026 • The annual inflation rate was 6.2% in February, and is likely to average 7.4% for the rest of this year, but with a peak of 8.7% in the final quarter of 2022 • The unemployment rate is now predicted to be lower over the next few years than in the OBR’s previous forecast in October • Debt as a percentage of GDP is expected to fall from 83.5% of GDP in 2022/23 to 79.8% in 2026/27 • The government is forecast to spend £83bn on debt interest in the next financial year, the highest on record

Fuel, energy and living costs

• Fuel duty will be cut by 5p per litre until March 2023 • Homeowners installing energy efficiency materials such as solar panels, heat pumps, or insulation will see VAT cut on these items from 5% to zero for five years • Local authorities will get another £500m for the Household Support Fund from April, creating a £1bn fund to help vulnerable households with rising living costs • However, the OBR forecast that energy bills will rise by 40% again in October, if wholesale gas prices remain at the same level they are now

Taxation • The income threshold for at which point people start paying National Insurance will rise to £12,570 in July, which Mr Sunak said was a tax cut for employees worth over £330 a year • Mr Sunak pledged to cut basic rate of income tax from 20p to 19p on the pound before the end of this Parliament • The Employment Allowance, which gives relief to smaller businesses’ National Insurance payments, will increase from £4,000 to £5,000 from April

BCC gives response to Chancellor’s Spring Statement 2022 Giving her reaction to the Chancellor’s statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Spring Statement falls short of the action businesses needed to see today. While there are some positive announcements that firms will welcome, it did not fundamentally address the huge cost pressures they are facing.” “Businesses will be pleased that the employment allowance has been increased. This long running ask of the BCC will provide a small amount of financial headroom for firms facing rising costs.” “But today was a missed opportunity to rebuild and renew the economy and ensure business has the resilience to weather the uncertain and volatile times ahead.” “The cut in fuel duty, though very welcome, is just a drop in the ocean compared to the larger tsunami of surging costs that is bearing down on firms and households. Smaller businesses are particularly exposed as they have neither the protections or financial support provided to households, nor the negotiating power of larger businesses.” “As the economic outlook is likely to get worse before it gets better, many firms will be forced to continue raising prices, further fuelling the cost-of-living crisis.” “We urge the government to take further action – including the introduction of an SME energy

price cap - to tackle the escalating cost of doing business crisis. Firms need the headroom to keep a lid on prices, protect jobs and make investment that is so vital to sustaining our economic prospects.” On the Chancellor’s priorities for the Autumn Budget, Director General Haviland said: “Businesses will welcome the Chancellor’s firm commitment to cut taxes on business investment, something chamber business communities have long called for. Turbocharging investment is crucial to boosting productivity, levelling-up and the transition to net zero.” “We look forward to working closely with ministers on driving stronger business investment and reform to the apprenticeship levy and R&D tax credits.”

We urge the government to take further action – including the introduction of an SME energy price cap - to tackle the escalating cost of doing business crisis. Firms need the headroom to keep a lid on prices, protect jobs and make investment that is so vital to sustaining our economic prospects. INSPIRE

eTh carbon ThTh e carbon e carbon How DIGITAL INNOVATIONS are impacting on the waste sector in Hertfordshire and nationally benefi t hidden benefi t hidden in in in benefi t hidden clothing ourour clothing our clothing ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT TIPS ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS TOP ENVIRONMEN

Are you one of the Hertfordshire residents who made two million visits to the network of seventeen Recycling Centres across the county in the last year?

we needed more clothes hangers. Instead of buying these, we put out a request on Facebook, Instagram and via the reuse centre pages If so did you know that the individual Recycling Centres webpages to see if residents had any unwanted Why is this relevant to your business? include digital features to help residents plan their visit? For a business wanting to reduce Why is this relevant to your business? Why is this relevantThere to yourare business? a business wanting toareduce For business wanting to reduce hangers available. 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Keep in touch WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership #RememberYourReusables: RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership Sign up to our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme/ HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware #RememberYourReusables: RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership @HertsWasteAware www.wasteaware.org.uk HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware @HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership 44

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MEMBERS NEWS

Employers Collaborate on the Launch of NHC Construction Hub

North Hertfordshire College (NHC) launched the Construction Hub at the Engineering and Construction campus in Stevenage.

he NHC Construction Hub offers training, apprenticeships, career mentoring and work experience to local people looking to work or currently working in the construction industry, enabling them to be employment and site ready. The Hub helps transform the region’s economy by providing the construction industry with skills needed now and for the future. This collaborative project is funded through the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB)

Onsite Experience commission and is supported by Stevenage Borough Council, Stevenage Works, and the Hertfordshire LEP. Located in the heart of the SG1 regeneration programme, the training facility offers a wide range of full and part-time construction courses to meet industry needs. The NHC Construction Hub also collaborates with Hertfordshire Job Centre Plus and major contractors, including Galliford Try, Wates, and Mulalley & Co. These contractors offer onsite experiences through their

partnership, providing valuable opportunities that ensure Hub students are well-prepared to enter the industry. Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College, said: “We are really excited about this project. It brings together college training, industry partners, regeneration schemes,and local people to build skills and opportunities in the construction sector. At a time when the construction industry is looking to expand, upskill, and train new and motivated individuals, the NHC Construction Hub provides

the facility, resources, and partnerships to achieve this.” Nick Price, Director of Operations at Mulalley & Co, said: “It’s clear that the partnerships we have forged with North Hertfordshire College, Stevenage Borough Council, and the CITB are having a demonstrable impact on the lives of the students and teachers, and we look forward to continuing our support of the new Construction Hub.” To find out more about the Construction Hub, please visit: www.constructionhub.org

Lumin Wealth acquires Enhance Wealth Management Lumin Wealth is pleased to announce that it has acquired Enhance Wealth Management, a Hertfordshire-based financial advice firm.

his latest acquisition brings Lumin group assets under management to around £800m, and follows on from the purchases of Chamberlain Stean & West, Everett MacLeod and Hyperion. Lumin Wealth is a financial advice and discretionary fund manager firm based in St. Albans and London. The acquisition is consistent with Lumin’s strategy of fostering strong organic growth by partnering with like-minded

advisers who share Lumin’s high standards, and for whom a smooth transition for their valued clients is an imperative. Martin Cotter, Managing Director of Lumin Group, commented: “I would like to thank Peter Flowers, Fiona Read, Sara Moore and the rest of the Enhance team. We are delighted to welcome them to Lumin Wealth.” “We know that our tried and tested integration formula provides an attractive new home

for advisers and their teams. Our plan puts the continuity of the client’s financial planning journey at the forefront of everything we do. We continue to look for similar firms who share our values to join the Lumin family.” Peter Flowers, Managing Director of Enhance Wealth Management, said: “We are very pleased to be selling our business to such a forwardthinking and innovative company. Lumin Wealth shares the same core values

as Enhance; namely putting the client first and delivering consistently excellent customer service.” “Our management teams have known each other for over two decades, so the ease with which we can assimilate Enhance clients into Lumin’s business model was one of the primary drivers behind our decision to join forces. We look forward to working with our new colleagues and building an even better client experience together.”

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MEMBERS NEWS

Todd in The Hole 15th - 17th July 2022 After the disappointment of having to postpone for the last two years, Todd in the Hole Festival is looking forward to opening its gates again this July.

he Team have been working hard to bring a stellar line up to this year’s festival including, The Killerz, Amy Winehouse – A Tribute, Wham George Michael Tribute, UK Fleetwood Mac, Rick Parfitt Jnr & RPJ Band, Wrong Jovi, Pat Sharp plus loads more. Ending the weekend in style on the Main Stage will be the legendary Martin Kemp and his Back to the 80’s DJ Set.‘After missing staging the festival at the last-minute last

year we want to make sure that 2022 is our best year yet with something for everyone. We cannot wait to enjoy fantastic music over a weekend to remember with our Todd festivalgoers.’ David Nye, Festival Co-Founder. For the second time the Todd Team will be hosting corporate hospitality in their VIP bar and terrace on Friday 15th July. With over four hundred attendees already confirmed this is a great opportunity for Herts based businesses to

entertain clients, informally network or simply treat their team in a fantastic festival setting. Tickets include Festival entry, VIP bar access, a welcome drink, VIP parking and a ticket to the limited capacity After Party headlined by the iconic Dave Pearce. £5 from every corporate ticket sold is being donated back to the festival charity partner - The East & North Herts Hospitals’ Charity based at The Lister Hospital. They will be raising funds to create a

‘SafeSpace’ for children and young people who arrive at the Lister Hospital due to their mental health. In addition to the Corporate Hospitality there are still some Sponsorship options available. With 5,000 visitors set to attend each day this is a great opportunity to connect with the Hertfordshire community. For corporate hospitality or sponsorship enquiries, please contact Nat Webber marketing@toddinthehole.co.uk

Lionel Wallace

Two Worlds Concert The Young Leaders Award

24 June 2022 - Watford Palace Theatre - 7.30pm Run-time: 90 minutes (+ interval)

uring his 2021/22 term of office as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire – Lionel C. Wallace DL launched opportunities for Young People within his Youth in Herts project, including the promotion of the Young Leaders Award programme to Schools in Hertfordshire. The Award is a fully resourced leadership and character education programme designed to be delivered by teaching staff within the classroom. Available at KS1 to Post 16, it has strong links to core education elements including, British Values, Character Education and Citizenship.

Lionel said: “Building Citizenship in our young people prepares them not only for support within the community, but also the workplace.”

The programme exists to empower young people to serve their generation, putting the needs of others before themselves. An awareness and associated fundraising event is planned for Friday 24th June 2022 at The Watford Palace Theatre with The London Community Gospel Choir & The Purcell School of Music. This Youth In Herts fundraising project comes to the theatre with a unique musical production from Watford’s own Purcell School and the

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infamous London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC). The evening will satisfy the appetite of those music lovers with a taste for a variety of music and what can be created when ‘Two Worlds’ work together in amazing harmony. Not to be missed! The Purcell School is Britain’s oldest music school. Situated on the outskirts of London in Bushey, Hertfordshire, the School is home to around 180 musically talented young people, all of whom are passionate about fulfilling their talent. For further information, please visit www.purcell-school.org. From humble beginnings in 1982, London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) have gone on to become Europe’s leading Gospel brand and one of the most in demand choirs across the world, creating a wall of soulful sound that is both memorable and inspirational.

GROWTH HUB

How digital transformation can streamline your workflow n Faye Thompson

Head of Cloud Accounting at Wilder Coe Chartered Accountants

“How do you know what invoices are out for approval and with whom? “My bookkeeper knows it’s all up here.”

Support to Kickstart Innovation for the Creative Industries, Film and TV Supply Chain with Herts Camera Action

erts Camera Action, a project funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund, aims to capitalise on the world-leading hub of film and TV studios located in Hertfordshire by enabling eligible SMEs to tap into the growing film and TV sector.

Led by Visit Herts, Hertfordshire’s official destination management organisation, and supported by delivery partners Hertfordshire Growth Hub and the University of Hertfordshire, the programme aims to kickstart innovation across the county by supporting the growth of the local Film and TV supply chain, including creative industries, investing in creative skills and knowledge exchange, and developing a series of brandnew screen tourism products to support the rebuild of Hertfordshire’s visitor economy. Available to Hertfordshire-based SMEs operating in the film and TV supply chain, as well as those looking to expand their operations and/or diversify into this sector, Herts Camera Action provides the following support:

Creative Industries, Film and TV Supply Chain Grant Programme Eligible SMEs in Hertfordshire can receive up to £5,000 (with a 20% match fund contribution) in grant funding, to support with the purchase of capital equipment, professional fees, consultancy and much more, with the aim of helping businesses to tap into this growing sector.

As part of the grant programme, SMEs will undergo an in-depth business diagnostic with a sector specialist adviser, focusing on their capabilities to exploit new opportunities related to the film and television sector. They will also benefit from up to 12 hours of mentoring support delivered by University of Hertfordshire experts. Mentor expertise includes business strategy, branding, creative entrepreneurship, IP and more.

Targeted CPD Programme Delivered by experts at the University of Hertfordshire, eligible SMEs can benefit from training to upskill the creative industries, TV and film supply chain workforce. The training aims to meet the skills gaps identified as part of the grant programme. Eligible SMEs who have benefitted from the grant programme will be automatically referred to the CPD programme. The free of charge structured training will support employees to upskill as well as foster knowledge exchange between industry and academia, increase innovation, and build links within the sector. The modules include Media Strategies and Communication (Level 7), Marketing Opportunities in the Creative Industries (Level 7) and Operating in the Media Industry (Level 6). Herts Camera Action is open for applications until 30th June 2022. To find out more and express your interest visit https://bit.ly/HertsCameraAction This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Pointing to his head, the Finance Manager explains how his company were approving supplier invoices. Before the 2020 UK lockdown, invoices were sent around the office in envelopes, eventually making their way back to the bookkeeper for processing. The pandemic leads to a data capture tool for processing supplier invoices and linking to accounting software. Although invoices were emailed out for signature and payments were run monthly, the Finance Manager was unaware of which invoices were ready for approval. The bookkeeper and Finance Manager would spend time each month discussing outstanding invoices. However, the lack of visibility and dependency on one individual is a concern. Utilising a cloud approval tool can streamline processes and take away the time-consuming task of email chasing for approvals. These tools are inexpensive, easy to set up and have multiple benefits that help managers gain back control when paying invoices. • Create automated workflows tailored to your organisation. You can add any number of steps and select approvers for each step. • Review and approval bills or purchase orders on the go. Keep updated in real-time. • Get automated audit trails and reporting. Find out who approved invoices and run reports to see outstanding invoices.

Want to learn how best to streamline your workflow? Arrange a consultation with Faye Thompson on 01438 847119

www.wildercoe.co.uk

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

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Photo Credit: Pixabay

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME to new members

Herts Chamber welcomes three new Patrons u 3 Doc Solutions

Business Document Creation Twitter: 3docsolutions Email: hello@3docsolutions.co.uk Web: https://3docsolutions.co.uk Tel: 07549 900447 Add: 3 Doc Solutions Tring Hertfordshire HP23 4AF

u Abode Bed & Continental

Luxury Town Centre Serviced Apartment Suites Twitter: abodebed_com Email: martin@abodebed.com Web: www.abodebed.com Tel: 0845 0559631 Add: 5 Handleys Court Seldon Hill Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4FW

u AA Consulting Services Ltd

Full-service interior design and project management for residential and small commercial spaces Email: hello@agnesagocsinteriors.com Web: www.agnesagocsinteriors.com Tel: 07445 241082 Add: 160 City Road London EC1V 2NX

u Agriman Ltd

Exporting Agricultural Products Web: www.agriman.co.uk

u Aldenham Estate

Diversifying 650-acre arable farm in Elstree Email: info@aldenhamestate.co.uk Web: www.aldenhamestate.co.uk Tel: 020 8207 1907 Add: Aldenham Estate Office Elstree Aerodrome Hogg Lane Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 3AW

u Alison Page Marketing

APM Provides outsourced marketing solutions to the SEM’s in Hertfordshrie and the surrounding areas Email: hello@alisonpagemarketing.co.uk Web: https://alisonpagemarketing.co.uk/ Tel: 07963 002065 Add: 4 Jubilee Gardens Tring Hertfordshire HP23 4JG

u Apex 360

Sports and Dance Coaching Business Twitter: Apex360uk Email: stewart.hunt@apex360.co.uk Web: https://apex360.co.uk/ Tel: 01442 800242 Add: Active Dacorum Hub Redbourn Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7BA

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u Arriva UK Business Investments Ltd

Public Transport Services Twitter: ArrivaGroup Email: christiem@arriva.co.uk Web: www.arrivabus.co.uk Tel: 01915 204000 Add: Marchwood House 934-974 St Albans Road Garston Hertfordshire WD25 9NN

u Ashridge House

Hospitality and events space to the B2B & B2C Twitter: AshridgeHouse Email: events@ashridge.org.uk Web: www.ashridge.com Tel: 01442 843491 Add: Ashridge House Ashridge Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1NS

u Ruth George HR Consulting

Provider of HR Consultancy Services to Corporates and SME’s Email: ruth@ruthgeorge.com Web: www.ruthgeorge.com Tel: 0899 920 075 Add: 1 Ashtree Way Boxmoor Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 1QS

u Attention Seeker Ltd

Social Media Consultancy Twitter: AttentionSkr Email: fiona@attention-seeker.com Web: https://attention-seeker.com/ Tel: 07891 073548 Add: 24 Ardens Way St Albans Hertfordshire AL4 9UJ

u Barnet and Herts First Aid Training

First choice for First Aid for adults and children Twitter: barnetandherts1 Email:

enquiries@barnetandhertsfirstaidtraining.com

Web: www.barnetandhertsfirstaidtraining.com Tel: 07762 387265 Add: The Cottage Great Barn Dell St Albans Road Sandridge Hertfordshire AL4 9LB

u Bearingnet Limited

BearingNet gives you access to the inventories of 1,800+ different distributors around the world with a combined inventory value of over $10 billion dollars. Twitter: BearingNet Email: cherylo@bearingnet.net Web: www.bearingnet.net Tel: 01279 844044 Add: 3 Culver Court Malting Lane Much Hadham Ware Hertfordshire SG10 6AN

u Brolly Marketing Ltd.

Marketing Twitter: BrollyMarketing Email: sharon@brollymarketing.co.uk Web: www.brollymarketing.co.uk Tel: 07973 252179 Add: 14A Garden Close Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3DP

u Brooks-Hill Ltd

We design, develop and manufacture quality cosmetic products for the fashion conscience consumer to create products that our customers love Email: tim@brookshill.co.uk Web: www.brookshill.co.uk Tel: 07879 443490 Add: Unit 2, Orbital 25 Business Park Dwight Road Watford Hertfordshire WD18 9DA

u Champneys Tring

Health Resort, Bedrooms and Spa Facilities Twitter: champneys Email: adam.lawson@champneys.com Web: www.champneys.com Tel: 01442 291000 Add: Wigginton Tring Hertfordshire HP23 6HY

u CLAY Holdings Ltd

Business and Professional Coaching, Brand Marketing Consulting Email: sarah@claybyscj.com Web: www.claybyscj.com Tel: 01442 777667 Add: 21 Station Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2EY

u Collinson Hall

Estate agent dealing in residential sales & lettings, commercial, block management, and land/new home services in St Albans and surrounding area Twitter: CollinsonHall Email: stalbansmail@collinsonhall. co.uk Web: www.collinsonhall.co.uk Tel: 01727 843222 Add: 9 - 11 Victoria Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3UB

u Combat Medical Limited

We design and development of a series of medical devices for the safer and more effective delivery of heated (hyperthermic) chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder and peritoneal related cancer Twitter: CombatCancer Email: jsp@combat-medical.com Web: https://combatcancer.com/ Tel: 01582 834466 Add: Lamer House Office Lamer Lane Wheathampstead Hertfordshire AL4 8RL

u Conrad Foods Ltd

Our business manufacturers frozen cheese ball which we sell in packages of 400g, 1kg, 2.2kg and 2.5kg. We sell to the general public but also to restaurants, coffee shops as well as hotels Email: eferraz@marybellafoods.co.uk Web: www.marybellafoods.co.uk Tel: 07904 066323 Add: Unit 2, Wenta Business Centre Colne Way Watford Hertfordshire WD25 9AY

u Crane & Staples Solicitors

We are a long established, award winning firm of solicitors providing a full service to the communities of Welwyn Garden and Hatfield and surrounding areas Twitter: CraneandStaples Email: law@crane-staples.co.uk Web: www.crane-staples.co.uk Tel: 01707 329333 Add: Longcroft House Fretherne Road Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6TU

u Craydawn Pendley Manor

Hotel with Conference, leisure and dining facilities, open to non-residents Twitter: PendleyManor Email: sales@pendley-manor.co.uk Web: www.pendley-manor.co.uk Tel: 01442 891891 Add: Cow Lane Tring Hertfordshire HP23 5QY

u Crazy Goat Limited

Premium Artisan Coffee - From Bean to Barista and everything in between Email: dc@crazygoat.co Web: https://crazygoat.co/ Tel: 020 3137 9462 Add: Arabica House Ebberns Road Apsley Hertfordshire HP3 9RD

u Crisp Accountancy Ltd

We help Businesses grow by providing clarity over their finances. Full outsourced finance function for ambitious growing businesses Twitter: Crisp_Acc Email: info@crispaccountancy.co.uk Web: www.crispaccountancy.co.uk Tel: 01707 247044 Add: 5 Forum Place Fiddlebridge Lane Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0RN

u Daisyfm Limited

Building Cleaners, Specialist Cleaning and site welfare Email: info@daisyfm.com Web: www.daisyfm.com Tel: 01442 767566 Add: Maylands Business Centre Redbourne Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7ES

NEW MEMBERS u Daredevil

Internal B2B Public Relations Email: brian.osullivan@daredevilpr.com Web: www.daredevilpr.com Tel: 07733 350307 Add: 14 Yew Tree Drive Bovingdon Hertfordshire HP3 0TA

u DENS

Support individuals and families within Dacorum who are facing Homelessness, Poverty and Social Exclusion Twitter: DENSinDacorum Email: fundraising@dens.org.uk Web: www.dens.org.uk Tel: 01442 800268 Add: Bury Lodge 1 Queensway Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 1HT

u Drift Limits

Operator of world Exclusive Driving Experience Twitter: driftlimits Email: info@driftlimits.co.uk Web: www.driftlimits.co.uk Tel: 07735 140083 Add: Bovingdon Airfield Upper Bourne End Lane Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 2RR

u Dyrham Park Golf and Country Club

Golf and Country Club Twitter: dyrhampark Email: enquiries@dyrhampark.com Web: www.dyrnhampark.com Tel: 020 8440 3361 Add: Galley Lane Barnet Hertfordshire EN5 4RA

u EIC Insurance Services Limited Commercial Insurance Broker Twitter: EICInsurance Email: charlie.hicks@eicinsurance.co.uk Web: www.eicinsurance.co.uk Tel: 01442 286910 Add: Unit 1B, Tring Business Estate Upper Icknield Way Tring Hertfordshire HP23 4JX

u Emelec Building Services Ltd

Building Services Company Twitter: Emelecbuilding Email: emma@ebsl.co.uk Web: www.ebsl.co.uk Tel: 01923 800749 Add: Greenhill House 26 Greenhill Crescent Watford Hertfordshire WD18 8JA

u Everyone Active -

Hemel Hempstead Leisure Centre Health and Fitness, Leisure and Sports Facilities Twitter: EveryoneActive Email: hempstedinfo@eveyoneactive.com Web: www.everyoneactive.com/ centre/hemel-hempsteadleisure-centre/ Tel: 01442 507100 Add: Hemel Hempstead Sports Centre Park Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 1JS

u Formech International Ltd

Retailing Email: info@formech.com Web: www.formech.com Tel: 01582 469797 Add: Unit 4, Thrales End Business Park Thrales End Lane Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3NS

u Forward Comms

Telecommunications Email: yolanda@forwardcomms.co.uk Web: www.forwardcomms.co.uk Tel: 01438 754475 Add: 3-4 Viewpoint Babbage Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2EQ

u Freedom Destinations

Holidays Designed For You We’ve been creating tailor made holidays for over 20 years, let us plan an adventure unique to you Email: rowanw@freedomdestinations.co.uk Web: www.freedomdestinations.co.uk Tel: 01992 514926 Add: 18 Mead Business Centre Mead Lane Hertford Hertfordshire SG13 7BJ

u FTG Limited

We supply, install, maintain & commission smoke ventilation systems and Mechanical extract systems Twitter: FTG_LTD Email: enquiries@ftg-ltd.co.uk. Web: www.ftg-ltd.co.uk Tel: 07702 862625 Add: Hawthorns Barn Bread and Cheese Lane Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN7 6PE

u Genmar (UK)

Whether you need a one-stop-shop to encompass all your IT requirements under one roof, or a one-off project or service to complement your existing IT team, you can be confident Genmar will provide the best solution. Twitter: GenmarIT Email: email@genmar.co.uk Web: https://genmar.co.uk/ Tel: 0330 4451234 Add: Unit 12, The Links Raynham Road Bishop’s Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 5NZ

u Global Afro Foods Limited

Local production and distributions of freshly harvested farm products Email: mannmarx@gmail.com Web: https://globalafrofoods.co.uk/ Tel: 07459 522433 Add: 8 William House Hammer Lane Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4FE

u Global Enterprise Network UK (GEN UK)

Supporting the growth and development of UK entrepreneurs and Start-ups Twitter: TheGENUK Email: egold@genglobal.org Web: www.genuk.org Tel: 07756 522862 Add: 33 Bowling Road Ware Hertfordshire SG12 7EF

u Goods for Good

Goods For Good sends goods donated by generous businesses and individuals in the UK to vulnerable communities living both locally and around the world Twitter: GOODSFORGOODuk Email: rosalind@goodsforgood.org.uk Web: https://goodsforgood.org.uk/ Tel: 01923 918880 Add: 100 Cecil Street Watford Hertfordshire WD24 5AD

u Grace Certified Accountants

Accountants Email: dora@gracecertifiedaccountants.co.uk Web: https://gracecertifiedaccountants.co.uk Tel: 01442 934947 Add: Innovation House 39 Mark Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7DN

u Halcyon Accountancy

Chartered certified accountancy practice Twitter: HalcyonAccounts Email: antonella@halcyonaccountancy.co.uk Web: www.halcyonaccountancy.co.uk Tel: 07595 702313 Add: 26c Park Lane Waltham Cross Hertfordshire EN8 8BE

u Herts Mechanical Handling Services Ltd

Subcontracting Engineering Services Twitter: HertsMech Email: simon@hertsmech.com Web: www.hertsmech.com Tel: 01442 216669 Add: Unit 1 Grovelands Boundary Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7TE

u Holy Lama Naturals Ltd

We import and export natural skincare products & spice extracts Twitter: SpiceDropsUK Email: gouri@holylama.co.uk Web: https://holylama.co.uk Tel: 07762 657277 Add: 11 Sycamore Avenue Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 8LZ

u Hope for Children

We are a charity working across several countries including the UK Twitter: Hopeforchildren Email: hope@hope4c.org Web: www.hope-for-children.org Tel: 01442 234 561 Add: C/O High Street Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 3AF

u Icely Done Drinks Ltd

We create incredible products - from frozen cocktails, to cocktail blends and cordials - that make it easy for bartenders across the UK to serve delicious and inventive cocktails, quickly and consistently Email: info@icelydone.com Web: www.icelydone.com Tel: 01992 442993 Add: Rawmec Business Park Unit 1E Plumpton Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0EE

u Innovate, trusted and Personal Care Ltd (ITP Care)

Social Care Recruitment and Training Email: patience.njovana@iptcare.co.uk Web: www.iptcare.co.uk Tel: 01442 508157 Add: 33 Rumballs Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP3 8JA

u John E Fells & Sons Limited Wine and Gift Wholesaler Twitter: FellsWine Email: info@fells.co.uk Web: https://fells.co.uk/ Tel: 01442 870900 Add: Fells House Station Road Kings Langley Hertfordshire WD4 8LH

u King Street Images

Motion picture, Video and Television Production Twitter: kingstreetimage Email: mat@kingstreetimages.com Web: https://kingstreetimages.com/ Tel: 01920 449362 Add: 79 The Maltings Business Centre Hertford Hertfordshire SG12 8UU

u Koncise Solutions Ltd

We are a reseller of cyber security solutions. We work with a number of vendors whereby we sell their cyber security products/services to new & existing clients Twitter: KonciseSolution Email: arsha@koncisesolutions.com Web: www.koncisesolutions.com Tel: 020 8078 0789 Add: The Auction House Glenhaven Avenue Borehmawood Hertfordshire WD6 1AY u Lambert and Barclay Ltd The World’s Premier Shoe Shiner Email: charles@equerryshine.co.uk Web: www.equerryshine.co.uk Tel: 07894 952365 Add: 2 Tower House Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 8UR

u Mercury Systems

Protecting your facilities and assets and providing a secure and safe environment for your staff Email: mike@mercurysystems.co.uk Web: www.mercurysystems.co.uk Tel: 01707 272272 Add: 9 Bridgegate Centre Martinfield Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1JG

u MRK Associates

We provide Companies with Accountancy, Pricing, Revenue Management Twitter: MRKAssociates Email: office@mrkassociates.co.uk Web: www.mrkassociates.co.uk Tel: 01442 894555 Add: 575 - 599 Maxted Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7DX

u My Mustard

Digital Marketing Agency Twitter: MyMustard Email: hello@mymustard.co.uk Web: www.mymustard.co.uk Tel: 01442 506070 Add: 109 High Street Old Town Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 3AH

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NEW MEMBERS u NFU Mutual Hemel Hempstead Insurance - personal and commercial lines, financial services and risk management solutions Twitter: nfum Email: hemel_hempstead_agency@ nfumutual.co.uk Web: www.nfumutual.co.uk/agentoffices/hemel-hempstead/ Tel: 01442 270000 Add: Boxted Farm Berkhamstead Road Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 2SG

u NitNOT Limited

Headlice Treatment Products Email: eh@nitnot.com Web: www.nitnot.com Tel: 01442 388879 Add: 83 Bayford Close Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7NA

u Octree Limited

We now offer over 200 guided walking holidays in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide with grades to suit all walking abilities Twitter: ramblersholiday Email: nicki.vanham@rwhtravel.com Web: www.ramblersholidays.co.uk Tel: 07810 566077 Add: Lemsford Mill Lemsford Village Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 7TR

u Sarah-J Coaching

Provide leadership, team and career coaching and training Twitter: SarahJ_Coaching Email: sarah@sarah-j.com Web: www.sarah-j.com Tel: 07531 228089 Add: 87a Chapel Street Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 5AE

Information Security and Managed IT Services Twitter: octreelimited Email: sales@octree.co.uk Web: www.octree.co.uk Tel: 01462 416400 Add: The Lloyds Building Birds Hill Letchworth Hertfordshire SG6 1JE

u Shendish Manor Hotel

u Office Fox Limited

u Shimmering Ivory

Office Technology provider and Furniture Support Email: info@officefox.org.uk Web: www.officefox.co.uk Tel: 01279 262169 Add: 25 St Andrews Street Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1HZ

u OSD Healthcare

Private health clinic Web: www.onestopdoctors.co.uk

u People Building

Self Development Training and Coaching Email: gemma@peoplebuilding.co.uk Web: www.peoplebuilding.co.uk Tel: 0345 3192666 Add: 15 Queensway Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 1LS

u PIB Contractors

Constitution Primary Residential Email: lewis.foley@pibcontractors. co.uk Web: www.pibcontractors.co.uk Tel: 01923 250222 Add: Unit C, 3 Regal Way Watford Hertfordshire WD24 4YJ

u Pictons Solicitors LLP

Hospitality Twitter: ShendishManor Email:

businessdevelopment@shendish-manor.com

Web: Tel: Add:

www.shendish-manor.com 01442 232220 London Road Apsley Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire

I design and make couture wedding dresses in Hertfordshire Twitter: ShimmeringIvory Email: shcooke@shimmeringivory. co.uk Web: www.shimmeringivory.co.uk Tel: 07967 489606 Add: 21 Derwent Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3PA

u SMA HR Limited

HR Consultancy for Small Business hr@sharonabbott.co.uk Web: www.sharonabbot.co.uk Tel: 07982 244397 Add: 4 Cooks Vennel Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 3JB

u Smith’s Coffee Company Limited The Procurement, Roasting, Some flavoring, and packaging of various coffees from around the world Email: sales@smithscoffee.co.uk Web: www.smithscoffee.co.uk Tel: 01442 234239 Add: Arabica House Ebberns Road Apsley Hertfordshire HP3 9RD

u Solario Racing LLP

Solicitors - Property, Family, Private Client, Commercial, Litigation Twitter: Pictons Email: info@pictons.co.uk Web: https://pictons.com/ Tel: 01582 870820 Add: 11 High Steet Tring Hertfordshire HP23 5AL

Racehorse Syndication and Hospitality Twitter: OfficialSolario Email: info@solarioracing.com Web: http://solarioracing.com Tel: 01442 877597 Add: The Cottage 3 Castle Hill Farm Castle Hill Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1HH

u Premier Ship Models Ltd

u Split Second

Model Makers. Professional Ship models, Architectual models and 3-D printing Twitter: Premier_Ship Email: info@premiershipmodels.com Web: www.premiershipmodels.com Tel: 020 8447 1884 Add: Sunnyview Causeway Close Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 5HW

u Ramblers Walking Holidays

INSPIRE

We are a consultancy that specialises in accelerating growth with SMEs and corporates Email: nsaxena@splitsecondltd.com Web: www.splitsecondltd.com Tel: 01727 860841 Add: 3 Tollhouse Point 220 London Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 1NU

u Stance Fitness Ltd

Our technology uses electromagnetic resistance to replace heavy weights for resistance training Email: alex@stancehome.com Tel: 07850 938102 Add: 33 Meadway Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1JN

u Storm McQueen Coaching Limited

Professional Coaching and Mentoring for Individuals within Organisations. To make coaching accessible to everyone Email: enquiries@stormmcqueencoaching.com Web: www.stormmcqueencoaching.com Tel: 020 7129 7550 Add: 144 Chaulden Lane Boxmoor Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP1 2BT

u Stringer Mann Chartered Financial Planners

Wealth Management and financial services including Mortgages Email: stringermann@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.stringermann.com Tel: 01442 874888 Add: 236a High Street Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1AG

u Sublime Marketing Design Ltd

I help organisations gain access to world-class marketing. Marketing that has perhaps been unattainable due to a lack of resources, or even a lack of full time need Email: richard@sublime-marketing.co.uk Web: www.sublime-marketing.com Tel: 07890 340883 Add: The Red House 113 High Street Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2DJ

u T. J. Fire & Security

Fire & Security based in Welwyn Garden City Twitter: tandjfire Email: sales@tjfire.co.uk Web: www.tjfire.co.uk Tel: 01707 326093 Add: 5 Martinfield Business Centre Martinfield Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1HG

u The Confidence Psychologist

Psychologist and mentor for individuals seeking to increase their confidence in order to boost their work, career or personal relationships Twitter: confidencepsych Email: susan@theconfidencepsych.com Web: www.theconfidencepsych.com Tel: 07958 112335 Add: 9 Gravel Path Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2EF

u The Diamond Trust

Jewellery Twitter: TheDiamondTrust Email: info@thediamondtrust.co.uk Web: www.thediamondtrust.co.uk Tel: 01442 200040 Add: Chesham House Church Lane Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 2AX

u The Filmers Video Production

Creator of promotional and content videos for Business, event, Private parties and weddings. Our Service also offer photography Email: info@thefilmers.co.uk Web: www.thefilmers.co.uk Tel: 07980 953690 Add: Censeo House St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3LF

u The Pilates Pod Ltd

Classical Apparatus & Mat: Feel the importance of the spring resistance! Twitter: ThePilatesPod Email: ed.smith@thepilatespod.co.uk Web: www.thepilatespod.co.uk Tel: 07889 973422 Add: Suite 4, 107 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1NB

u Tryst Food Ltd

Email: naqash9494@gmail.com Tel: 01707 709604 Add: 12 Harpsfield Broadway Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9TF

u Unique Aromas UK

Unique Aromas is a progressive, quality-oriented company specializing in authentic handmade cosmetics made from African inspired traditional recipes Email: carita.williams@uniquearomas.co.uk Web: www.uniquearomas.co.uk Tel: 01992 677610 Add: Unit 20, Hoddesdon Industrial Centre Pindar Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0DD

u Universal Export Consulting Ltd

International business leadership specialising in business strategy development transformation and operational change Email: universalexportsconsulting@hotmail.com Tel: 07703 450007 Add: 5 Pentows Ware Hertfordshire SE11 2QD

u Visible Impact

Video production for women who want to make an impact and inspire Email: amy@visibleimpact.co.uk Web: www.visibleimpact.co.uk Tel: 07870 781718 Add: 5 Berkeley Mews Guilford Road St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 5GA

u Vitality with Emily

Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching Email: enquiries@vitalitywithemily.co.uk Web: www.vitalitywithemily.co.uk Tel: 07764 906637 Add: 24 Park Road Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 8EQ

u Walter Cooper

Walter Cooper is an independent land agency which facilitates the acquisition and disposal of land Twitter: WalterCo Email: hello@waltercooper.co.uk Web: www.waltercooper.co.uk Tel: 01992 252411 Add: Unit 12, The Parlour Church Barns Widford Hertfordshire SG12 8RL

MEMBERS NEWS

Borough of Broxbourne Awards 2022

Residents who dedicate their time to making the Borough of Broxbourne a better place to live and work have been celebrated in the latest Borough of Broxbourne (BOB) Awards.

he 2022 awards took place on Friday 18 March, and was the second time this ceremony had taken place. The BOB Awards was also one of the first events to take place in the newly refurbished Spotlight theatre.

Vanessa Carter, a staff member at Haileybury Turnford School in Cheshunt, received an award for her work as a mental health first aider and for setting up the school’s Young Carers programme, alongside her job supporting pupils.

Winners included individuals and local organisations who have gone beyond to greatly improve the Borough. Special emphasis this year was placed on those who have had a positive impact during the pandemic.

There were also three awards for local groups. Communities’ 1st took the lead on mobilising volunteers in Broxbourne during the pandemic. The organisation matched volunteers to those who needed support, providing invaluable assistance to the elderly, people self-isolating and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

The Dame Marion Roe Award for young Citizen of the Year went to Nicole Jones, who has been a member of St John Ambulance for five years. Over the past 12 months, she contributed 500 hours of community service, helping to train vaccinators, and conducting virtual sessions to engage young people. Adam Barrett received a BOB Award for his work at Rosedale Community Church when it reopened to the public, being the first to volunteer for a new food pantry and leading the parent/toddler group and the walk for wellbeing. Breda Higgins is the co-Chair of the Wormley and Turnford Big Local, and the leader of the Health Walk based at the community centre. Through her walks, she played a vital role combatting social isolation during the pandemic. Naomi Bailey is a nurse at the Kingfisher Nursing Home in Cheshunt and received an award after going beyond the duties of her role. Ray Cook is a dedicated supporter of the annual Poppy Appeal, working tirelessly for many years in all weathers, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds, which has supported members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families. Tony Cox is the Love Hoddesdon Business Improvement District (BID) Manager and received a number of nominations for his proactive support during the pandemic, with some describing him as a ‘lifeline’.

HABS Family Support Team employs a team of trained family support workers assisting local schools and the community. It received multiple nominations for the hard work and dedication of staff providing support during the pandemic. The people involved in forming the Lowewood Museum Trust were instrumental in preventing the Museum from closure. The Trust secured a grant from the Arts Council to employ two members of staff to help run the Museum and curate the Museum’s collections. Councillor David Taylor, Mayor of Broxbourne, said: “We received a huge number of nominations to this year’s Borough of Broxbourne Awards. All those who were entered can be proud of the efforts they have given, especially when the Borough was facing the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.” Councillor Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council, said: “I was delighted to be part of the second annual Borough of Broxbourne Awards, celebrating those who dedicate so much of their time to ensuring Broxbourne is a wonderful place to live and work.” “These awards highlight and recognise the work that people from all walks of life contribute to the Borough and its residents, particularly throughout the last two years.”

Stevenage company juggles challenges to help stage Cirque du Soleil show at the Royal Albert Hall

n expert rigging company has supported the worldrenowned circus company with their recent production, overcoming time pressures and COVID challenges in the process. After being contacted by Cirque du Soleil’s Technical Director, Stevenage-based Rigging Team supported the illustrious circus company for their recent staging of LUZIA at the Royal Albert Hall, an imaginative show inspired by Mexican culture, people and places. Rigging Team provides rigging and professional services to the TV, film and live events industries, and worked closely with Cirque du Soleil to meet tight deadlines and unique requirements. Often working overnight, Rigging Team supplied riggers and equipment at both the Royal Albert Hall and at Production Park in West Yorkshire, where extensive rehearsals took place. The team, who has worked at the distinctive concert hall on multiple projects in the past, completed 147 rigging shifts across rehearsals and the show. It was the first time Rigging Team has partnered with the international circus company, although Senior Project Manager Simon Frost has previously worked with Cirque du Soleil; the first time being over 20 years ago. Simon commented: “It was great to be back working with such a high-profile company as Cirque du Soleil. Much has changed in our industry since I first worked with them, but what remains the same is the shared commitment to staging the most creative, awe-inspiring show possible. At times we had to think outside the box to turn the ideas for the show into a reality.” The complex performance was one of Cirque du Soleil’s firsts since the pandemic put the entertainment industry on hold, bringing with it a breadth of practical challenges, including demanding time constraints. Simon continued: “We needed to adapt to changing schedules and the challenges of riggers often being unavailable at the last minute due to COVID isolation requirements. This involved undertaking overnight pre-rigs throughout December.” Cirque du Soleil’s Technical Director, Ges EdwardsWebb, said he is keen to use Rigging Team for future shows, commenting: “It was great having Rigging Team on board. We found the company and their riggers to be friendly, hardworking and professional – nothing was a problem.”

INSPIRE

MEMBERS NEWS

ITVET donates refurbished laptops to Grove Cottage Tech company, ITVET, has donated laptops to local charity, Grove Cottage, as part of its Laptops for Schools initiative. Richard Smith, Treasurer, from Grove Cottage said: “We’re very grateful to the lovely team at ITVET for the donation of laptops and a tablet which will be used to support Grove Cottage members and their families.” CEO of ITVET Ltd, Richard Fountain, said: “Supporting local charities is a core value of our company, so we’re pleased we could make this worthwhile contribution. “Grove Cottage does amazing work in our community providing social and educational activities for people with learning difficulties. We appreciate everything they do which is why we’ve made this donation. As part of our continued support, they’re also one of the headline charities for our upcoming community event, Stortford Heroes: Party in the Park.” With the widened technological divide brought on by the pandemic, ITVET launched Laptops for Schools to help bridge that gap. Since the first lockdown, ITVET has donated over 1,000 laptops to schools, charities, and community organisations across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. As the world re-emerges from the pandemic, ITVET continues to drive the initiative thanks to the generosity of its clients and other local businesses. Companies with unwanted laptops in working condition should contact ITVET via the website: https://www.itvet.co.uk/laptops-for-schools

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Works to make Watford Colosseum and the Town Hall greener now underway Watford Borough Council is installing a range of energy efficiency in Watford Colosseum and the Town Hall as part of its commitment to reach carbon neutral by 2030.

ver the next two years, a £3.7million grant from the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, will be used to improve the energy performance of the buildings and to transition to low carbon heating for both heritage buildings. In addition, the works will include installing PV panels for renewable energy, the replacement of the windows to reduce heat loss, as well as new insulation and air source heat pumps to keep the building warm. This ‘decarbonisation’ project is a significant part of the council’s ten-year Town Hall Quarter programme, which will deliver substantial investment to the area over the next decade that will create jobs, enhance the town’s heritage, boost creative opportunities for entertainment and live performances and contribute to achieving a greener, more sustainable town. To transform and make better use of the space, eight connected projects will inject new life into the site and venues, including the creation of a hub for start-ups and entrepreneurs, a new location for the town’s Museum and Heritage service and additional spaces to support local cultural organisations and charities in the town. More appealing public spaces and much needed new homes will then be created later within the Town Hall Quarter. Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “This is really positive news and the funding we have secured will support two of our ambitions for Watford. We are committed to being a vibrant, diverse, and creative town with a range of cultural venues and performances for all our community.

“We also recognise the vital importance of tackling climate change, protecting the environment for generations to come by achieving carbon neutrality in the next decade. Bringing the Colosseum up to modern energy standards, as part of our overall plans for the venue, means it will be able to open its doors to audiences for many years to come.” Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Transport said: “Most of the council’s public buildings still rely on fossil fuel-based heating and as these heating systems approach the end of their working lives it is an ideal opportunity to transition to low carbon heating.” “In the case of the Colosseum and Town Hall, the current systems are obsolete and beyond their natural working life making them expensive to run and maintain. Transitioning to low carbon heating and improving the energy performance of our buildings including our heritage assets provides them with a sustainable future.” The Town Hall Quarter programme will deliver a significant saving to the Council’s accommodation costs of around £300k each year, as well paving to way for the Colosseum to contribute £2million to the local economy each year.

Legal Property Experts

in association with Penman Sedgwick LLP

Dacorum’s Den returns

Budding entrepreneurs have the chance to get a head start in business by pitching for up to £1,000 grant from Dacorum’s Den.

acorum Borough Council is again launching Dacorum’s Den - the local version of the popular TV series Dragon’s Den. It is a grant giving initiative to help local small businesses develop and grow. This is the ninth year the Council has run Dacorum’s Den, which has seen £55,000 awarded to local businesses and has created additional jobs within the borough. Dacorum’s Den is aimed at individuals and businesses who have: • less than 20 employees and under £1million turnover • have a great business idea • are keen to expand their business in Dacorum • require funds to adapt their business to better survive the post COVID environment. Sponsored by local businesses, applications are now open until Monday 6 June 2022.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to put their ideas before a panel of judges, led by Sir Mike Penning MP, who will hear their pitch and decide whether or not to award the grant. Sir Mike Penning MP for Hemel Hempstead said: “I support this scheme entirely, it is not only supportive of the local economy, but it sees larger corporations enabling the growth of small businesses. Dacorum Borough Council provides such a great service to the businesses within our borough, and this is just one of the initiatives they orchestrate.” This year’s sponsors are Sopra Steria, Britvic, Abode Bed, The Marlowes Shopping Centre, Hemel Hempstead BID, Heart Hertfordshire, Epson, Barnard & Webb Solicitors and Maylands Business Centre. Dacorum’s Den is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a business idea to get a helping hand into making it reality, or for existing small companies to grow and adapt their business models to unlock future potential.

For more information or to apply for Dacorum’s Den visit

www.dacorum.gov.uk/dacorumsden

Lava Taha – Solicitor

Leasehold Property Ground Rents Reforms are Underway The Government recently implemented some important changes that will affect leasehold properties although these have not yet substantively come into force.

The Leasehold Reform Act (Ground Rent Act) 2022 received royal assent on 8th February 2022 and will limit the ground rent chargeable on most new long residential leases to one peppercorn per year. It will also prohibit payment of administration charges in relation to peppercorn rents. Subject to exceptions, the ground rent restrictions will apply to leases of dwellings granted on or after commencement of the relevant provisions. Certain types of leases will also be excepted from the ground rent restrictions: business leases, statutory lease extensions of houses and flats (although these do currently reduce the ground rent to a peppercorn), community housing leases and home finance plan leases. Whilst this will be welcome news for owners of residential leasehold property the provisions are yet to come into force but

the changes will afford protection to leaseholders. If a new lease or lease extension is granted with an escalated ground rent or rent review provision, financial penalties will apply. Fines are subject to a statutory minimum of £500 and a statutory maximum of £30,000. Additionally, the enforcement authorities have the ability to recover any rent prohibited by the Act that has been paid by a leaseholder to a landlord or to any person acting on behalf of a landlord, plus interest. The Act does not apply to ground rents in existing leases, however we understand that there is parliamentary pressure for the Government to introduce a similar bill to cover existing leases and the ground rent and rent review provisions in them. In addition, the Government has re-opened the consultation on changes to the enfranchisement and lease extension legislation. Prospective changes may include enabling leaseholders to extend their leases by an additional 990 years and, for those with very long leases, buy out the ground rent without having to extend the lease term. The Government is also looking to reduce premiums and costs payable by leaseholders.

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

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

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

In particular those who have been with us for the longest, for their continued support in contributing towards the chamber; from attending events, being ambassadors, to sharing news on the website.

In such a challenging trading

Over the last two years, Hertfordshire businesses have battled their way through the COVID-19 pandemic and have come out on top through resilience, tenacity and adaptability.

record number of entries and incredible

environment, it’s important to recognise the achievements of local businesses, and that’s exactly what the Chamber will be doing at the already sold-out, 11th Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards taking place on 9th June at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. With a

those involved in the making of this truly magical event.

University of Hertfordshire

Herts Chamber is invaluable as a source of support for and engagement with the community we serve. It is about information, connection and collaboration so that what we are trying to do as educators links directly to the worlds of employment, enterprise and later life. Working with Herts Chamber is integral to our vision of creating memories and futures together. David Allman, CEO and Executive Headteacher, The Hoddesdon School Trust (Diamond Member) 54

INSPIRE

LON

Agency for the South East and East Anglia

Alfred Franks & Bartlett

Alliance Solutions Limited

Aprirose Trading Limited

Astute Electronics Limited

Cardel Limited

Connect Dacorum

Dacorum Borough Council

Defence Support (International) Limited

Hatfield House

PATRON MEMBER

Years

Briege Leahy CEO Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

is looking forward to celebrating with all

15 - 19

“We value the trust that our members have put in us to support their businesses through these challenging times, as well as the good. It has been a pleasure to serve you all and we will continue to do so as long as we’re able to. From Bronze members to Patrons, Hertfordshire Chamber would not be here without our members, so on behalf of the whole team, we thank you.”

number of finalists this year, the team

PATRON MEMBER

ING M EM

As we approach 100 years in business, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce would like to express our sincere gratitude for its members.

AND T S

Hertfordshire Chamber Celebrates its Long-Standing Members

LONG STANDING MEMBERS

East Herts District Council

Dacorum Borough Council have been a member of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for over 19 years.

Focom Limited

Global Freight Connections Ltd

During that time the support to our business community has continued to be invaluable by providing business support, advice and events. The Chamber events provide a great opportunity for local businesses to connect and gain an insight into the range of support available.

H E Stringer Flavours Limited

Harman Professional Solutions EMEA

HB Accountants

Hertfordshire Action on Disability

HR Initiatives Limited

iLECSYS Limited

Incinco Limited

Luminescence International Limited

Machins Solicitors LLP

Neogene LLP

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Limited

PSI Metals UK Ltd

Purple Surgical International Limited

RGIS Limited

Ricson Accountancy Services Limited

Lorna Sherlock, Team Leader, Economic Development, Dacorum Borough Council (Silver Member)

Rimex International Limited

The Hoddesdon School Trust

Sampson & Partners Fencing

Vincent and Gorbing Limited

Sensonics Limited

Silver Fox Limited

Visible Systems Limited

Skeltons Wealth Management

Westfield Health

Startwell Engineering (UK) Limited

White Rose Training

SWR Group

Limited u

Work Matters (HR) Limited

HB Accountants are thrilled to have been Herts Chamber members for the past 19 years! Membership can contribute towards the success of your business and benefits include access to support, training, and events. #HertsChamber networking has certainly increased our visibility in the community and given us the opportunity to demonstrate a quality that makes us distinct, our personality. We are grateful for the many business connections that we are proud to call friends, thanks to the Herts Chamber. Vicki Foster, Office and Marketing Manager, HB Accountants (Bronze Member) INSPIRE

MAGISTRATES SUPPORT SCHEME

The Magistrates Support Scheme

The Magistrates Support Scheme (MS2) encourages employers to support sustainable engagement of volunteering to the Magistracy and inspires others to do the same. The scheme encompasses Bronze, Silver and Gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to the Magistracy community.

Nominated employers recognise that young people may often be at an economic disadvantage when actively participating in this important community role and they pledge to encourage and facilitate their participation.

BRONZE AWARD Bronze award holders: • are self nominated by employers who pledge to support existing or prospective employees who are members of the Magistrates community. • provide an opportunity at least once every 2 years for employees to receive awareness training on the role of the Magistrates. • receive an electronic certificate and logo to display on their website, stationery and other collateral.

SILVER AWARD Silver award holders:

GOLD AWARD Gold award holders:

• must have already stated their intent to be supportive by registering at the Bronze level and continuing to meet the requirement of the Bronze level.

• must have already stated their intent to be supportive by registering at the Silver level and continuing to meet the requirement of the Silver level.

• should employ at least one individual appointed as a current practicing Magistrate.

• should employ at least one individual or 0.5% of the workforce, whichever is the higher, appointed as current practicing Magistrate(s).

• must actively ensure that their workforce is aware of their positive policies towards Magistrate Volunteering. • must demonstrate support to Magistrate volunteering by providing at least 5 days’ additional paid leave.

• must demonstrate support to Magistrate Volunteering by providing at least 10 days’ additional paid leave.

Nomination and award process

I am delighted to bring this Magistrates Employers can sign up themselves for each Support Scheme initiative to Hertfordshire award through the Herts Chamber website: in collaboration with the Herts Chamber of hertschamber.com/magistrates-support-scheme Commerce, now the first signed up member! Silver and Gold nominations will be validated to This voluntary scheme will transform how determine the level of Magistrate appointments business is seen by the community within the nominated organisation. Organisations in this crucial area of law and order. confirmed for the Gold and Silver awards will be formally notified in writing and invited to a relevant award event.

INSPIRE

Lionel C. Wallace DL The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2021/2022

HERTS Sustainable Periods

Better for you and the planet. Period.

Sustainable Periods

Hertfordshire residents can apply for

15% off with selected suppliers

Reusable period products save waste, reduce plastic and cost less. Fact! Find out which products are available and how to use them. They are super easy to use and clean. Whether its period pants, pads, cups or more, you can help protect your health, the environment and save money. Hertfordshire.gov.uk/sustainableperiods #HertsSustainablePeriods @HertsWasteAware

Step2Skills are proud to announce our new

Inclusive Employment Service

The impact of One YMCA One YMCA entered the Inspiring Herts Awards for the first time and have been shortlisted as finalists in four categories. They are truly changing and saving lives in Hertfordshire, and ended rough sleeping in Watford in January 2021. One YMCA have five service areas. Support and Advice oversees their Therapeutic and Specialist Services, supporting vulnerable people experiencing sexual violence and domestic abuse. Their chaplaincy team offer emotional and spiritual support for service users, staff, and volunteers. Their housing services provided 185,030 nights of safe and secure sleep last year, consisting of hostels, shared housing, and supported accommodation, helping the most vulnerable in our community. Kerrie, one of their residents shares her story and the impact One YMCA had in changing her life: www.oneymca.org/accommodation. Training and Education encompasses One YMCA’s 4 nurseries support 412 children yearly to learn and develop. Health and Wellbeing includes St Albans community gym and two community HUBs, providing space for people in the community to hire and run classes. Their family work covers children/family centres, working with 9,000 families in East Hertfordshire. One YMCA’s youth team provide mentoring, employability, wellbeing, and creative arts opportunities for many young people. Woodland’s café in Leavesden Country Park provides great quality options at affordable prices, and important training and work experience opportunities to support service users on their journey to independence. They are already working with some great organisations, including being a charity partner of Herts Chamber Patron - CAE Technology Services. This has provided many partnership opportunities, including volunteering and a generous donation to aid their redevelopment of accommodation services.

If you would like to find out more about One YMCA and how you can help to change and save the lives of the most vulnerable people in the community, contact donna.lawrie@oneymca.org or www.oneymca.org and sign up to their newsletter

The Inclusive Employment Project, part funded by the European Social Fund, provides full support to unemployed residents of Hertfordshire aged 18+ that have learning and physical disabilities, mental health issues, sensory needs or are neurodiverse to help them into employment, education, or training. Our Team will help you to identify and develop your skills, so you feel confident when applying for employment and education opportunities.

What will your journey be like? • • •

•

You will begin with an initial assessment so we can plan your journey and provide the support you need. If you have a sight or hearing loss, you will receive help from the Sensory Team. If you are not ready to apply for jobs straight away you will be assigned a support worker to help you with interview and CV preparation before moving onto an employment adviser. If you are ready to apply for jobs you will be allocated an employement adviser who will work with you to help you find jobs.

Are you an employer? If you want to find out how you can get involved, please get in touch. We can support you in recruiting motivated and skilful staff to suit your company. We’ll provide ongoing support to you and your new employee for as long as you need and do this by: • assessing the skills and abilities of our candidates. • matching them to the requirements of the job. • offering work tasters to ensure everyone is confident that the candidate can do the job. • giving advice on reasonable adjustments, disability issues and grants and funds available.

JOB FAIR To celebrate the launch of this service we are holding a job fair on 12th May 2022 Venue: North Herts College Monkswood Way, Stevenage. Herts. SG1 1LA Time: 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm

Email: Call: Visit our website:

INSPIRE

Please pop along if you are a resident looking for employment opportunities or an employer interested in finding out how you can get involved.

IEProject@hertfordshire.gov.uk Stevenage : 01438 844911 Hemel Hempstead: 01442 454464 www.step2skills.org.uk

SKILLS & DEVELOPMENT

Amazing Apprenticeships

The small business making a big difference to Hertfordshire employers Why employers should be looking to apprenticeships, T Levels and traineeships to fill roles, nurture talent and build those all-important recruitment pipelines.

ased in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Amazing Apprenticeships helps employers, educators and students navigate the world of work-based learning.

• The Amazing Apprenticeship team with local businesses and Bim Afolami MP at the Hermitage in Hitchin celebrating International Women’s Day.

Working nationally with businesses of all sizes, the team communicate how amazing the world of apprenticeships, T Levels and traineeships is, and the benefits they bring to recruitment strategies, talent pipelines and addressing equality, diversity and inclusion. No stranger to the world of alternative career paths herself, Anna Morrison CBE, founder of Amazing Apprenticeships, started work straight out of school and has been a leading advocate of apprenticeships ever since. Regularly invited to consult on government policy and comment by national media; you may have seen Morrison most recently on BBC News and in The Times, Amazing Apprenticeships are long-term partners with leading organisations such as the Social Mobility Commission, Sutton Trust, The Department for Education and Youth Employment UK. National initiatives include The Genie Programme, the only equality, diversity and inclusion focussed learning course for apprenticeship employers which boasts Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, AstraZeneca and Zurich among its participants. Two of Amazing Apprenticeships’ principal programmes are partnered by Hertfordshire County Council and focus directly on connecting Hertfordshire based businesses with local young people.

• Anna Morrison, Skills Minister Alex Burghart and MP Bim Afolami at Generation Hitchin 2022 to showcase local employers, careers, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

• Amazing Apprenticeships’ Alicia and Fran at Generation Hitchin alongside Skills Minister Alex Burghart.

“Employers are struggling to fill positions, the UK is in a skills gap crisis and businesses are looking for new ways of discovering and harnessing talent,” says Morrison. “We are making it easier for Herts-based employers to connect with local job-seekers.”

can build relationships with training providers and discover local talent with little financial outlay.”

Funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund, Hop Into Your Future (HIYF) enables employers to offer work experience tasters to young people.

Project Positive offers tailored support to employers passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people by matching high-quality apprenticeship roles to care-experienced young people. Like HIYF, Project Positive offers ongoing support.

“Businesses have the opportunity to move the taster into a work placement and, if all goes well, on to a traineeship or apprenticeship. Mentor training is offered, each step is supported and employers

“Both programmes are an opportunity for Hertfordshire businesses to invest in and nurture local talent, and show a real commitment to Hertfordshire’s young people.”

Employers wishing to find out more about either programme or the wider services Amazing Apprenticeships can offer employers should visit

www.amazingapprenticeships.com/hertfordshire

INSPIRE

HERTFORDSHIRE GLOBAL

Chamber Export team

continues to help companies export goods worldwide For any companies which import goods from Europe to distribute here, you should be aware that from 1 January 2023 these goods will require the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. This regime is a new product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain. 60

INSPIRE

he months are rolling along at breakneck speed, and we are, incredibly, already into the new financial year with Easter been and gone. Brexit continues to throw up new challenges (27 countries with 27 import policies) and we continue to field a variety of questions and queries relating to that, along with the sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Please do not forget we are here to help and will do our best to resolve any problems you may have. We are finding, on a positive note, that there do seem to be solutions to most of them. And to prove the point that trade is still very much alive and flourishing, in the first three months of the year, the Export team at the Chamber has helped over 200 companies export just over £125 million of goods worldwide. In other news, we are working alongside Dacorum Borough Council on an exciting International Trade support project, whereby we are identifying companies based in the Dacorum area, who are either new to exporting and need help along the exporting road or who are currently exporting but would like to do more. At the time of writing, we still have some spaces available so if anyone in the Dacorum region would like to be considered for the project, please do contact johnwoodruffe@hertschamber.com We would love to hear from you.

The 12-month long project comprises a combination of training courses, expert advice and potentially a virtual trade mission to an overseas location. All we ask in return is your 100% commitment. For any companies which import goods from Europe to distribute here, you should be aware that from 1 January 2023 these goods will require the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. This regime is a new product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking and, like the CE mark, demonstrates that all the requirements of the legislation have been met. Exporting companies must be ready to use the UKCA marking from 1 January 2023 for most goods, although you should look to use the UKCA marking as soon as possible. There is an exception for medical devices, which must use the UKCA marking by the 1 July 2023. For further information please refer to www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukcamarking We are planning more webinars with overseas Chambers and Embassies in the coming weeks. These will include Egypt and some South and Central American countries. Dates are being finalised but they will be widely advertised.

HERTFORDSHIRE GLOBAL

In the first three months of the year, the Export team at the Chamber has helped over 200 companies export just over £125 million of goods worldwide.

Export growth now stagnant for one year as BCC sounds warning on trade • Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (29%) was largely unchanged for the fourth quarter running • Proportion reporting decreased sales historically high at 25%, also little changed since one year ago in Q1 2021 • Exporters more likely than non-exporters to expect increases to their prices in coming months A survey of over 2,700 UK exporters has revealed that export sales growth has been effectively stagnant for the past year. The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook showed the proportion of exporters reporting increased overseas sales to be unchanged from Q4 at 29%, while those reporting a decrease rose one point to 25%. The data showed that manufacturers were more likely to report increased export sales than either business to business service firms (such as lawyers or accountants) or business to consumer service firms (like online clothing stores). In past 3 months exports sales have...

Upcoming Training Events: Import Documentation & Procedure - A Practical Guide Date:

24/06/2022

Time:

10:00-16:00

Venue:

ZOOM

Cost:

Members £350.00 + VAT Non-Members £400.00 + VAT

Export Documentation & Procedure - A Practical Guide Date:

12/08/2022

Time:

10:00-16:00

Venue:

ZOOM

Cost:

Members £350.00 + VAT Non-Members £400.00 + VAT

We continue to look at ways to enhance our training and we are planning to bring in accredited training leading to recognised certification. If anyone wishes to suggest training courses, we will definitely look into their viability. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need any assistance with your exports.

export@hertschamber.com

Exporting manufacturers

Exporting B2B Services

Exporting B2C Services

Increased

32%

26%

Remained constant

42%

56%

42%

Decreased

26%

17%

32%

Conversely, B2B service exporters were more likely than either manufacturers or B2C service exporters to expect profitability to increase in the coming year. Over the next 12 months, do you believe your profitability will...

Exporting manufacturers

Exporting B2B Services

Exporting B2C Services

Increased

44%

55%

45%

Remained constant

29%

30%

Decreased

27%

16%

24%

Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said: “This data confirms our concerns – that for the last year there was a broadly flat picture for UK exports. This is in contrast with the performance of our near neighbours, with Germany’s exports both within and outside the Single Market steaming ahead by double digit margins and with trade losses from the pandemic already effectively recovered.” “UK exporters are facing the headwinds of higher red tape costs from trading with the EU, raised raw material pressures, and ongoing issues in global shipping markets. If we are to realise the aspirations of the UK Government’s Export Strategy then 2022 has to be the year where these structural factors holding back our exporters are addressed.” “Sustained export growth should be powering our economic recovery from the pandemic. Chambers and their members are already working hard to increase exports but need more substantive measures from Government now.”

INSPIRE

THE LAST WORD

The Last Word KEITH ELLIS

Networking is critical so use every opportunity to talk with other businesses in the local area to start with and then continue to branch out.

Site Director AIRBUS in Stevenage

I’m Site Director for Airbus in Stevenage. I also lead a team that’s responsible for designing and building the main structure of our large telecommunication satellites. At Airbus in Stevenage, we design and manufacture spacecraft and provide cutting-edge secure communications, intelligence, surveillance and cyber solutions to our customers. We’re a trusted prime contractor for some of the most complex science and Earth Observation missions in the world and we build 25% of the world’s telecommunication satellites.

Introductions to local companies with whom we can share ideas and goals, plus access to events that pull the region together. Our success is built on the skills and expertise of our people embedded in the local community and we recognise the need to maintain close connections.

Patrons

Q Q

INSPIRE

What advice would you give someone starting out in business?

Listen carefully to your customers. You may think you know what they want but they may surprise you! Networking is critical so use every opportunity to talk with other businesses in the local area to start with and then continue to branch out.

What support do you want from government?

We receive good support from government on many projects. Recently we were privileged to have Prime Minister Boris Johnson visit our site and officially open our new, state-of-the-art headquarters building, Orbit House.

How has it helped your network?

It has introduced us to local companies that we may not have known existed otherwise. It’s surprising how many innovative companies exist in the Hertfordshire region and how many new companies are starting up. The Chamber makes that critical link to the mutual benefit of all involved.

Why did you join the Chamber?

What do you get from it?

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

Today our biggest challenge is recruitment. We have a number of open positions in a wide range of skills at all levels. We don’t just need rocket scientists so take a look at our website and see what’s on offer!

Who do you work for?

At Airbus we really value being part of the local and county-wide community, both through our outreach programmes working with children and young adults, and through our networking with local businesses. The Chamber has been very supportive on this.

What do you do?

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

There has been an increase in the importance and reliance on space applications over the last decade, including improved satellite communications, and the only way to have a full picture of what’s happening on our planet is from space. For example, we’re building a mission called Biomass which will measure the world’s forests for the first time from orbit. I’m very confident that the space industry will continue to grow as it has done over the past few years, providing high-value employment in the region and inspiring the next generation.

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Inspire May 2022

Articles inside

Hertfordshire Global

Scheme

New Members

Growth Hub

Economy

Apprenticeships and Skills Regeneration

Patron Focus 11

Foundation

Hertfordshire

Chamber Events

Area Focus

Chamber News

Tourism & Hospitality