Inspire May 23

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME to the latest edition of Inspire.

Welcome to the latest edition of Inspire Magazine and what a busy time we have coming up in May and June!

The key highlight for many will be the Kings Coronation, a truly historic event where we will see His Majesty King Charles III crowned alongside The Queen Consort. The ceremony being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry reflecting the new monarch’s role today, with many celebrations taking place across Hertfordshire to officially welcome the new King.

The Herts Chamber has a number of prestigious events running during May and June including on 11th May the newly named King’s Awards for Enterprise, which are highly distinguished awards given in recognition of outstanding achievements by UK businesses across four categories. We will be hearing from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ who will be joining us to

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emphasise the significance of these awards in addition to past winners where we will hear about how winning one of these esteemed awards has benefited their organisation.

Our May Chamber lunch is also another one to get in the diary, when we have Amar Latif as our guest speaker talking about his incredible life story and journey. For those of you who are not familiar with Amar he set out to explore more of the world as a solo traveller, but faced rejection as no travel company would accommodate an independent blind traveller! His achievements are vast from traveller to entrepreneur to TV presenter. A truly inspirational and motivational story, and we look forward to hearing more from him on 25th May at the Herts County Showground. We are especially looking forward to 22nd June when we have the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2023 Ceremony and are excited to see who the winners of the

various categories will be. This just demonstrates and highlights the truly amazing businesses we have to celebrate in Hertfordshire.

I have also announced that I will be stepping away from my role having served the Chamber for an amazing four years. The Chamber is now in an extremely strong position having seen a period of rapid growth with the Chamber hitting the milestone of over 1,000 members for the first time. I will remain greatly invested in the future success of the Chamber and its members and remain on hand to assist with the transition which is likely to continue through to the end of 2023.

Another exciting announcement here at the Chamber is Donna Schultz has become our Commercial Directorher position was ratified in April, she will be a real asset to the Board. We look forward to seeing Donna grow and develop further over the coming months and years and I know you will all join me in congratulating Donna on the formalisation of her appointment.

A quick reminder about a ‘save the date’ for 6th October, when we will be holding the Hertfordshire Zero Carbon Conference at the Rothamsted Conference Centre in Harpenden. This event brings together businesses from across our region to discuss and enable us to take a more practical

approach to sustainability. I for one believe this is not one to miss – it will be an informative and interesting forum especially given that a recent BCC survey found that nine out of 10 businesses don’t fully understand the Government’s target of making the UK ‘Net Zero’ by 2050 and what it really means for us all. Please don’t forget to sign up for this event. In 2022 the Herts Chamber launched the ‘Herts Go Green and Grow’ initiative to encourage businesses across the county to share their knowledge and experience of the steps already taken on the road to reaching net zero helping us to lead the way in carbon efficiency – if you would like to know more about the Hertfordshire Chamber’s initiative please get in touch.

Finally, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to the new High Sheriff of Hertfordshire for 20232024, Liz Green and wish Liz every success in her new role. (You can find out all about Liz on p47.)

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

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Media No. 1959

The sky is not the limit for manufacturing in Stevenage

Stevenage is a UK hotspot for manufacturing from space design to making complex weapons.

For seven decades, Airbus’ Stevenage site has been the centre of space manufacturing playing a leading role in the success of Britain’s space industry, with plans to send a new rover to Mars.

The town also boasts the headquarters of MBDA, the only European defence group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons suitable for the army, navy and air force.

It is largely thanks to the companies’ talented teams that Stevenage is on the national, if not global, map for manufacturing.

Airbus has always been committed to developing the next generation of space experts and in the last 10 years has trained more than 200 apprentices and recruited more than 500 graduates.

Stevenage - 70 years of reaching for the stars

Stevenage is the centre of Airbus’ space manufacturing in the UK. For more than 70 years the site has played a leading role in the development and success of Britain’s space industry. From the early days with the Blue Streak rockets in the 1950s to today’s cutting edge TV broadcast satellites and Earth observation spacecraft helping in the fight against climate change.

With a skilled workforce of more than 1,300 of the most talented and technically gifted people in the country, Airbus Stevenage is the UK’s leading space design and manufacturing centre. The European Space Agency’s pioneering mission Solar Orbiter was designed and built in Stevenage and is already taking the closest pictures ever of the Sun and help scientists understand more about solar physics. Next year a Stevenage designed and built satellite, Biomass, will be the first ever to measure the carbon locked up in the world’s forests helping climate change scientists understand the global carbon cycle.

The

European Space Agency’s pioneering mission Solar Orbiter was designed and built in Stevenage and is already taking the closest pictures ever of the Sun and help scientists understand more about solar physics.

Further out, the Airbus built ExoMars rover Rosalind Franklin will head to the Red Planet in 2028 with a mission to search for life on Mars, using its unique drill that can pull samples from 2 metres below the surface.

Closer to home, Stevenage is also a centre of excellence for geostationary telecoms satellites that orbit Earth at 36,000km and broadcast live pictures from the Olympics or news reports from anywhere in the world, connect the network of National Lottery terminals and even enable airline passengers to surf the web from 35,000 feet.

Airbus has always been committed to developing the next generation of space experts and in the last 10 years has trained more than 200 apprentices and recruited more than 500 graduates. The Stevenage site also hosts the STEM Discovery Centre – a partnership with North Herts College and Herts LEP, where students come for interactive sessions to inspire them into science and engineering careers and can even see the prototype Mars rover being tested.

MBDA

Stevenage is the site of the UK headquarters of MBDA, the only European defence group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the whole range of current and future needs of the army, navy and air force.

In the UK, MBDA’s history dates back to the 1940s when predecessor companies manufactured the first missiles to protect and defend the UK’s Armed Forces. In Stevenage, that history started with English Electric’s Guided Weapons Division building one of the first factories in the (then) New Town, meaning MBDA has been in Stevenage for over 60 years.

Today, MBDA is proud to partner with the UK Ministry of Defence through the ground-breaking Portfolio Management Agreement. In line with Government Defence Industrial Strategy, it helps retain skills and knowledge within the UK industry to design, develop, and manufacture sovereign capabilities that protect the UK’s freedom of action and operational advantage. This approach continues to demonstrate savings to the UK Ministry of Defence and UK taxpayers. It also provides hundreds of millions of pounds into MBDA’s supply chain, benefitting hundreds of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK.

MBDA is also proud to be an employer of choice in Stevenage, with its site being home to a large proportion of the company’s 4,000+ UK workforce. In 2023, the company is aiming to recruit its highest number of new employees in the UK in more than a decade.

MBDA also believes engineering and manufacturing companies have a responsibility to help develop the future STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) skills and talent pools.

The company’s Early Careers Programmes - for apprenticeships and graduate schemes – are recognised nationally through awards.

Whilst many of the company’s employees work in partnership with a range of local charities and educational institutions, supporting outreach programmes aimed at diversifying the talent entering engineering careers.

Unlocking Manufacturing’s Potential: How Digital Upskilling Can Drive Productivity

The fourth industrial revolution is set to sweep the manufacturing sector. For example, machine learning algorithms will use the data generated by digital ‘twins’ to optimise the efficiency of production lines, spurring productivity and economic growth.

The government’s ‘Made Smarter’ initiative is targeting a productivity increase of 30% in the UK’s manufacturing sector by encouraging the widespread adoption of these types of digital technology.

This would add an estimated £2.3 bn to the UK economy. However, the IET’s Skills for a Digital Future Survey suggests that without additional support for digital skills, we risk missing out on these targets.

Firstly, manufacturing lags behind other sectors in the adoption of emerging digital technologies – while 24% of engineering employers report that most of their staff ‘regularly’ use artificial intelligence (AI), this drops to 15% among manufacturers. We must improve awareness among manufacturers of the benefits that harnessing emerging digital technologies can bring.

Secondly, even where there is awareness, there is often a lack of digital skills to take advantage.

Among the 29% of manufacturing employers who see AI as ‘important to growth’ by 2027, nearly two-thirds say that they don’t have the AI skills at this stage.

There is also lack of resources to manage and fund digital upskilling and reskilling. SMEs are most likely to be affected by this, being only half as likely to offer digital skills training to their employees compared with large employers (27% vs. 52%).

We believe that an agile workforce needs agile support. Therefore, we are calling on the government to give manufacturers flexible support for digital upskilling and reskilling – for example, allowing manufacturers to re-invest the £2bn in unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds so that they have the skills to thrive amid the fourth industrial revolution.

To find out more, please visit www.theiet.org/skills.

Kane International Ltd

KANE boiler & engine analysers are designed and made in Welwyn Garden City. Now 60 years old, KANE is the only portable analyser manufacturer with UKAS gas certification for O2, CO, NO & ambient CO2, equivalent to National Standards, so customers can rely on KANE analysers to confirm boiler, engine and indoor air quality safety.

In 1963 Douglas Kane sold the UK’s first electronic thermometer designed by his friend Ernest May. 30 years on, Kane-May became KANE, selling analysers to domestic gas engineers to stop CO poisoning at home or work. Run by Jonathan & Michael Kane, the UK market leader invests significantly in design and manufacture in Hertfordshire to support sales teams in Europe, Asia & the Americas.

KANE employs talented design engineers, some with decades of experience working alongside newer colleagues with great talent and fresh ideas. Close links with Universities of Hertfordshire and Brunel and Oaklands College make KANE an employer of choice for students looking for their first position.

KANE’s home in Hertfordshire is also home to KANE CARE, the Queen’s Award winning after sales service. allowing KANE to give 10 year warranty and 20 year all inclusive after sales service pricing on every analyser made.

Investing in manufacturing and after sales service ensures every KANE analyser meets its exact specification and exemplary standards of quality vital for safety equipment,

KANE has won many awards including the Queen’s Award for Innovation and Hertfordshire Best Business and Customer Service Excellence and Jonathan Kane looks ahead with optimism: “Decarbonising heat & power is society’s greatest challenge. We proudly build on 60 years manufacturing in Hertfordshire with KANE LINK, our analyser net zero promise, so customers can always use our analysers to help achieve their net zero targets.”

For more details, visit www.kane.co.uk

Herts businesses to benefit in nationwide magistrate search

Businesses across Hertfordshire are being encouraged to support employees to volunteer as magistrates and develop transferable skills to help their career progression.

With a national drive to search for 4,000 new magistrates, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has partnered with its Bedfordshire counterpart and the Ministry of Justice to launch a recognition initiative for companies that actively support the work of JPs.

The Magistrates Employer Recognition Scheme (MERS) helps promote the benefits for companies and individuals who volunteer to sit on the bench.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO, said: “The role of a magistrate plays an important part in the development of individuals, businesses, and communities. This scheme encourages employers to support members of their team who would like to volunteer and also help them to recognise their significant contribution to the county.

Magistrates sit in criminal or family court to make decisions on individual cases where it is not necessary to go to a higher court.

The CEO explained that magistrates receive excellent training and gain a wide range of highly valued and transferable skills that can be used in the workplace, benefiting the company and the individual’s own career development.

“Critical analysis, complex problem solving, mediation and influencing are just some of the skills that employees can learn while serving on the bench. These can be extremely advantageous in the workplace.

“Being an employer that allows paid leave for performing this important voluntary role also helps when recruiting new staff. Knowing your boss is supporting you also helps improve job satisfaction.

“The Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Chambers believe that their members, and other wider businesses across the two counties will genuinely benefit by supporting the initiative.”

Endorsed by Robert Voss, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, and Susan Lousada, Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, the scheme offers three levels of recognition, bronze, silver and gold.

To achieve the lower level, businesses must pledge to support employees who are already magistrates while encouraging others to volunteer, as well as promoting the role of JPs to wider network. To achieve gold recognition, companies have to adopt a formal policy as well as providing at least 10 days additional paid leave to relevant staff members.

For more information on the scheme, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/mers

The Magistrates Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support the role and work of magistrates and inspire others to do the same.

Bronze award holders:

• Pledge to support employees who are existing magistrates and encourage others to become magistrates

• Promote the role and work of magistrates with their employees and wider networks

Silver award holders:

• Must have already met the requirements of the Bronze award

• Employ at least one magistrate

• Provide at least 5 days additional paid leave to employees who are magistrates

Gold award holders:

• Must have already met the requirements of the Silver award

• Adopt a formal policy to support employees who are magistrates, covering issues such as time off

• Provide at least 10 days additional paid leave to employees who are magistrates

Hertfordshire Growth Board: Refreshed priorities still focusing on Hertfordshire’s strengths

It is fair to say that the world has not been turning slowly in the five years since the Hertfordshire Growth Board was established.

Back in 2018 the Board’s focus was very much around collaboration and good growth. Specifically, to deliver housing growth and infrastructure, as well as working with national government to secure a growth deal for the county.

Achievements during this period include the establishment of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board, (HIDB), a member funded organisation bringing together the development sector, local authorities and public agencies to stimulate sustainable growth through collaboration and partnership. A guide to Off Site Manufacturing (OSM) has been launched and a film office has been set up to support the county’s growing film and TV production sector.

With significant change happening since at local, national and international levels, the fifth anniversary of the Board was the opportunity to review and reset new priorities.

Whilst a collective approach to problem solving is still very much at the heart of the Growth Board, four priority areas have been identified to help deliver the type of growth Hertfordshire wants to achieve now and in the future.

Capital projects – As we know, Hertfordshire has a lot going for it: housing development, town centre regeneration, the creation of new business and employment sites, which when combined are on a scale much larger than many other places. In a competitive landscape, a new funding proposition is required, to attract private and institutional investors, who in turn will bring new thinking and ideas to help improve what we already have.

Housing affordability and supply – Housing growth was and continues to be of significant importance. This is especially true, if not more so, in the context of affordable housing. Focus needs to be given to priority groups, such as keyworkers, the young and the old, whose needs are greatest. For this to happen, partnership working will have to take place to help bring in the investment needed.

Connectivity – Local public transport and digital infrastructure across the county are two areas that require development. Innovative transport schemes need developing, such as HertsLynx on-demand bus service, together with the long term vision for the Hertfordshire Essex Rapid Transit (HERT), a sustainable passenger transport network planned to carry more people than a car and be more convenient than a bus. The county also requires digital connectivity to support hybrid working, while county ‘dead spots’ will have to be upgraded.

Skills, sectors, recruitment and retention –Workforce shortages and retention challenges are not unique to Hertfordshire. Working with colleges, skills providers and employers will be at the heart of monitoring and responding to skills shortages, to ensure that a local workforce is suitably trained to meet the needs of high-growth and essential sectors.

It’s unlikely that the pace of change will slow down in the next five years, but the Hertfordshire Growth Board’s areas of focus will look to provide the skills and support to see the county continue to grow and prosper.

Connect with a member of the Hertfordshire Growth Board team HertfordshireGrowthBoard@hertfordshire.gov.uk

To find out more about the Growth Board please visit our website www.hertfordshiregrowthboard.com

WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REDUNDANCY

Gvero, Joint Senior Partner and Head of

Q What is a redundancy? A

The statutory definition of redundancy is set out within section 139 (1) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 which identifies three situations in which redundancy may arise, namely business closure, workplace closure or if the requirement of the business for employees to do work of a particular kind has ceased or diminished.

Q Will all employees be entitled to statutory redundancy pay? A

No, only the employees who have been employed for two years or more will be entitled to a statutory redundancy payment. Q

What types of claims can arise in a redundancy situation? A

If your employees have more than two years’ service, they could potentially claim unfair dismissal if you do not identify a genuine redundancy rationale for the dismissals or carry out a fair consultation process prior to taking the decision to dismiss.

An employee with any length of service could also potentially claim that the decision to dismiss them was not a genuine redundancy and instead was for discriminatory reasons (for example, because of age, sex or race). As such, we would always advise employers to properly consider the rationale for the redundancy (including any indirect implications) before commencing any process.

Q

What do I do if I have more than one employee carrying out the same role but the workload has reduced? A

should always be sought in relation to specific circumstances.

If you have more than one employee carrying out the same type of job (or similar jobs where skills are interchangeable) those employees should be placed in a pool together and an employer should select between them for the available positions.

As an employer you should decide on some fair and objective selection criteria to assist you to choose between these employees, for example, these criteria could be based on performance, skills or disciplinary record. Following the scoring process, the lowest scoring employees would usually be selected for redundancy following a consultation process.

Q Will my employees be entitled to notice even where there is no work?

A Yes, your employees will be entitled to receive their contractual, or if greater, statutory notice period. Your contracts of employment may allow you to pay staff instead of requiring them to work their notice periods.

A

QWhat alternatives are there to redundancy?

Redundancy is usually the last resort. Alternatives should be considered where possible. You could rely on contractual lay off provisions for temporary reduction in workloads or alternatively, staff may agree to reduce their hours or holiday can be used where there are periods of no work. Also, you could try to reduce the head count of non-employed staff such as temp workers or consultants. Another approach is to ask for volunteers or consider alternative roles for staff at risk elsewhere within the business.

Richard

Employment and Miranda Mulligan, Associate Solicitor, explain the key considerations for employers when conducting redundancy processes.

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Training ground for the next generation

Sky Studios Elstree is a new state-of-the-art film and television studio. Talent Manager Lauren Christy tells us all about it.

Sky Studios Elstree is based in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and has 13 sound stages set across 27.5 acres. This world class studio will become home to a range of productions from across the world and Sky have already welcomed their first production onto site.

“As one of the biggest businesses in Hertsmere, we are committed to supporting our neighbouring community and ensuring the benefits of us being here are felt directly by residents,” said Lauren.

“This means new jobs and training opportunities, plus using local suppliers, minimising our environmental impact, and supporting more initiatives, charities, and projects as a long-term partner.”

The company chose Hertfordshire and, in particular, Borehamwood, because of the “rich heritage the area has in the film and TV industry.”

“The area has supplied our screens with TV and film that the nation and the world loves,” she said.

“Because of that, there is a highly skilled workforce in the area that productions can tap into.

“However, there is an industry-wide talent pipeline issue that we want to address at Sky Studios Elstree. Whilst there are more production jobs than ever before, there is a huge shortage of young people choosing to go into these roles. That’s why we want to use Sky Studios Elstree as a training ground for the next generation of talent, and my role, as Talent Manager, means that I’m putting together the plans to help us do this with a particular focus on hiring locally. Over the last few months we’ve been out visiting local schools and universities, with the hope that we’ll inspire more young people to explore jobs in this exciting and thriving industry.” Being part of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has helped the company on this journey.

“And we’re only just at the beginning,” added Lauren. “Having connections from across the county and sharing learnings and ideas has proved invaluable, especially when it comes to looking at school-leavers or university graduates who live nearby to our site and ideas on how to attract them.

“I recently attended the Herts Chamber Women in Leadership Conference where I ran a session that shared details on how we’re looking to hire inclusively at Sky Studios Elstree. It was incredible to hear from businesses and leading women from across the county as we shared ideas and thoughts. I took away many ideas which has fed into our future thinking.

“We’re now on the path to creating many opportunities for local young people, in fact, we just closed applications for our next Content Academy cohort. This is a 12-month programme which gives school-leavers and graduates first-hand experience in a buzzing studio facility – everything from lighting and rigging, client services and operations. Last year, we were lucky enough to be able to hire over 70% of the team from the local area and we’re aiming for even higher this year, so watch this space as there’s plenty more to come from Sky Studios Elstree.”

Members of the 2023 Content Academy team

Find out more at https://careers.sky.com/earlycareers/

Adapting to new technologies

If you had told Andrew Elia when he was at university that he would be running his own global tech company, he wouldn’t have believed you. Now 20 years later, the managing director of Arishi talks about what drives him to be an Inspirational Leader.

Andrew Elia’s passion for tech and warmth for his team shines through. He is a firm believer in “no one person has all the answers” and that collaborative working is the way forward.

Andrew set up Arishi in 2002 but is a life-long technology enthusiast.

“I got into technology from an early age and I have been programming computers since I was seven,” explains Andrew, who went on to graduate with a computer science degree. Following university, he joined a tech firm as their fifth employee. Together they worked on accounts for Volkswagen, Football 365 and Arsenal’s first website.

“As part of a small company, we all wore many hats, so I did coding, client liaison, managed a team, and then moved into the commercial side where I learned more about the advertising sector,” he said.

After five years, Andrew decided it was time to set up his own business so, along with a couple of colleagues who moved with him, he set up Arishi in 2002. Starting with contract management for clients’ websites, they

diversified into mobile development – which at the time was still quite embryonic – and embedded technology. This included providing a system that delivered audio for Mercedes Benz’s on-hold system to all its dealerships. In 2008, the team moved into augmented reality, being “lucky enough to be one of the first to deliver the technology”, before adding virtual reality and AI to their list of services.

“We are very aware that technology never stands still,” he said. “I make sure my team has an appetite for learning and enthusiasm for tech. It’s that malleability, that ability to adapt to new technologies that is our ace card.

“Metaverse is a hot topic right now. We try to be the voice of sensibility and ask clients why they want a metaverse, what problem they are solving and what it will bring to their business. It has to add value.”

Arishi delivers high-end software development and the technology behind complex creative projects. Its range of services include websites, ecommerce websites, mobile app development, virtual reality, augmented reality, bespoke software development, technical consultancy and due diligence, and infrastructure and hosting.

The firm is based across London, Abu Dhabi and Indore in India and has 20 employees –five in the UK, one in Abu Dhabi, with the rest located in India. The software developers and technical staff are handpicked and personally trained and there are plans to grow the overseas team further.

Andrew is fiercely proud of his talented, diverse team and challenges anyone who is “put off by the idea of our team in India because of their experience with call centres”. He encourages clients to get to know the Arishi development team. “Nobody has ever come away from that conversation without being very impressed,” he adds.

His talented team has the “ability to accelerate its learning at an incredible rate that is unique to us”.

“What we have tried to do from day one is empower the team,” he said.

“I always show respect to our team and I’m loyal to them. They take a pride in their work and love what they do.”

His leadership style is collaborative; he adds: “They are often my eyes and ears and see what I don’t see.”

Andrew said he looks for people’s potential rather than a finished package when he recruits.

“I’m a massive advocate for rough diamonds,” he said. “Someone suggested I have a chat with a guy who had dropped out of uni and was working in a pizza restaurant. He had an incredible ability with software. He could learn the technology we used very rapidly. He also had a real sincerity about him, and clients loved him.”

A member of the Chamber for four years, Arishi has become a patron this year.

“I’ve known Briege for 15 years and the ethos of the Chamber is the same as ours; when she told me she had become CEO of the Chamber, I knew I wanted to be involved,” said Andrew.

I make sure my team has an appetite for learning and enthusiasm for tech. It’s that malleability, that ability to adapt to new technologies that is our ace card.

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS

Any business or sole trader that provides professional services, consultancy or design work to clients is at risk of professional negligence or malpractice claims.

Mistakes or bad advice that cause a client to lose money can lead to legal action, as the client seeks to recoup their losses. Clients may claim for a range of alleged errors including professional negligence, loss of confidential documents, breaches of data protection, defamation and copyright infringement.

Some professions have a higher risk of claims due to the large potential losses to clients if mistakes are made, for example, architects, accountants or financial advisors – however professionals from all sectors can be at risk of claims, from solicitors through to media professionals.

Recent legal cases have even set a precedent for claims of educational negligence made against teachers and lecturers for a failure to educate and breaching their duty of care to students.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance protects against financial losses from liability claims made by a client for alleged errors relating to professional work. PI policies will typically cover legal defence costs and provide compensation to clients if the claim is successful.

PI Insurance covers a wide range of risks including:

„ Negligence or breach of duty

„ Errors and omissions

„ Breach of data protection

„ Breach of confidentiality

„ Defamation

„ Loss of client documents

A solicitor acted for Claimants who purchased a residential property in 2007. They were later accused of failing to identify an old tunnel which ran under the property. The Claimants alleged this tunnel rendered their property unmortgageable and claimed for losses of around £200,000. The solicitor had a PI policy and notified their insurer of the claim.

Cyber Insurance vs PI Insurance

With digital connectivity it is easy to share and publish information, the risk is that you share the wrong file containing sensitive information, or become the subject of a cyber-attack where client data is stolen and leaked. Whilst some PI policies may provide limited cover for third party data loss, this is unlikely to be sufficient to protect against the true costs of a cyber-attack or data breach.

Tysers provides Professional Indemnity Insurance to clients in a range of sectors, from financial services and legal professions, to architects and small businesses. We take the time to understand the unique risk factors for every client and advise the best cover to protect your business.

EXAMPLE CASE

Why would we want to live and work anywhere else?

What is it like to have a business based here?

The district was formed in 1974 combining the former urban districts of Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Royston with Hitchin Rural District. It occupies the low chalk hills of the north-eastern Chilterns, extending north into the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire plain around Ashwell and Hinxworth, and south to the valley of the River Lea around Codicote.

Each of North Hertfordshire’s towns has a distinctive character. Hitchin, Baldock and Royston are medieval market towns with historic buildings, while Letchworth is world famous as the first Garden City.

Hitchin

The earliest reference to the town dates back to the 7th century, although the first reference to the name of Hitchin was made in the 17th century. St Mary’s Church is the largest parish church in Hertfordshire and its tower dates back to 1190. The market place is cobbled and surrounded by old traditional buildings dating back to the 15th century and Tudor and Georgian buildings surround the town.

Baldock

Rich in archaeological heritage, Baldock has been continuously occupied since historic times and boasts the highest quantity of finds of ancient coins in Hertfordshire after the Verulamium region. Baldock was founded by the Knights Templar as a medieval market town in the 1140s. Due to its location, the town was a major staging post between London and the north and many old coaching inns remain.

Letchworth Garden City

Letchworth was an ancient parish appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086, remaining as a small rural village until the start of the 20th century. Known for being the first garden city, the development of the modern town began in 1903, when much of the land in Letchworth and the neighbouring parishes was bought by First Garden City Limited, founded by Ebenezer Howard. The aim of the new garden city was to create a new type of settlement which provided jobs, services and good housing, whilst retaining the environmental quality of the countryside.

The towns have an attractive mix of well-known high street names and traditional markets, fascinating antique and craft centres and small speciality shops. Farmers’ markets are held regularly at Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Royston selling a range of produce from fresh fruit and vegetables to tempting treats.

And you don’t have to venture too far for the larger shopping centres of Stevenage, Luton, Welwyn Garden City and Watford, while Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Lakeside and Bluewater are less than an hour by car.

The rural section of the North Hertfordshire district covers 127 square miles around the towns of Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth and Royston and has boundaries with Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. Important as an agricultural area, it has also grown considerably as a residential area.

CSD Automation

CSD AUTOMATION specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke process automation and manual handling equipment. The company’s products range from conveyors, robotics and bespoke industrial manipulators to other bespoke process automation equipment.

The team includes design engineers, project engineers, sales managers and specialist in-house manufacturing, assembly and installation engineers.

Their diverse range of customers in a variety of industries include aerospace and defence, automotive, logistics, healthcare, pharmaceutical and material processing. They have delivered products to Airbus, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover, Boots, Amazon, Honda, John Lewis and Ocado to name a few.

“CSD has been in Hertfordshire since incorporation in 2007,” said Chris Pykerman, founder and managing director of CSD Automation.

Less than 40 miles north from central London, North Hertfordshire is predominantly rural with a plethora of historical market towns and picturesque villages and hamlets making it a great place to live and work.

Chris Pykerman

“As the business has expanded, we have moved premises a number of times but always remaining in Hertfordshire.

“Our most recent move was in January this year to a new, larger facility in Letchworth and we work from here to serve customers both in the UK and overseas.

“The two directors of CSD grew up and live in Hertfordshire and have children attending local schools so it is natural to have the business in Herts too.”

The firm is committed to being part of local business activity and is holding a Business Breakfast for local businesses at the end of April with guest speaker Sir Oliver Heald MP (North Herts).

“Although there is a perception that London and the south-east is primarily a financial region, a substantial amount of manufacturing also occurs here,” he added.

“From Letchworth, it is easy to reach clients in the manufacturing heartland of the Midlands and other UK industrial areas where many of our customers are located.

“Further key advantages include the fantastic range of local suppliers available to us, with whom we have long-established relationships; plus the calibre of candidates when we need to recruit: 70% of our team reside within Hertfordshire. With our network in the community and the opportunity to generate new business contacts, we do not see any reason to move.”

Tate

TATE is an award-winning recruitment consultancy firm specialising in professional office roles, both temporary and permanent, with physical and virtual offices across England, including at St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin and Luton.

The move towards more virtual offices was the brainchild of managing director David Clubb.

“The recruitment industry has changed, recruitment is done online,” said David.

“You don’t have to have a physical office as clients want to communicate via Skype, Teams, email or phone.. We have kept our staff in the area but they work virtually now so if a candidate wants to meet in town for a coffee, or a client invites us in for a job briefing this can still be arranged locally, quickly and easily”.

With the company estimating that only 1% of their clients came to their offices post pandemic, moving towards a virtual offering made good business sense.

“Clients want flexibility, they don’t mind not being face-to-face, they would rather have the flexibility to take a call or meet us online around usual office hours or stay connected by email,” added David. “Flexibility is the way forward.”

“Hertfordshire is quite an affluent area, with a fantastic choice of industries and employers,” added Emma Tarbox, Operations Manager.

“We recruit office professionals who want to progress their careers in well paid, meaningful jobs.

“We are a champion for business and candidates in the local area. There are eight of us strategically located across the county with local market knowledge, such as local

employer brands, salaries, transport links, realistic travel to work time, further education facilities, specialist businesses.

David added that his Hertfordshire team is the longest serving in Tate too.

“The length of service in the business is six-and a-half years but for the local area, it’s nine-and a-half years,” he said. “Our experienced team are enjoying our new way of working”

David introduced flexible working, which works for both our employees and clients.

“If a client wants a Teams meeting or call out of hours then we can accommodate that,” said Emma.

“And if a member of staff wants to walk their dog, run some errands or go to the gym during work hours, they have that freedom and choice to manage their time.” added David. “Everybody has smartphones with access to their emails so they’re not tied to a desk.

“We know a good network of local training providers the how the apprenticeship levy benefits upskilling and staff retention so feel well placed to offer advice and direction.”

Our most recent move was in January this year to a new, larger facility in Letchworth and we work from here to serve customers both in the UK and overseas.

We are a champion for the local area. There are eight of us strategically located across the county with local market and recruitment knowledge, such as local employer brands, salaries, transport links, realistic travel to work time and further education facilities.

Emma Tarbox

Here for Hertfordshire businesses

Simon Carvill-Biggs, Partner and restructuring specialist at FRP Advisory in St Albans

We all know that the last few years have been among the most challenging in living memory for businesses. And we are not out of the woods yet.

Consumer household budgets are under intense pressure as inflation continues to colour the economy – eroding demand and affecting buying decisions across the board. At the same time, firms’ own operating costs remain stubbornly high. For example, a recent survey led by the team here at FRP, found that two-thirds (66%) of UK retailers had seen their operating costs go up, by an average of around a fifth, in the past year.

However, there are still some positive economic indicators that we can take heart from. Indeed, the UK appears to have avoided a recession, market rates for energy have begun to fall and private sector output is slowly increasing.

As a restructuring professional based in St Albans, I’ve seen first-hand how businesses across Hertfordshire have worked hard to adapt and shore up their margins during this time. But there is still a worryingly high number of firms that are concerned about their future.

In these conditions, what can our county’s businesses do to bolster this resilience – and address any cracks in their operations?

Forecasting fundamentals

Keeping a close eye on the fundamentals – ensuring cash flow forecasts are up-to-date, and tightly managing working capital – will be critical in the year ahead.

Management teams will need to ensure that they have multilevel contingency plans in place for every possible scenario. Ultimately, those that thrive will be those that can be flexible and respond positively to change.

I always recommend creating a 13-week cash flow forecast, which will take in weekly and monthly receipts and payments, as well as quarterly payments like VAT, rent and interest charges, to identify any pressure points during the period. Should any shortfalls be identified, management teams can then carefully review their options and put robust contingency plans in place.

Forecasting isn’t an exact science and firms will have to rely on certain assumptions based on past activity. It can be useful to compare an organisation’s actual performance against forecasts made earlier in the year to help improve future planning, by incorporating any adjustments that better reflect the current trading environment.

If your forecast does expose any unpleasant surprises, the most important thing to remember is that a problem aired is a problem shared.

Proactive and open communication with all stakeholders can give your partners the opportunity to consider all their options and suggest solutions. Suppliers will be far more inclined to agree concessions if the request is backed up by the financial data to support a credible plan to resolve any issues.

Where signs of distress are identified – or even if you just need an experienced sounding board – the honest advice of an expert with technical expertise and commercial understanding, can be invaluable.

My corporate restructuring colleagues and I in St Albans can help Hertfordshire businesses make sense of complex situations, providing constructive solutions and sustainable long-term plans to turn businesses around and save jobs, where possible, or support with orderly wind-downs.

Eyes to growth

But our support isn’t just about the difficult times. There are opportunities for growth even amid challenging conditions.

The market has remained buoyant across all aspects of M&A. Indeed buyers still have an appetite for the right businesses, and my colleagues and I continue to see a vibrant market driven by consolidation. We expect the demand for good quality firms to hold up as trade buyers seek ways to futureproof their businesses, with an eye for strategic acquisitions that can help them boost efficiency or enter new markets.

At the same time, our Debt Advisory team is working with numerous privately held or private equity-backed businesses to raise and favourably refinance the capital they need to fuel their ambitions.

Our St. Alban’s office is just one of 26 offices in England and Scotland, and a new international office in Cyprus. Through this network, we deliver restructuring, corporate finance and debt advisory services, as well as financial advisory and forensic services. So, if this article prompts any questions, or if you’d like to discuss any of the issues raised, please get in touch.

Carvill-Biggs

St Albans

+44 (0)1727 735 222

+44 (0)07762 897 952

simon.carvill-biggs@frpadvisory.com frpadvisory.com

BUSINESS SUCCESS

is as simple as baking a cake!

In 8 years as a business coach, it has surprised me how many brilliant business owners who have taken the risk to set up a business, deliver amazing products and services to their customers and provide jobs for the community, yet are still struggling to make a significant profit or have the time to really enjoy life.

Guess what! The secret to running a successful business is not a secret

Just like there is no secret to the perfect Beef Stroganoff, Rogan Josh or Victoria Sponge cake. There are hundreds of recipe books showing you how to do it.

Each may have a slightly different angle, a tweak to the ingredients, preparation or cooking method, but they all say basically the same thing.

You can guess and learn through trial & error, but if you want to succeed, then following the recipe is a simple way to get a great result.

It is the same with building a successful business. This has been done many times before and the recipe has been written down in countless books for us to follow. What was the last book you read that helped you improve your business? What is the next one…?

My TOP 5 Recommendations

If you have less than 20 employees and are struggling to scale, this book will explain why and what to do about it.

SPECIAL OFFER for Herts Chamber Members

If you are a business owner and would like to grow your company:

Step 1 Think about the area of your business that you need to improve the most. There is a book for every situation.

The greatest excuse in business is “I didn’t have time”. What we should say is “I didn’t prioritise.” Tracy has 21 simple strategies to be significantly more effective at work.

Step 2 Send me a text (07764 579 101) briefly outlining your challenge and I will recommend a book to read either from those mentioned or another more relevant recommendation.

Step 3 I will send you your chosen book FREE OF CHARGE

For more established companies with a Senior Management Team (or those who aspire to have one), this is the blueprint on how to manage your company through the team.

Step 4 Commit to reading the book and then message me with:

• Your top 3 learnings

• How you have implemented your new knowledge

• What results have been delivered or are expected

The number one reason for failure in sales is an empty pipeline and the root cause of this is the failure to consistently prospect. This book shows you how to create consistent growth in sales.

I will select the top learnings to share in the next issue of Inspire Magazine, anonymously if preferred. Contact

No business can profitably grow to any significant size without systems. This book is the bible on how to systemise your business and create the platform for continued growth.

All businesses can succeed with the simple discipline of learning what others have proved works. It’s as simple as baking a cake.

1. The EMyth Revisited by Michael Gerber

2. Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

3. Traction by Gino Wickman

4. Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount

5. SYSTEMology by David Jenyns

how manufacturing has shaped the world around us

Hertfordshire’s world-class engineering and manufacturing companies specialise in aerospace, space and satellite engineering, communication technologies, electronics, defence and security-related equipment and logistics. Together they have shaped the world around us, designing and developing the things people and places need and inspiring tomorrow’s innovation from robotics and AI to sustainability and beyond. Whether it’s the cars we drive or the use of virtual reality in the classroom, its impact is far reaching and profound.

The state of the art, environmentally friendly HQ, Orbit House, is home to 500 space engineers and experts and underlines Airbus’ confidence to continue to invest in the UK, with Stevenage at the heart of space manufacturing. Airbus is now the UK’s largest space company with turnover in excess of £1 billion and makes up over 70 per cent of this country’s space industry, providing a vital national industrial capability and driving a diverse space supply chain that spans the UK.

as a multitude of niche engineering companies involved in everything from components to consumables.

Stevenage is the leading location for the UK’s upstream space industry and home to the 2018 ExoMars Rover and the 2017 Solar Orbiter Satellite research and development programmes. In August 2021, the then British Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, officially opened Airbus’ new £35 million UK space and defence headquarters on Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage.

Stevenage is also home to the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET) which works collaboratively with industry, academia and government to engineer solutions for societal challenges, share knowledge and helps empower and influence the future of engineering.

The advanced engineering sector also includes top global companies such as world-leader in missiles systems MBDA, which is situated just across the road from Airbus, Johnson Matthey in Royston, and security-screening experts Smiths Detection in Hemel Hempstead, as well

In July 2022, Johnson Matthey (JM), a sustainable technologies leader, announced that it will be building an £80m hydrogen gigafactory to scale up the manufacture of hydrogen fuel cell components. This aligns with JM’s refreshed strategy to be the “market leader in performance components for fuel cells and electrolysers”, targeting more than £200 million sales in hydrogen technologies by end of 2024/25.

In 2022, the engineering and manufacturing industry employed around 48,500 people in Hertfordshire, and there are nearly 2,500 firms in the sector. Since 2010, the number of businesses has risen by 3.8% per year.

In terms of geographical representation, North Hertfordshire and Stevenage stand out as having the strongest manufacturing sector, due to high employment in sub-sectors related to machinery, industrial equipment, materials and weapons/ ammunition.

n Paul Witcombe, Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing Sector Lead, Hertfordshire LEP

Drilling down a little further, there are other notable sub-sectors which include:

• Pharmaceutical products/services and speciality chemicals manufacturing in the A1(M) corridor, East and North Hertfordshire and Hertsmere.

• Medical Technology companies concentrated in Hemel and Hertsmere in the South and West of the county

• Printing and related services in districts in close proximity to London.

• Food and drink industry manufacturing in districts just outside of the M25. Towns with the highest concentrations of employment in particular manufacturing sub-sectors relative to the national average are: Royston, Waltham Cross, Tring, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Hoddesdon and Stevenage.

This sector is firmly rooted in Hertfordshire with key legacy linkages in Hatfield to De Havilland which led the development from biplanes to jet airliners, including one of the most advanced commercial aircraft, the DH106 Comet, the first trans-atlantic airliner. Under its new name British Aerospace, Hatfield continued to lead on commercial aircraft production before the site was

eventually sold in 1993 for commercial development as a business park.

The 800-acre site is now one of the largest business parks in Europe and home to such household brand names as Affinity Water, Ocado, Arla Foods, Royal Mail Parcel Force and pharma giant Eisai.

The De Havilland name lives on at the University of Hertfordshire where the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science is renowned for its internationally recognised research into the astrophysics of galaxies and black holes, quantum computing and climate change, as well as bio-detection and protection.

Standing on the shoulders of giants, this pioneering spirit now supports a vibrant ecosystem of leading science, technology, engineering and manufacturing companies. Perhaps the most tangible recent example of its practical application is the opening of Stevenage Innovation and Technology Centre (SITEC) at North Herts College’s Stevenage campus. Here the next generation can pursue careers in Science, Engineering, Digital, and Sustainable Technologies subjects by accessing start-of the-art training, software and VR to make tomorrow’s world a reality.

For more information on careers in this exciting sector, visit the Engineering and Manufacturing Sector Pages on Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (www.hopinto.co.uk)

n Airbus – ExoMars Rover. Credit: Max Alexander

n © Airbus

n SITEC – North Herts College, Stevenage. Student demo using VR and Phase 1 of development now complete

n University of Hertfordshire –flight simulator

n Johnson Matthey – leaders in sustainable technology

Azets Accounting Automation: Innovative software is at the heart of every growing business

Following the Government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) initiative, launched in April 2019, many businesses have been forced onto compliant software solutions. At Azets we have seen that many of the businesses using online software solutions do not fully understand the capabilities of their software and so aren’t making best use out of it.

Accurate data is essential to managing a growing business and enables Directors to be confident in their capacity to make the right decisions.

Senior Manager at Azets, Dora Hatch, shares her top five reasons businesses must embrace technology in accounting:

Time and cost savings: Using technology in accounting can help automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry and reconciliation, freeing up precious time. Cloud-based accounting software solutions offer affordable pricing plans and reduce the need for costly on-premise infrastructure and IT support.

Quicker cash collection: By automating the invoicing process and sending automatic reminders to customers, businesses can streamline the payment process and reduce the time and effort needed to follow up on late payments.

Enhanced insights into your financials: Advanced analytics tools and dashboards can help quickly identify trends and patterns, allowing businesses to make more informed decisions based on real-time information.

More reliable forecasting: By leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, businesses can better anticipate future trends and make more informed decisions.

Get ready for more MTD: Embracing technology in accounting can help businesses be to prepared for future MTD requirements, avoiding potential penalties and fines.

We are here to help

At Azets, we offer multiple cloud-based solutions from our partners. We have a dedicated Software

Solutions team, who are experts in matching businesses to the software that will help them thrive.

Azets are here to help your transition to a new software, some of our solutions to support you include:

• Hosting staff training to ensure they are comfortable using the software

• Providing a temporary Azets staff member to assist your in-house finance team

• Preparing regular management information

• Interpreting your data to provide insights into KPIs

• Providing quasi FD services

So whatever your size or sector, we’re ready to provide you with practical, personal software support making your route to compliance as easy as possible.

Azets are proud to be strategic partners with Xero, and winners of the national partner of the year at the Xero Awards 2023.

Azets is currently focusing on supporting clients through accounts automation. The aim is to help businesses in Hertfordshire to spend less time processing data and more time growing their business, by providing strategic advice to help achieve their long-term objectives. For more information on how you can use technology to power up your business, speak to a member of our local team today.

Please see Azets’ accounts automation offer to Chamber members on the opposite page.

Upcoming Events

With our members and benefit partners we have designed our events programme to cover a variety of topics:

Introduction to Business Law

The King’s Awards for Enterprise Launch

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce the launch of newly named The King’s Awards for Enterprise. These are highly prestigious awards, given in recognition of outstanding achievement by UK businesses, across the following four categories:

• Innovation

• International Trade

• Sustainable Development

Tuesday 9th May 2023

10:00 – 11:00

Via Zoom

Member: FREE

Join us for an exclusive members only webinar on Introduction to Business Law.

This event for Chamber members is designed for small businesses and start-ups looking for information and guidance on business law when setting up a business. This webinar will be delivered by Patrons Longmores Solicitors, and will cover the following:

• Business structures and funding

• Commercial contracts

• Intellectual Property

After the presentation there will be a Q&A when delegates are invited to ask their questions, however big or small.

• Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility

Thursday 11th May 2023

10:00 – 11:00

Via Zoom

Member: FREE

Non Member: FREE

We will hear from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ who will be joining us to emphasize the significance of these award, in addition to past winners about how winning one of these prestigious awards has benefitted their organisations.

INCOTERMS® 2020 Rules

This online, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited course outlines the risk, responsibility and obligation between the buyer and the seller for each transaction.

The course will take you through all the aspects of understanding Incoterms®2020 and covers:

• An explanation of the different versions of Incoterms

• The differences between the 2010 and 2020 versions

• An explanation of the Risk, Cost and Obligations

• What Incoterms Do Not cover

• The importance of how they are written on international trade documentation.

• A description of each Incoterm

• Common misunderstanding and pitfalls when using Incoterms

• The importance of making sure your customers understand the terms being used for a shipment

Friday 19th May 2023

09:30 – 12:30

Via Zoom

Member: £350.00 + VAT

Non Member: £400.00 + VAT

For more information on any event: 01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

REDUNDANCY: How to Conduct a Fair Process

Employment solicitors from Longmores will explain how sound planning and preparation at an early stage is essential.

Using a case study, they will describe the steps to follow to ensure you conduct a fair process to give you confidence in making the right commercial decisions for the future success of your business.

• Rationalising the need for fewer staff

• How to define the selection criteria for redundancies

• How, what and when to communicate with your staff about the changes

• Managing the consultation process

• How to avoid costly disputes and structure redundancy packages including confidentiality and non-compete agreements

• Alternatives to redundancy, such as reducing hours, and when and if these options are fair to staff or right for your business.

This event will be beneficial to business owners and directors, and those who are responsible for employing staff.

Tuesday 23rd May 2023

08:45 – 11:00

Ware Prioy, Ware

Member: FREE

Non Member: FREE

May Chamber Lunch

Thursday 25th May 2023

11:45 – 14:15

Herts County Showground, Redbourn

Member: £45.00 + VAT

Non Member: £55.00 + VAT

Join us at this Lunch, sponsored by Ministry of Defence, where we are very excited to be joined by our guest speaker, Amar Latif at this event.

Amar Latif is a blind traveller, entrepreneur, and television presenter. Due to an incurable eye condition, Amar lost 95% of his sight by the age of 18.

Amar became known to millions through the groundbreaking BBC2 reality series, Beyond Boundaries, a jungle endurance expedition across Central America. Screened worldwide, this was a gruelling 220-mile trek on foot across the rugged interior of Nicaragua, from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Amar had to ford swollen rivers, climb a 5,000 ft. active volcano and navigate the second largest lake in Latin America.

Amar has an astonishing track record of facing up to major challenges. Through sheer determination, he has managed to turn an unpromising tale of loss, into one of inspirational achievement. Amar shows that determination and the right attitude can take you far in life.

Upcoming Events

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2023 Ceremony

and Gala Dinner

The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2023 culminate in an evening of celebration and extravagance as our awards finalists find out which businesses will be crowned the winners.

These awards enable Hertfordshire businesses to showcase their performance and achievements to clients, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and to all the Hertfordshire business community.

The gala dinner and awards ceremony will be taking place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden on Thursday 22nd June 2023,

with 350 Hertfordshire businesspeople in attendance. A spectacular way to celebrate the twelfth year of Inspiring Herts!

SA Law and Viatris are the Headline Sponsors for this years’ awards.

We’re looking forward celebrating with all those shortlisted, the winners, sponsors, judges and everyone involved in the making of this truly magical evening!

Sponsorship opportunities remain open. Contact awards@hertschamber.com for more information.

Thursday 22nd June 2023

18:00 – 23:30

Warner Bros Studio Tour

London, Leavesden

Member: £135.00 + VAT

Non Member: £159.00 + VAT

Summer Party

Our Summer Garden Party, held in partnership with Sopwell House, St Albans, takes place on Thursday 6th July, from 18:00 - 21:00.

Enjoy an evening filled with fantastic freshly prepared food, beautiful summer beverages and live entertainment, sponsored by The One Group.

This members-only event will give you the opportunity to network with hundreds of local Hertfordshire businesses. Make the most of a summer’s evening at this fabulous hotel and celebrate with us.

Thursday 6th July 2023

18:00 – 21:00

Sopwell House, St Albans

Member: £55.00 + VAT

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a joint sponsor for this event, please contact enquiries@hertschamber.com

Corporate Golf Day

Calling all golfers!

This yearly, exclusive members-only golfing event, is taking place on Tuesday 11th July 2023 at Moor Park Golf Club, Rickmansworth, one of the most prestigious, premier golf clubs in Hertfordshire, and the event is sponsored by our Diamond Club partner, CAE Technology Services, together with KGK Genix.

Come along with colleagues and clients and enjoy:

• Breakfast on arrival

• 18 holes (Four-ball format)

• Refreshments and a three-course lunch

Please note, places for the event are limited, so book now to secure your place!

Tuesday 11th July 2023 08:00 – 15:00

Moor Park Golf Club, Rickmansworth Member: £150.00 + VAT

Herts County Show

Immerse yourself in agriculture with a packed timetable of livestock and equine classes and head to the Farm-Yard and Countryside zones and discover awe-inspiring plant and machinery from past and present.

Get involved at this year’s Hertfordshire County Show taking place on 27th - 28th May with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce!

The Herts 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 our 35,000+ visitors!

Witness spectacular entertainment in the Main Ring as they welcome back the stunningly beautiful Atkinson Sports Horses for 2023. Enjoy and discover the very best of local shopping with deliciously curated produce in their Food Court and iconic

The Hertfordshire County Show is 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 our events support our educational work through which we engage with local schools, children, and communities.

The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire’s Entrepreneurs Challenge is back at the Herts County Show for its third year, giving new local entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch to local leaders of industry, with the winning entrepreneurs receiving thousands of pounds worth of financial, legal, marketing and branding advice. The winners will walk away with a one-of-a-kind business development prize.

To find out more about how you can exhibit at this event, please contact the Herts Chamber at enquiries@hertschamber.com

If you are a Herts Chamber member, please use the code ebhertschamber23 to get a discount on your County Show tickets.

Made in Herts zones with local foods and local crafts that showcase the best of Hertfordshire to the World.

Herts Chamber will be hosting a marquee for the highly anticipated Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire’s Entrepreneurs Challenge, over both days of the show, and we have a number of exhibition stands available each day.

Meet the 2023 Awards Judges

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

These Awards enable Hertfordshire businesses to showcase their performance and achievements to clients, customers, suppliers, stakeholders and to all of the Hertfordshire business community.

This year’s Inspiring Herts Awards, sponsored by SA Law and Viatris, received more entries than ever before, and Herts Chamber are delighted to share the news! The Herts Chamber would like to say a huge thank you to all of the sponsors, entrants, finalists and judges for being involved in this years awards.

Some of the other judges include: Martyn Ives from Fujitsu, Anna Cawley from Cawleys, Julie Goodyear and Daniel Hourigan from Ocado, Michael Budd from longmores, Graham Pulsford from JPA, Steven Brougham from Oventrop, David Holiday and Mihnea Pruna

from the Borough of Broxbourne, Rebecca List from Tollers LLP and John Wiblin from Longmores.

The Third-Party Judges: Andrew Slade from Oakland college, Andrew Elia from Arishi, Simon Littlewood from Estu, Graham Pitts from KGK Genix, Mike Tilson from Grant Thornton, Julie Palmer and Laura Pearce from Strand PR, Kris McMahon from KM4, Simon Cox from Walter Cooper, Denise Austin from Pearldrop, Paul Graham from Britvic, Rob Hill from Rothamsted, Liza Armstrong from Herts Growth Hub, Jeremy Silverstone from Purple Marketing, Vincenzo Pamparo

from DIT, Claire Dolan from Oaklands, Colin Spiller from Zenis, SallyAnn Verblerk from Ecoserv, Lynne Ceeney from Hertfordshire County Council and Sharon Loughlin and Mary Baldwin from University of Hertfordshire.

Rebecca Wall COO Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding

Sarah Smits Finance Director Ashbourne Insurance

Peter Smits Managing Director Ashbourne Insurance

Andy Webb Relationship Director Barclays Corporate Banking Hertfordshire

Richard Behan Chief Corporate Development Officer CAE

Louise Mahrra Head of Marketing CAE

Ant Chapman Managing Director Chapman Ventilation Ltd

Paul Hill Consultant Chapman Ventilation Ltd

Richard Cooksey COO JPA Workspaces

Perry Jackson Managing Director Oventrop UK Ltd

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

Graham Reynolds Director of Sustainability Redwood Bank

Kathryn Wright Sales Director Cawleys

Rakesh Dua CEO DUA Accountancy & Business Consultancy

Paul Dukes Head of Business Development DUA Accountancy & Business Consultancy

Phil Deverick Commerical Manager Fujitsu

Sally Bedwell MCIM Senior Business Development Manager Northern Home Counties Morgan Sindall

Norma Odain-Hines Social Value Manager Northern Home Counties Morgan Sindall

Erik Thoreen Senior Vice President UK and Studios East Hudson Pacific Propreties

Alex Doobay Director Investments UK Hudson Pacific Properties

Zoe Cuthbertson Head of Marketing Redwood Bank

Sharon Brown Partner and Head of Trusts and Estates South Tollers LLP

Daniel Addrison Partner Commercial Property Team Tollers LLP

Adrian Shah-Cundy Corporate Responsibility Director VolkerWessels UK

June Howard Lead Occupational Health Manager VolkerWessels UK

Simon Ramage Delivery Director Willmott Dixon Construction Limited

Harry Pearce Assistant Building Manager Willmott Dixon

Rachel Budge Head of Mid Corporate Hertfordshire Barclays

Meet the Finalists

u Apprenticeship Champion

Sponsored by Willmott Dixon Construction

• DLRC

• Green Building Design Consultants

• HB Accountants

• JHP Electrical Services

• Sky Studios Elstree

• Stevenage FC Foundation

u Best Use of Technology

Sponsored by Barclays

• Just So Care

• Labrums Solicitors

• Lumin Wealth Management

• SuperStar Communicator

• WMT LLP

u Business of the Year – East Herts

Sponsored by Sunset Studios

• Air Energy

• Green Building Design Consultants

• Insight MCL

• KGK Genix

• LBS Distribution

u Business of the Year – West Herts

Sponsored by Alliance Intelligent Scaffolding

• AVV Solutions

• Creative Stripes

• GoodsforGood

• M.K Ginder & Sons

• One YMCA

• urbanboxdigital.com

u Business of the Year – North Herts

Sponsored by Tollers LLP

• CSD Automation

• East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity

• Tier 2 Consulting

u Business of the Year – South Herts

Sponsored by Fujitsu

• Crane & Staples

• Hour Hands

• Pages Care Farm

• Social Jooce

• Sustainable X

• Twenty-Two Business Support & Development Ltd

u Business of the Year

Small to Medium

Sponsored by Redwood Bank

• Beehive Green

• GoodsforGood

• Green Building Design Consultants

• LBS Distribution

• Rigging Team

• Rollagranola

u Business of the Year Medium to Large

Sponsored by Cawleys

• Doubletree by Hilton London Elstree

• Innovative Trials

• KGK Genix

• One YMCA

• Quanta Consultancy Services

• Sopwell House

u Community Champion

Sponsored by Ocado

• Carers in Hertfordshire

• Community Action Dacorum

• East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity

• Resolve

• Step2Skills

• Trauma Recovery CIC

u Diversity and Inclusion

Sponsored by Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Ltd

• Focus7 International

• Innovative Trials

• Pages Care Farm

• POhWER

• Step2Skills

• Trestle Theatre Company

u Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsored by Longmores Solicitors

• Andrea Boughton, Beehive Green

• Andy Kennedy, Tier 2 Consulting

• Chris Pykerman, CSD Automation

• Johnny Johnson, UNLTD

• Lucy Dore, Recruitment Index

• Sarah Pascaru, Social Jooce

u Excellence in Business Diversification

Sponsored by JPA Workspaces

• Aldenham Estate

• GeoSmart Pro

• One YMCA

• Watford Community Housing

u Excellence in Customer Commitment

Sponsored by CAE Technology

• Air Energy

• Herts Executive

• Launch Studio

• Tewin Bury Farm Hotel

u Excellence in International Trade

Sponsored by Chapman Ventilation

• Air Energy

• Innovative Trials

• SuperStar Communicator

u Excellence in People Development

Sponsored by DUA Accountancy

• JHP Electrical Services

• Quanta Consultancy Services

• Realm Partners

• SEC Group

• Tier 2 Consulting

• Zoocha

u Family Business of the Year

Sponsored by Ashbourne Insurance

• Gatwards of Hitchin

• JHP Electrical Services

• KGK Genix

• LBS Distribution

• MCP Property Services

• Sopwell House

u Green Award

Sponsored by Ambition Broxbourne

• Electric Umbrella

• Isabel Hospice

• KGK Genix

• Nimbus Hosting

• Rothamsted Enterprises

• Sky Studios Elstree

u Most Promising New Business

Sponsored by Mercer & Hole

• Art By Vanessa

• Midnight Blue Marketing

• Nicholas James Mortgage & Financial Services Ltd

• Recruitment Index

• urbanboxdigital.com

• WRKHERE Ltd

u Property and Construction Project of the Year

Sponsored by Oventrop

• Dobsons Home Specialists

• Green Building Design Consultants

• RDT Architects

• Rothamsted Enterprises

• Vincent & Gorbing

u Workplace Wellbeing

Sponsored by VolkerWessels UK

• Focus7 International

• Innovative Trials

• Kestronics

• Quanta Consultancy Services

• Realm Partners

• Trauma Recovery CIC

Local Family Business Celebrates 45 Years

We support social housing organisations, including local authorities, housing associations and other registered social landlords, by maintaining their homes and their community. We care about the people whose homes we visit and work hard to ensure we leave them safe, secure and warm.

Our service delivery includes:

• Responsive Repairs including a 24/7 emergency service

• Roofing repairs and maintenance

• Aids and adaptations

• Planned and capital works programmes

• Void property refurbishment

• Electrical Services

• Disrepairs and supporting residents with the issue of damp and mould

We now employ over 100 skilled operatives who complete in excess of 70,000 responsive repairs every year.

Our clients

MCP has a long-standing affiliation within the social housing sector, supporting clients across Hertfordshire, London, South East and West Midlands. Our clients include Network Homes, B3 Living, Barnet Homes and L&Q.

MCP Property Services Ltd is a Hertford-based, wholly-owned family business, which has been delivering a broad range of property services within the social housing sector for 45 years.

Amy & Olivia

Lydia, Ellie & Alpesh

History

MCP was founded in 1978 by Michael (Mick) Clarke. Both his grandfather and father started their own plumbing businesses which meant Mick spent many summers learning this trade. Mick followed in their footsteps and started work in 1970 working for East Herts Council. He saw an opportunity to take his skills further to gain more work and decided to start his own business, MC Plumbing in 1978. When work increased he took on some help and eventually had an enquiry from Broxbourne Borough Council to do some work.

Mick then secured a small contract with the newly formed Riversmead Housing (now Network Homes) to provide repairs and maintenance for 3,000 local authority homes. He soon developed a reputation for delivering on his promises, being friendly, reliable, and always finishing the job well and on time, as well as being affectionately known locally as the ‘man in the blue van’.

Personal networks soon grew into professional ones, no doubt aided by his passion to support the local community through his company which regularly awarded grants and sponsorship to charities, clubs and societies.

Where we are today

Times have changed, but the company’s values have not. MCP celebrates its 45th birthday this year, and whilst the business has grown to nearly 170 staff, it remains a family business, with the founding members remaining active on the Board.

Mick, now Chairman, appointed his son Matthew as Managing Director, in 2016, following Matthew’s successful career progression within the business. Matthew had an ambitious growth plan to expand the services, so in 2021, Matt restructured the business and appointed a new Managing Director, Mark Gelder to lead on the growth plans. Mark has extensive experience within the social housing sector at operational director level.

This restructure has allowed Matt to take on an ambassadorial role as Chief Executive and help develop the business.

Investing in local people

MCP continues to invest in local people, supporting a variety of community initiatives in Hertfordshire. Examples over the last 10 years include:

• Converting waste ground into a community garden

• Supported funding for a local school football team, netball team and a speedway rider

• Funded resident’s raffle prizes during heating installation upgrade to a managed scheme in Watford

• Donated £5,000 towards refurbishment of Hertford’s Citizens Advice Bureau to save it from closing

• Provided £100 in gift vouchers after making safe a break-in where the resident’s sons’ Christmas presents were stolen (raised by our operative)

• Appointing Apprenticeships, Work Placements / Paid Trainee Placements, Work Experience / Training Programmes

• Partnering with other local organisations to promote the industry, i.e. VolkerVessels, by holding careers days for students

• Providing free trades services for vulnerable residents

Our work attracts dignitaries from across Hertfordshire

Our work within the community has gained recognition of a number of important dignitaries who have taken an interest in the work we are doing.

Among those who’ve recently visited include:

• Charles Cecil DL, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire – Lord Charles works to improve the number and quality of apprenticeship opportunities in Hertfordshire. He visited our office

to meet some of our apprentices and to hear about our apprenticeship programme and praised the work that we are doing.

• Julie Marson MP for Hertford and Stortford – Julie was keen to learn more about our work, the many community projects and charities that we are involved with and our apprenticeship programme.

• Sally Burton DL, High Sherriff of Hertfordshire who enjoyed meeting some of our team.

Investment in our staff

Investing in our future leaders and providing career development opportunities will ensure we retain the right colleagues to meet our growth aspirations. Recent economic and labour challenges have had an impact on our business and we have enhanced our employment offering to ensure we attract the best possible candidates in a challenging job market, we are seeing the benefit of this now with a more stable workforce. However, with family heritage comes a responsibility to ensure that the values of the family stay true and that succession plans are in place to ensure a lasting legacy.

Future Plans

The plans for our business over the next 3 years are ambitious and are driven by our company values that form the basis of our strategy and culture. Our primary objectives over the next 3 years are:

• Business Growth by extending brand awareness, to increase our turnover from £15.6m to £25m by 2025

• Training: Ensuring that a minimum of 1% of sales is spent on training

• Harnessing technology: We will continue to invest in digital technology to provide ease of access to services for customers, improve productivity and deliver a values-based customer experience.

• Operational excellence: We empower our teams to take ownership and put the customer experience first, targeting 10% organic growth with existing customers and 100% customer retention.

Achieving these objectives will enable us to secure our name as a leading, communityfocused social housing service provider in Hertfordshire and beyond.

www.mcp.community

Mick Clarke (Chairman) and Matt Clarke (CEO)

Ray

David

ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION inspires Hertfordshire businesses

The Entrepreneur Foundation has been designed to nurture and grow a new network of enterprising individuals who meet the criteria; offering a two-year initiative of mentoring, training, and support, supplied by Founder members, by Supporters and, of course, by the Chamber itself.

On 17th April 2023, the Herts Chamber hosted their Entrepreneur Foundation Introduction meeting for the 2023 cohort. This event took place at Knebworth barns and allowed the entrepreneurs to meet and network with their peers as well as their Herts Chamber’s mentors Jeremy Bishop (Chairman) and Colin Spiller (Board member).

Meet the 2023 cohort participants:

Alex Anderson

We are not a bike shop with a coffee shop bolted on. We are a professional cycling workshop and artisanal coffee specialist. We cater to the caffeine needs of cyclists, local villagers and walkers and the mechanical needs of their bikes. What sets our workshop apart (particularly from other bike shops) is our independency with no allegiance to specific brands.

This means we can give unbiased advice using our in-depth knowledge and deliver an exceptional level of service with our highly qualified and experienced mechanics. Over at the café whether it’s one of our locally renowned toasted sandwiches or a cup of our coffee, we take the same care and attention to detail as the bikes we work on.

To the future we look to expand our customer base to include a more broad range of local community members (both cycling and non-cycling), promote our ride based events, develop our marketing to stay up to date with the latest in digital as well as out-of-home strategies and work closely with other local businesses to form symbiotic working relationships through events and services.

Tony Charalambides, owner & founder

The Greek Farmers Taverna & The Greek Farmer

Launched at the end of 2021 from our farm in Hitchin, Herts. The former a Greek takeaway serving local areas and the latter a SALSA approved producer of Greek influenced charcuterie using only British free-range pork & grass-fed beef.

In November 2022 we competed & successfully won ‘Aldi’s Next Big Thing’, a C4 TV series subsequently supplying Aldi with 15,000 packs of our cured meats. December 2022 saw our takeaway nominated and become finalists of the Just Eat Restaurant Awards for best restaurant in the South East 2023.

Doug Lee 3 Drakes

We are a leading supplier of personalised clothing, accessories, workwear and corporate clothing for customers throughout Hertfordshire, London and the whole of the UK since 2015.

Embroidery and printing of your logo onto your organisations clothing is an effective

This was a great opportunity for the entrepreneurs to find out more about the Entrepreneur Foundation programme and its benefits.

way to promote and identify your business. We supply and brand polo shirts, sweatshirts, company shirts and fleeces, jackets, corporate clothing, hi vis, hospitality clothing, healthwear and many other types of clothing.

And from April 2023 we will offer DTF prints for clothing in what we believe the first clothing supplier to offer this service in Hertfordshire.

There is no minimum order and no set up fees. We work for a range of large and small clients including David Lloyds Leisure, Notting Hill Carnival and Elizabeth Scarlett.

And it doesn’t have to be workwear. If you want personalised clothing for a sports club, stag weekend and hen parties or for children’s parties and weddings, we’re happy to help.

Sarah-Jane Hingorani Owner Ubere Mama

I’m Sarah-Jane Hingorani, owner of Ubere Mama, a breastfeeding clothing range born from my own need to feel more comfortable breastfeeding in public.

While breastfeeding worked for me, the quality of breastfeeding clothes didn’t. As a fashion designer, I wanted a range that would boost my confidence, support my independence and work just as hard as I did.

Fast-forward 10 years and Ubere Mama is now helping lots of women like me dress for breastfeeding success.

Ubere mama is on a mission to give women the choice and support they need to make breastfeeding work for them. Not just through my sustainable British-made breastfeeding clothes that stand the test of time, but by building a network of breastfeeding advocates across the nation to make a lasting difference, now and for years to come.”

TOTFest Festival. Kerrie is passionate about her personal development within the creative aspects of the business, and the work she is doing to develop herself as a marketeer and branding specialist.

As a Merchandise Planning Manager turned Event Management Specialist, Kerrie has developed a unique perspective when it comes to business growth. Influenced by innovation and grounded by solid budgeting and forecasting experience, she aspires to make TOTFest a recognised household name.

Holly Giddings

I’m Holly. I’ve spent the last 20 years delivering recruitment for some of the best hospitality groups in London and globally.

Victor

Harabari Founder and CEO Cardio Crown

CardioCrown is a MedTech company with a mission to transform healthcare by leveraging the power of technology to improve access, quality, and efficiency for patients and clinicians alike. The company is currently in the development phase of their flagship product, NeuroVive, which is designed to empower stroke rehabilitation at home by using cutting edge technology such as Virtual Reality, Electrical Stimulation, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

Neil Walcuch

Tenschul has designed and developed an automated solution to combat single use packaging through a Reuse and Refill system, focusing specifically on Liquid products in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. Our Liquid Vending system (LiquiVend®) has been funded by Innovate UK via Wrap to enable the public to trial refill using technology and understand consumer behaviors and habits associated with refilling of liquid products at a retail sites. The prototype personalizes each user experience and discretely captures usage data and preferences.

Kerrie Goude

A self-described achievement junkie, Kerrie Goude is a Female Founder who is committed to business growth and increasing brand awareness. She has spent the last 5 years in partnership building Pink Bear Events Ltd, large scale event organisers and the creators of

Madeline Griffith

Madeline Griffiths recognised a gap in the events industry and co-founded Pink Bear Events, with the goal of placing memories for friends and families at the heart of their experiences.

Drawing from her analytical background in Merchandising, Madeline has utilised her expertise in budgeting and planning to drive the growth of the business. Madeline is deeply committed to creating more community events, partnering with local councils, renowned brands, and creative professionals to offer families and friends valuable opportunities to spend quality time together.

Outside of her work with Pink Bear Events, Madeline is also actively involved as a Co-chair of the local Primary School parent committee. In this role, she skilfully manages stakeholder interests and leads fundraising efforts to support the enhancement of learning experiences and opportunities for all pupils.

Simon Porter Co-owner Reswirl

My name is Simon Porter and I am the Co-owner of Reswirl a Hertfordshire based business that manufactures eco friendly toothbrushes made from plant based plastic entirely in the UK. Our novel and unique approach within this market sees our customers return their used toothbrushes to us whereupon we clean, separate the materials and remake into new toothbrushes for a closed loop circular economy.

We are currently adding to the range and have grand plans for growing the business in Stevenage and we look forward to realising that growth over the coming years.

Hospitality recruitment is my passion; for me, it’s about so much more than ‘filling a role’; it’s about coupling the right opportunity with the right person at the right time – and I’m told I’m pretty good at it! Having worked in-house sourcing talent for the likes of Sexy Fish, The Ivy, Scott’s, Annabel’s, Starbucks, Shake Shack and Pizza Express - I understand the importance of knowing your business inside out. HOUX will take the stress out of recruitment for your time-poor management team, managing the process from start to finish.

Simon Potts Managing Director Future Motors Limited

My passion is finding and delivering commercial solutions for businesses that are demonstrably sustainable whilst having a tangible positive and measurable impact on P&L. I have found that saving energy for organisations is a sweet spot of efficiency, sustainability and profitability which is why I find myself running Future Motors Limited

Our simple to retrofit motors for Heating, Ventilation and Airconditioning (HVAC) systems give immediate savings of 30-70% and have paybacks of between 1 and 3 years. Save energy, money and CO2

It gives me great pleasure to give my wholehearted support to the Entrepreneur Foundation... I have always believed in the importance of encouraging entrepreneurs from a very early stage of the development of their business - and what better way to minimise the risks that they take than to be supported by experienced entrepreneurs who have themselves experienced the highs and lows of starting and running their own business.

Robert Voss CBE CStJ HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

In pursuit of a more sustainable future

The way we provide heating in the UK is currently undergoing rapid changes as we strive to meet environmental targets and move towards net zero. Heat pumps have attracted a lot of attention in the national press in the past few years, but the renewable technology is not new. It has been used in commercial applications for a number of years and is a popular way to heat homes in others part of the world.

A heat pump works by transferring energy from the ambient air outside and rejecting that energy to the water that is used for heating our buildings or that we use from our taps and showers. This absorbed energy is transferred from outside to inside via a refrigerant circuit and the energy is boosted by a compressor. The ratio between the amount of energy absorbed from the air and the electrical energy used by the compressor determines the efficiency of the equipment, so understanding how to design heat pump systems is essential to their success.

Renewable technologies help building owners to reduce their carbon footprint, potentially reduce operating costs and improve Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). Furthermore, when applied in commercial applications or rented domestic properties, they can help building owners achieve legal Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Government incentives such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers a £5,000 grant, and the availability of green mortgages and loans are key to the uptake of heat pumps,

especially in the domestic market. Commercial sector funding is generally available through localised schemes.

Heat pumps certainly have a major role to play in the decarbonisation of our heating systems but correct design and application are crucial to their success. Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK offers industry-leading solutions across the heat pump and air conditioning markets, and is ideally placed to advise on heat pump design and application.

To discover more about the extensive Fujitsu product range, visit www.fujitsu-general.com/uk

Stuart Eagleton of Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK on the role heat pumps have to play in a more sustainable future.

Renewable technologies help building owners to reduce their carbon footprint, potentially reduce operating costs and improve Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).

Time to ‘JOIN THE DOTS’ in Herts skills challenge

A Hertfordshire small business owner is urging educators and employers to ‘join the dots’ as the county tackles its skills shortage.

As the Chamber of Commerce finalises its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) report to the Department for Education detailing what needs to be done to ensure a future workforce is properly equipped, organisations have been reflecting on the initiative.

The Chamber was selected by the Secretary of State for education last year to lead the LSIP to gain an understanding of where the skills shortages lie and to bring businesses and training providers together.

Andrea Boughton, founder and creative director at Beehive Green, based in Welwyn, attended one of the focus groups set up as part of the process. She said: “As a self-employed creative, it was interesting hearing differing perspectives from educators and employers.

“As a parent, it was amazing to see the efforts of the colleges to provide the best education and the investment in Hertfordshire’s creative sector. Now it’s time to join the dots!”

Ruth George, director at Ruth George HR Consulting in Hemel Hempstead, who also attended a session, said: “It was an important opportunity for business to liaise with 16+ and adult education and

training providers and discuss current business and candidate training and development needs.

“It’s clear we have some excellent training provision available in Hertfordshire; the challenge is to ensure all businesses are aware of the offering and to encourage them to collaborate with local training providers to get the training and support that’s right for their business.

“If it doesn’t yet exist, get involved and work with our local colleges to build the training

you need. This event reassured me that providers are ready, willing and able.”

A survey carried out as part of the Government-funded LSIP showed that 74 per cent of Herts businesses were prepared to invest in ensuring staff have the necessary skillset.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO, said: “I was delighted to see so many businesses and education providers get involved with the survey and the focus groups. The information we received has helped us put together a comprehensive report for the DfE.”

The full report will be submitted to DfE next month with Hertfordshire’s findings and recommendations. The Government plans to have all LSIPs approved during the summer.

The Herts Chamber would like to thank everyone involved from the panellists and colleges to the attendees and survey entrants, the draft for the LSIP findings will be completed by the end of May and the results will be released in due course.

Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO

For more information on the Chamber, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/

I was delighted to see so many businesses and education providers get involved with the survey and the focus groups. The information we received has helped us put together a comprehensive report for the DfE.

Redwood Bank’s football success boosts charities

A specialist business bank has achieved its goal of triumphing in the final of a five-a-side tournament and securing funds for a favourite charity.

Letchworth-based Redwood Bank is celebrating after success in the London finals of the Business Fives earned £350 for charity of the year PoetsIN, as well as helping raise more than £4,000 for other charities.

The Bank is a regular in the event, having been knocked out in the Business Fives Champions League semi-finals in Leicester in 2021, but bouncing back last season to secure a spot in the National Final after a round-robin event.

They were pipped to the title last year by PGIM Investments who beat them 3-2, but came back firing on all cylinders to take the top prize this time around.

Graham Reynolds, Redwood Bank’s Director of Sustainability, said: “We are so proud of what the team has achieved. The competition wasn’t easy but they showed the same level of determination and professionalism that they display in their day jobs.

“They may not be in the same league as Harry Kane, but they are our champions and we couldn’t be happier. Being able to make a further donation to PoetsIN was a bonus and I know that means a lot to the players.”

Lawrence Healey was named player of the match in the final with team-mate James Cross receiving the Golden Glove trophy, making it a hat-trick of trophies.

The national Business Fives brings together companies in a novel networking setting and helps raise money for charity at the same time. To date, more than £380,000 has been raised for UK organisations.

Graham said: “Activities like Business Fives are so important for the Bank to help demonstrate our involvement with the community. The event provides a great opportunity for us to meet other business professionals, and it also puts our charity of the year in the spotlight.”

For further information, visit www.redwoodbank.co.uk

Habitats mark a momentous turning point in the zoo’s history

The Hertfordshire zoo Paradise Wildlife Park has officially opened the habitats of Sun Bear Heights and Jaguar Jungle.

The grand opening of the habitats saw the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss cutting the ribbon alongside Sally Burton DL the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire as well as other members of the Hertfordshire community.

Paradise Wildlife Park welcomed stars on the likes of Tottenham Hotspurs player Lucas Moura, Love Island star Marcel Somerville and The Pool Guy Miles Lafin, to celebrate the grand opening.

The two new state-of-the-art habitats immerse visitors in the culture of the Pantanal of Brazil and the jungles of Southeast Asia, teaching conservation and protection of ecosystems. Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) species of sun bears, binturongs and Asian small-clawed otters are in a UK-first mixed species habitat. With resident jaguars Kumal and Kedera returning from their sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary.

Coinciding with Paradise Wildlife Park’s 39th anniversary and their last year before rebranding to Hertfordshire Zoo on the 1st of April 2024, these habitats mark a momentous turning point in the zoo’s history. Like many in the country, these builds have seen delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit; Lynn Whitnall, CEO stated: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters, members and visitors’ for their patience and understanding during these project builds. The wait is officially over and we are very excited to introduce you all to new and returning species at the zoo.’

Paradise Wildlife Park continues to support British wildlife conservation with the OZT Goes Wild available on CBBC and BBC iPlayer which follows the three brothers Aaron, Tyler and Cam Whitnall (sons of the CEO) as they set out to learn and teach younger generations about our own wildlife.

Keeping the Heart in Herts Charitable Fund

Make a difference on your doorstep.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation and the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to launch a new and exciting initiative – the ‘Keeping the Heart in Herts Charitable Fund.

The Keeping the Heart in Herts Charitable Fund offers a unique opportunity for businesses in Hertfordshire to make a tangible and positive difference in their local communities. By joining forces with other businesses through the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, you can amplify your impact and support a wide range of social needs, such as domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues.

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF), with its extensive experience in local grant making and strong track record of supporting local communities, will manage the fund. The fund has already garnered the support of KANE, winners of the Queens Award for

Enterprise: Innovation 2022, and previous winners of the ‘Inspiring Herts Awards 2020/21’. Contributing to the Keeping the Heart in Herts Charitable Fund is a simple and effective way for your business to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility and give back to the community where it operates. By pooling regular annual donations from Chamber members, the fund will have a greater collective impact, allowing HCF to support more local people in need.

Join us in keeping the heart in Hertfordshire by becoming a part of this exciting initiative. Your contribution will go a long way in improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families in our local communities. Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact in Hertfordshire. To learn more about how you can get involved visit www.hertscf.org.uk

Woodhouse Workspace create a people-centric home for Medivet HQ in Watford, to support their investment in people and wellbeing

Following expansion in recent years and the outgrowth of their old space, combined with post-pandemic changes in the approach to work, the management team of veterinary company, Medivet, wanted to invest in a people-centric Support Centre that would nurture health and wellbeing, creativity, motivation, and performance. They chose a 18,000ft2 space in the heart of Watford’s business district, and appointed Woodhouse to transform it into their new home.

The Hyde building is a premier office space in Watford, with impressive on-site amenities and outstanding natural light throughout all floors. Medivet’s choice to invest in such a premium location set the scene for a great office space.

The design development process was very collaborative from the outset – with a focus on how people work; by encouraging ‘work settings’ and working in ‘neighbourhoods’ to facilitate a more hybrid approach.

As Medivet was taking a big step in moving to fully agile working, Woodhouse ensured that the space provided employees with a variety of space typologies and furniture styles.

These range from formal to informal and enclosed to spacious, including a multifunctional social space. Balanced with these practical spaces are features that focus more on health and wellbeing including a private wellbeing room. There are no assigned offices, promoting an open and collaborative culture. The whole space is complemented by futureproof technology, which will ensure they remain connected as they grow.

Steven Holley, the Head of Property, commented “The new office is absolutely fantastic – a complete game changer for how we operate as a business in terms of collaboration

and communication. We’re glad we chose Woodhouse to bring our vision to life.”

Medivet Support Centre has transformed to a light-filled, welcoming, open space that caters to every way of working – the positive energy and outlook is palpable. It is a workplace that the staff can be proud of, where teams can work effectively, where individuals can reach their potential, and together they can grow the Medivet business for the future.

For further information, visit www.woodhouseworkspace.com

Renowned Hertfordshire Wealth Management Business appoints New Marketing Agency

Raymond James Hitchin has appointed The Plattform to support all aspects of PR, marketing and social media for the business

Hertfordshire, UK - Raymond James Hitchin, a leading wealth manager in the area, is pleased to announce its new partnership with The Plattform, a PR and marketing agency based in Hitchin.

Long-time Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member, Raymond James Hitchin and newly joined, The Plattform met at the local Business Buzz networking event in 2022, run by Faye Silver and Susie Bewell of Raymond James Hitchin. Following this successful meeting, both businesses have come together to work closely with Penny Joyner-Platt, founder of The Plattform, to provide comprehensive PR, marketing and social media services for the Raymond James Hitchin brand and business.

“We are excited to be partnering with The Plattform,” said Faye Silver, Branch Principal and Wealth Manager at Raymond James Hitchin. “We believe that their expertise in PR and marketing will help us to reach new audiences and further enhance our reputation in the wealth management industry.”

Raymond James Hitchin offers a wide range of wealth management services to individuals, families, and businesses in Hertfordshire and beyond, including investment management, financial planning, and retirement planning. The company is committed to providing exceptional service that meets the needs of each of their clients. They work closely to understand their financial goals and design customised investment strategies that align with those goals. Their commitment to transparency, integrity, and professionalism is reflected in their communication and

client relationships, which help to build trust and loyalty.

“We are delighted to be working with Raymond James Hitchin,” said Penny Joyner-Platt, founder of The Plattform. “We believe that our expertise in PR, marketing and social media will help to support their business growth and expand their reach in the local community.”

As part of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, both Raymond James Hitchin and The Plattform are committed to supporting the local business community and driving growth in the region.

For more information on Raymond James Hitchin, please visit www.raymondjameshitchin.co.uk.

For more information on The Plattform, please visit www.the-plattform.com

The Stately Home of Rock

Over hundreds of years, the beautiful grounds and landscape have inspired creative and unique events, all of which have left lasting memories and continue to build anticipation for events still to come.

The extensive grounds lend themselves to the endless possibility and variety of events. From meetings and team building to summer parties, BBQs, dinners, and celebrations.

The Barns at Knebworth House, comprises of the 16th century Lodge and Manor Barns which sit comfortably alongside the modern, oak-framed Lytton and Cobbold Barns. These can cater for meetings for up to 150 attendees. Whilst our beautiful grounds can host bespoke summer BBQs for up to 300 or summer street food parties for up to 1000 attendees.

Perfect spaces to Connect

As well as being a fantastic setting, your attendees may be intrigued to learn Knebworth House is also known as ‘The Stately Home of Rock’, with over 100 major artists having performed Knebworth Festivals since 1974.

As well as concerts, Knebworth House has made starring appearances on the big screen in major feature films, series and music videos. Highlights include Batman, The Crown, The King’s Speech and most recently the Netflix series YOU.

It really is a venue that will keep your attendees talking for years to come.

Our iconic and unique venue boasts a passionate team of event planners on hand that will work with you throughout the planning process to meet your exact requirements.

For further information visit knebworthhouseandbarns.com

With recently renovated meeting and event spaces for up to 400 delegates, along with 140 guest rooms and direct transport links to London and the North, we’re here to meet your needs. Just imagine the memorable moments you’ll create when everyone gets together! And when you make bookings on behalf of others, for business or for pleasure, we’re here to reward you. With IHG® Business Rewards, you can earn points every time you book accommodations, meetings or events.

Feeling hungry? With our open lobby space, you can enjoy all day dining and tuck into a tasty meal whenever the fancy takes you, or pick up a delicious cup of coffee, just the way you like it. Why not sit back and enjoy the sports on Sky and BT, or get stuck into a classic board game? Or pull up a seat at our bar - the perfect place to take it easy when your day winds down.

Whatever takes your fancy, let us help you. After all, our main purpose is to provide true hospitality for everyone. And everyone means everyone.

Get in touch with our experienced team today so you can focus on creating moments that matter. web@histevenage.com

KNEBWORTH HOUSE & BARNS is a spectacular historic house and venue set in 250 acres of attractive parklands dating back to the 16th century.

At HOLIDAY INN STEVENAGE, we provide the perfect spaces to connect. Whether you need flexible meeting spaces for business workshops or a convenient spot for a family reunion, our event facilities offer everything you need to make the experience memorable.

A Unique independently owned boutique hotel in the heart of Stevenage Old Town

Located in historic Stevenage Old Town, Hotel Cromwell is just 22 minutes from Kings Cross, offering 77 individually styled contemporary rooms full of character. The perfect stay for leisure, business, and romantic breaks.

Take advantage of the newly refurbished Rump and Wade British Brasserie located inside the hotel, with a quirky twist to the interior and a brand-new menu to accompany the refurbishment. Rump and Wade is where you want to be for all occasions.

Bottomless Brunches, cocktails with friends, dinner celebrations, quintessential Afternoon Tea experiences and the best value Sunday Roast in town. This charming boutique hotel also offers several beautiful spaces for your next business meeting, indoor or outdoor wedding ceremonies, parties, baby showers, catering for anything up to 170 guests. This unique venue offers the highest of experiences at every touchpoint, just perfect for your business and leisure needs.

www.cromwellstevenage.co.uk enquiries@cromwellstevenage.co.uk

Where the past and present come together in perfect harmony

Nestled in 27 acres of medieval parkland is the gorgeous 17th-century Manor House OFFLEY PLACE

Located just minutes from all the amenities of London, nestled in 27 acres of medieval parkland is home to the gorgeous 17th-century Manor House, Offley Place, where you will feel a million miles from the noise of the city.

Dating back to the Saxon period, once Offley Palace, the house and grounds of Offley Place are packed with history all situated at the end of a sweeping drive in the quaint village of Great Offley.

Where love stories come to life in stunning natural surroundings, our vision is to curate a personalised experience, with unparalleled service creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Manor House offers a variety of delightful reception rooms and entertaining spaces along with luxurious wedding accommodation for the newlywed couple and select

guests. Our 16 newly-refreshed bedrooms overlook the stunning grounds and gardens.

Our Conservatory offers an elegant and bright setting with the rustic brickwork complemented by the sparkling chandeliers, making this the perfect location to host your milestone anniversary celebration, drinks reception or ceremony for more intimate weddings.

Boasting a capacity of 250 people seated, The Hester Ballroom, makes for a stunning grand affair. with every aspect designed to create a unique experience, no detail has been overlooked. The Ballroom is licensed for ceremonies, perfect for your Wedding Breakfast and ideal for celebrating with all your loved ones. There is simply nothing more glamorous than dancing the night away under our exquisite chandeliers.

Embodying elegance and expertise, we share the journey and joys in

celebrating every couple and every culture for all manner of events, from elegant birthday dinner parties to elaborate weddings.

It has always been a place to gather with family and friends in celebration, no more so than today.

www.offleyplace.com

A brand new recycling centre will shortly be opening in Welwyn Garden City. The new site replaces the previous one at Cole Green which closed on Friday 31 March 2023.

Located on Tewin Road, the centre is due to officially open on Monday 15 May 2023 and will be accessible 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm all year round.

The new multi-million pound investment by Hertfordshire County Council will provide a vast improvement on the old Cole Green Recycling Centre and will be a split-level site making it easier for users to dispose of items. The build follows the successful opening of the Ware Recycling Centre back in October 2020, and will provide a number of new features and site enhancements including:

• Reduced queueing – There will be over 30 parking bays plus a lengthy ‘running lane’ ensuring visitors won’t have to queue onto the road

• Fewer service closures – A split level site means that it will be closed less often to allow servicing during opening hours

• A new Reuse Shop – A purpose-built shop, for donations and purchase of good quality unwanted items, which will be the fifth one in the county

• A business waste drop-off service –

Following the successful pilot at the Ware site, this will be the second opportunity for businesses in the county to compliantly dispose and recycle their waste at competitive rates

Keep in touch

Recycling centres are provided for the free disposal of waste or recycling materials for householders. Businesses are only permitted to use the sites offering business waste services.

Residents who use a van or trailer to access the centres can apply online for a free, instant permit to allow them to dispose of waste from their own home at any local recycling centre. Permits are only issued to Hertfordshire residents, so if you live outside the county borders speak to your local authority to check the rules at facilities they provide.

Please also note that a new policy to restrict out-of-county residents from using the network of Hertfordshire sites was approved in March 2023. Residents are requested to bring proof of address when visiting the sites, including driving licence,

council tax bill, Hertfordshire bus pass or utility bill. Enforcement of the new policy is expected to be in May to allow time to communicate the change and to explore reciprocal access arrangements with neighbouring local authorities. During this period access for non-residents will not be refused.

Householders and business owners alike have a duty of care to ensure any waste materials that they create are disposed of responsibility. If you hire someone to dispose of waste for you, they must have a waste carrier’s licence.

You can check on the Environment Agency’s website via the link on our page: Let’s SCRAP fly tipping and find information on how to prevent and report fly-tipping.

If you illegally dump waste, or someone else does on your behalf, you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice or an unlimited fine.

Welwyn Garden City Recycling Centre, Tewin Road, AL7 1BD.

Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm all year.

www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ recyclingcentres

Packaging Waste

Following a period of statutory consultation on new legislation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have recently announced plans to make businesses supplying household packaging responsible for the cost of dealing with packaging waste.

This will support councils and taxpayers by moving the cost away from them. Producers will be required to pay for the collection and disposal costs of household packaging they supply when it becomes waste.

The aim is to encourage producers to reduce the amount of packaging they place on the market, and to improve the recyclability of their packaging – in turn ensuring less waste ends up in the natural environment.

We will provide a further update once DEFRA have confirmed the specifics around this new legislation.

Sign up to our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme

Action on NET ZERO held back by lack of understanding

ABCC survey of more than 1,000 businesses, of which 96% are SMEs, has found that nine out of ten don’t fully understand what the Government’s target of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 means for them.

But there is a substantial divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50, in terms of understanding and progress.

A total of 56% of the bigger firms have a ‘complete’ or ‘some understanding’ of the Net Zero target, compared to just 35% of the smaller ones.

Almost twice as many firms with more than 50 employees (36%) have developed a plan for reaching Net Zero compared to those with fewer than 50 (19%).

The research also showed that planning for the future skills needed to help businesses make the transition to greener and more sustainable operations has taken a backseat. Fewer than one in 20 firms (4%) have carried out a written assessment of the green jobs or skills they will need in-house over the next 10 years.

One in five businesses (21%) also think that, on balance, green technology will decrease the productivity of their company, whereas 10% think it will provide a boost.

Firms with a negative view of making improvements said they were worried about the extra costs or time required in adopting green technology.

For instance, a small retailer in Norfolk said: “Electric Vans have too limited a range to be effective for us, meaning we will have to waste time to re-charge during delivery rounds, reducing productivity.”

Whereas those who had embraced changes cited cost savings and improved efficiency, with a micro information and comms firm in Herefordshire saying: “Over the last 18 months we have changed the majority of our lighting to LED, and as a result have achieved a net saving of over £1,000 per annum even after the cost of [installation] is taken into account.”

• Fewer than one in 10 SMEs (8%) fully understand what the Government’s 2050 Net Zero target means for them.

• Despite this most SMEs (79%) are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their efficiency

• Huge divide on progress between smaller businesses, operating on tight margins, and larger SMEs with more resources

• BCC and Lloyds Bank have joined forces to raise awareness - as one in five businesses think using green tech will harm their productivity, with costs and disruption cited as reasons

The survey also revealed many firms are using new technology or adopting greener policies even if their overall understanding of reaching Net Zero is incomplete.

The research showed that:

• More than two thirds of SMEs (69%) have installed LED lighting

• More than a third (34%) are investing in greener vehicles

• Just under a third (30%) are using solar panels

• Almost half (46%) are using recycling and waste management strategies

• Over a quarter (28%) use renewable energy providers or tariffs

• Two out of five SMEs (42%) thinking about Net Zero will speak to Chambers of Commerce and almost a fifth (19%) to their banks, lawyers or accountants.

In response to the findings, the BCC and Lloyds Bank plan to bring together businesses from across the country to identify the most effective ways to target support and raise awareness.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The cost-ofliving crisis means many smaller firms are focussed on keeping their heads above water. So, it is perhaps no surprise that researching and planning for Net Zero has slipped down the list of strategic priorities.

“But if the UK is to stand a chance of hitting its 2050 Net Zero target, then businesses must be put at the

heart of the strategy to do that. They will provide one of the biggest dents in CO2 emissions by making the transition.

“Yet, there is a real danger that smaller businesses will get left behind unless politicians, banks and business leaders come together to galvanise action.

“Many chambers are working with their members to help them develop their plans to become carbon neutral. And this research shows that businesses are turning to Chambers and their banks for advice.

“We have a position of responsibility here and it is up to us to use our influence to improve awareness of the benefits of becoming more energy efficient and how to do it.

“Clarity and certainty will drive confidence to invest. As it stands, it is alarming that a sizeable number of firms think investing in green tech will damage their productivity.

“Our work with Lloyds Bank will help pinpoint the main drag factors holding companies back and then set out in clear terms what business and the financial sector can do to change the dynamics.”

Paul Gordon, Managing Director, Relationship Management Business & Commercial Banking at Lloyds Bank said: “SMEs account for 99% of UK business, three-fifths of employment, and half of the total turnover of the UK’s private sector. Their significance to the UK economy is not in any doubt.

“The research from BCC reaffirms the challenges businesses face on their journey to Net Zero, but it’s pleasing to see that firms are already focusing on quick wins such as installing LED lighting and utilising recycling and waste management strategies. These are crucial first steps on the road to achieving the UK’s Net Zero emissions target by 2050.

“However, the research also showed that smaller firms don’t always have access to the resources that larger firms have and may need more support. At Lloyds Bank, we are here to help, offering practical advice and financial support to firms, both as they develop their Net Zero strategies and for every step along their journeys as we build a more sustainable future together.”

Hertfordshire Zero Carbon Conference

Save the date for the Hertfordshire Zero Carbon Conference taking place on 6th October at Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden Bringing together businesses from across the county, the event will provide guidance on how we can take a more practical approach to sustainability to achieve targets and deliver significant impact locally as well as nationally. Please note, if you are a member of the Chamber, please make use of the early bird rate of £121.50 + VAT which ends on 4th September 2023. To purchase tickets please visit our website www.hertschamber.com Further details to be released shortly.

IT STARTS WITH WHY

Our Why is the reason we exist.

It is the question we are an answer to.

Technology has an awesome ability to transform, there is no other industry that will drive more change for years to come. But technology will only make that difference when combined with knowledge, passion and empathy that people can bring.

Our service led approach supports you, your team and your business, providing a process that is commercially flexible. Our approach is what makes us unique.

At CAE we place our customers at the core of everything we do. We’re agile, and we focus on understanding what’s required, and recommending and implementing solutions that deliver a truly tailored approach.

Say Goodbye to Nerve Pain

Autonomic nerve damage may produce the following symptoms:

• Too much sweating or too little sweating

• Lightheadedness

• Dry eyes and mouth

• Constipation

• Bladder dysfunction

• Sexual dysfunction

Damage to motor nerves may produce the following symptoms:

• Weakness

• Muscle atrophy

• Twitching, also known as fasciculation

Paralysis Sensory nerve damage may produce the following symptoms:

• Pain

• Sensitivity

• Numbness

• Tingling or prickling

• Burning

• Problems with positional awareness

Your nerve system is involved in everything your body does, from regulating your breathing to controlling your muscles and sensing heat and cold. Because your nerve system is so critical for your health when things go wrong with it you may experience excruciating pain and/or some very strange symptoms ...

There are three types of nerves in the body:

1. Autonomic nerves. These nerves control the involuntary or partially voluntary activities of your body, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.

2. Motor nerves. These nerves control your movements and actions by passing information from your brain and spinal cord to your muscles.

3. Sensory nerves. These nerves relay information from your skin and muscles back to your spinal cord and brain. The information is then processed to let you feel pain and other sensations.

Because nerves are essential to all you do, nerve pain and damage can seriously affect your quality of life.

What are the Symptoms of Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage?

With nerve damage there can be a wide array of symptoms. Which ones you may have depends on the location and type of nerves that are affected. Damage can occur to nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It can also occur in the peripheral nerves, which are located throughout the rest of your body.

In some instances, people with nerve damage will have symptoms that indicate damage to two, or even three, different types of nerves. For instance, you might experience weakness and burning of your legs at the same time. To further complicate matters we don’t all develop the same way and different un-expected nerves can cause similar problems. This has made it very difficult to diagnose disorders caused by nerve damage based on which nerve “should” cause what. That is until now

Recent advances in technology that detects nerve damage has led to more precise diagnosis for those people suffering with nerve damage disorders. And more precise diagnosis leads to better results ... results which have been published in major medical journals. With data published in 2014 showing success rates as high as 90% some back surgeons are recommending their patients try this treatment first before having back surgery (for nerve damage that leads to back pain and sciatica).

In Hertfordshire, you can get your body scanned for nerve damage at Body In Balance (formerly the Pain Relief Centre)

Your invitation for a comprehensive consultation and examination to pinpoint the cause of your nerve damage.

All you have to do to receive a thorough diagnostic examination with the most advanced technology in the world and a comprehensiveeasy to understand report on your state of health is call 01707 662 704.

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Over the years, they’ve treated thousands of patients with nerve damage. The vast majority of them have enjoyed superior, lasting relief. In fact, many who’ve suffered and have tried other remedies have told them they gave them back their lives!

Call them now and get a full and thorough examination to pinpoint the cause of your problem for just £49, the normal cost of such an exam is £99 so you will save £50!

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At Body In Balance, we address the cause of your pain, not just the symptom. We believe that education is a big part of your success. Call today!

your quality of life through Functional Movement, Functional Nutrition & Functional Thought

Strand PR ‘proud’ to be Chamber patron

Amarketing and PR agency that celebrated its 10th anniversary last year is the newest patron of the Chamber.

Strand PR, which includes the Chamber among its clients, has joined an impressive group of businesses championing the organisation across Hertfordshire.

Founder and Managing Director Laura Pearce said: “We are incredibly proud to support an organisation that delivers so much for the county. We have been a member for six years and, having just reached our 10-year milestone, it seemed like the perfect time to become a patron.”

Strand PR started out with just one client, working from Laura’s dining room, and now boasts a huge portfolio of Hertfordshire-based companies, including a number of Chamber members.

“The fantastic events the Chamber hosts give us a great opportunity to catch up with clients and speak to some of the great businesses we have in Herts.”

The agency has also committed to a further year of support for the Entrepreneur Foundation. “I was just 22 when I set up Strand PR and I was grateful for the advice I received from those around me. I want others setting up businesses to benefit from the same encouragement that I had, which is why I love being involved in the Chamber’s initiative.

“It’s important to be able to give back and help inspire the next generation.” Briege Leahy, Chamber CEO, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to have Laura and the Strand PR team as patrons. The work they have done for our organisation has been invaluable and I appreciate the support they have shown to the Chamber and other members.”

Although based in Hertfordshire and with a strong client base from local organisations, Strand PR has worked with companies across the UK. For more information, visit strand-pr.co.uk

North Hertfordshire College and Electrassure Supercharge Local Skills Development

North Hertfordshire College (NHC) is pleased to launch a new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging point installation training academy later this month in collaboration with local EV charging solutions provider ElectrAssure.

The ElectrAssure Training Academy, based at NHC’s Engineering and Construction Campus in Stevenage, provides skills training for electrical apprentices and electricians already working in industry to broaden their skillset in the sustainable technology field.

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The Training Academy is the result of conversations between North Hertfordshire College, ElectrAssure, and other local employers about the current and future skills gaps within the industry and how to meet these through new training provision. ElectrAssure has worked closely with NHC to develop the content of this training, applying their nine years of experience in delivering bespoke EV charging solutions to design practical learning opportunities ensuring learners build a broad understanding of EV charging technology.

ElectrAssure has also sponsored the installation of charge points

at the campus to enable training delivery, providing local people with the opportunity to gain valuable skills for a sustainable future.

Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College, said: “This is a great example of how the College is working closely with employers and industry specialists to identify and meet the skills gaps locally and prepare students at the College with the skills required both now and in the future.”

Alun Davies, Operations Director of ElectrAssure, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the College on this training academy to provide skills delivery identified and required within the industry. The creation of the ElectrAssure Training Academy enables electricians to access this training locally and supports the development of sustainable technologies and skills required to deliver and support the growing requirement for electrical vehicle charge points locally, regionally, and nationally.”

For more information about the ElectrAssure Training Academy and courses available, please contact Julie King at JKing@nhc.ac.uk

The Office of High Sheriff dates to Saxon times and is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown. Whilst the Shrieval duties have evolved over time High Sheriffs are still appointed personally by the King, on the advice of the Privy Council.

The role of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political and unpaid Royal appointment for a single year. Historically the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the King for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown, with any shortfall being met personally by the Sheriff - thankfully that is no longer the case today! In March the ‘pricking’ ceremony, which dates back at least as far as Henry VIII takes place. Each name is pricked with an ancient bodkin as opposed to pen and ink, which could be more easily erased should the appointee be reluctant to serve.

Key elements of the High Sheriff role include supporting the Crown and the important work of the judiciary, including Judges, the Police, Magistrates, Tribunals, Prisons and Probation services, and the emergency services. Many High Sheriffs assist their county Community

High Sheriff of Hertfordshire 2023 – 2024

On Saturday 1st April, the Declaration Service of the new High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Liz Green was held at St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted.

Foundations and local voluntary organisations by endorsing and helping to raise the profile of their valuable work. They also support a range of civic ceremonies across the county.

Liz’s working background was in retail marketing and PR at Next and Tie Rack. For over twenty years Liz has volunteered for a number of charities in Hertfordshire, including delivering Meals on Wheels, organising street and supermarket collections for Rennie Grove Hospice Care, and more recently helping at the Maxted Road vaccination centre during Covid. She is an Ambassador for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, and Hertfordshire Community Foundation. Liz also volunteers as an Area Co-ordinator for Shannon Trust, who work to improve literacy and numeracy in prisons and the community, and she is a Trustee of The Butler Trust, a charity that celebrates the best in UK prisons, probation and youth justice. Following lockdown in March 2020, Liz and her Livery company organised ‘Knit for Community’, a project which to date has received over 60,000 donated knitted squares, enabling them to help over 1,300 individuals across the UK.

From September 2018 to September 2019 Liz had the honour of being elected and serving as Sheriff of the City of London. Liz and her husband Peter were fortunate

to live at The Old Bailey and during that time much was learnt about the problems of those leaving prison, and the reality for those in prison who struggle to read.

Speaking after her Declaration, Liz said “My theme for the year is ‘Reading, writing and rehabilitation’. Many of us take reading for granted, and we don’t stop to think about the difficulties of practical day to day living of those who struggle to read. Whether completing job applications, reading instructions on a medicine bottle, or understanding road signs or bail conditions, literacy can make a huge difference to an individual. I hope to bring people together to enable us to improve literacy levels in Hertfordshire, and to help ex-offenders into work. It is a tremendous honour and an enormous privilege to be appointed High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. I look forward to meeting many people who either work professionally or volunteer to help others across our Hertfordshire communities”.

Liz and Peter have lived near Tring in Hertfordshire for almost 30 years. They played hockey for Tring, and many years ago Liz was selected to play golf for Hertfordshire. They enjoy walking their dog in the local countryside, and when time permits, Liz continues to try and improve her bridge as well as her golf swing! They have two children.

WELCOME to new members

u Strand PR NEW PATRON

We are the full package. Whether it’s PR or social media, we have in-house experts to develop a personalised strategy for you. One size does NOT fit all and we have the flexibility to provide a single service or an ongoing marketing solution.

Linkedin: Strand PR

Email: info@strand-pr.co.uk

Web: http://www.strand-pr.co.uk

Tel: 01763 274674

Add: Office 2 at The Stables,Cokenach Estate, Barkway, Royston Hertfordshire SG8 8DL

u Be-a Education Limited (Staff Skills Academy & New Skills Academy Brands)

Training & Education - We cover online, face to face, blened, virtual and qualifications and B2B solutions.

Email: Paul@be-a.co.uk

Web: https://staffskillstraining.co.uk/ Tel: 01920 897633

Add: Unit 2 , Harforde Court, Foxholes Business Park, John Tate Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7NW

u Best Food Logistics

Supply Chain and Logistics. Food and Non-Food including packaging. Export and Export documents.

Linkedin: Best Food Logistics

Email: paulvile@bestfoodlogistics.com

Web: http://www.bestfoodlogistics.com

Tel: 01992 821061

Add: Unit A, Ratty’s Lane, RD Park, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0RP

u Bficient

Full range of accountancy services with an emphasis on outsourced financial management and tax advice.

Email: info@Bficient.co.uk

Tel: 01923 609982

Add: Kings House Business Centre, Kings House, Home Park Estate, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, WD4 8LZ

u CardioCrown Limited

CardioCrown develop MedTech devices empowering stroke rehabilitation at home.

Email: victor@cardiocrown.com

Web: http://www.cardiocrown.com

Tel: 07449 328028

Add: Enterprise Hub, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9EU

u Connexus Health & Rehabilitation

Connexus Health and Rehabilitation provides high quality interventional rehabilitation solutions to individuals and businesses. Our personalised and tailored way of working means that each of our patients receives a bespoke approach to their needs.

Linkedin: Connexus Health & Rehabilitation

Email: chrenquiry@connexus-health. co.uk

Web: https://connexus-health.co.uk/

Tel: 08081 963688

Add: 5 Finway Road, Maylands Business District, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7PT

u Crown Workspace

Crown Workspace is dedicated to consistently supporting clients’ workplace needs as they change and grow, providing a bespoke solution for all types of office and workplace around the globe.

Linkedin: Crown Workspace

Email:

crownworkspace@crownww.com

Web: http://www.crownworkspace.com

Tel: 07484 071880

Add: Unit 1, Ardra Rd, Edmonton, London, N9 0BD

u Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Government Department for Work and Pensions

Email: anne.stokes@dwp.gov.uk

Web: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Tel: 08001 690190

Add: Beauver House, 6 Bricket Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3JU

u Fawzia Koofi

Fawzia Koofi is an Afghan parliamentary lawmaker, accomplished author, and internationally known outspoken advocate for the rights of women and children, democracy, and moderate Islam.

Email: koofi_2006@yahoo.com

Web: http://fawziakoofi.org

Tel: 07466 645957

Add: 22 Meadow Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8AH

u Flying Butler Apartments

Our portfolio of award-winning apartments - all serviced, self-contained and fully furnished - offer guests the comforts of home, set in convenient locations in London and South-East UK.

Linkedin: Flying Butler Apartments

Email: Sale@flyingbutler.com

Web: http://www.flyingbutler.com

Tel: 02037 430331

Add: Hamilton House, Hillfield Road, Hemel Hempsted, Hertfordshire, HP1 1BB

u Freeform Fabrication

Freeform Fabrication and its fantastic team have been supporting manufacturing companies all over the world but primarily in the UK with the supply and implementation of the latest technology tools. We help businesses be more productive and offer high-quality products and services.

Linkedin: Freeform Fabrication Limited

Email: mail@freeformfabrication.co.uk

Web: https://www.freeformfabrication.co.uk/

Tel: 01438 900190

Add: Wiltron House, Meadway Technology Park, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2EF

u Future Motors Ltd

We’ve developed a unique set of products that can simply swap out your existing motor systems with minimal bother or intrusion, which will help you save money and reduce carbon emissions instantly.

Add: Kingfisher House, Radford Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2EF

u Gilded Bee

We’re making it easy to give business gifts. With our bespoke gifting service, we tailor gifts to your brand and the message you want to convey. We do the tricky time consuming work, so that you don’t have to.

Email: hello@gildedbee.co.uk

Web: https://www.gildedbee.co.uk/

Tel: 01442 822795

Add: Unit 14a, Silk Mill Industrial Estate, Brook Steet, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 5EF

u HACRO

HACRO (Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders) is a charity that helps people who have been on the wrong side of the law to turn their lives around.

Email: office@hacro.org.uk

Web: http://www.hacro.org.uk

Tel: 01727 854727

Add: 62-72 Victoria Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3XH

u Harper Ashby Bowles (Hab Law)

At HAB Law We are committed to making a positive difference and increasing access to justice for all members of society, in a more kind, collaborative and digital way.

Linkedin: HAB Law

Email: refferal@hablaw.co.uk

Web: http://www.hablaw.co.uk

Tel: 02080 803347

Add: Vision 25,Innova Park, Electric Avenue, Enfield, Middlesex, EN3 7GD

u HFL Education

HFL Education is a leading national provider of school improvement and business support services, training and resources, that enable schools, settings and trusts to deliver a great education.

Linkedin: HFL Education

Web:

https://www.hertsforlearning.co.uk/

u Houx

Bags of experience, bags of personality and a knack for finding that perfect partnership for staff in the hospitality industry.

Web: https://www.houx.co.uk

u ISG Construction Limited

We are ISG. As a global construction specialist, we make places where people and businesses thrive.

Linkedin: ISG

Email: email@isgltd.com

Web: http://www.isgltd.com

Tel: 020 7247 1717

Add: 86 Sandyhill Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 0NA

u KingBee Animation

King Bee animation is a boutique animation production company based in The Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, UK.

Linkedin: King Bee Animation

Email: martyn@kingbee.co.uk

Web: https://www.kingbee.co.uk/

Tel: 07801 729585

Add: Elstree Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, WD6 1JG

u Lee Valley White Water Centre

You’ll find gallons of fun at Lee Valley White Water Centre, from white water rafting on the Olympic course to family paddling on our lake.

Email: CJenkins@leevalleypark.org.uk

Web: http://www.better.org.uk/leisurecentre/lee-valley/white-watercentre

Tel: 03000 030616

Add: Station Road, Waltham Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN9 1AB

u Neville Funerals Ltd

Neville Funerals has a reputation built upon trust and recommendation for over 140 years of compassionate service. We are here to reassure and support you through a difficult time.

Linkedin: Neville Funerals

Email: cwilson@nevillesupport.co.uk

Web:

https://www.nevillefuneralservice.com

Tel: 01442 252395

Add: 301 Marsh Road, Leagrave, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU3 2RZ

u Pink Bear Events

Pink Bear Events is an immersive & imaginative Event Management Company dedicated to creating unforgettable events for a families with young children.

Email: contact@pinkbearevents.co.uk

Web: http://www.totfestfestival.com

Tel: 07711 408237

Add: 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX

u SPACE

SPACE is a Hertfordshire based charity supporting families of children and young people who are neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Tourette's and other neurodiverse conditions) through events, training and family support.

Email: admin@spaceherts.org.uk

Web: http://www.spaceherts.org.uk

Tel: 01920 452270

Add: Unit 5, The Maltings Business Centre, Roydon Road, Stanstead Abbots, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 8HG

u SpokeCyclesCC Ltd

Café & cycle workshop - Where riding is a way of life, repair is a radical act and hanging out the whole point.

Email: at.anderson1994@gmail.com

Web: http://www.spokecycles.cc

Tel: 07990 573945

Add: Ridge Farm, Rabley Heath Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 9UA

u Tenschul

Tenschul is a developer and manufacturer of automated liquid vending systems. Their LiquiVend system offers refill of liquid products like shampoo and washing up liquid, reducing single-use packaging.

Linkedin: Tenschul

Email: n.walcuch@tenschul.com

Web: http://www.tenschul.com

Tel: 07951 924949

Add: Unit 2A Thrales End Farm, Thrales End Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3NS

u The Hub St Albans

The Hub Doesn’t Fit In A Box and We’re Ok With That.We show live sport, independent cinema, community events and comedy in our two screening rooms. Our open kitchen serves wild and wonderful food all day and our coffee and cocktails are pretty epic.

Email: hannah@thehealthypubco.com

Web:

http://www.thehubonverulam.com

Tel: 01727 855224

Add: 5 Verulam Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4DA

u Tiger Cleaning

Tiger Cleaning specialises in offering bespoke commercial cleaning services that are tailored to the customers requirements.

Email: sales@tiger-cleaning.com

Web: https://tiger-cleaning.com/

Tel: 07732 527098

Add: 25 Cranstone Lodge, Cotterells, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1AJ

u Translate with Kate Ltd

Translate With Kate is a company offering linguistic and cultural consultation services.

Email: translatewithkate@outlook.com

Web: https://translatewithkate.com/

Tel: 07914 693454

Add: 8 Furlong Way, Great Amwell, Hertfodshire, SG12 9TF

Let’s Talk About Dementia

Age UK Hertfordshire understands a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming – and it may feel like everything has changed. But from understanding symptoms to finding the right care and support, our information can help you through.

Over 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia - that’s one in six people over 80. Dementia isn’t a disease in itself, it’s a term used to describe symptoms caused by other diseases that affect the brain. Knowing the type of dementia means treatment can be more specific to an individual’s needs.

By Mark Hanna, Chief Executive, Age UK Hertfordshire

We support over 15,000 older people in Hertfordshire each year through our services, aiming to help with mental and physical wellbeing.

The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s Disease which is a form of dementia that targets the part of the brain that controls memory, language and thought and Vascular Dementia which is the second most common type of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease. This type of dementia is caused when the brain becomes damaged due to lack of blood supply, for instance following a stroke.

There are many other, rarer, types of dementia such as dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and

Huntington’s disease may lead to someone developing dementia. Whether you’re already receiving support and you feel you need some more, you don’t currently feel supported or you would like to meet people who are going through a similar experience, Age UK Hertfordshire is here to help. We are part of Hertswise, community dementia support to people of all ages throughout Hertfordshire. This is delivered by a partnership of nine local charities and social enterprises through a variety of different services. We offer community-based support services for people living with dementia and their carers to improve their quality of life. Part of this is supporting the wellbeing and mental stimulation of people living with dementia through group programmes. Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) is a weekly one- to two-hour-long programme for people living with mild to moderate dementia.

Hertswise and Age UK Hertfordshire are supporting Dementia Action Week 15-21 May 2023.

To find out more information please contact 0300 345 3446 or info@ageukherts.org.uk

Or you can visit our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/our-services/hertswise

Group members take part in meaningful and stimulating activities, proven to help maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new friendships.

After someone is diagnosed with dementia, they may be offered Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST). This is a short-term programme for people with mild to moderate dementia and usually runs twice weekly for seven weeks following diagnosis.

However once this programme finishes, there’s limited provision of services for people with mild to moderate dementia. MCST is a longer-term programme based in community settings which helps to fill this gap.

We can also arrange visits to your home to help you to maintain your social contacts and pursue your hobbies and interests.

CYBERSECURITY threats & trends

We’re living in a rapidly developing technological world, and as it grows, so do the threats and vulnerabilities. It is wise during these times to pause and take view of the current situation and to plan and organise your business to meet the challenges of this modern world. There are a number or trends and statistics to consider.

Cybercrime Statistics:

Cybercrime History -

• The rate of cybercrime increased by 600% during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The total cost of all cybercrime damages in 2021 was about $6 trillion worldwide. Certain types of cybercrime are experiencing rapid surges -

• Phishing attacks increased by 48% in the first half of 2022.

• Research suggests that up to 40% of cyber threats are now occurring directly through the supply chain.

• Ransomware attacks grew by 41% in 2022 and identification and remediation for a breach took 49 days longer than the average breach.

• As the internet of things (IoT) continues to grow in scope, sophistication, and accessibility, it’s becoming an increasingly tempting target for cybercriminals.

• Majority of cybercrime rely on social engineering to complete effectively.

Top Five most targeted industries in 2022:

• Healthcare

• Financial services

• Retail

• Education

• Energy and utilities

Cybersecurity Threats & Trends to watch for:

• According to Microsoft, nearly 80% of nation-state attackers targeted government agencies, thinks tanks and other nongovernment organizations.

• Microsoft also reports that 58% of cyberattacks from nation states originated in Russia.

• Fraud cases are up 70% since 2020.

• More attacks on IoT are expected, making the internet of things an area of interest when it comes to cybersecurity.

Organisations continue to work diligently to ensure they are prepared for incidents that come their way in the future.

Anticipate the following:

• Enhanced software supply chain security.

• Ransomware will become an even bigger problem for businesses.

• Organisations are moving to a zero trust framework for cybersecurity.

• Increased scrutiny on the cybersecurity posture of third-party providers.

• People paying extra attention to how they manage their personal data.

• Rise in cyber insurance to offer further protection for businesses.

The data above speaks for itself, things are not getting any better, they’re continuing to get worse. Every UK business has a duty of care to the data they hold, whether that be customer or employees. An effective first Cyber milestone for any organisation is to attain Cyber Essentials Plus. This is a Government backed scheme that can help your organisation be protected from all common Cyber Security threats, like the ones mentioned in this article. Having a Cyber Essentials Plus certification can give your customers peace of mind that you’re working to keep your business secure from Cyber Attacks.

Don’t be a victim! Ensure Cyber Security is in your priority agenda, the nearer the top, the better! For more information visit www.xpertex.com

Changes to UK Certificates of Origin

Herts Chamber are pleased to say that the changeover from pre-printed Certificates of Origin (CoOs) has gone smoothly. Should you have any issues then please do contact our export team via emailexport@hertschamber.com.

We would like to say a huge thank you for your co-operation in this. Please do not forget, if you have any old stock send them back to the Herts Chamber and we will replace them like for like against any new submitted Certificates of Origin (CoOs).

Hertfordshire Global Get connected to a world of opportunity

Are you protecting your business against adverse currency movements in times of economic uncertainty?

Covid, Brexit and the Ukraine War has delivered exceptionally challenging currency fluctuations for SME’s exposed to import and export markets. Many firms don’t realise that they can manage their currency risk like any other risk but don’t know how, and as a result too many firms allow their currency exposure to fluctuate which can mean the difference between a good year or fighting for survival.

Dealing with a currency broker has never been easier and they can help you manage your currency risk by understanding your currency position & budget requirements. They can help build up a plan to provide you with a solution to managing your currency risk professionally and effectively, allowing you to focus on what you are there for.

UKFX Holdings Ltd (a Herts based currency broker) helped a Hemel Hempstead based Importer who was making large one off and smaller regular payments to Germany to purchase machinery manage their currency risk.

The client has historically purchased Euros using his bank and taking whatever rate the Bank gave them as and when he had to pay his supplier in Germany. They didn’t engage in any form of active hedging and were totally

exposed to currency movements, which they didn’t seem concerned about as there was nothing their bank could do to help.

However, the fall in GBPEUR from 1.2000 to 1.0600 caused a 11.6% drop in Gross Profit, therefore a worrying and bleak picture of the business sustainability. We were referred to them through a mutual client who has been using us since 2012. We helped them identify their actual risks and currency exposure, and then put a simple hedging strategy in place. We then walked them through the process of using Forward FX Contracts and Limit Orders to achieve FX rates that weren’t available from their bank.

By positively engaging in active currency management, we helped them lock in their profit on every transaction/sale. As a result of this, they are able to quote with confidence and know that their 20% profit margins will not be eroded by currency fluctuations. Added to this we were able to save them 4% (£18,000.00) on just the FX Margin the bank was charging them.

Moving currency can be a complex procedure, but with the right partners it doesn’t have to be. UKFX Holdings Ltd can help take away the burden of trading and monitoring rates, and manage the process on your behalf, ensuring that you take advantage of the market at the right time.

For more information contact Kris Charalambides (Head of Corporate FX) email: kris@imsfx.co.uk

British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) quarterly Economic Survey

We have put together a brief summary of the results from Q1 2023 of the latest BCC survey.

• 5,258 businesses across the UK participated, employing around 850,000 people.

• 73% were from the service sector, 27% in manufacturing. Almost 50% were exporters.

• 92% SMEs

• 52% believed their turnover will increase over the next 12 months.

• 34% reported an increase in sales over the past three months.

• 47% of hospitality firms reported a drop in cashflow.

After business confidence plummeted to historically low levels in the second half of 2022, there has been a marked improvement in sentiment in the first quarter of 2023.

If you wish to see the survey in full please visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Hertfordshire

Growth

Hub’s ‘All The Help You Can Get’ event supports small businesses to stay resilient and competitive

Hertfordshire Growth Hub’s flagship annual event

‘All The Help You Can Get’ took place on Friday 10th March, showcasing the strength of the county’s business support network. Aimed at those looking to start, grow or scale their business in Hertfordshire, the event gave entrepreneurs the chance to gain actionable advice, discover opportunities and connect with the wealth of support available locally.

Following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show returned with the theme ‘Staying Resilient and Competitive’ to help address the ongoing challenges faced by businesses relating to rising costs, Brexit and the war in Ukraine.

The show was opened by the Incoming Chairman of Hertfordshire LEP, and Chair of the LEP’s Skills & Employment Board, who said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome back this flagship business support event to Hertfordshire. The name says it all in the title – All The Help You Can Get. Herts Growth Hub was set up in 2015 by Hertfordshire LEP to do just that. Since then, it has supported thousands of businesses to size up and scale up.”

Delegates also heard from Adam Morley, Creative Sector Lead at Hertfordshire LEP, who spoke about opportunities for businesses in the county, as well as three inspirational business leaders who had previously been supported by the Growth Hub, including Fiona Edwards, Head of Sustainability at JPA Workspaces; Stewart Hunt, Director at Apex 360; and Duncan Green, Director at Momentum Business Development.

Once the fireside chat had come to a close, clients had the opportunity to attend a range of 12 different workshops delivered both by the Growth Hub itself and our partners to finish off the morning and start

Legal Property Experts in association with Penman Sedgwick LLP

Agata Marosz - Solicitor

Has your landlord complied with the April 2023 Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) Regulations?

If you are looking to take a new commercial lease, are in the process of a lease renewal or you occupy a commercial property, check whether your landlord has complied with the MEES Regulations.

off the afternoon. Some of the key topic areas for these workshops were Net Zero and Supply Chain, Leadership and Management, Recruitment, Workforce Development and Inclusion, Marketing, Protecting your Business and Finance and Funding.

Matt Clark, Partnership and Events manager at Hertfordshire Growth Hub would like to extend his thanks to all the partners who exhibited including Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, University of Hertfordshire, Visit Herts, Hertfordshire LEP and those who delivered workshops on the day and to the business owners for attending the show and helping to make it a tremendous success.

For those who missed out please keep your eyes peeled for future events with which we are hosting/partnering. ‘All The Help You Can Get Business Support Show’ will return even bigger and better in 2024.

Get in touch for support: speak to The Growth Hub’s team of experienced Business Advisers who can answer questions, make introductions, and find the answers you need. Contact us on 01707 952777 or visit www.hertsgrowthhub.co.uk

As mentioned in our last column of 2022, from 1 April 2023 landlords are unable to continue to let commercial properties that have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a rating of F or G, or grant a new lease of a sub-standard property. Landlords who fail to comply with the regulations or continue to let commercial properties that have an EPC rating lower than E without registering an exemption may face fines and legal actions.

What should tenants do?

During commercial lease negotiations:

• request an up-to-date EPC certificate to check that the rating is compliant, and if it is not compliant seek confirmation from the landlord that they have registered an exemption and ask for proof of exemption

• speak to your solicitor about the EPC/MEES related provisions in the lease; for example, is there a right for the landlord to enter the property to deal with any works required to comply with MEES, and is there any provision seeking to pass on to you the costs of making energy efficiency improvements?

Commercial property currently occupied by tenant:

• you must still observe and perform the obligations in the lease; non-compliance with MEES by the landlord does not give rise to a right for either party to terminate the lease and the landlord cannot require you to vacate

• look for provisions in the current lease allowing the landlord to enter the property to carry out improvement works; as the regulations do not give an automatic right to landlords to do so, you may be asked by your landlord to consent to such works

Does the length of the lease term matter?

Yes. If you have a tenancy not exceeding a term of 6 months, the MEES Regulations will not apply unless:

• you have the ability to renew the lease or extend the lease beyond 6 months; or

• you have been in occupation for a period longer than 12 months. The MEES Regulations will also not apply to a commercial tenancy for a term longer than 99 years.

S olved

Patron Members PATRON MEMBERS

In 2022 The Herts Chamber of Commerce surpassed a thousand members; we are delighted to be growing our Chamber and have so many amazing businesses collaborating and supporting us. Approaching a century in business, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, would like to express our sincere gratitude for our members, particularly our patrons. Patronage is our highest level of membership, and their support

u JPA Workspaces

Established in 1974, JPA Workspaces is an award-winning independent family business specialising in the contract sector and providing complete furniture solution. ‘Quality Service and Quality Furniture’ have been our mantra for over 48 years, putting people first, at the heart of everything we do.

Tel: 01727 840800

Web: https://www.jpa-workspaces.com

Email: hello@jpa-workspaces.com

u KGK Genix

KGK Genix is a multidisciplinary agency providing creative, print, project management and installation solutions. We create graphics and display solutions for some of the world’s biggest brands. Whilst our history is rooted within the large format print industry, we have evolved and developed into a truly adaptable creative resource. We are constantly striving to embrace new, innovative production methods and technologies. We pride ourselves on providing unrivalled levels of service, believing that client satisfaction is paramount.

Tel: 01920 461244

Web: https://kgkgenix.com/

Email: graham.pitts@kgkgenix.com

u Longmores Solicitors

Today, whilst we aspire to continue in the tradition of solicitors like Charles Longmore and Bertie Cull, our Joint Senior Partners, Chris Pease and Richard Gvero, lead a modern and progressive firm of experienced solicitors. Many join us because they feel that they can make a real difference for our clients and because they value our culture of client service and practical, intelligent delivery of real professional expertise.

Tel: 01992 300333

Web: https://www.longmores.law/

Email: enquiries@longmores.law

and contributions are invaluable to the Chamber; from attending and sponsoring events, being Chamber ambassadors, to sharing Chamber news. Keeping the Heart in Herts is an initiative founded by Herts Chamber, and we are very proud of how much it has grown. It is great to see our patrons and members connecting and collaborating with one another to help Hertfordshire grow and thrive as a county.

We have 28 patrons, each from a different sector with the newest

u Pearldrop Ltd

additions being Arishi, Barclays and Hertfordshire Community Foundation. We are very appreciative of our patrons and would like to say a special thank you for all their support.

Below is our Patrons in alphabetical order from J-Z, to see our patrons A-I please refer to the last edition- Inspire 55 (March-April).

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

We travel all over the world to create exciting, engaging video content for everything from customer-facing viral marketing campaigns to high-quality internal training and health and safety packages. We use the latest camera, lighting and sound technology, and Simon holds the CAA’s permission to fly drones commercially.

Tel: 02032 863852

Web: https://pearldrop.com/

Email: denise@pearldrop.com

❛❛To put it simply – Pearldrop wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Every member of the Chamber team has been so helpful, supportive, and given great advice when we’ve asked for it. The opportunities and experiences the Chamber has created for Pearldrop and the whole of the Hertfordshire community are outstanding. Our business has grown because of them. If you haven’t joined already we would highly recommend you do.

Denise Austin, Director, Pearldrop Ltd

u

Pharmaron UK Ltd

Pharmaron is a premier R&D service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities, and established a broad spectrum of research, development and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics and CGT products. With over 19,000 employees, and operations in China, the U.S., and the U.K., Pharmaron has an excellent track record in the delivery of R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan and China.

Web: http://www.pharmaron.com

u

Sky Studios Elstree

Sky Studios Elstree is a new, state-of-the-art film and TV studio based in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. With 13 sound stages set across 27.5 acres, our world-class studio will become home to a range of productions from across the world.

Tel: 02070 326748

Web: https://www.skygroup.sky/skystudios

Email: skystudioselstree@sky.uk

u Sopwell House

Your country home from home nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside in St Albans; Sopwell House is a 4 star Georgian country house hotel within easy reach of London St Pancras and Luton Airport. A family-owned luxury hotel that takes rest, relaxation and warm hospitality seriously.

Tel: 01727 864477

Web: http://www.sopwellhouse.co.uk

Email: enquiries@sopwellhouse.co.uk

u Strand PR

We are the extra team member you can’t live without: the go-to when you have something to say; the friend when you need advice; the ideas that inspire you; the creativity that gets you noticed; the voice of calm in a crisis…Strand PR is everything your organisation needs – and more. We are the full package. Whether it’s PR or social media, we have in-house experts to develop a personalised strategy for you. One size does NOT fit all and we have the flexibility to provide a single service or an ongoing marketing solution.

Tel: 01763 274674

Web: http://www.strand-pr.co.uk

Email: info@strand-pr.co.uk

u Tate Recruitment (Hitchin)

We are an award-winning Recruitment Consultancy, providing high-calibre candidates for office specialist and Executive appointments and supporting businesses with a range of thought leadership and support services that covers every stage of the employee lifecycle.

Tel: 01462 455181

Web: https://www.tate.co.uk

Email: emma.tarbox@tate.co.uk

u University of Hertfordshire

With heritage in Britain’s pioneering aeronautical industry, the University of Hertfordshire has been an innovative force in education for 70 years. Today, we host a thriving community of just under 32,000 students, studying 550 degree options at our two vibrant, inclusive campuses and Bayfordbury Observatory. Our strong relationships with industry and award-winning careers services complement high-quality teaching to ensure Herts’ students gain the knowledge and skills they need to match their ambition and succeed.

Web: http://www.herts.ac.uk

u Viatris

We are uniquely positioned to deliver on our mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. As a global healthcare company, improving access and sustainably delivering highquality medicine is our relentless pursuit.

Tel: 01707 853000

Web: https://www.viatris.com/en

Email: andrew.mooney@viatris.com

Warner Bros Studio Tour London

Set adjacent to the working film studios where all eight Harry Potter films were made, the Studio Tour offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore two soundstages and a backlot filled with original sets, animatronic creatures and breathtaking special effects.

Tel: 0203 277777

Web: http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Email: hannah.short@warnerbros.com

u Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd

We create value for customers, stakeholders and communities by taking a leadership role in the built environment, working in a sustainable and responsible way and by making a positive impact in the lives of people in the UK.

Tel: 01462 442200

Web: http://www.willmottdixon.co.uk

Email: richard.davidson@willmottdixon.co.uk

Stevenage Innovation and Technology Centre creates stem pipeline for the local community

The Stevenage Innovation & Technology Centre (SITEC), a new venture created in partnership with North Hertfordshire College (NHC), Stevenage Borough Council, and Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (Hertfordshire LEP), was officially opened by Stephen McPartland MP at NHC’s Stevenage Campus on March 9th.

The new project aims to capitalise on Stevenage’s position in the Golden Triangle of Research and Development between Oxford, Cambridge and London. It provides a space for local people to build the necessary skills required by science and technology businesses and industry within the area.

The project was part funded by the Hertfordshire LEP and is phase 1 of broader NHC project to develop and deliver an exciting range of new T-Level and Apprenticeship qualifications in Science, Engineering, Digital and Sustainable Technologies at Levels 3 – 5 (post-16 education through to Higher Education). The project aims to raise the aspirations and skills of local residents and employees by providing accessible opportunities in the key growth areas for the region, including life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Working with industry partners FourPlus, LifeArc, UCL Vax Hub, Autolus and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, SITEC phase 1 has seen the creation of a simulation life sciences laboratory, immersive technologies spaces, a new digital training suite, and virtual reality training capabilities in a virtual environment. As well as being used for traditional STEM subjects such as Science and Digital, the facilities are also beneficial to students across North Hertfordshire College’s Child Development, Health and Social Care, Sports and Supported Studies programmes, who use virtual reality capabilities and laboratories to enhance their learning.

The facilities were officially opened by Stephen McPartland MP through a speech that emphasised the opportunities SITEC will bring to the local area. During the launch event, industry and education partners and key local figures visited the new SITEC facilities and watched as NHC students interacted with the new technology and equipment. Guests received a first-hand experience of the benefits that the facilities bring for young people,

from the sensory learning experience of the Omni Vista system for Supported Studies students to practical experiences of laboratory clean room procedures and life science practices such as DNA extraction and analysis for science students. Other activities demonstrated during the launch included:

• Immersive Reality space, a collaborative virtual space which provides teachers with new tools to enhance their teaching methods.

• FourPlus Virtual Reality experience, enabling students access to unique experiences and soft skill development opportunities in a safe space.

• HumanTrak Technology and Perform Better Pro, movement analysis equipment which enables NHC’s Sports, Coaching & Exercise Science students to better understand physiology and the ethics of technological developments in sport and exercise science.

• Training workshop delivered by industry partner Autoscirbe Informatics, on the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), software used by NHC’s Science students to manage samples and associated data.

Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage, said:

“It is absolutely brilliant to be at North Hertfordshire College opening SITEC. This is an excellent example of how NHC is such an innovative

educational establishment at the heart of Stevenage, helping to give all young people great opportunities. We’re working to reduce the gap between education and employment, and with the courses and the facilities available here at SITEC, we will give those young people the opportunity to go out and get brilliant jobs in life sciences.

“North Hertfordshire College is the place to be, it’s got great innovation and great opportunities for young people to be able to complete their education and get out there and get a job.”

Kit Davies, Principal of North Hertfordshire College and CEO of the Hart Learning Group, said: “We are thrilled to be officially opening the SITEC project today and to welcome so many local employers to our facilities. One of the main aims of the project is to educate parents and young people about the possibilities of careers in STEM; by providing education pathways and opening access to high-tech equipment, SITEC seeks to raise aspirations and encourage local residents to see STEM-related careers in the Stevenage area as accessible and achievable for all.”

Chairman of the Stevenage Development Board, Incoming Chair, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair, Skills & Employment Board, said: “The launch of SITEC epitomises levelling up in practice and ensure that students are provided with the opportunity to engage with local employers when they complete their training.

“SITEC opens doors and minds to future opportunities in STEM by harnessing the latest in digital and virtual reality technologies to enhance the student experience. This cutting edge approach to training and development brings to life future career opportunities in ways which never seemed possible before. It’s another small step forward for Stevenage and a giant step forward for our future workforce.”

Stephen Ward, Chief Manufacturing Officer at the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, said:

“Stevenage is being very proactive in developing a joined up education and training system in core STEM skills, including life sciences. Through the fantastic new labs and digital training spaces unveiled today, SITEC North Hertfordshire College are leading the way in delivering this on the ground and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult is very pleased to be part of it.”

The Strategic Development Fund

An investment into emerging technologies and skills training

They have identified skills needs in different industries and surveyed employers about the vacancies they find hard to fill. Chambers are also now writing the Local Skills Improvement Plans to provide a blueprint for local colleges to ensure that they are equipping the next generation with the skills they need for success in industry.

The Strategic Development Fund (SDF) programme was introduced as part of the blueprint for reshaping the technical skills system to better support the needs of the local labour market and the wider economy. The SDF has provided investment to enable areas across England to reshape their teaching and training provision and update their facilities in preparation for the rollout of these Local Skills Improvement Plans.

In Hertfordshire, West Herts College Group are working hard to get this done.

Working alongside Oaklands College, North Herts College and Hertford Regional College, West Herts College Group have overseen the rollout of the SDF investment in Hertfordshire, collaborating with employers and colleges to ensure that both are prepared for skills training.

The colleges have used this funding to invest in technology that will enable them to develop new skills solutions for students and employers using some of the most advanced virtual reality techniques. This technology is designed to enhance teaching and learning for students, this has taken shape by investing in Haptic feedback suits, VR Headsets, VR Omnidirectional treadmills and more leading-edge

Amanda.Washbrook@westherts.ac.uk.

Tel: 01923 812345 westherts.ac.uk

technology such as industry-standard training rigs for the installation and testing of solar PV, electric vehicle charging, and heat pump technology.

The Colleges have also worked together to create an employer engagement toolkit that brings together good practice from participating colleges, to support those involved in employer engagement. This will provide a framework for ongoing collaboration with employer SMEs across different sectors.

The upskilling of staff in green technologies, coupled with the installation of workshops to enable delivery of training on green technologies, will mean that, through delivering the training required for installers of these technologies, we can support the transition to green ways of working in construction – a key priority for the region.

Employers can count on their local colleges for support in meeting skills gaps in their sectors, at West Herts College Group we’re keen to work with employers of all sizes to understand their requirements and work together to prepare a pipeline of future talent.

The government is increasingly turning to Further Education colleges to fill the skills gaps in our workforce. Chambers and LEPs have done excellent work to understand the challenges businesses face and raise awareness of the urgent need to train our workforce for the future.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how West Herts College can support your business to upskill and grow, please contact Amanda Washbrook on

MEMBERSHIP Benefits

ESTU

Estu is offering members the opportunity to participate in the government-funded Net Zero Leaders Programme. Upgrade your skills with green economy training and achieve a Chartered Professional qualification(CMgr).

Eligibility is subject to a short application process and the programme is open to individuals with over three years management experience from small or large businesses. The course content is delivered by academics from University of Cambridge, UCL School of Management and UEA Business School. Industry practitioners providing insights include executives from Sequoia, Google X Moonshot Factory, NHS, Brompton Bicycle and

Westfield Health

the Social Value Portal. Teaching workshops are undertaken one day per month at the University of Cambridge with supporting learning delivered digitally: live online and on-demand..

Contact Alasdair.craig@estuglobal.com

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

Each day that someone is absent through sickness is a considerable cost to your company in lost productivity. So at just over 36p per employee, per day, the Chamber Plan effectively pays for itself!

The Plan provides eligible employees with cash benefits towards a range of routine healthcare needs, including Optical, Dental, Chiropractic and Therapy treatment.

Its Employee Assistance Programme provides a confidential 24 Hour Counselling and Advice Line for a range of medical, legal and wellbeing issues, including up to 6 face-to-face counselling sessions for the policyholder.

Benefits of the scheme also include: Best Doctors enabling employees, their partners and dependent children to get an expert second medical opinion from a world leading medical specialist on the diagnosis of a serious or worrying medical condition they have received. Westfield Rewards provides access to discounts, special offers and Cashback at more than 450 leading high street/online retailers including Sainsburys, Debenhams,

Members: To claim/find out more about this benefit, please visit your profile in the Members Area.

Marks and Spencer, Boots and B&Q, as well as travel companies such as Expedia.

Alongside these benefits, Westfield Health has also enhanced its existing GP telephone consultation service DoctorLine™ by introducing a new webcam consultation service.

Policyholders can have an online face to face consultation with a GP at a convenient time, avoiding the need to wait days for an appointment.

KGK GENIX adopts ESG strategy to drive growth

Graham Pitts, Group MD of creative large format print company, KGK Genix explains why developing a successful ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) strategy is essential to drive business growth.

If you know anything about KGK Genix, you will know that we have a strong focus on the environment. We talk about it A LOT! But there is reason for this, and it all forms part of our overarching ESG strategy.

Understanding our target market and their needs is what helps set our business apart from our competition. Of course, delivering a great creative print project is right up there on the list of importance, but so is appealing to what they truly care about too. Our ESG strategy aligns our business to what our audience cares about, such as recycling to help save the planet or donating to charity.

We’re more than just a creative print production partner, and we’re proud of the ESG initiatives we have implemented so far to help propel our journey of growth.

Carbon neutral plus

We’ve been certified ‘carbon neutral plus’ for scopes 1 & 2 for a few years now, and we’re actively monitoring and offsetting the carbon emissions in scope 3 too. Being carbon neutral essentially means offsetting our carbon emissions to the extent that – through activities, donations and/or behavioural changes, we take as much carbon out of the environment as we put into it however, offsetting on its own is not enough, we also have a detailed carbon reduction plan that aims to reduce our carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 and as technology becomes available we will work to reduce this further.

Supporting Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Primary School Initiative

In February 2023, we signed up as a sponsor to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, to help educate and equip primary school students with skills for life. We decided to support EHAAT as not only a great thing to do, but as a charity that operates across the two counties where we have production sites (Herts and Essex), it also helps to raise awareness of our business.

Retail Design & Careers competition

To drive interest in retail design and the creative print industry, we’ve also recently launched a ‘Retail Design and & Careers Competition’ which offers students at Herts College the opportunity to develop their skills and kick-start their career. Not only does this encourage new talent into our industry, but also builds relationships with students who could become clients in a few years’ time.

New sustainably sourced and 100% recyclable banner range

We’ve recently developed a range of portable and recyclable display products that are great sustainable alternatives to traditional roller banners and pop-up displays. We started by creating a single banner, which proved so popular its snowballed into a completely dedicated range of 100% recyclable display products, from banners and backdrops through to counters and literature racks. You can check these out online at www.totallyeco.co.uk.

Schools upcycling scheme

To prevent substantial waste ending up in landfill, we’re working with five local high schools to supply waste off-cut materials such as fabrics, foam boards, cardboard, papers, and vinyl that students can repurpose and upcycle in creative, design and technology classes. This eco-initiative has proved to be a win-win for everyone involved and has gained our business some great exposure in the press. Our clients also admire these exclusive and independent initiatives, which also helps to separate us from our competitors.

Our ESG plans for the future…

This article really scratches the surface of our ESG strategy, and we are actively researching and developing new initiatives all the time. Watch this space, we’ll be revealing more soon!

The Last Word

Q Why did you join the Chamber?

CNS joined Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce earlier this year after nothing but positive experiences in dealing with the HCoC team at a previous company. We love working locally, have recently partnered with Letchworth-based Garden House Hospice Care as our designated charity, and see only mutual benefits in building deeper relationships with other members of the Chamber. There is so much innovation in Hertfordshire and we are excited to be a part of that.

QHow has it helped your business network?

We are in the process of reaching out to other Chamber members in order to find out how we can help each other; we already count several members among both our customers and our suppliers and are actively looking to expand our network.

HELEN GALLOWAY Customer Service Director Cloud Network Services Ltd

Q What do you do?

Cloud Network Services Ltd provides tailor-made telecommunications solutions and innovative technologies to business organisations underpinned by exceptional customer service. Our product portfolio includes IP phone systems, connectivity solutions, business mobiles, CCTV and IT services.

Q Who do you work for?

We work with businesses and not-for-profit organisations, both large and small, and although we operate across the UK, we prefer to partner with local businesses.

Patrons

Q What advice would you give someone starting out?

Be prepared to dig in and dig deep. Be prepared to make mistakes but, more importantly, to learn from those mistakes. And don’t give up.

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

The biggest challenge CNS has faced is scaling our business to be able to look after our clients the way we think they should be looked after. This has involved ensuring that we have sufficient support resources to maintain our high standards of customer service but also by making sure the processes we have in place are both appropriate and followed.

Q What support do you want from Government?

The Government apprenticeship subsidisation schemes are of particular benefit to growing companies such as ours; we are keen to invest in young people in the local area and are looking forward to engaging an apprentice later this year to be part of our team.

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

Cloud Network Services Ltd has plans to grow over the next year and beyond –we are largely a referral-based company. In addition to looking at developing and managing a large number of loyal clients and the work we have just started doing with GHHC, we are members of various local networking groups and have built a strong network of connections within the local community which we are only hoping to expand through our membership of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

We are in the process of reaching out to other Chamber members in order to find out how we can help each other; we already count several members among both our customers and our suppliers and are actively looking to expand our network.

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