Theobalds Enterprise Centre is a quality-managed workspace, focusing on supporting existing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and new business start-ups. The centre provides offices and studio accommodation between 14-45sqm to let on easy-in, easy-out terms.
Easily accessible from the A10 and M25, the Centre has ample parking available and is a 20-minute walk from Theobalds Grove train station. The centre is certified with a Platinum WiredScored, meaning that the building is tech-ready offering optimum connectivity enabling a more collaborative and innovative experience for its users. It also has a BREEAM very good assessment rating for sustainable value and efficiency.
In addition, there are high-quality meeting rooms, a conference suite for up to 90 people and an onsite cafe. Informal break-out areas and virtual offices can also be booked in the building, and is 0.5 miles from the £700m Sunset Studios development, and close to Waltham Cross town centre.
For more details and to register interest, please email economic.development@broxbourne.gov.uk or call 01992 785565 for more information.
Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
and how four Further Education Colleges and a number of independent training providers are pivotal to the success of this initiative.
LSIPs establish the key priorities
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changes needed in a local area to make post-16 technical education or training more responsive and closely aligned to local labour market needs.
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There is a touch of Hollywood glamour too. Hertfordshire has long had a close association with creative arts and the film industry – now the area is to benefit from a £700m investment from US-based Sunset Studios.
Sunset Waltham Cross is expected to create more than 4,800 jobs and provide an economic boost for the Broxbourne community.
We also turn the spotlight on Dacorum Borough in this issue and hear from three of our patrons in this area – Imagination, Britvic and CAE Technologies. The end of the year is fast approaching and 2023 beckons. There are plenty of Chamber events to look forward to in the coming year, not least the Women in Leadership Conference taking place on 3rd March at Sopwell House.
Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber has been awarded the cash to lead a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) that will encourage businesses to become involved in identifying the areas where talent is needed now and in the future.
The Department for Education-led initiative has already been trialled in eight areas across the country and is now being launched nationwide, with 32 of the 38 new regional sites being led by Chambers of Commerce.
The LSIP will clearly set out the skills employers are looking for and the changes required to help ensure post-16 technical education addresses these requirements.
A report will be drafted setting out those key priorities, bringing together employers and providers to understand skills needs and provision.
Briege Leahy, the Chamber’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that our bid to coordinate an LSIP across Hertfordshire has been successful. We know businesses across our area are concerned about filling vacancies and having the right skillsets available.
“We will work with partners to ensure there is a steady stream of talent across the right sectors, not just for now, but for the future.”
u Herts Chamber is heading up a Governmentfunded programme to address the worrying skills shortage in the county.
A survey released last year by Aviva revealed that 70 per cent of businesses were concerned about skills shortages with an urgent need to tackle the issue.
The Chamber will use its well-established relationships with the business community to identify the key areas where skills are lacking. It will engage with education and training facilities to discuss what is needed and how new courses can be rolled out to address the gaps.
Briege said: “I believe we all recognise that a new approach is needed when it comes to planning for the future. We have to ensure that the skills young
people and adults are learning are relevant for the industries that have the demand.
“Having people out of work while employers are looking to recruit shouldn’t happen. We need to work together to make sure training is available in the skills that will benefit the county’s economy.”
Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Over ten thousand businesses were engaged in the eight Chamber-led trailblazers. Building on this learning and success, we will ensure that planning
for local skills is aligned with the job opportunities and growth ambitions of employers. An efficient, network approach will enable the sharing of best practice to boost outcomes for people wherever they live, work and train.”
LSIPs were introduced in the Skills for Jobs White Paper last year. They are a key part of the Government’s vision for an adult skills system where businesses, particularly SMEs, are given a much stronger voice in local skills planning.
A survey will be sent to members in November to get their requirements on the staff and skills they require.
For further details on the Local Skills Improvement Plan project for Hertfordshire please contact: LSIP@hertschamber.com
Having people out of work while employers are looking to recruit shouldn’t happen. We need to work together to make sure training is available in the skills that will benefit the county’s economy.
u Hertfordshire’s further education colleges are set to lead sustainable change by developing new training solutions using the latest technologies for some of the most in-demand skills.
Herts Regional College in Broxbourne and Ware; North Hertfordshire College in Stevenage, Hitchin, and Letchworth; Oaklands College in St Albans, Welwyn Garden City & Hatfield and Borehamwood; and West Herts College in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, successfully bid for £2.5m funding from the Department for Education to support a collaborative response to solve the most challenging skills issues across the Hertfordshire region.
Working closely with employers, the colleges will identify the skills priorities for jobs now and in the future and develop innovative, hightech training solutions that can be accessed by employees already in the workplace and provided to students as a core part of their training programmes.
The four Hertfordshire colleges are already delivering a broad range of courses for young people, adults and employers, with qualifications and apprenticeships ranging from foundation levels to degree levels in subjects such as accounting, agriculture, art, business, care, computing, construction, engineering, media, music, nursing, psychology, science, travel, tv and film – and far more than can be listed here!
And increasingly, the government is turning to colleges to find new training solutions for the skills employers say they struggle to find.
With this new funding secured, the colleges will be able to develop new, innovative training solutions using extended reality (XR) such as virtual reality (simulated environments) and augmented reality (technology that superimposes a computer-generated image onto a user’s view of the real world). Training using XR is already being used across the world for the digital transformation of training for specialist jobs in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and health care. These cutting-edge technologies enable people to master complex skills more quickly than through traditional training methods, learning from their mistakes in the safety of the virtual world.
Over many years, Hertfordshire’s colleges have developed strong relationships with a high number of employers across a broad range of employment sectors. The colleges and their partner-employers have strong track records working together to shape curriculum design and the delivery of qualifications to meet specific workplace requirements.
In the first instance, the availability of this new funding will allow the colleges to build upon existing employer-partnership models to co-create XR training solutions for jobs within Care, Life Sciences, Sustainability, and Agritech. There is no limit to the type of industries that can use these technologies for training purposes and the colleges intend to work with other employer-partners to develop XR training solutions across a broad range of employment sectors.
The funding is also enabling colleges to purchase specialised equipment to support the development of green-tech skills focusing on the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points – skills which are essential for a sustainable future.
To enable this work, plans are in place to train around 800 teachers and trainers in the use of extended reality technologies and green-tech skills to provide the capacity and skills needed to maximise and sustain these new training programmes into the future. Each college will be holding events at their campuses for local school children to experiment with the extended reality technologies and to find out about the specialist, high-value jobs and careers that will be available to them in the future.
With the support of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the four colleges will share information during Spring 2023 about this work and its impact on local businesses and people.
For further details on the Local Skills Improvement Plan project for Hertfordshire please contact: LSIP@hertschamber.com
The apprentice has bought a lot to the business, he did all the hard, labouring work in the beginning and then gradually took on the smaller jobs bit by bit.
The employer is looking to start winding down and the apprentice is taking on more and more to enable him to do that.
The employer likes the apprenticeship system as 80% of the time he is at work, learning on the job and moulding him to his way of working, the remaining 20% is spent at college where he learns not only the theoretical side of the work, but also the practical and communication skills and professional behaviours required.
My apprentice really enjoys his day at college, I think he’ll miss it when he’s finished.
As a small company it is not easy having an apprentice, but the college have been very supportive. Whatever issues we have had have been rectified straight away.
I would always employ an apprentice over someone who has completed a full time course, as they will have relevant real life knowledge and completely understand what is expected of them.
The end goal for my apprentice is that he will take over my business, the more they do, the more I can take a step back and I know he will be able to do this in the next few years.
The negative stigma associated with builders is still blinkering teenagers. Mums and dads, as well as schools and colleges, can help them understand the benefits of working in a growth industry.
Natalie Sidey, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon, believes that parents can make a real difference in helping their sons and daughters see the value of a career with a company like Willmott Dixon.
She said: “But it’s not just parents. Schools need to be more open to employers going
in to talk to the young people to tell them about the opportunities available to them.”
Willmott Dixon, which has its head office in Letchworth, offers an industry-leading management training scheme that allows employees to study for a degree while working in the business, with a range of specialisms available from becoming a quantity surveyor to working in sales and marketing.
The company has been working closely with students on the construction management level 3 course at Oaklands College in St Albans over the past five years. Representatives carry out mock assessments, provide CV advice and talk about personal branding to help prepare the young people for when they leave.
The contracting and interior fit-out group offers work experience opportunities in all areas of the business.
She explained: “We don’t employ trades. So, we might be looking for people who are good at maths or creative writers. We use many different skills across the business.
“People tend to think immediately of bricklaying when you mention construction, but we have people working in accountancy, HR, IT, legal services,
graphic design … we look for lots of different skillsets. We just need parents and schools to make a more positive connection when the construction industry is discussed.”
The traditional view that the construction industry is just for boys is also being challenged by Willmott Dixon. In recent cohorts of management trainees, the gender split has been around 60/40 in favour of males, and Natalie said the company is having a push on diversity.
“We are keen to nurture talent from different areas of society and have d iversity and inclusion groups in the business. We also have a shadow board made up of young people who are leading a lot of our initiatives.”
Parents have a key role to play in helping young people appreciate the diversity of a career in the construction industry.
As part of the government’s efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050, it has looked to tackle emissions across all sectors of the economy, including properties. The UK government hopes to steer property owners in England and Wales to make greener choices (Scotland has a separate system of rules and financial help), and part of this is to tighten standards around energy efficiency ratings. Britain’s housing stock is some of the oldest in Europe, so increasing the energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings is particularly challenging.
Here is our guide to what is happening and how it might affect you.
Legislation introduced in 2015 established Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for residential and commercial properties. Buildings must have a minimum EPC rating of E in order to be let.
Some exemptions to the MEES and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC - see below) requirements apply; listed or officially protected buildings for example, do not require an EPC if the owner can demonstrate meeting the requirements would alter it unacceptably. Listed property owners are still subject to MEES regulations, and must show how they have tried to comply with the listing limitations when seeking an exemption.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) documents how energy efficient a property is. From A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The EPC rating indicates the costs associated with heating and lighting it, and is calculated by assessing things such as insulation, airtightness, windows and heating systems.
In July 2022, Handelsbanken conducted research to find out how prepared landlords were to meet the new regulations. To read the Handelsbanken SME Landlord Survey Report 2022, visit handelsbanken. co.uk/en/about-us/news-insightsand-media/insights
Property owners must provide an EPC before the property is marketed to buy or let.
What are the current requirements?
The new rules build on previous changes. From 1 April 2018 it became illegal to let properties, both domestic and commercial, on a new lease with an EPC rating lower than E. This was expanded in 2020 to cover existing privatelyrented residential property. From 1 April 2023, MEES requirements will apply to all existing commercial leases.
The government is also taking a phased approach to exemptions from the MEES. Previously, domestic landlords could apply for an exemption if they showed meeting the requirements would involve a cost to them.
In 2019 this changed, and exemptions could only be applied for where the cost of bringing a property up to EPC E would cost over £3,500, or the costs of improvements would take over seven years to pay back.
The latest government consultation includes proposals for raising the exemption cap to £10,000 per property.
How could requirements for non-domestic (commercial) properties change in the future?
The government set out its plans for the future trajectory for non-domestic MEES in its Energy White Paper, published in 2020, proposing commercial properties should meet EPC band B by 2030. It published a consultation paper in June 2021 on proposals for the implementation and enforcement of its EPC B plans.
The government proposed a phased approach to implementation, by introducing ‘compliance windows’.
The ‘compliance window’ will begin with the requirement for landlords to present a valid EPC.
For EPC C, the government proposes that the compliance window should be 2025-2027, and for EPC B 2028-2030. As of August 2022, legislation is yet to be put forward.
How could the requirements for residential properties change in the future?
In January 2021 the government published its ideas for raising MEES for privately-rented residential properties. The proposals would require new domestic tenancies to be at least EPC C from 1 April 2025, and for all domestic
tenancies to be at least EPC C by 1 April 2028.
A review of the system for assessing properties for EPC ratings is underway which will likely modernise the current system by more effectively taking into account new technologies such as heat pumps. The as-yet unannounced changes are expected to come into force from 2025.
What support is available from the government?
At the moment there is little support available from the government for property owners in making their properties more energy efficient, although Rishi Sunak did remove VAT (which was previously at 5%) on qualifying energy efficiency materials.
In March 2022, the government introduced £450m in funding for a new Boiler Upgrade Scheme for residential properties. Subsidies of up to £5,000 per household to cover cost and installation of a heat pump or biomass boiler are available through this scheme which also provides a £6,000 discount on the cost and installation of ground source heat pumps.
About Handelsbanken: Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence due to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Handelsbanken specialises in providing personalised and competitive banking services to both businesses, individuals, and property investors, and offers wealth and investment management services through its UK subsidiary Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a small business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.
Handelsbanken Hertford Ground Floor, Sherwood House, 5 Bluecoats Avenue, Hertford, SG14 1PB T. 01992 538916
W. handelsbanken.co.uk/hertford
To name a few of these innovations, our county became home to the world’s first garden city in the early 20th century before other global firsts saw the original jet airliner and first wind-monitoring satellite developed here.
Clearly these notable and diverse global milestones, which span almost 120 years, were achieved through having people with the right skills available to deliver.
And now, with a number of paths widely available for people of all ages to gain new skills to start and further their careers, Hertfordshire is showing a strong determination and purpose to remain as a key pioneer of innovation for the UK, and for the world.
With more than 70,000 businesses calling Hertfordshire “home” and helping it to contribute over £38billion a year to ‘UK PLC’, enterprise and innovation is the backbone of our county’s economy.
Stevenage has become a thriving hub for the life sciences industry, with the cell and gene therapy cluster the largest of its kind in the UK. Meanwhile, the story is certainly developing at pace for the film and television industry in the county.
Hertfordshire is already a global leader in this, and its creative sector has rapidly expanded in the past 12 months, strongly establishing the county as a key location for film and TV production in the UK and as a prime destination for on-location filming with screen tourism a key focus for Visit Herts’ recovery strategy postCovid. With further studio expansion planned, together with Sunset Studios’ proposed new £700m development in Broxbourne, the county is at the fulcrum of industry growth.
In just this sector alone, as delegates heard last year at Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Opportunity Hertfordshire conference which shone a spotlight on film and TV, up to 13,000 new jobs could be created, from catering to carpentry as well as other skills-related fields such as lighting, sound and wardrobe.
Higher and further education courses available in the county are crucial to this peek into the future and is also the case within other highvalue sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology and construction, where further opportunities are emerging to connect Hertfordshire employers with local talent.
These employment and training opportunities are featured on Hertfordshire LEP’s Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP), which acts as a comprehensive “gateway”.
Whether that be for someone leaving school at 16 and looking for inspiration and practical advice on the right path to take, or someone changing career direction or planning to start their own business. It also gives support and advice to employers on such matters as apprenticeships and recruitment.
The Skills and Employment Strategy 2021-24, developed by Hertfordshire LEP in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, is further evidence of the county’s growth coalition and strong commitment to investing in the skills of the future, supporting priority and growth sectors, and building the future workforce needed to service a high-performing economy.
Hertfordshire Growth Board is supporting the LEP’s ambitions to develop that highly-skilled, high-performing economy through its individual workstreams, and palpably has a key role to play in this as a dynamic driver of place-making and sustainable-led growth.
Richard Roberts, Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board and Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Hertfordshire is a special place; home to some amazing businesses and thriving communities but we must give our next generation of young people the chance to fly by gaining the skills which are critical to a vibrant economy.”
As well as being the County of Opportunity, Hertfordshire has a long-standing and justified reputation as a centre of cutting-edge innovation.
He first joined the local council in 2016 and in 2019 he took the reins as leader.
While Lewis admits the role comes with huge responsibilities, it also provides an opportunity to make a positive impact on the place he loves and the community he is part of.
His enthusiasm for the role is evident as soon as he speaks. “It has been hugely satisfying attracting investment into the borough – so far around £2bn of private sector money. We have seen £400m alone put into the Brookfield development.”
Brookfield Riverside is a sustainability focused, lifestyle-led, mixed-use retail and leisure development to create a new town centre for the Borough of Broxbourne.
Plans include proposals for a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants along with new leisure facilities in the heart of the town centre.
The overall development also includes Brookfield Garden Village, which will provide up 1,250 new homes, including up to 40% affordable housing, a primary school and open space for leisure and recreation.
Lewis points out that it is one of the most ambitious new community projects in the country and will add greatly to what the area has to offer.
Hertfordshire has always had a close association with the creative arts –think Elstree and Borehamwood studios. Now the area is to benefit from a £700m investment from US-based Sunset Studios.
In July this year Broxbourne Council gave the green light to build new film studios in Waltham Cross. Sunset Waltham Cross is expected to create more than 4,800 jobs and an economic boost for the Broxbourne community.
Lewis explains that when up and running, the studio site has the capacity to work on four blockbuster movies at one time. The area has been dubbed the ‘New Hollywood’. Work has just started at Waltham Cross (just off the M25) with an opening date pencilled in for early 2025.
With the likes of Sunset Studio and a hyper-scale data centre operator having a major profile in the area, there is perhaps a danger of overlooking some of the great SMEs in the borough.
“The borough is known for its abundance of innovative SMEs, and we certainly haven’t forgotten them,” Lewis says.
“The Theobolds Enterprise Centre is available for local SMEs and start-ups so they can rent office space of a size that suits them in an ideal business environment”.
Once completed in 2023, the building will provide a hub for tech firms and SMEs and bring forward new employment opportunities for local people. SMEs and start-up businesses interested in taking space at the centre can contact the Council’s economic Development team on economic.development@broxbourne.gov.uk
The Theobolds Enterprise centre is near to the proposed Sunset Film and TV Studios and is within a mile of the M25.
The level of investment in Broxbourne is certainly a positive for the area but does it also bring certain challenges with it?
“Yes”, is Lewis’s immediate response.
“The level of business investment is fantastic; the task now is how we encourage local people to take up jobs in the area. There is no shortage of opportunities; it is a question of upskilling so that positions can be filled.”
Born and bred in the area, it is fair to say that Cllr Lewis Cocking is in his element as leader of Broxbourne Borough Council.
There are many options if you are looking to either invest or seeking investment.
Michael Budd, Partner and Head of Company Commercial, discusses a few options. The documenting of an investment will depend on the identity of the investor and the amount of the investment.
for the investor
a
Discount
pre-pay
Some key
the investor will buy
shares at a discounted rate to
the risk the investor takes
investing in a company early and
a valuation.
Valuation cap –the purpose of this is to limit the maximum price for the shares being converted. This is so the investors are able to receive an adequate amount of shares if the company is valued above the valuation cap in the next investment round.
Funding target – this is an amount the company sets to achieve in investment during a future investment round that will automatically trigger shares being converted to the investor.
Longstop date – this is the date when the conversion of cash into shares will be triggered irrespective of whether a future investment round is achieved.
convertible loan note is a short-term debt. It is similar to an ASA.
main difference between these two documents is that an ASA is an equity agreement which means monies invested through this agreement generally cannot be repaid in cash, unlike a convertible loan note which is basically a loan agreement that could be repaid in cash or be converted into equity/shares at a later date.
AThere are some key terms:
Tranche payment – instead of paying for the entire investment at one time, investors under this agreement will be able to make part-payment of investment to a company from time to time. Generally, the investors are required to make tranches payments when the company achieves certain milestones.
Warranties – a warranty is a statement usually made both by the company and the founders that certain matters relating to the company are at the completion date.
Restrictive covenants – this is also known as a non-compete clause where it imposes a series of restrictions on the founders that they will not compete with the business of the company and not solicit the company’s employees, customers or suppliers.
AThis is not a legal document but rather a process. For example, if a company is seeking investment it will disclose all of the relevant information and documents relating to the assets and liabilities of the company to the potential investor who will carry out its investigation to inspect the information disclosed by the company and founders and the records of the company. This process is called due diligence. Its purpose is to make an investor beware of any risk that may be associated with its proposed investment.
Before joining Hertfordshire University seven years’ ago as Dean of Hertfordshire Business School, Professor Damian Ward worked at Leeds Beckett and Bradford University.
At all these institutions, there has been a clear focus on connecting with the regional economy and supporting local skills.
Professor Ward explains that when he studied business and economics at Manchester University, the syllabus was quite abstract and theory driven.
The balance of academic and industry backgrounds among the lecturers at the University of Hertfordshire aims to keeps courses business-relevant.
The onus is on getting the blend between academic study and practical experience.
Hertfordshire Business School is highly respected – out of 150 business schools in the UK; it is in the top 20 for the impact of our research on business.
Professor Ward believes the business school can help Hertfordshire companies, allowing them to tap into the huge talent within the business school population.
“If you hear a company ask: ‘How can I grow my business?’ – then consider the fact that we have 7,000 talented, ambitious and sparky students who want to make their mark in the business world. You could say the business school is the best employment agent in the region!”
As Professor Ward explains the school has incredible research capabilities and the impact of the research on the business community is measured nationally and it is truly “world class”.
Hertfordshire Business School also works with the likes of Harvard and Imperial College so knowledge is not only being developed but shared.
Indeed connectivity between universities, local councils, Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), regional, national/ international firms and business groups, is the essential ingredient for sustained businesses growth and development.
It is about finding bridges across the business community and improving operations and performance through new ideas and perspective.
Professor Ward is a new board member at the local Chamber of Commerce. He believes the Chamber plays a pivotal role in drawing talent together and enabling companies to utilise the broad range of skill sets on their doorstep.
“We understand as business academics some of the things that drive international and national competitiveness – this is captured in the diamond model. The brilliance of a diamond is in the facets. Do you need entrepreneurship in the region? Yes, but that is just a facet. You also need strong competitors, demanding customers, supporting finance and legal firms; regionally engaged universities and co-ordinating networks like the Chamber to make the connections.
In addition to providing young students with the chance to study at one of the country’s best business schools (with work placement opportunities both local and around the world), this year the University of Hertfordshire launched a new course for SME owners and managers – Help to Grow: Management.
The course is designed to boost businesses’ performance, resilience, and long-term growth.
A specialist team made up of SME experts, Hertfordshire Business School lecturers, experienced business mentors and leading entrepreneurs, provide invaluable insight to local small businesses.
“So far we have had two cohorts – and both these courses have been fully subscribed,” Professor Ward says.
“Some people are talented entrepreneurs –it just comes natural. But we can help them to be even better by showing how they can harness the talent they have to achieve more. We connect them with a business mentor and the aim is to eek out from them the understanding they already have but may not be fully aware of”.
He adds: “The feedback has been phenomenal. Almost everyone prior to going on the course asked about the time commitment. Once on the course, nobody asked that question again!”
Help to Grow will continue to run indefinitely, assuming government funding (which covers most of the cost) remains in place.
Jean is intensely proud of the business that has been built on the foundation of a loyal and dedicated team of people.
Sharp-aX has a direct focus on ERP software development and business to business SME support for the wholesale and distribution industries.
As managing director, Jean understands the importance of a motivated, engaged and loyal team, essential to drive the company forward.
“We have no answer phone!! We prefer to speak and listen to our customers.”
People are clearly happy to stay with the business. So, in terms of good management, what is Jean getting right?
“I think the key factor is ensuring everyone here has a voice. Our Monday morning meetings illustrate this. Whether it is head of quality control or our web manager, key people in our business with different skill sets are encouraged to share their ideas. They do and they feel involved”
From the sales team out on the road, the communication is about responding to what the customers are telling them. “If one of our sales team says ‘if we had this feature we could get this order’ we will then look at ways to make this happen. We develop our software on demand – from our customer base feedback.”
Seemingly, clear and timely communication is just as important within the team as it is with the hard-won customer base. Jean elaborates:
“If a customer rings our premises from 7am with an issue, they will get a response and receive help. The very fact that they have spoken to someone who understands the severity of their problem is hugely important to them.”
She adds: “Our business is very much based on trust and showing customers that they matter. If you allow customer requests to sit amongst 100 other emails, you are not doing a good job.”
The team at Sharp-aX is now 28 strong. In terms of recruitment, Jean says the company is well known and respected in the industry. This makes attracting new talent relatively easy. The company also has a track record of helping local college leavers and graduates get their careers off the ground.
It has been a good year for Sharp-aX, winning two international certifications (ISO 90001 and ISO27001), 5 Star Trustpilot and our customer base is thriving.
As for the relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and how it has benefited the business, Jean is fulsome in her support.
“The Chamber is really proactive. If they haven’t heard from us for a while they call and ask: ‘what’s happening’.”
The local connections the Chamber offers through its’ meetings and events is appreciated too.
“We met a local independent broker Ashbourne Insurance through the Chamber and were able to save hundreds of pounds on business and personal insurance costs. Another Chamber member Wagada, a local digital marketing company helped us rethink our marketing strategy and we are delighted with the results. We must also not forget the great service from our other Chamber members : Hillier Hopkins and SA Law.”
As Jean explains, these companies follow the same good business principles as Sharp-aX – that is a personal approach, listening to customers needs and delivering precisely what is required.
We have no answer phone!! We prefer to speak and listen to our customers.
Jean Freeman is the founder and managing director of Sharp-aX, a computer systems and business development company, based in Berkhamsted.
A CEO keen to equip ambitious accountants with the top-level skills needed to succeed has set up his own talent academy.
one of the Chamber’s
–
professionals on his threeyear programme with a plan to increase the number to five in the next six months.
The business leader is keen to guide the cohort and create a succession plan for his business.
Rakesh said: “I realised it’s quite hard to attract people at a senior level; sometimes they’re set in their ways and
it takes a lot of adjustment time. I thought if I could start with the people who have the right attitude, a positive nature, good communicators, some reasonable soft skills, I can mentor them.
“I looked back and some of my trainees have become partners in top 20 firms now and I reflected on the feedback I’ve had and I knew I had the secret recipe to create good accountants.”
Rakesh wants to create growth prospects for those attending his academy.
“People coming through could have the opportunity to specialise, to create future different revenue streams, allowing us to offer a greater range of services. That will help organic growth.
“The academy will obviously create opportunities for me, but it can also create good accountants for others.”
The academy programme includes structured training within the business, supported professional training from an outside body to enable them to have a qualification at the
end of the three years, and the chance to become involved in more complex work to develop their skills through shadowing colleagues.
“It is fast progression in a structured three years with a programme designed around the key elements.
“It’s always the plan that they will stay, but either way, they will be better accountants and better fast-track prospects. They’ll have a more rewarding career than if they hadn’t joined the academy.”
Dacorum embraces the new town of Hemel Hempstead, the historic market towns of Berkhamsted and Tring as well as picturesque villages and rural locations.
Situated just north of London, the area is easy to access by road, rail and by air, which allows for excellent infrastructure for work opportunities.
There is a wealth of arts, culture, museums, and fascinating attractions such as historic Berkhamsted Castle, Tring Natural History Museum and Hemel snow centre, Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, waiting to be discovered. The area offers a multitude of options for eating out from modern restaurants, cafes and pubs offering a variety of cuisines and styles from around the world.
Hemel Hempstead is perfectly placed on the edge of London within around a 30-minute drive or train ride of the capital, benefiting from the road links of the M1, M25 and A41, two mainline rail stations along with easy access to five airports. Hemel Hempstead is a place of significant businesses set within beautiful countryside including the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town and area offer a fantastic and great value quality of life with attractions for all the family, some great places to live, a variety of employment opportunities, all within an environment to envy, a compelling urban green experience.
The Maylands Business Park is home to over 650 companies, employing over 20,000 people and there are plans to expand further as part of the Herts Innovation Quarter (Herts IQ) Enterprise Zone. Dacorum Borough Council also believes that exporting is essential to building the UK and local economies, securing new jobs, and creating new opportunities. In partnership with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the council launched a 12-month project of funded international business support to identify and work with 20 Dacorumbased companies that are interested in substantially expanding into new markets.
Hemel Hempstead is a place of opportunity and growth. The Hemel Garden Communities programme aims to create up to 11,000 homes and 10,000 jobs to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead by 2050. The whole of Hemel will be transformed to become a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative town. Safety, biodiversity and healthy lifestyles will be the priorities, as well as responding to the challenges of the climate.
Dacorum Borough Council is also developing the Hemel Place and Town Centre Strategies, which will tie together the wide range of ambitious projects happening in Hemel. The council launched the Hemel Place Board in November 2021 bringing together external partners and senior stakeholders including Government Departments, the NHS, Herts CC, West Herts College, Voluntary and Community organisations and major local businesses to guide and oversee the new strategies and co-ordinate actions.
Hemel Hempstead, having been one of the first New Towns, it is reinventing itself for the 21st century with a series of vibrant new Garden Communities bringing housing and employment, transformation of the urban centre into a place for living, leisure and work, the potential repurposing of development areas near to the town accompanied by a cultural renaissance. The emphasis will be on animating and activating the place with a focus on people and the use of space not just buildings.
To find out more about the Hemel Garden Communities and Hemel Place projects, visit www.hemelgardencommunities.co.uk and www.thinkhemel.com
At Infusion Group, we want every business leader to have all the tools they need to make their business truly brilliant. Our range of solutions improve planning, process, and performance, helping our clients to become smarter, more profitable businesses today and setting them up for a brighter tomorrow. The Business Owners we work with are seeking to grow their business, step away from the day to day, or exit, so we help them build a business that isn’t solely reliant on them.
Our founder lives in the market town of Tring, so a short drive from an office was a ‘must have’. We found the fabulous barn at Orchard House in Gaddesden Row and the rest is history. Most of our clients are based in South-East of England, including Dacorum and surrounding areas.
There are so many benefits to being based in Dacorum and it’s something our colleagues, clients and wider community really appreciate. Gone are the long commutes in and out of the city we had for many years; now we welcome peace and quiet, beautiful views, fresh air, and dog walks at lunch time. Most importantly, it’s a fantastic environment for learning where our clients can step away from the hustle and bustle of the day to day and focus ON their business rather than IN it - one has even called us the Champneys of the business world!
Dacorum is a wonderful place to be, one we’re proud to call home.
For information visit www.infusion-group.co.uk Healthcare without the hassle
OSD Healthcare, a family-run business was set up just off Boundary Way in Hemel Hempstead in 2016. Since then, the clear focus has been on providing accessible, affordable and stress-free private healthcare for the Dacorum community - and further afield.
OSD Healthcare is ideally placed to reach patients from further afield as well as those living close by.
The company’s choice of the Dacorum borough as home is in large part due to the founders being local - the links were already well established. But another benefit for basing operations here were the ideal road connections. The M1, M25 and A41 are all very close.
CEO Ray Guirguis, who joined the firm in 2020, points out that the community focused OSD Healthcare proposition has been well received. “The saying we have here is ‘it’s beyond healthcare’. We are ideally located and easy to get to with free parking. Our patients are put at ease from the start – there is a seamless pathway, and we ensure our patients get the most out of their appointments”.
He adds: “The idea is to offer a premium level of healthcare in the local area at an affordable cost.”
Ray outlines how the business has evolved over the years and engaged with the local community. “We actually rebranded as OSD Healthcare about three years ago – and some locals still refer to us as One Stop Doctors. Initially we provided primary care and dental services but have expanded significantly since then.”
Ray took up the reins as CEO, in March 2020 just as the Covid pandemic was beginning to grip the country. Construction work had already started on OSD’s new day care surgical facilities. While the hospital space was not operational in time to help with the fight against the pandemic, OSD Healthcare was one of the first able to offer Covid testing locally at its primary care centre.
Post-Covid, OSD Healthcare’s surgical facility is now up and running. And its’ strong partnership with the NHS has continued, offering support when it is needed. This has meant helping deal with the backlog of appointments due to the pandemic.
“For instance, we have been able to help local NHS trusts by providing mammography screening services,” Ray explains.
Founded in 1992, Quanta is a specialist recruitment consultancy delivering recruitment solutions to leading organisations worldwide within the Life Science, Renewable Energy, Data Centre & IT industries. Their mission is “to be the de facto recruitment partner to their clients and candidates”. Quanta is a family run business based in the bustling, historic market town of Berkhamsted on the western edge of Hertfordshire, named the best place to live in Southeast England, 2018 by The Sunday Times. A key benefit of being situated in the Dacorum area is that they are just a mere 30 minutes on the train from Euston and near the M1 and M25 motorway.
Berkhamsted has the advantage of being a stone’s throw from London while still maintaining the kind of charm you can only find in such an English town. This, they feel, is why they have people that work for them coming from a 40-mile radius, ranging from Bicester, Loughton and Reading, and this supports their efforts in attracting a diverse workforce to come and work at their offices.
The Quanta team enjoys taking advantage of the plethora of local bars, pubs and restaurants in the area. More importantly, Quanta proudly supports four local charities by holding regular fund-raising events. The charities they support include DENs Dacorum, The Pepper Foundation, The Swan Youth Project, and Thomley.
Dacorum has an exciting cluster of fastgrowing tech companies, driving innovation across both consumer and business-tobusiness markets. The complex chips powering this innovation are built from semiconductors – an indispensable foundation for modern technologies. From smartphones and PCs to cars and data centres, the demand for these products has accelerated, pushing manufacturers to build better, more efficient chips.
“Countless tech products begin their life in Kings Langley, with Imagination’s marketleading semiconductor IP powering over 11bn devices globally. We recognise the true value of the engineering talent that made this possible, and we’re excited to have grown our company to 900 people in just the last 12 months – with our sights set on finding an additional 150 engineers, to further expand our home base here in Hertfordshire,” says David Harold, CMO at Imagination.
In Imagination’s recent industry report, the company has devised a strategy for the UK to address the ongoing challenges in the semiconductor sector. Investing in research and development is a key pillar for this approach, alongside championing the UK’s strengths in IP design and talent. Imagination’s specialist division for R&D, IMG Labs, helps develop resources at a local level for a global impact.
In addition to enabling a strong pool of tech talent in the area, Imagination is committed to strengthen the local community. Its CSR committee coordinates key activities in this space and manages ongoing support for Hertfordshire-based charities such as DENS and The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Dacorum is a strong area for technological development and Imagination remains focused on enabling this progress for the district on all levels.
Quanta is a family run business based in the bustling, historic market town of Berkhamsted on the western edge of Hertfordshire, named the best place to live in Southeast England, 2018 by The Sunday Times.David Harold, CMO at Imagination Quanta The Gatsby 2021
Situated in Dacorum, between Hemel Hempstead and Berkhamsted, our team at NFU Mutual Hemel Hempstead work from a refurbished converted barn.
We pride ourselves on being part of the community and support individuals and businesses with our complete offering of insurance, financial planning services, and risk management solutions.
Following the arrival of Jason Raven as Senior Partner, the agency also has a renewed focus on larger corporate and commercial business. Jason has been expanding the commercial team to support a comprehensive insurance offering in the Hertfordshire area, for businesses that value long term relationships and the personal face to face approach that NFU Mutual are well known for.
Five good reasons to choose NFU Mutual for your business
Partnerships – We partner with a wide variety of UK trade associations enabling us to fully understand your industry’s challenges and issues.
Experience – From small artisan producers and boutique hoteliers, to large scale food and drink manufacturers and property professionals, we’ve got you covered.
Mutuality – It means we’re different. Instead of making decisions based on shareholder’s needs, we make them with your best interests in mind.
Local Presence – As your local agency of 295 offices nationwide, we would love to meet you face to face to know more about you and your business.
Socially Responsibility – As part of the NFU Mutual charitable funding, we chose to donate and volunteer to support Sunnyside Rural Trust as our local charity.
Thomas Stephenson is the latest addition to the team and alongside Chris Wilcox is focussed on creating, developing and maintaining relationships with businesses by offering advice on how NFU Mutual can support and protect what’s important to them.
Hertfordshire LEP
Hertfordshire 2022 returns
person
The Opportunity Hertfordshire prospectus will set out Hertfordshire’s global potential across our
sectors, how we are powering
and
and creating a
performing, highly skilled
During the day we will debate:
• How we can deliver a
• How we can attract dynamic, fast-growing businesses and stimulate innovation
• How we can reduce the socio-economic gap
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a business-led, multi-sector partnership focused on accelerating economic growth, job creation and raising workforce skills within the local area. Working in partnership with businesses, government, investors and not-forprofit, the LEP puts people at the heart of growth.
With a dedicated team focused on delivering inward investment, key sector, clean and inclusive growth activity, business growth, skills leadership functions and providing detailed economic intelligence, we provide a comprehensive package of support to businesses, employers and local partners.
Our reach goes beyond county borders by promoting Hertfordshire as a great place to live, work and do business. With an economy delivering £41.57bn for UK plc annually, abutting a global city and home to several excellent significant sectors including creative media, film and TV, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, the LEP delivers a range of initiatives to continue powering its growth.
Find out more –www.hertfordshirelep.com
We are entering one of the most critical periods in human history.
Climate change, burgeoning human populations, dwindling natural resources and geopolitical upheaval have created a near perfect storm of challenges for us to tackle. Perhaps more than any other sector, agriculture sits at the centre of this uncertainty and could yet turn out to be either the hero or villain.
The next decade will be pivotal if we are to help tackle the world’s problems and not exacerbate them. Key to agriculture having a positive global impact, will be innovation – turning cutting edge scientific research into practical, workable solutions that feed billions of extra mouths from less land and smarter use of agrochemicals.
Rothamsted Enterprises, formerly known as Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprises (RoCRE), was set up in 2015 to achieve just that, by harnessing the world-renowned scientific expertise of Rothamsted Research to the disruptive power wielded by true agri-food visionaries, creating one of the most dynamic, vibrant and well-connected R&D communities found anywhere in Europe.
to
Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking three influential leaders to join its board and help shape the economic vision for the county.
Hertfordshire LEP Board is responsible for setting the vision and strategic priorities for economic development in the county and is accountable to the local communities it serves. The Board is the LEP’s ultimate decision making authority. It is comprised of public and private sector members who work collaboratively to ensure that decisions are made in the interests of promoting inclusive growth, prosperity and improved productivity in the local area and beyond. Board Members give up their time voluntarily and are unremunerated.
The LEP is seeking to appoint a new Chair, Business and Not for Profit Representative.
In September, Hertfordshire LEP Chair Mark Bretton announced his decision to step down. For the past six and half years, business leader Mark Bretton has brought his considerable acumen and wideranging experience to the role of Chair of Hertfordshire LEP. During his tenure, the economy has withstood unprecedented pressures from Brexit to a global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Since 2019, Mark Bretton has also chaired the LEP Network, volunteering his time to set the overall policy direction and strategy for 38 LEPs across England.
He said: “In the past six and half years I have had the privilege to work with some extremely talented people on our Board, Sub Boards, in our Executive and amongst our stakeholders. Chairing the LEP and having the opportunity to chair the LEP Network, the body that brings all 38 LEPs in England, is an unrivalled experience. To help create, fund and then see so many excellent projects come to fruition and the impact that they make in our county is amazingly rewarding. I hope you will consider applying and I would be happy to chat to you if you would like to know more.”
Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing, is also stepping down in her role as Not for Profit Representative. She said: “Being a Hertfordshire LEP Board member gives you a fantastic opportunity to play an active role in supporting your local community. The LEP helped residents through the COVID-19 pandemic and has driven forward projects and programmes that have lasting impact on local people and businesses, from tackling skills development and business support to providing transformative buildings and spaces that unlock the growth potential of our places. A personal highlight has been overseeing the incredible regeneration of Watford during my time as Chair of the Strategic Infrastructure Board.”
Closing Date: Sunday 13th November 2022
Interview Date: 28th/29th November 2022
For an informal conversation about this exciting opportunity, contact Sally Stanley: 07771 866498 or email sally.stanley@hertfordshirelep.co.uk
Why does it feel so difficult?
Why can’t we just buy a simple gadget to fix our problems?
These are questions you may have asked or heard in our conversation on the climate emergency and dealing with our buildings.
I wish I could say it can be easy and that I have just the device you are looking for.
We are being asked to make difficult decisions, and in the face of rising prices, it feels too much to be told to spend money on making buildings better. The challenge is that many decisions are not going to give us a quick answer or payback, even though we are faced with making choices for future generations.
But what is it about financial decisions? Plenty of people are buying EVs and shopping locally. Why is it tricky to start making the right changes to our houses and buildings?
My comparison falls down here in expecting consumer product demand to translate into buildings. We are so much more invested in our homes than our cars because we have a different emotional connection. It is a place to be with family.
We want our homes, schools and workplaces to be safe and the perfect temperature. We do not like the inconvenience of changing them. We want our bricks and mortar to be worth more after we have purchased it and the value to keep rising. We do not ask this of many of our purchases.
The thing that seems to be holding us back is change itself because making changes to our homes is disruptive, confusing and uncertain.
I have also met people who say they want to change but are waiting for us to decide what is the best technology.
It is clear that we all need some help making the change.
As many in this same space will state, you cannot change something if you do not know how it works in the first place.
How many people know the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of their house? For those who drive, I suspect you know your mpg and emissions. Your dashboard will tell you.
So let’s use the data from our buildings, starting with your smart meter. I know my house emitted 2.22 tonnes of CO2 last year, and I also use an app from National Grid to advise me when I am more likely to be using green energy. It means our high-load devices are switched on at the right time. This simple switch of consumer behaviour comes from using my house dashboard.
Once you have taken a few quick wins, the next thing is to get the right advice. How many people have had an extension built and asked the builder to do the same as last time? Did you ask for the best performance or just the minimum? Keep it simple and don’t rock the boat…
But our system is not helping. You need the right future standards in place.
You need a net zero standard, and so you need to find a qualified architect, retrofit coordinator or builder on this journey. What you are trying to achieve is balance, ensuring that your emissions are low and then balanced off with renewable energy.
We use a simple model to show this, adapted from trusted, cross-industry guidance. LETI (Local Energy Transformation Initiative) gives us a clear target for energy consumption and clear steps to achieve this balance.
We are becoming familiar with the renewable energy technology, but we are less conversant in whole-house retrofitting. We are not talking very much about mechanical ventilation systems, smart energy grids and building batteries either.
But our low carbon future sits in bringing these elements together in a cohesive system.
Remembering that we have 29 million homes, 300,000 public buildings and countless commercial properties to fix, this represents a substantial opportunity for businesses which can offer this system approach.
Using all the technologies and methods at our disposal, the future is already deliverable.
We have schools, homes,
universities, leisure centres, police stations and offices all constructed to a net zero design using high insulation values, triple glazing, mechanical ventilation, smart energy systems, PVs and heat pumps.
We do need some government help to improve the legislative landscape to assist in the retrofit market. Taxation and incentives are not right, and the last round of Green Home Grants was poorly delivered. We need to keep pushing our elected leaders to create a positive landscape where investment in future energy efficiency and climate resilience is normal.
But the real change is already here, and we are the ones who need to ask for better. We have the information, and we have businesses and training providers to provide the solutions and workforce. We have to want to change. We have to be the change.
WILLMOTTDate: 08/11/2022
Time: 10:00 -
Herts Chamber have partnered with Better Business for All (BBFA) and the NHS to host a webinar on Tuesday 8th November, to provide businesses in Hertfordshire with advice on managing staff with Long Covid.
It is estimated that over 2 million people are suffering with Long Covid in the UK and the numbers continue to grow.
Many individuals experience difficulties with returning to work due to the nature of their symptoms and the complexity of the illness.
Support your staff and business by joining us in this hour long webinar which will provide an overview of Long Covid, as well as discussing
return to work issues and guidance on how to manage this.
The session will be led by Dr Harsha Master, GP Lead Covid Assessment and Rehabilitation, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust and Abby Minter, Specialist Occupational Therapist.
There will be chance for questions and answers during the session, plus an opportunity to find out about support and resources available.
Our speaker will be Sarah Roots, Executive Vice President, Warner Bros.
Studio Tours and Retail Destinations.
Sarah will discuss her journey, from starting off in operations and customer service roles, to being the international Executive Vice President for the organisation and having an active role in the development of tourism and culture in Hertfordshire.
Sarah Roots
Date: 10/11/2022
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Venue:
Members:
Our exceptionally popular Women in Leadership Conference will again be taking place next year at the luxurious Sopwell House Hotel, St Albans.
For this, our third annual conference, we will highlight the importance of skills and the part that role models play with inspiring girls and women to follow their career dreams and aspirations.
If you have a story to tell about your experiences and how you achieved your ambitions, or you know someone who has had an inspirational journey, please contact us for consideration to be included in our line up of speakers and panellists for this important conference.
Our November Chamber Lunch, sponsored by Stevenage Borough Council, will be taking place at the Cromwell Hotel, Stevenage on Thursday 17th November 2022.
Come along to this event for a delicious lunch, a chance to catch up with existing business contacts and use the opportunity to meet and network with new potential clients.
We will be joined by guest speaker Tom Pike, Strategic Director, Stevenage
Borough Council, who will be talking about progress with the regeneration project and how the life sciences ambitions for the town are delivering a number of opportunities locally in terms of investment, jobs and wider economic growth.
Date: 03/03/2023
Time: 09:00 - 15:45
Venue: Sopwell House, St Albans
• Tom Pike
Date: 17/11/2022
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Venue: Cromwell Hotel, Stevenage
Members: £39.00 +VAT Non-Members: £49.00 +VAT
Inward processing and outward processing are methods of claiming relief from Customs Duties, and in some cases VAT. One of the main benefits of these procedures is that they can have a substantial financial impact on the cost and profitability of a product.
This online, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited, course explains how both processes work and the information required to comply with HMRC regulations.
The content of this course includes:
• An introduction to Customs Special Procedures
• What is Inward Processing?
• What is AEO status and how may it assist being granted special procedures authorisations?
• An explanation of the terminology used such as equivalence, throughput period, rate of yield
• Jeff Lewis
• What is Outward Processing?
• Procedure Codes and what impact they have on these Customs Special Procedures
• How these procedures can impact Import Custom Duties and Tax
• Inward processing authorisation process
• The responsibilities of holders of special procedures authorisations
Hertfordshire Chamber are delighted to once again be holding our popular Christmas Chamber Lunch, sponsored by Beyond Governance, taking place in the Meadow Barn at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, Welwyn on Tuesday 6th December 2022.
We are looking forward to being able to celebrate Christmas this year and enjoying a delicious lunch with friends and colleagues at this beautiful venue set in picturesque country surroundings.
We will be joined by a panel of speakers, which includes our Patrons:
• Richard Behan, Chief Corporate Officer, CAE Technology Services
• Rakesh Dua, Chief Executive, DUA Accountancy & Consultancy
• Cheryl Luzet, Chief Executive, Wagada Digital
• What a Bill of Discharge is and what it is used for?
Date: 25/11/2022
Time: 09:30 - 12:30
Venue: Zoom Members: £350.00 +VAT Non-Members: £400.00 +VAT
The Christmas Lunch will be immediately preceded by our AGM, taking place at 11:30 – 12:00 in an adjacent room to the lunch.
To book your place at the AGM please go to the events pages of our website or email bookings@hertschamber.com
Please note, by booking onto the AGM this does not automatically secure you a place at our Chamber Lunch, which will need to be paid for online.
We are delighted to announce that we will also have a special performance from the London Community Gospel Choir.
Date: 06/12/2022
Time: 12:00 - 14:30
Venue: Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, Welwyn
Members: £49.00 +VAT Non-Members: £59.00 +VAT
This online, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited, course cover how to research and find new partners and method of management. The course will also cover the important element of Agreements and will cover the key content.
Content includes:
• What is an Agent
• What is a Distributor
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of an Agent
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Distributor
• UK Competition Law
• How to find Agents and Distributors
• Considerations when appointing an agent or distributor
• What are three of the main types of agreement with distributors and agents
• Distributor and Agent Agreements
• Agreement content
• Managing Agents and Distributors
Date: 09/12/2022
Time: 09:30 - 12:30
Venue: Zoom Members: £350.00 +VAT Non-Members: £400.00 +VAT
Sending out your own press releases is a free way of raising awareness of your business. And when it comes to media coverage, it’s arguably better than advertising because stories published by local, regional or industry news websites and papers represent third-party endorsement. So, it’s not you saying how fantastic your business or service is, it’s basically somebody else saying it.
But how do you do it, how do you establish what’s going to grab the attention of journalists, how do you angle a press release, how do you even write one, where do you start, what do you do with the press release when it’s drafted? What do you do with the coverage you’ve achieved?
Join us and learn from an expert with a proven track record of success.
Learning objectives:
• Gain an
• Learn how to
• Understand how to build
how to
out
• Know how to amplify
Speakers at a county sustainability conference said responsibility for cutting emissions lay with all organisations and that they needed a clear plan to make it happen.
Almost 200 business representatives attended the Herts Chamber of Commerce’s first sustainability conference, chaired by Richard Potter, Director of Digital Strategy at Microsoft, where guest speakers included ITV’s Laura Tobin, a qualified meteorologist and environmentalist, and Steve Malkin, founder and CEO of Planet Mark.
The event, which supported the aims of the Chamber’s Herts Go Green and Grow initiative, brought together
businesses looking for guidance on reducing their carbon output as the UK’s 2050 net-zero target draws closer.
Briege Leahy, Herts Chamber CEO, said: “Listening to the excellent speakers at the event outlined the size of the task facing us, and also emphasised to everyone that it is challenge that we are facing together. No one is alone and there is plenty of support available.
“All the steps we collectively take will improve society and help us play our part in protecting the planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Steve spoke in depth about the practical steps businesses can take to achieve net zero, acknowledging the pressure
that SMEs in particular are under to demonstrate how they are cutting carbon emissions at a time when the energy crisis is affecting us all.
Weather presenter Laura used the platform to reveal everyday steps that anyone can take in a bid to protect the planet, showing that responsibility sits on everyone’s shoulders.
Lynne Ceeney, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Hertfordshire County Council, attended the conference at Rothamsted Enterprises, Harpenden, to talk about how the council is working to become a more environmentally sustainable organisation.
Breakout sessions topics included carbon calculation, nature’s recovery, cloud technology and futureproofing urban environments.
For more information on the Chamber, visit hertschamber.com
Businesses have a significant role to play in ensuring Hertfordshire achieves its net-zero goals in line with the UK’s 2050 target.
You may be tempted to think that Climate Change is an issue for large companies and governments and that SMEs have no part to play. But think again.
Fiona Edwards, JPA Workspaces
Almost 50 Ukrainians attended the event organised by one of the Chamber patrons to seek advice on finding work after being forced to leave their homes because of the Russian invasion.
Briege Leahy, Chief Executive Officer at the Chamber, said: “So many people have had to leave behind their family and friends, their homes, and jobs, to escape the shocking Russian attacks.
“They deserve all our help to be able to find work to have some normality in their lives. We were delighted to support this initiative by one of our patrons.”
The event was hosted by the drinks giant at its Hemel Hempstead head office.
Sudeep Shetty, Chief Information and Transformation Officer at Britvic, said: “Finding ways to help our communities is so important to us as a business. We have seen the devastating impact the Russian invasion has had on Ukrainian citizens forced to leave their homes – and the difficulty in finding a job as a result.
“It was fantastic to welcome almost 50 Ukrainians to our head office where they received refurbished laptops to aid their job search, expert recruitment advice on interviews and CVs, and access to the latest information on open opportunities.”
Ukrainians were offered transport via taxis, carpools, and a minivan to the site where over 30 Britvic employees used one of their volunteering days to host and support them throughout the day. Representatives from the Chamber were on hand at the event to offer extra advice and share opportunities in the area.
Briege added: “It was wonderful to see one of the Chamber’s patrons leading the way with this pioneering community event and I hope those who attended will have found it useful and will be able to find jobs.”
#KeeptheHeartinHerts
The Herts Chamber was on hand to offer practical support when Britvic hosted a careers fair for Ukrainian refugees.
Since before the Second World War, industrial developments occupied the site and therefore, serious remediation was required prior to any construction works commencement.
The site was acquired from BOCM Pauls who undertook the demolition to ground slab level of their former Mill in approximately 2009; procured and developed by 3663 Developments to provide new storage and distribution depot for Bidfood. Bidfood is one of UK’s largest foodservice companies with approximately thirty depots across the country serving schools, hospitals, restaurants, leisure operators, hotels, and franchised food outlets. The proposed Glasgow depot will supplement existing depots in Scotland at Edinburgh, Oban, Larbert and Inverness.
Immediately to the south of the site is Laighpark Waterworks and the M8 Motorway whilst to the west across White Cart Water is the Glasgow Airport area. On the north side of Wright Street is the Westway Industrial, Distribution and Office Park.
Other factors include parking for Bidfood’s fleet of refrigerated delivery vehicles (50 excluding docks), vehicle wash and fueling areas, unfettered access for HGV deliveries and accessible waste packaging recycling storage area. The design of the building has been located to run parallel to the White Cart Water boundary with loading docks positioned on the Eastern side of the Depot providing shelter from the prevailing Westerly winds and rain.
Current Depot requirements meant that approximately 40% of the site was set aside for future development for Class 4, 5 or 6 purposes.
The two areas of offices at ground floor augment the warehouse operation in provision of staff changing and welfare facilities, goods-in, fleet transport and warehouse management. The upper floor provides logistics support, customer services, sales, training and meeting rooms
A feeder from the main access to the site provides entry for the two areas of car parking which total 144 spaces of which six are disabled spaces.
A feature of the design is the decision to construct the Warehouse offices external to the main building between the two sets of docks which gives the operations team an excellent view of all vehicle movements and frees up internal space.
KMG Partnership design for a Brownfield site transforms a 12. acre land into a Class 6 Storage and Distribution depot for Bidfood in Glasgow, Scotland.
The 2 storey offices are set within the main building and face north towards Wright Street and east over the yard.
The warehouse is a traditional twin bay steel portal frame structure with the added feature of a curved apex.
Cladding consists of horizontal profiled steel sheeting with contrasting colour band at high level, paired with smooth concrete faced “ProWall” panels around the docks on the Yard Elevation.
The South East facing offices elevation blends into the Warehouse with the office entrances given prominence with the use of curtain walling and glazed canopies. The office extent is defined by the use of ribbon windows.
KMG Partnership provided architectural, structural, and civil engineering design in line with the RIBA Plan of Works. The planning consultation process began in December 2019 – Planning in Principle approval was achieved May 2020
Work on site commenced with Site Remediation in September 2020 with a view to complete the building in September 2021. Unfortunately, due to Covid, timelines had to be changed and Practical Completion is now set for December 2022.
There’s no denying that the legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the uncertainty for refugees in this country, and the rising burden on household budgets has had a sobering effect on the lives of our residents, businesses, charities and public sector organisations.
However, there are positives to emerge from this year, and I can honestly say I feel more optimistic about the future now, than at any other time.
This is in no small part down to the work we’ve been doing as a local authority to define our values, acknowledge the challenges and set out clear actions that will protect and improve our future.
We’ve described what we stand for and how we plan to get there in our new ‘Hertsmere Vision –Driving better futures’.
At the heart of our vision, which spans from now until 2027, is taking climate action and driving sustainable growth. It means everything we do is focused on building a better, more resilient, greener future for our residents and businesses.
Just to illustrate that, the climate action initiatives we’ve undertaken in the past year have been varied and numerous.
They include our new cycle hire scheme, Beryl Bikes, which launched last month in Borehamwood, and is aimed at encouraging more people to get active and choose a sustainable way of getting around.
The scheme allows users to make quick, easy trips across the town and surrounding areas. With one tap of your phone, you can hire a bike and get to work, meet friends, or pop to the shops. It’s a simple, easy alternative to jumping in the car and is better for you, the environment and our local communities.
In addition, last month, we received confirmation that our bid for funding, submitted in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, from the Local Government Association’s Net Zero Innovation Programme was successful.
The funding will be used to help us set up a Carbon Offset Fund Toolkit. Carbon offsetting is a practice by which an organisation can compensate for the unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions their activity generates, by participating in an activity which leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide.
In Hertsmere, it presents enormous opportunities for us to work with developers to offset unavoidable emissions generated when building homes, employment sites or infrastructure through innovative carbon reduction or removal projects, such as tree-planting, renewable energy solutions, investment in active or sustainable travel and energy efficiency improvements.
Our Carbon Offset Fund is one of a number of measures we’ve introduced in new planning guidance. Our three new Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) published last month also include detailed guidance on how we intend to promote sustainable transport and parking and how we will ensure biodiversity net gain at new developments.
Local authorities will soon have a legal duty to require new development takes place in such a way that biodiversity levels are increased as a result. With our new guidance, we’re getting ahead of the game. That’s because we recognise biodiversity net gain as a good thing for our borough and because we understand in the fight for our planet, we’ve no time to lose.
In the meantime, we know we need to take our businesses and residents on this journey. We’re offering Climate Action grants to businesses and community groups to be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy measures; projects that reduce waste, promote sustainable or active transport, or enhance biodiversity; or to support local, seasonal or sustainable food production. You can find out more at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/cacg
Following that, Hertsmere, in partnership with independent experts iChoosr and along with neighbouring Hertfordshire local authorities, launched a renewable energy group-saving scheme, Solar Together. More than 700 households in the borough registered their interest in the scheme.
After successfully securing multiple rounds of Green Homes grant funding, we’re now working with the Government’s new Sustainable Warmth scheme to offer residents most impacted by rising energy costs help to fund improvements in their homes. Among the measures we’re able to support are insulation, ventilation and heating upgrades, heating controls, solar panels and energy efficiency lighting. You can find out about it at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/sustainablewarmth
Bringing about behaviour change is never easy, but as a local authority, we’re supporting and encouraging residents to adopt a more sustainable way of life – and that goes for business too.
Earlier this year, we worked with other Hertfordshire local authorities, to hold a Grow Through Sustainability conference. It was a chance for businesses of all sizes to learn how they could take the first or next step towards a more efficient, profitable and sustainable way of working.
Going green isn’t just good for the planet, it makes business sense, but we know there are barriers which all companies face.
Hopefully our conference illustrated there is plenty of support out there.
Another aspiration set out in our Hertsmere Vision is to be enterprising. It means we’re committed to increasing the prosperity of our residents by being creative, innovative and investable. We don’t see this as in conflict with our other values. In fact we feel they complement and confirm each other.
For example, work is nearing completion on Sky Studios Elstree, the state-of-the art development in Borehamwood. As well as generating thousands of jobs and training opportunities for our area, Sky Studios Elstree has an ambition to be the most sustainable film and TV studio. A planning application for a further 10 new soundstages, just north of the site, has also been submitted.
Just down the road, the council-owned Elstree Studios recently unveiled its two new soundstages and ancillary workshops. The Platinum Stages, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable reign, has been designed to meet international space standards, uses innovative sustainability technology and is expected to create more than 800 jobs locally.
The new soundstages are the result of a multi-million pound investment by Hertsmere Borough Council and the government’s Getting Building Fund via Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). As part of our investment in the project, we committed to releasing £100,000 per year from the profits generated by the new stages for a Creative Fund. This money will be used to support the local creative industry, particular training and apprenticeships, business incubator schemes and start-ups in the creative sector.
As well as the Creative Fund, our new Economic Development Strategy sets out other measures we are taking to enable us to be enterprising and support innovation, including promoting investment; revitalising our town centres; enhancing public spaces; working with local schools and FE colleges and helping those members of our community who are long-term unemployed and feel most excluded by the jobs market.
We’re committed to doing the best by our existing and future residents, which is why earlier this year, we made the decision to set aside the current version of our draft Local Plan. We’re now working on a new version of the plan, which will guide development and influence how the borough changes over the short to medium term.
As part of that work, we will be inviting landowners, developers and agents to submit sites they know of with potential for development. Our emphasis will be on finding brownfield sites, areas which were once used for commercial or industrial purposes.
Please visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/callforsites for more information.
We’ve done so much in 2022, but we know there is more to be done. However, the clarity of our vision means we’re more focused than ever on building a brighter, more resilient and sustainable future. Why not get in touch to find out more.
When he turned 50, he started suffering with hayfever and struggled to administer the eye drops necessary to alleviate his itchy, sore eyes.
With a sensitive blink reflex, Bob realised that he needed some help to ensure the drops went into his eyes instead of around them. He says: “I had hoped there was something out there to help. But there was nothing. There were some devices, but they were cumbersome, expensive or impractical.”
So, Bob designed an applicator himself – and EziDrops was born.
Now in full production, with stockists including Boots, Amazon, Alliance Healthcare and RNIB,
and a growing export market, Bob credits the Herts Chamber’s Entrepreneur Foundation for giving him vital support on his journey.
“Early on I was looking for a lot of help and I was directed to the Chamber. It was during COVID, and I was sent a timely, free invitation to join the Entrepreneur Foundation, so I took advantage.”
“I have met so many people trying to set up a business without help, but there is a lot of help out there. Good people offering good help.
“The Chamber has been invaluable. Jeremy Bishop, Briege Leahy and Colin Spiller … we’d book a call and I was able to ask about key challenges. They’d give direct help for my concerns.
“Starting your own business is a lonely planet to be on, but there is a support structure there. You just had to reach out and look for them.
It’s also all about the basics, everyone doesn’t see. You have all these different challenges –the accountancy system, the CRM, marketing, legals – people just see the product, but there’s all the basic infrastructure to set up. I didn’t know any of this.
“So, to have all this support available is great.”
Having cut his teeth on EziDrops, Bob has now developed a similar product for administering ear drops and has quickly discovered there is a big market for it.
“I still have my day job. All the money from EziDrops goes straight back into the business to support its growth. I attend a lot of trade shows and I now have distributors in South Africa, Switzerland, Greece, Qatar, Australia…
“I did apply for Dragon’s Den at the beginning, but I didn’t get a response. Now I don’t need to!”
The Chamber are now looking for our third cohort of Entrepreneurs, so if you are aware of any new start-up businesses in Hertfordshire or any local entrepreneurs who would benefit from being supported by the Entrepreneur foundation, please ask them to get in touch with us at enquiries@hertschamber.com for more information and an application form.
Whilst celebrating entrepreneur month it is true to say that necessity is the mother of invention, a phrase that definitely rings true for IT and software specialist Bob Gokani.
The HGG&G Group is getting to grips with all kinds of issues from how to change behaviours for long-term sustainable transformation, to how to identify digital pollution and pooling our various collective tree-planting resources into Hertfordshire based sites.
On October 3rd, we heard presentations by Emma Cantu at Borough of Broxbourne on the Hertfordshire Climate Change Sustainability Partnership and Leanne Kenyon from Project Match who focused on the importance of behaviour change and intrinsically motivated teams to drive real change. Purposeful organisational culture is fundamental to retain and attract new staff, vital for business growth and hitting management KPIs yet finding the measures for this are not as easy.
The cross-industry nature of the group, which meets every month, provides different perspectives, different knowledge bases and a safe space to discuss and share the spectrum of challenges presented in uncertain and fast-moving times. We are working together to develop our understanding of the challenges, beginning to recognise our strengths and ability to influence in wider circles.
Several members visited the NetZero Festival on 27th and 28th September.
It was reassuring to hear from Chris Skidmore, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment, that the Net Zero review announced by the new government will not derail our Net Zero commitments. In fact, after over a decade of government policies and corporate action it may be a sensible thing to do.
The debates, however, revealed that there’s still a high degree of uncertainty about the “how” of the net zero. Familiar themes prevailed – the role of offsetting and carbon capture, just transition, scope 3, scaling up green innovation, challenges with green finance, quantitative lack of skilled green workforce, tension between green activism and steady transition, unintentional greenwashing, etc, albeit with higher degree of clarity.”
Whilst the Government are getting to grips with net zero, we can all contribute.
Of course, affordability and scale are key, but marginal gains, lots of tiny changes by all of us can and will make a huge difference.
Several members of the group presented at the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Sustainability Conference on 21st October including group founders, David Hawes from Net Zero International, Simon Littlewood from ESTU Global and Fiona Edwards from JPA Workspaces.
Also, look out for COP 27 coming up in early November following on from COP26 in Glasgow last year. What
will our world leaders make and how can we influence them?
We are working together to develop our understanding of the challenges, beginning to recognise our strengths and ability to influence in wider circles.
Organisations
One key challenge for getting companies on board with sustainable practices is the cost. Spending thousands (or hundreds of thousands) not on growth, but on replacing current ways of working with a more costly, but more environmentally friendly option seems like a bad move.
At the same time, companies will pay many thousands of pounds developing people performance programmes, employee engagement initiatives, recruitment and re-recruitment.
It’s time to start realising how much these things overlap.
In August this year, Leanne Kenyon, Founder and Director of ProjectMatch launched their People & Planet programme, a year-long initiative to
encourage both businesses and students to tackle environmental and sustainability issues, by focusing on the effects on, and opportunities for, people in work.
They are doing this by offering a 50% discount on research briefs for projects on a sustainability topic and all projects conducted on the theme in the year will
also enter a competition, where the top three student projects will win a collection of prizes. In addition, as part of this programme, for every matched project they will also donate a tree to the Forest of Marston Vale.
Briege Leahy, CEO, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce commented: “As we continue our support for the county’s businesses to take on the challenge of Net Zero, we believe this work from ProjectMatch to bring an understanding of the psychology underpinning sustainability action will be an important step and of great help to many businesses in Hertfordshire and surrounding counties.”
Icannot believe where this year has gone and already, we have reached our November/December issue of INSPIRE. It certainly has been a busy year, with not just issues from previous years still causing difficulties, but the Ukrainian war, economic and energy situations are affecting pretty much everyone. Let us hope the New Year brings some respite to what, currently, seems to be a never-ending litany of doom and gloom.
That said, and moving forward, you will have seen the article in this magazine on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which Herts Chamber is delighted to be leading across the county. May I also take this opportunity to stress how important the role of business is in this project.
Please do take the time to engage in both the survey and the forthcoming meetings within your sectors. Time spent now will be hugely beneficial to you going forward, as you help shape the future of skills education.
Any questions on the LSIP do please let me know as I am also co-ordinating this on behalf of the Chamber.
Since leaving the single market there have been many examples of businesses struggling to understand how to send material within passenger luggage where they are, for example, sending an engineer to carry out repairs along with their equipment.
A ‘Duplicate List’ can be used to avoid the need to pay Duty and VAT. We can assist you with this. The ‘owner’ of the goods must be travelling with the items and all the goods must return to the country of original export. This avoids the need for customs declarations as the ‘Duplicate List’ replaces that requirement. Most EU countries recognise this temporary form of import where all the goods passing through customs will be taken out of that country in the same state as they enter.
HMRC guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/taking-goods-out-uktemporarily/duplicate-list
You must list all the goods being transported on company letterhead paper, descriptions and identifying serial numbers, if possible, on 2 lists. Form C&E 1246 should be completed.
We successfully held our first revised export/import training course at the beginning of October, Understanding Export. It was well attended, and the participants are on their way to obtaining the nationally recognised BCC Foundation Award in International Trade.
We have several courses coming up namely:
Inward and Outward Processing - HMRC
Friday 25th November, 09:30 - 12:30
Import Documentation & ProcedureA Practical Guide
Friday 2nd December, 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 9th December, 09:30 - 12:30
Friday 13th January 2023, 09:30 - 12:30
For further details please refer to our website: www.Hertschamber.com
When passing through UK Customs you should present the form to customs, they may check the goods, but they must stamp, date and sign the form. When entering the country of destination, you should go through the red channel and declare the goods to customs there, again check, stamp sign and date.
When leaving the country, again declare and get a signature and stamp and the same when entering the UK.
We would advise that care should be taken in planning the use of Duplicate Lists. The passenger carrying the goods should have clear instructions on what to do, should have two sets of duplicate lists carrying 2 for UK customs and 2 for the country of arrival and departure. If you are travelling to a third or fourth country, then you need duplicate lists for each regime. It would be good practice to carry a schedule of the dates of entry/exit and the names and addresses of the companies that will be visited.
As with all things, nothing is by any means perfect. The Duplicate Lists can add a degree of risk if, for example, the Customs of a particular country are not au fait with it. The fool proof system is still an ATA Carnet,
which is internationally recognised and remains the most recognised and reliable method for moving goods through multiple jurisdictions whether accompanied or not.
We can assist with a Duplicate List. The Chambers most local to us for issuing of ATA carnets are London and Birmingham.
Customs have reminded us that the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF), has now closed for import declaration transactions and has been transferred to the new Customs Declaration Service. Any traders who make their own declarations, or if someone submits import and export declarations on their behalf must use this new system. The second stage, full closure of CHIEF will take place on 31 March 2023, by which time all export declarations must be moved over.
Businesses must make sure they have a customs agent who is ready to make their declarations on the Customs Declaration Service or set themselves up to make their own declarations.
Also, if your business is registered for VAT, you must follow the Making Tax Digital rules, whatever the size of your taxable turnover.
This means you must keep your VAT records digitally and submit your VAT returns to HMRC using compatible software.
If you need any assistance you can also watch this short video, ‘How do I sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT?’ on HMRC’s YouTube channel.
All that remains is, admittedly very early, for Frances and me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and all best including much better trading conditions in the New Year.
John Woodruffe Head of International Trade & Policy Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen restaurant group in Hertfordshire has picked up a top national restaurant award, winning the UK best restaurant (group) award in the Marie Claire Sustainability Awards 2022.
This is a national award run by the prestigious women’s magazine in recognition of “the brands, organisations, and products that are genuinely implementing change and building a better tomorrow”.
Andrei Lussmann, founder and director of Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen, a restaurant group with 5 restaurants in Hertfordshire, said: “I am extremely honoured to win this national accolade, and to share it with my hard-working staff.
“To be recognised as the UK’s winner in the sustainable restaurant group category means a lot to all of us, especially after the extremely challenging conditions of the past three years.
“I would like to thank Marie Claire for putting sustainability and the environment
at the top of their agenda and recognising that it is all businesses who should strive to be accountable, sustainable and planet-aware, and that this is not just a niche issue.”
Jenny Proudfoot, UK Features Editor at Marie Claire and Sustainability Awards Judge, said: “Lussmanns is clearly committed to its green mission, even rebranding as Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen last year. From its ethical food provenance and green energy to sustainable waste management and commitment to giving back to the community, this is truly a brand with a purpose.”
Companies were judged by a team from the magazine and their guest panel of more than 50 of the most highprofile sustainability experts, business founders, thought leaders and activists in the business.
Andrei Lussmann, founder and MD of Lussmanns Sustainable Restaurant Group, opened his first fish and grill restaurant in Hertford in 2004. Its success then led on to the opening of three more restaurants in Hertfordshire: St Albans, Hitchin and Harpenden. Berkhamsted brings the number of Lussmanns in Hertfordshire to five.
With energy bills in the news, businesses of all sizes are keeping a close eye on how much they’re using day to day.
We know that small business owners are working flat out to keep their business running and might not think they have the time - or brain space - to start thinking about this. However, there are some simple hacks out there which can help businesses limit their energy usage.
For instance, did you know that in a single three bedroom house, turning the thermostat down by one degree can save 10% annually, according to the Energy Saving Trust (citation) So, imagine what dialing down the temperature by one degree in your offices could do for your business.
Here are five more simple and effective ways for SMEs to reduce their energy consumption this autumn:
• Let’s start with a straightforward one! Don’t forget to switch off electrical equipment overnight
• Identify and defeat draughts and install wall insulation to stop heat disappearing
• Keep radiators, heaters and air vents clean to help them work more efficiently
• Make sure your thermostat is working correctly to make sure your boiler isn’t generating more heat than it needs to
• And consider a smart meter, which could help your business avoid spending more on energy than it needs to, by providing insights on how you’re using it
Smart meters offer SMEs a range of benefits which could come in helpful at the moment.
They could help make your budgeting and forecasting more accurate as you only get a bill for what you’ve used, and they could give you valuable insights into how your business uses energy, day, and night. Plus, they automatically send readings to your energy supplier – so you shouldn’t have to.
Donna has been a valuable team member for Herts Chamber of Commerce for over three years.
Her contribution to the Chamber and her leadership of the membership team has been outstanding, resulting in her
recent promotion from Head of Business Development to Commercial Director (Designate). Donna will continue to grow and develop the membership team and will actively engage and participate in all strategic and commercial activities associated with the future development of the Herts Chamber of Commerce.
Chief Executive, Briege Leahy, said: “I am pleased to share the news that Donna has now been appointed as Commercial Director (Designate). Joining us in 2019 as Business Engagement Manager, Donna has worked hard and continued to grow with the chamber she is an asset to our team and our members. I look forward to supporting and working with Donna in her new role.”
Nestled within 12 acres of the Hertfordshire countryside yet 5 minutes from the centre of St. Alban’s, Sopwell House is perfectly placed to host a conference, meeting or event of any size.
Organisers booking a day delegate package before 28th November for an event between January and March 2023, will receive complimentary breakfast baps (*) for all delegates on arrival.
For 24-hour Packages booked before 28th November a complimentary drinks reception (*) before dinner on the 1st night is provided, or if preferred complimentary breakfast baps on day of arrival.
Home-Start Herts is a local children’s charity supporting families struggling with challenges such as mental health, anxiety, isolation, family bereavement and neuro-diversity in children.
Being a self-funded charity, Home-Start Herts generate their own funding through five income streams: grants, fundraising events & campaigns, corporate, donations & statutory applications.
Home-Start Herts has a very exciting opportunity, which they would like to share with Herts Chamber members for your support. They have been chosen by Four Acre Trust to be part of a ‘Matched Funding Challenge’!
Home-Start would love you to be part of this challenge that will support local families, helping children thrive, particularly in these more challenging times.
Every eligible* donation Home-Start receives before 31st December 2022 will be DOUBLED by Four Acre Trust. Double the donation = Double the impact! *You are eligible if you have not previously donated (financially) to Home-Start Herts & donations must be a minimum of £500.
Whether you are looking to host a large conference or small meeting, a team building activity away day or a peaceful relaxing treat for your staff with the award winning Cottonmill Spa, Sopwell House can cater for your every need with 128 bedrooms and 15 flexible function suites catering for up to 300 delegates.
24 hr packages start from £279 per person, Day Delegate packages start from £80 per person for all meetings taking place early 2023.
(*) Minimum numbers apply (10 for day delegates or 20 for 24hr), drinks reception includes one glass of prosecco per person. Breakfast baps are bacon or egg.
£20,000 raised from new donors will be DOUBLED to £40,000 - which will support 15-20 vulnerable families.
Email liz@home-startherts.org.uk and she will send you the bank details.
For more information on Home-Start Herts visit www.home-startherts.org.uk
We support over 15,000 older people in Hertfordshire each year through our services, and aim to reduce the debilitating health impacts of loneliness and social isolation and to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
We also provide opportunities for people to socialise with others to ensure that people stay connected to their communities and benefit from the value that friendships can bring. We also offer a lot of practical support from form filling to cleaning
Age UK Hertfordshire is an independent local charity, supporting older people in Hertfordshire to lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives. We are a person-centred charity, and our aim is to help people to continue to live independently in their own homes and maintain choice and control over how they live their lives.
and shopping, and are continually looking at new services to develop to meet the growing and changing needs of the population
We know that there is a growing need for support services, as there are 206,500 people aged over 65 living in Hertfordshire, which is forecast to increase by 36% by 2040. Of these, there are currently 67,489 people living alone, which is also expected to increase by 39% in 2040. This shows that the need for help and support will increase significantly over time and so services are essential and need to grow and adapt to meet the growing demand.
This is a poignant time, as the impact of COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on older people compared to any other age group, plus the impact of the cost-of-living crisis – our service is needed now more than ever.
Help your local community! We need volunteers to support our befriending services and much more. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and help deliver the work we do in Hertfordshire. So, if you have
any spare time to spend with an older person and help make their lives less lonely please get in touch - spend an hour, to share an hour and change a life.
Fundraising - At Age UK Hertfordshire the money you raise will not only help us support local older people, but your efforts can also make a real difference in the way Hertfordshire thinks about ageing, so please help us by donating to us, fundraising for us or help sponsor us to be your charity of the year.
To find out more information please visit our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you to take part in Tea & Cake for HDAH. All the money raised will go to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you
Tea &
HDAH.
the
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you to take part in Tea & Cake for HDAH. All the money raised
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you to take part in Tea & Cake for HDAH. All the money raised will go to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
supporting
affected
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you to take part in Tea & Cake for HDAH. All the money raised will go to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
To celebrate our 20th Anniversary, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is inviting you to take part in Tea & Cake for HDAH. All the money raised will go to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so we can include them in our social media updates!
go to supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so we can include them in our social media updates!
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so we can include them in our social media updates!
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so we can include them in our social media updates!
It’s very easy to take part. Sign-up using the email address below and we will send you a host package with guidance and tips on how to get started. It is up to you to choose when, where and who attends your event. You can host it at home with friends, at work with colleagues or fundraise in your local community. Ideas, resources and full instructions are included in your package, as well as how to collect donations and send them to the charity. Be sure to take lots of pictures so we can include them in our social media updates!
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential support and signposting service. It is often the first port of call for a victim, survivor, family member, professional or perpetrator seeking help. As well as supporting around 2,400 callers a year plus many more through our website, the Helpline runs a confidential email service, holds educational sessions and raises awareness through campaigns and resources within the community.
Herts
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential support and signposting service. It is often the first port of call for a victim, survivor, family member, professional or perpetrator seeking help. As well as supporting around 2,400 callers a year plus many more through our website, the Helpline runs a confidential email service, holds educational sessions and raises awareness through campaigns and resources within the community.
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential support and signposting service. It is often the first port of call for a victim, survivor, family member, professional or perpetrator seeking help. As well as supporting around 2,400 callers a year plus many more through our website, the Helpline runs a confidential email service, holds educational sessions and raises awareness through campaigns and resources within the community.
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential support and signposting service. It is often the first port of call for a victim, survivor, family member, professional or perpetrator seeking help. As well as supporting around 2,400 callers a year plus many more through our website, the Helpline runs a confidential email service, holds educational sessions and raises awareness through campaigns and resources within the community.
details to:
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential support and signposting service. It is often the first port of call for a victim, survivor, family member, professional or perpetrator seeking help. As well as supporting around 2,400 callers a year plus many more through our website, the Helpline runs a confidential email service, holds educational sessions and raises awareness through campaigns and resources within the community.
your details to:
based in Albury, Herts. The
and lighting concepts as well as the overall look. On winning the award Andrew said he was “incredibly happy and humbled to have been chosen”.
The award was presented by Sally Phillips, Actress and Comedian and a representative from award sponsor Airflow, at the fantastic ceremony arranged by the Kbsa, the home specialist’s association.
named
of the
at the Kbsa Designer Awards 2022.
Helen Dobson, Director of Dobsons, who attended the awards with Andrew, was understandably delighted. “There is nobody more deserving of this award than Andrew. He created a truly stunning and practical luxury bathroom, making very clever use of space, colour and light. He truly is the best in the business when it comes to bathroom design. The whole team is so proud of him and what he has achieved.”
DENS is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship fundraising event on Friday 25th November at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School in Hemel Hempstead.
The Hertfordshirebased charity is challenging teams from businesses to experience rough sleeping on a cold winter night and raise sponsorship to support local people facing homelessness and food poverty.
The evening will kick off in style with a glow in the dark silent disco and magic tricks, before participants head outside to build their beds and brave a unique night under the stars.
DENS is also offering businesses the chance to host their own fundraiser with Your Sleepout. By signing up, companies will receive an exclusive toolkit to help make it a memorable night, whether they’re sleeping in an office, car park or anywhere else.
Imagination Technologies, the world-renowned semiconductor company based in Kings Langley, is a proud Business Partner of
DENS and is kindly sponsoring the event for a consecutive year. David Harold, Chief Marketing Officer, said: “We hope that by supporting DENS we allow them to focus on what they do best, as money coming in allows them to plan for the future.”
After taking part in the Sleepout last year, he added: “It was a truly humbling experience that really puts you in the position of understanding why DENS has to exist.”
Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager at DENS, said: “We’re delighted to have Imagination on board again and we hope that businesses will recognise this is a great opportunity for them to get involved with our charity.
“The Sleepout is such a unique team building challenge for any company, with the added benefit that they’re making a positive impact to help rebuild the lives of those most in need.”
Registration for the DENS Sponsored Sleepout is now open at www.dens.org.uk/sleepout
Businesses and individuals are increasingly conscious of making their events sustainable. We are proud of our sustainable credentials. When you hold an event at Rothamsted Manor or Rothamsted Conference Centre you can be sure we will do everything we can to ensure your event reduces its impact on the environment as much as possible.
Many of our buildings have smart heating/cooling systems.
We encourage guests to arrive on foot or by public transport.
We support the 20% less plastic movement, in line with the Meeting Industry Association‘s pledge.
Our Sustainable DDR package provides delegates with our excellent service and facilities while reducing plastic and waste.
Our chefs limit the amount of meat on our menus and offer many delicious vegan and vegetarian options.
We use local food providers wherever possible, thus reducing our carbon footprint. We offer virtual event planning and showrounds, rather than visiting in person.
All profits generated by Rothamsted Enterprises are ploughed directly back to Rothamsted Research, a non-profit research centre that focuses on strategic agricultural science to tackle climate change and focus on food security
u 24hr Solutions Ltd
Building Maintenance and Mechanical Engineering
Web: https://24hrsolutions.co.uk/
u Adrian Popescu - Mobile Apps for Businesses
Designing, building and delivering mobile apps for businesses
Email: adrian.popescu@eazi-apps.com
Tel: 07768 437443
Add: 15 Tall Trees St. Ippolyts Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 7SW
u Affinity Academy Ltd
Gymnastics, Cheer-leading and Parkour classes
Email: hello@affinityacademy.co.uk
Web: www.affinityacademy.co.uk
Tel: 07734 821290
Add: Unit 26 Plumpton House Plumpton Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0BL
u Align Studios
A local design and technology company providing considered branding and custom high tech website solutions
Email: matt@alignstudios.co.uk
Web: https://alignstudios.co.uk
Tel: 07496 187013
Add: 16 Lancaster Avenue Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1PB
u Aureum Finance Brokers
Property finance
Twitter: AureumFinance
Email: info@aureumfinance.co.uk
Web: www.aureumfinance.co.uk
Tel: 01908 414235
Add: 1st Floor, 5 Century Court Tolpits Lane Watford Hertfordshire WD18 B9PX
u Bishop’s Moves
Commercial Moves, Storage, FFE recycling of Furniture, Sustainability
Twitter: BishopsMove_
Email: greta.read@bishopsmove.com
Web: www.bishopsmove.com
Tel: 07593 107206
Add: 6 Grantham Green Borehamwood Hertfordshire
u Cheshunt Counselling CIC
Not for profit therapy agency
Email: cheshuntcounselling@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.cheshuntcounselling.com
Tel: 07961 027386
Add: Studio House Delamare Road Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9SH
u Christopher Stokes
Estate Agents
Email: cheshunt@christopherstokes.co.uk
Web: www.christopherstokes.co.uk
Tel: 01992 641500
Add: 10 Newnham Parade College Road Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9NU
u Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts
Charity engaging with local community groups and residence
Twitter: communityABEH
Email: admin@cvsbeh.org.uk
Web: https://cvsbeh.org.uk
Tel: 0300 1231034
Add: Nigel Copping Community Building Sanville Gardens Stanstead Abbotts Hertfordshire SG12 8GA
u Connected Photography
Photography
Email: josh@connected-photography.co.uk
Web: www.connected-photography.co.uk
Tel: 07788 628527
Add: Flat 4, 201 Watling Street Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7AQ
u Consulting Made Easy
Consultancy that supports the voluntary sector and charities
Email: hannieharris@gmail.com
Tel: 07976 388645
Add: 182 Prestwick Road South Oxhey Watford Hertfordshire WD19 6LE
u Crohns & Colitis UK
We are the UKs leading charity for Crohn’s and Colitis
Twitter: CrohnsColitisUK
Email: partnerships@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
Web: https://crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/
Tel: 01727 830038
Add: 1 Bishops Square Hatfield Business Park Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9NE
We partner with our clients to make web technology more inclusive, sustainable, with life-changing digital experiences for users
Twitter: Cyberduck_uk
Email: nikoo@cyber-duck.co.uk
Web: www.cyber-duck.co.uk
Tel: 020 8953 0070
1Add: 2 High Street Elstree Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 3EP
u Donna Reeves Mosaics and Ceramics
A moasiac and ceramic artist, making and selling my artwork in the shop & completing commissions for public spaces and private homes
Email: drmosaics@hotmail.com
Web: www.drmosaics.com
Tel: 07770 886764
Add: Opal & Iris 35/37 High Street Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9BD
u Dun-Bri Services Ltd
The UK’s largest and only specialist supplier of commercial and emergency vehicle lighting systems and auto-electrical products
Twitter: DunBriGroup
Email: emma.richards@dun-bri.com
Web: www.dun-bri.com/
Tel: 01763 274185
Add: Watermill Industrial Estate Aspenden Road Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 9JS
u Electric Umbrella
We create amazing live, interactive music experiences to challenge the perception about learning disabled people, and empower and enrich lives through music
Twitter: electricbrolly
Email: tim@electricumbrella.co.uk
Web: www.electricumbrella.co.uk
Tel: 075481 35628
Add: Ramilies, The Green Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6AY
u EM Tuition Education
Web: www.emtuition.org.uk
u Emerging Futures
Housing support for people struggling with homelessness and addiction
Email: info@emergingfutures.org.uk
Web: www.emergingfutures.org.uk
Tel: 0330 124714
Add: Salisbury Square Suite 19-25 Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 5BT
u First Call Contract Services Ltd
Our job is to find yours, so let’s get started
Twitter: FirstCall_CS
Email: lauren.brown@ firstcallcontractservice.co.uk
Web: www.firstcallcontractservices.co.uk Tel: 01992 635363
Add: Unit A, Sawyers Court Sturlas Way Waltham Cross Hertfordshire EN8 7BJ
u Forest Real Estate Estate Agent
Email: zach@forestrealestate.co.uk
Web: www.forestrealestate.co.uk
Tel: 01923 991007
Add: 1a Local Board Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 2JP
u Gilberts
Gilberts Chartered Accountants are based in St Albans and have over 100 years of experience across a wide range of industry sectors
Email: anabel.solender@gilberts.uk.com Web: www.gilberts.uk.com
Tel: 01727 750000
Add: Pendragon House 65 London Road Hertfordshire AL1 1LJ
u Hanbury Wealth Ltd Financial advisor Twitter: HanburyWealth Email: info@hanburywealth.co.uk Web: www.hanburywealth.co.uk
Tel: 01279 466706
Add: Apex House, 18 Hockerill Street Bishops Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2DW
u Headway UK Ltd Property Maintenance Twitter: UkHeadway Email: w.francis@headwayuk.com Web: http://headwayuk.com
Tel: 01438 221447
Add: 15 Weston Barns Hitchin Road Weston Hertfordshire SG4 7AX
u Healthy Air Technology Ltd
Air Purification manufacturer and designer Twitter: HealthyAirTech Email: admin@healthyairtech.com Web: www.healthyairtech.com
Tel: 01923 445885
Add: Oxford University Science Park Begbroke Oxford OX5 1PF
u Innovative Trials
Clinical trial patient recruitment company Web: https://innovativetrials.com/ u Insight MCL
We are a creative communications company delivering video and event production services to businesses and organisations of all sizes. We are experts in storytelling and engagement Email: info@insightmcl.co.uk Web: www.insightmcl.co.uk
Tel: 01992 260062
Add: Units 52 & 53 Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre Pindar Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0FJ
u Jazz Print Solutions Ltd
We specialise in design, print and embroidery on apparel. We also print on water bottles, mugs, coasters etc.
Email: info@jazzprintsolutions.co.uk Web: https://jazzprintsolutions.co.uk Tel: 01923 537201
Add: 12 Tavistock Road Watford Hertfordshire WD24 4HL
u JDF Media 19 Ltd
Media Email: jdfmedia19@gmail.com
Tel: 07971 684003
Add: 159 Canterbury Way Stevenage Hertfordshire SE1 4LG
u JG Drinks Ltd
Distilling, rectifying and blending of spirits Web: http://copperintheclouds.co.uk
u JosTec Ltd
JosTec are experts in numerous Building Regulations Compliance Services
Twitter: jostecltd
Email: info@jostec.co.uk
Web: www.jostec.co.uk
Tel: 01923 518923
Add: Suite 107 Moda Centre Stirling Way Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 2BW
u JS Electrical Contractors Ltd
Electrical contractor covering all types of domestic and commercial installations
Web: www.js-electric.co.uk
u Just Wireless Limited
Delivering IT services, tailor made to your needs
Email: info@justwireless.co.uk Web: www.justwireless.co.uk
Tel: 07341 843301
Add: 32 Lime Close Stevenage Hertfordshire SG2 9QB
u Kenyan Women in Hertfordshire Community Interest Company
Email: eva.m@kenyanwomenherts.com Tel: 07453 985627
Add: 147 Magpie Place Watford Hertfordshire WD25 7SR
u Kestronics Ltd
Suppliers of barcoding technology, Payment solutions, POS Systems
Twitter: kestronics
Email: marketing@kestronics.co.uk
Web: www.kestronics.co.uk
Tel: 01727 812222
Add: Unit 26, North Orbital Commercial Park, Napsbury Lane St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 1XB
u Kirkby Diamond
Commercial Property Agents / Consultants
Twitter: KirkbyDiamond
Email: stalbans@kirkbydiamond.co.uk
Web: www.kirkbydiamond.co.uk
Tel: 01727 834444
Add: Kenitic Business Centre Theobold Street Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 4PJ
u Lawrence Dean Recruitment Ltd
Recruitment agcency - specialising in the supply of temporary and permanent staff throughout Hertfordshire
Twitter: lawrencedeanrec
Email: kelly.notley@ lawrencedeanrecruitment.co.uk
Web: www.lawrencedeanrecruitment.co.uk
Tel: 01438 584700
Add: Business & Technology Centre Bessemer Drive Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2DX
u Let’s Talk Animals Ltd
We are a small fully licensed Zoo based in Waltham Cross
Email: letstalk.animals@outlook.co.uk
Web: www.cedarsnaturecentre.co.uk
Tel: 07955 611117
Add: Cedars Nature Centre Cedars Park Theobalds Lane Waltham Cross Hertfordshire EN8 8RU
u Little Big Fish Films
Film and Video production
Twitter: littlebigfish1
Email: nic@littlebigfishfilms.co.uk
Web: www.littlebigfishfilms.co.uk
Tel: 07770 755115
Add: 10 Frankland Road Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 3AU
u Live Chat Factory
Digital Cost effective Customer Support with Live Chart Web: www.livechatfactory.live
u Manor Coliving Limited Accommodation
Email: cyril@manorcoliving.co.uk
Web: https://countrysidecoliving.co.uk
Tel: 020 39680680
Add: Clare Hall Manor Blanche Lane, South Mimms Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 3LD
u Micklefield Hall Ltd
Boasting an award winning, Grade II listed, 16th Century, tithe barn, romantic temple, and rose gardens, Micklefield Hall provides a picturesque back drop to any special occasion
Twitter: MicklefieldHall
Email: jamie@micklefieldhall.com
Web: www.micklefieldhall.com/
Tel: 01923 778898
Add: Micklefield Hall Sarratt Road Sarratt Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 6AQ
u Mine Barron Counselling and Psychotherapy
Person centered/Humanistic counselling and psychotherapy
Web: www.minebarron.com
u NewVU Gaming
NEWVU is a gaming business with a wide range of entertainment and Esports options Twitter: newvugaming
Email: andrewb@newvu.gg
Web: www.newvu.gg
Tel: 07826 524252
8Add: 8 Queensway Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 1EG
u NOA GROUP LTD
Importer and exporter of alcoholic and nonalcoholic products
Email: octav@noagroup.uk
Tel: 07511 634517
Add: 235A Harwoods Road Watford Hertfordshire WD18 7RU
u Olyra Greek Bakehouse Ltd
Bakery, Patisserie, Coffee and Groceries shop with focus on Greek products Web: www.olyra.co.uk
u Pairio Ltd
Pairio is a digital twin platform that also provides digital reality capture
Email: ash@pairio.co.uk
Web: www.pairio.co.uk
Tel: 07894 732617
Add: 61 Boston House Park Place Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 1AZ
u Peter Knight Recruitment Ltd
Recruitment and selection of all types of staff, Temp, Perm and Contract
Twitter: PKRLondon
Email: peter.knight@pkcg.co.uk
Web: www.peterknightrecruitment.com
Tel: 020 7248 6932
Add: Ambition Broxbourne Business Centre Pindar Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0FJ
u PharmaMedic Consultancy
Provides medical consultancy services to pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies
Twitter: Ppharmamedic
Email: ana@pharmamedic.co
Web: https://pharmamedic.co/contact-us/
Tel: 07973 291492
Add: The Townhouse Hertford Hertfordshire SG14 1AJ
u Portman Finance Ltd
Lender, Predominately for Property Development
Email: info@portmanfinance.co.uk
Web: http://portmanfinance.co.uk/
Tel: 020 8209 3822
Add: 97 High Road Broxbourne Hertfordshire EN10 7BN
u Principle Defence
Principle Defence is an information security and data privacy consultancy and training provider
Twitter: PrinciplDefence
Email: principledefence@principledefence.com
Web: https://principledefence.com/
Tel: 01707 330986
Add: 69 Knowl Piece Wilbury Way Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 0TY
u Protego-te Ltd
Wills and estate planning
Web: www.protego-te.com
u Punto Online Ltd
We are doing online business consultancy on amazon, ebay, website etc.
Email: omdtrd@gmail.com
Tel: 07747 543558
Add: Flat 23, Wolsey Court 6 Windmill Lane Waltham Cross Hertfordshire EN8 9AA
u Recogitate Limited
Bespoke software development for the financial services industry
Email: elvin.mootoosamy@recogitate.co.uk
Web: www.recogitate.co.uk
Tel: 07908 643934
Add: 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE
u RFP Contracting Ltd
Support Service - Manley in the Hospitality Area
Email: cchapman@frpcontracting.co.uk
Tel: 01992 640000
Add: 4 St Georges Works 22 Delamare Road Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9AP
u River Bookkeeping Ltd
Bookkeeping, Payroll services & Software training
Email: info@riverbookkeeping.co.uk
Web: https://riverbookkeeping.co.uk
Tel: 07956 556294
Add: Suite 11 Cavendish House Plumpton Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 0LB
u Riverside Insurance Services Limited
We are an independent intermediary offering a variety of insurances
Twitter: riverside_insur
Email: julian@riversideinsuranceservices.co.uk
Web: www.riversideinsuranceservices.co.uk
Tel: 01923 839911
Add: 87 Loom Lane Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 8NY
u S Bish Estate Planning
Will Writing and Estate Planning
Email: contact@sbishestateplanning.com
Web: www.sbishestateplanning.com
Tel: 01727 220930
Add: Arquen House 4-6 Spicer Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4PQ
u Sanders + Jay Ltd
Graphic design, Web design, website building, marketing strategy, digital marketing, videography/photography content creation, creative minds behind STONES Magazine
Email: hello@sandersandjay.com
Web: www.sandersandjay.com
Tel: 01763 221282
Add: 12 Tall Trees Royston Hertfordshire SG8 7EG
u Shadow Environmental Services Ltd
Asbestos experts
Twitter: asbestoscollect
Email: info@shadowes.co.uk
Web: https://shadowes.co.uk
Tel: 020 8191 7275
Add: Arquen House 4-6 Spicer Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4PQ
u Shake N Bake Potters Bar Ltd Dessert shop
u SHL Minutes Limited
Minute Taking/Note Taking, Transcriptions, Editing and Proofreading
Email: info@shlminutes.co.uk
Web: https://shlminutes.co.uk
Tel: 07889 441184
Add: 2 Bentley Place Bentley Heath Barnet Hertfordshire EN5 4BF
u St Albans City and District Council
Local Authority providing public services to residents and visitors in St Albans District
Twitter: StAlbansCouncil
Email: economicdevelopment@stalbans.gov.uk Web: www.stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 01727 866100
Add: District Council Offices St Peters Street Hertfordshire AL1 3JE
u Staff Solutions UK Ltd
Recruitment - Transport and Logistics
Email: claire.dawson@staff-solutions.co.uk
Web: www.staff-solutions.co.uk
Tel: 01992 303117
Add: Studio House Delamare Road Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9SH
u Ten2Two Ltd
Recruitment Agency Twitter: Ten2Two Email: jane@ten2two.org Web: www.ten2two.org Tel: 01442 503727
Add: Berkhamsted House 121 High Street Berkhamsted HP4 2DJ
u The Academy at NHS Professionals
The Academy from NHS Professionals is a new service designed to meet the training needs of our bank members, client Trusts and ICSs
Email: cathryn.henry@nhsprofessionals. nhs.uk
Tel: 07770 226271
Add: Suites 1A & 1B Breakspear Park Breakspear Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4TZ
u The Anne Robson Trust
Charitable activity - supporting people approaching the end of their life, along with their friends, family and colleagues Web: www.annerobsontrust.org.uk
u The CFO Centre
We support the owners of SMEs to achieve their ambitions through the provision of outstanding, strategic CFOs/FDs Twitter: thecfocentreuk
Email: jerry.gilbert@cfocentre.com Web: www.cfocentre.com
Tel: 07866 367555
Add: Barbury Close Stonehill Green Westlea Swindon SN5 7HB
u The Greek Farmer Food service
Email: tony@thegreekfarmer.com Web: https://thegreekfarmer.com
Tel: 07957 385459
Add: Langley Hill Farm Langley Lane Langley Hertfordshire SG4 7PS
Our “Beyond Recruitment” approach also means that we’re here whenever you need us - even if that’s not when you’re recruiting or looking for a job
Twitter: TOG_Recruitment
Email: dardern@theonegroup.co.uk
Web: www.theonegroup.co.uk
Tel: 07725 262786
Add: 5 Axon Business Park Commerce Road Lynchwood Business Park Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR
u The Resource Centre
We promote your business and increase your sales B2B
Twitter: 1ResourceCentre
Email: deborah@theresourcecentre.co.uk
Web: www.theresourcecentre.co.uk
Tel: 01920 41200
Add: 96a High Street Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9AP
u The SB Hub Limited
The SB Hub Limited is a private business hub offering business owners both large and small a range of business support services
u Thinkon Enterprises Ltd
IT and Management consultancy
Web: www.thinkon.uk
u Trefoil Tutors
We offer specialist small group tuition for Years 3 to 13, in order to augment and support the teaching that students receive in school
Web: www.trefoiltutors.co.uk
u Vine Accounting & Tax Ltd
Accountants
Email: hello@vineaccountingandtax.co.uk
Web: https://vineaccountingandtax.co.uk
Tel: 07429 123596
Add: Censeo House 6 St Peter’s Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3LF
u Vintec Laboratories Ltd
We are a provider of asbestos surveying, analytical and consultancy services to Commercial, domestic and industrial clients across Hertfordshire and the south east. Twitter: VintecTweets
Email: info@vinteclabs.com
Web: www.vinteclabs.com
Tel: 01923 661144
Add: Building Research Establishment Bucknall Lane Watford Hertfordshire WD25 9XX
u Visual Immersion
Award winning specialists in Virtual Tours and Virtual captures, also provide Drone, still photography and videography, brand design and website design and build
Email: hello@visualimmersion.co.uk
Web: www.ukvisualimmersion.com/ Tel: 07545 973676
Add: 9 The Ridgeway Watford Hertfordshire WD17 4TW
Web development agency. We develop solutions for Web development, mobile apps, wordpress sites, e-commerce and social media Twitter: wirebox
Email: info@wirebox.co.uk
Web: www.wirebox.co.uk
020 7993 5485
Add: Unit 1, Copsewood Lodge Watford Hertfordshire WD24 5DY
u Xpertex
Xpertex are leader in delivering complex Cyber Security solutions, identifying and protecting critical customer data in Enterprise, Defence and Government sectors
Twitter: Xpertex
Email: info@xpertex.com
Web: www.xpertex.com/
Tel: 020 3021 0749
Add: Albany Chambers 26 Bridge Road East Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1HL
Hertfordshire County Council has recently opened its first Business Waste Service. Located at Ware Recycling Centre, the service is designed to allow SME’s the opportunity to dispose of waste generated from their trade activities in a transparent and compliant way.
Waste including wood, hardcore, green garden and plasterboard, can be disposed of at competitive prices. Some items, such as cardboard, scrap metal, can be disposed of for free. All bookings are subject to a £4.99 weighbridge charge.
Bookings can be made online and there is no need to set up an account. Payment can be made by debit or credit card, as well as Google Pay and Apple Pay, with the Business Waste Service open Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm.
Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Environment, Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are delighted that our
first Business Waste Service is now open, offering local businesses the opportunity to dispose of waste in a compliant and affordable way.
“This is a key infrastructure development, one which supports businesses with how they recycle their waste, providing them with a service that actively meets their needs.
“Our new Welwyn Garden City Recycling Centre, which is due to open in spring 2023, will provide an equivalent facility, ensuring more businesses across the county will have access to this vital service.”
The commercial waste service can also be used by residents who have too much construction, demolition and excavation waste. Paying for the excess material could mean that they avoid having to hire a skip.
We all know about Climate Change and the requirement reach NetZero by 2050. To achieve this, we have to halve CO2 emissions by 50%.
JPA Workspaces are helping clients achieve this through furniture procurement by enabling them to consume less, re-use more, buy better designed furniture and use it for longer, optimising investment and lifecycle.
Over 1.2 million office desks and 1.8 million office chairs go to landfill each year, a shocking waste of existing resources and needless destruction of natural habitats. Put into context, the average CO2e content of a piece of furniture is 50kg, so every 20 items replaced unnecessarily not only wastes that existing one tonne of carbon, but also generates an additional tonne of carbon - it soon adds up.
As consumers and procurers, we have the power to create social, environmental and local legacy through our purchases, contributing seamlessly many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Simply asking more questions about the origin, materials, support and warranties of the furniture you are purchasing is a good first step and will start to drive change back through the supply chain.
Making sustainable choices can enhance workplace health and wellbeing, user experience and boost productivity – music to the bottom line.
Great workspaces combined with clear organisational purpose will attract the talent and mindsets needed for future success. Sharing the story of how and where your furniture has been procured to reflect your organisation’s own Environmental, Social and Governance goals can boost intrinsic motivation and strengthen company culture.
Great workspace design reflects viable and productive organisations, job creation and new opportunities. The outstanding business performers over time have had the right people, in the right place, at the right time, to do the right thing – it’s about so much more than simply furniture.
Professor Rodney Day, Dean of the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire
In 1952, Hatfield Technical College was formed. Today, we are the University of Hertfordshire with over 30,000 students.
Over the past 70 years our focus has remained steadfast in providing courses that educate students, and carrying out research that meets the needs of business,
industry and public service organisations.
The University’s School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science (SPECS) has built on that pioneering vision to become a powerhouse of world-leading and internationally excellent research, with a wide-ranging portfolio of modern engineering, computing and science degrees. The School has over 7000 students studying undergraduate and postgraduate courses, covering the many engineering disciplines, as well as computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and physics.
In 2022 alone, SPECS graduated around 2000 highly talented graduates, equipped with advanced technical skills, who are now making a valuable contribution to society, and benefiting businesses and organisations across the UK and internationally. As Dean of School, I am convinced there are Herts-based businesses who would benefit from this creative and innovative technical talent in their organisations. To this end we welcome opportunities to further support, connect and engage with Hertfordshire-based businesses,
and to advance knowledge exchange. For instance, in areas such as advanced materials, manufacturing, instrumentation, robotics and electronics, we have been working closely with businesses, small and large, to provide technical expertise, training, and access to facilities that transform their activities.
The University is currently constructing a fabulous new multi-purpose building for the School, that will offer cutting-edge laboratory spaces, and facilities to strengthen employability, develop technical knowledge and skills, and provide a richer, integrated learning experience. It will enable our academic staff to expand their world-leading research, as well as creating numerous business collaboration opportunities including new partnerships, placements and innovation collaborations.
The state-of-the-art, highly sustainable building, spanning five floors, will be transformational for our students, staff and campus, whilst simultaneously offering opportunities for the development of new technology and business engagement.
If you wish to
more,
to discuss future opportunities, then contact us through herts.ac.uk/enterprise-zone
Vacancies in construction related businesses are at an all time high and we, like our industry colleagues are facing a skills shortage right now and over the next 10+ years.
MCP is a repairs and maintenance, family business based in Hertford, caring for our customers since 1978.
We are committed to ensuring our people make a positive difference to our residents and their homes.
l We focus on attracting people who match our values first and foremost
l We encourage people with little or no experience to come and ‘have a go’ through our work experience programme
l Our own experienced people love to be mentors and share their experience
l We are working with Herts LEP to partner with local schools, CTP to retrain ex-services personnel and in collaboration with other industry colleagues
l We are starting an Academy to train and upskill apprentices and trainees
local businesses and employers are also facing similar challenges to those of their staff, with rising costs and other inflationary pressures.
In response to this, Hertfordshire Growth Hub has produced a dedicated resource area which aims to help businesses, along with their employees, access the relevant support to help overcome challenges faced as a result of these rising costs.
Resources include, but are not limited to, signposting to free advice from District Councils, financial support packages on offer from Government, along with tips on how to support individuals with their wellbeing. Businesses can also access the latest news and local events, supporting them to consider ways to become more sustainable and reduce operating costs.
Visit the resource area here: bit.ly/HGHCostOfLiving
Tell us how the rising costs of living are affecting your business
To ensure the issues businesses are currently facing can be addressed, and to plan for future support requirements, Hertfordshire Growth Hub invite businesses to complete its short survey.
By completing the survey, you will be providing invaluable insights into the needs of Hertfordshire
businesses. The survey data will be used to enable Hertfordshire Growth Hub to work with local stakeholders to help provide the business support that is needed most.
Complete the survey here: bit.ly/HGHCostOfLivingSurvey
Help is on hand from Hertfordshire Growth Hub
Hertfordshire Growth Hub works closely with other business support providers to help businesses navigate the support that is available for them; this could include energy efficiency advice, grant schemes, help adopting new software or developing leadership and management skills. In addition, our Get Growing 2 programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), connects eligible businesses to ongoing support from our Growth Account Managers who provide bespoke and impartial business advice.
Get in touch with Hertfordshire Growth Hub to see how we can help by emailing enquiries@hertsgrowthhub.com
MEES were introduced by the government as part of their programme for tackling climate change: buildings account for a significant amount of the nation’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
MEES seek to impose minimum energy efficiency standards for properties by reference to the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of the property, and different rules apply to domestic and non-domestic properties. (There are some exemptions: some types of property, tenancy and landlord will not be caught by MEES. Please contact us for further advice if required.)
The first stage of MEES took effect on 1 April 2018: a landlord of sub-standard non-domestic premises (i.e. with an EPC rating of F or G) cannot lawfully grant a new lease to a tenant, without a legitimate reason, namely that all relevant energy efficiency improvements have been made (or there are none that can be made), or an exemption applies
(and in either case the landlord must register the details on the PRS Exemptions Register).
The second stage takes effect on 1 April 2023: a landlord of premises with an EPC rating of F or G cannot continue to let the premises, without a legitimate reason (as above).
Action required: Landlords should check the EPC Register to see whether there is a current EPC applying to their premises. If there is, and the EPC rating is less than E, improvements should be made to raise the EPC rating – or if none can be made the landlord must register this on the PRS Exemptions Register. Failure to do this could result in enforcement action being taken.
If there is no current EPC (e.g. because it was not required when the lease was granted or has expired since) MEES will not apply. Landlords should therefore think carefully before obtaining a new EPC – and consider seeking to control others (e.g. the tenant) from commissioning a new EPC.
As we approach 100 years in business, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce would like to express our sincere gratitude for our members.
In particular those who have been with us the longest, for their continued support in contributing towards the chamber; from attending events, being ambassadors, to sharing news on the website.
Over the last two years, Hertfordshire businesses have battled their way through the COVID-19 pandemic and have come out on top through resilience, tenacity and adaptability.
In such a challenging trading environment, it is important to recognise the achievements of local businesses and that is exactly what we have just done at the sold-out 11th Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards that we celebrated in June at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. With a record number of finalists this year, the team enjoyed celebrating with all those involved at what was a truly magical event.
Amazing Apprenticeships have been able to both participate in, and contribute to a wide range of information and
events with the Chamber. We are regularly invited to speak with other businesses about the benefits of
and local skills initiatives, including supporting young people into the workplace. It’s not just a membership, it’s a partnership - where we both give and receive guidance, support and
We value the trust that our members have put in us to support their business through good times and bad. It is a pleasure to serve you and we certainly look forward to continuing to do so.
From Bronze members to Patrons, we could not function without our members, so, on behalf of everyone at Herts Chamber, thank you.
Briege Leahy CEO Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
District)
We are proud to have been members of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for several years now. During our time as members, we have attended numerous interesting and enjoyable events and even hosted some chamber events in our very own showroom. We have made many invaluable contacts that have benefited our business enormously and we have enjoyed the support and guidance that the chamber offers especially during difficult times such as during the covid pandemic.
Helen Dobson - Dobson Homes Specialistsu Gowan Crop Protection Limited
Green Building Design Consultants
Hamamatsu Photonics UK Limited
Handelsbanken
Hensoldt UK (formerly Kelvin Hughes Ltd)
Hertfordshire Community Services NHS Trust
u Hertfordshire Sports Village
HIT Training
Home-Start Hertfordshire
Hotel Chocolat
Hunton Park Hotel
Intuity Communications Limited
KEITS Training Services Limited
Handelsbanken is a local relationship bank, our involvement with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce started soon when we opened the Hertford branch back in 2013. The networking events we have attended over the years have enabled us to build strong links with the local business community and we have made many friends along the way. The Chamber team are outstanding and have introduced us to local businesses that without a warm introduction we may have not have met. I thoroughly recommend any local business to become a member.
Debbie Chilton Branch Manager, HertfordA company that has any business overseas. You make payments to and receive money from other countries, sometimes in standard currencies such as Euros or Dollars but possibly in other currencies too. You may be doing this through your bank, a broker or via an online app.
An individual who has some activity abroad. You might be buying or selling a property, a car, some art or some fine wine!
Circadian FX, a Bishop’s Stortford based boutique FX specialist, founded in 2016 by City veteran Jim Tatchell. Using literally decades of experience in FX markets, Jim and his team offer something that banks and other brokers simply cannot: the benefit of all of that unique experience, their knowledge and connections. This combines to give you the best possible technology, as well as regulatory comfort and confidence that you are dealing with the best company in this sector. Anything between about £5k and £5mill is our sweet spot – we will provide you with a better service and better rates.
The account opening process is simple and painless, our systems are intuitive and clear – and you can be assured that your money is safe at all times in segregated accounts at Tier 1 banks.
Circadian FX provides the following to Chamber members:
• Circadian FX will provide members with a free and no-commitment FX Health Check to identify any improvements that can be made to the member’s FX and international payments solutions.
• The one-hour free consultation can be held remotely via Zoom or in person at the member’s discretion
• Due to economies of scale and sector-leading access to institutional markets, we can offer members the keenest pricing and speed of execution. Each Chamber member will have access to the Circadian FX online platform and have a direct phone and email line into a highly knowledgeable account manager with decades of financial markets experience.
Aside from the benefits Circadian FX offer to Chamber members, we have agreed terms to provide a revenue share to HCoC and this year’s chosen charity, to encourage the circular economy and give back to Hertfordshire and our community - #keeptheheartinherts!
‘Why would you use an FX solution from elsewhere when you have the best and most cost-effective solution right on your doorstep?’
or check
We are based in Potters Bar, but our services are available for businesses across South East England.
Our mission is to source high quality recycling materials to supply mills in the UK and around the world. We are dedicated to diverting quality recyclables from landfill and work with our customers to ensure that where possible, this is completely eradicated.
Free recycling audits for all prospective customers
Free Waste Transfer Notes for all our customers
Transparent pricing, there will be no hidden costs.
Call our team for a quote on 01707656261
Email our SalesManager andre@csrecycling.co.uk
As an ISO accredited organisation, we understand the requirements for compliance and data protection.
If you are having a big clear out of documents, we can provide you with a pack of our shredding bags. When you have filled the shredding bags, we will arrange the collection from you. We only charge you for the sacks that you fill at £4 + VAT per sack and a call out charge of £40 + VAT.
We offer a 10% discount on our services for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce members and for our CS Recycling customers.
Call our team for a quote on 01707 621431
Email our enquiries mailbox enquiries@csshredding.co.uk
Following a successful first year, the University of Hertfordshire will launch its third cohort of the 90% government subsidised Help to Grow: Management Course in January.
Aimed at SME business leaders, this 12-week course is designed by industry experts to help businesses innovate and grow. Brought to life with emerging best practice, case studies, peer networking and 1:2:1 mentoring, the course is a fast-track learning experience, delivered over 50 hours, that can be undertaken alongside existing work commitments.
Lynne Stevens, Associate Dean for Employability, Enterprise, and Engagement at the University said “Hertfordshire is home to a substantial number of SME businesses, and we’re committed to helping helping them grow, particularly when facing an uncertain economic backdrop.
SME leaders will create a tailored growth plan to help their business reach its full
potential, receive 1:2:1 support from an experienced mentor and the opportunity to engage with peers facing similar ups and downs of running a business.”
Stuart Green, Director at Blue Green Advisors, explains, “The course has really helped me hone in on what my customers want, and how I’m going to make operational changes to ensure my vision and goals are accomplished. We’re currently in the process of doubling our staff.”
“It reminded me of some of the key metrics and strategies that have been successful for my business, whilst helping me reflect on what hasn’t worked so well. Having the chance to discuss this with people who don’t know me but can share their ideas has been beneficial.”, said Eric Clarke, Managing Director at Bodybalance Physiotherapy.
Hertfordshire is
home to a substantial number of SME businesses, and we’re committed to helping them grow, particularly when facing an uncertain economic backdrop.
The University of Hertfordshire’s next cohort starts on 17th January 2023. Learn more about Help to Grow: Management, a course that’s totally focused on achieving results for you and your business, by visiting go.herts.ac.uk/helptogrow
‘Model shown is NX 450h+ F SPORT with Premium Plus Pack (£60,550), including optional special metallic paint at £1,020. (£61,570). Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/100km): combined 256.7. Combined CO2 (g/km) 25 to 26. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Figures obtained using a combination of battery power and fuel. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and/or equivalent all-electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption, CO2 produced and equivalent all-electric range can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). All mpg and CO2 figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp. *Business users only. Initial rental and VAT applies. Available on new leases of New NX 450h F Sport Premium Plus Pack when ordered and proposed for finance between 4th October 2022 and 19th December 2022, registered and financed by 30th June 2023 through KINTO One Contract Hire, a product offered by KINTO U.K. Limited. Advertised
a
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or withdrawn at any time. At participating
contract at 8,000 miles per annum with an initial rental of £3,924 +VAT. Excess mileage charges apply. You will not own the vehicle. Other finance offers are available but cannot
Centres.
Centres are independent of KINTO U.K.
may be
With strikes, possible blackouts and the plunging value of the pound, there is much concern about the national economic situation in the UK as we head into the colder months.
After less than three days in the role, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has announced that almost all the tax measures announced as part of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s growth plan on 23 September 2022 will be reversed. The key exceptions are to be those which have already begun to be formally brought into law
Although not strictly a ‘Budget’, the growth plan contained a raft of significant tax measures, with major changes announced for both individuals and businesses. The wide-ranging – and expensive – package of measures were set to affect most taxpayers in one way or another.
In total, the growth plan delivered £22bn of tax and social security cuts for 2023/24, £20bn of which were reversed only days later. Changes that are staying include a 1.25% reduction in national insurance from 6 November 2022, which will benefit the working population. The promised reduction in the dividend tax rate from
6 April 2023 has been reversed, which will be disappointing news for investors.
The Chancellor has confirmed that the corporation tax hike will be reinstated and the main rate will be set at 25% from 1 April 2023. In more positive news for businesses, the annual investment allowance increase is staying and will be set at a permanent level of £1 million per year, permitting 100% write off against tax for investment in plant and machinery.
Immediate changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax – doubling the threshold at which SDLT becomes payable – were retained and will benefit practically all purchasers of residential property. Over time, these changes may well be reflected in property prices but, for now, there will be savings for any purchasers of residential property costing more than £125,000.
Hertfordshire is home to a substantial number of small businesses which are likely to have a mixed reception to the latest announcements. While the local economy remains buoyant, we hold our breath in anticipation of further announcements from the Chancellor on 31 October as part of the government’s medium-term fiscal plan.
In more positive news for businesses, the annual investment allowance increase is staying and will be set at a permanent level of £1 million per year, permitting 100% write off against tax for investment in plant and machinery.
I have worked in radio for over 30 years, starting in the days of vinyl with no internet or mobile phones. I have worked through change to today’s very different world of technology.
I’ve always worked on the programming side on air and in a content coaching role and working with commercial teams on client results. Today my role is content based, seeing ideas get to air for the station and commercial partners, this is both what comes out of the speakers, plus online, socials and out of home campaigns.
CCUK is in a powerful position because of the array of tools we have in the box - radio is first, then there’s research and insights, digital aspects and out of home. We have so much to offer that whatever the goal or issue we can accommodate it.
It can be, but people mostly see the benefit of being heard, as most of what we take in is through sound and the benefits are huge - repetition builds reputation. We all know how the big players sound.
If I said to you ‘McDonalds’, you are hearing their brand in your head right now aren’t you! Plus, how many fliers have you seen discarded? Think how much thought and money went into that piece of paper and to what end?
We love being connected with Hertfordshire, that is what we’re all about, we need to continually learn about our listeners and our advertisers. The world changes all the time, being connected to the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce lets us understand this constantly. We love hearing and seeing what people are doing, we then see that we are supporting in the right way.
Do your research, it’s the one thing that will work. Give people what they need, not what you think they need.
Staying ahead of the game, by listening to your customers’ needs and rolling with the changes and responding quickly.
We love being connected with Hertfordshire, that is what we’re all about, we need to continually learn about our listeners and our advertisers. The world changes all the time, being connected to the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce lets us understand this constantly.
