Inspire September 2016

INSPIRE.16 The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce September - October 2016

Trading with the United Arab Emirates - page 10 n

BREXIT - Opportunity beckons in the new economic landscape – page 4

n

Global Business Network Live Event: expert knowledge and advice for growth –

page 9

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Dacorum A rapidly evolving borough - an attractive location for business – page 19

Welcome

Contents Brexit Chamber Energy Up Front Global Focus Economic Review Armed Forces BCC Survey Spotlight on....

Professional Development Chamber Events Patron Focus New Members Members News Chamber HR Workplace 24 Hours Young Chamber Finance Festive Last Word Patrons

4-5 6 7 8-11 12-13 14 16-17 18-24 25 26-28 29 30-31 32-36 38 39 41 43 45 49 50 50

•••• Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 398400 Fax: 01707 398430 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Chief Executive: Yolanda Rugg Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published Sept 2016 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1478 •••• Disclaimer Inspire is published for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members.

All correspondence should be addressed to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Views expressed in Inspire are not necessarily those of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. ©2016 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

From the Chief Executive An action-packed two months We’ve experienced the busiest July and August at the Chamber that I can recall; mostly driven by post-Brexit vote activity, welcoming over 30 new members to Chamber membership and a new Patron – St Albans-based JPA Furniture.

We’ve also been exploring new initiatives to increase our relevance to our members as we strengthen our voice through the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) at Westminster and via its global network, offering support to the new Department of International Trade (DIT).

Export drives growth We have recently welcomed two new team members. Keith Moore has joined our Export Team and is fully qualified and able to assist Hertfordshire exporters.

Keith will be able to help companies in a variety of ways from documentation and advice, facilitating introductions to our overseas British Chambers and helping exporters identify new global markets through

networking events such as our UAE Roundtable on 15 September. You’ll find more information about our up-coming international events on pages 26- 28.

Exporters are also invited to attend the BCC’s Global Business Network Live conference on 1 November, see page 9, and to join Mark Prisk MP (Hertford and Stortford) at the Nordic-Baltic Export Summit at Stansted Airport on 24 November, see page 8 for details.

Our second new appointment is evidence of our success with our in-house Apprenticeship Scheme as we welcome Ella Bottoms, who has just completed her A Levels and joins us on a Social Media and Marketing Level 4 Apprenticeship through North Hertfordshire College (NHC). We are very proud to have three apprentices in our Chamber team.

Apprenticeship Levy views The Apprenticeship Levy comes into force next April, we are keen to hear your thoughts so that we can raise our voice on where we believe members, young people and their parents need more information to help grow apprenticeships in Hertfordshire. We encourage members to join the BCC’s Education Summit in London on 20 September to hear from education leaders, providers and business champions on the current challenges in driving a skilled and employable workforce for the future.

We’ll be holding local forums around the county on this topic, sharing best practice and helping businesses to mitigate the tax burden looming from next April.

Helping members to save money Those planning to up-skill their management teams can still save money as Chamber members this autumn. Chamber discounts of 25% apply to soft skills learning, leadership development qualifications and MBA courses with the University of Hertfordshire. See page 25 for details.

More cost savings via your Chamber We are pleased to launch the new Chamber Energy Solutions programme with award-winning Utilitywise. Members can take advantage of free energy audits, advice and guidance plus long term savings across gas, electricity and water. To apply see page 6.

The Queen’s Awards 2016 It’s fabulous to see so many Hertfordshire companies celebrated in the Queen’s Awards this year, we congratulate Andusia Recovered Fuels of Hertford, Esprit Digital of Borehamwood and Quanta of Berkhamsted – who have all received a 2016 Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Your voice counts We do encourage members to complete the short surveys they receive from ourselves and the BCC which help us to better understand the local and national picture. You will see on pages 16 and 17 that the BCC has announced the results of two surveys they conducted this summer, both were carried out post the Brexit vote and reveal some interesting business statistics which are shared with national government as well as our own members.

Wishing you a very productive autumn.

Yolanda Rugg Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce INSPIRE

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HertsBrexit

Opportunity beckons in the new economic landscape after that vote These are uncertain times following the EU Referendum vote in June but that does not mean that business should grind to a halt.

These are uncertain times following the EU Referendum vote in June but that does not mean that business should grind to a halt.

For a start, what has become clear since June 23 is that the departure from the European Union will not happen immediately and that means many business ventures under consideration before the referendum vote will be able to continue in this new climate.

Also, many see new opportunities in the trade deals which the UK will be drawing up with European nations and countries elsewhere in the

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world. Export is very much seen as key to helping the economy to thrive.

So the message from business leaders is ‘keep calm and carry on’ although it is difficult not to be concerned in the face of conflicting recent statistics, some of which have suggested that business optimism remains higher than might be expected, others of which raise the spectre of another recession, albeit less severe than 2008.

One of the reports which highlighted the confusion came from the CBI which showed that the UK’s small and mediumsized (SME) manufacturers saw

a rise in the volume of output in the three months to July, but that business optimism fell sharply amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit vote.

According to the CBI Quarterly SME trends survey, the survey of 472 firms reported that new orders and new domestic orders were relatively unchanged, although firms expected these to fall over the next three months, highlighting the need for action to raise confidence.

Optimism about export prospects for the year ahead rose slightly, with SMEs reporting the first improvement

in competitiveness in EU and non-EU markets since 2013.

Although the volume of export orders fell again on the previous quarter, SMEs anticipated that they will rise in the coming quarter, after no increase since April 2014.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Director for Economics, said: “The UK’s SME manufacturers reported higher production, more staff hired and now expect to sell more of their world-class goods overseas over the next quarter, with a weaker sterling having a hand in this.

“But overall they do feel less optimistic and are scaling back

HertsBrexit

some investment plans in machinery and plants.

“Naturally, much of the concern is related to uncertainty and business wants to now see the new Government deliver a clear plan and timetable for the EU negotiations ahead, while cracking on with immediate domestic priorities, including a decision on new aviation capacity in the South East, which will help the UK’s SME manufacturers to reach new markets in the future.”

Key findings – three months to July • 8% of small & medium sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers said they were more optimistic, while 53% said they were less optimistic, giving a rounded balance of -44% - the sharpest fall in optimism since January 2009 (-71%) • 27% said their volume of output was up, and 20% said it was down, giving a rounded balance of +6%.

Companies expect output to be flat in the next quarter (+1%) • 26% said their domestic orders were up, while 24% said they were down, giving a balance of +2%. Firms domestic orders to fall next quarter (-10%) • 15% said export orders rose over the past three months, 23% said they fell, leaving a balance of -8%, but firms anticipate export orders to grow over the next three months (+9%).

• Firms were a little more optimistic about their exports prospects for the year ahead (+4%) • The proportion of SME manufacturers citing concerns about political and economic conditions abroad as likely to limit export orders were at a survey record high (49%)

The Bank of England remains concerned, leading to its recent cut to record levels of interest rates and the announcement of further measures to stimulate growth.

Bank experts have forecast UK GDP growth for 2016 at 2.0%, unchanged from May's report, but growth was downgraded from 2.3% to 0.8% for 2017, and from 2.3% to 1.8% for 2018.

Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "While the scale of the downgrade mostly reflects the greater political and economic uncertainty in the wake of the Brexit vote, it is significant that this is the fourth successive inflation report in which the bank's expectations for UK growth have been weakened - confirming that the UK's economic outlook was softening long before the outcome of the EU referendum was known.”

Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, sees some cause for optimism.

He said: “We have seen firsthand that the ‘business’ view is not monolithic. Many of our

members are taking stock and making the best of the decision to leave the EU, seeking the opportunities on offer as well as considering the challenges.

“We are supportive of the (Government’s) proposed Industrial Strategy, but it needs to have a broad-based focus that encourages a partnership between business and government, focusing on areas such as the large skills gap in our workforce and infrastructure projects, that benefit every business.

“The Government must, in particular, address the longstanding underinvestment in the UK's infrastructure. This means action on transport, broadband, and energy generation, which is absolutely vital in driving longterm growth.”

London, that bellwether of economic health for the country, particularly for areas like Hertfordshire, has recorded a mixed initial reaction to the Brexit vote but investment and hiring intentions remain relatively robust amongst many of the capital’s firms, according to new analysis by the CBI and CBRE. More than two fifths (41%) of the 186 firms surveyed after the referendum vote said that they planned to maintain their investment plans, with one in ten (9%) planning on actually increasing their plans. 16% said they will freeze investment

plans, whilst a fifth (21%) think they will reduce them.

Half of businesses (50%) plan to continue to hire after the Referendum, with less than a third (29%) not planning to do so. 12% plan on reducing staff numbers.

Adam J. Hetherington, Managing Director – London, CBRE UK, said: “Despite the widespread fear that a leave vote would send shockwaves through London businesses, these results show the capital city is resilient and already planning the best way of ensuring it thrives in the new climate.”

We were delighted to welcome Phil Eckersley, Bank of England Agent, to be our guest speaker at the Beales Hotel networking lunch in August. Phil gave an excellent presentation on monetary policy, the measures which have been put in place following the Brexit vote and the UK's economic trends as they were at that time.

If were not able to join us in August and you would like a copy of this presentation please email sophiewatts@hertschamber.com

“More than two fifths (41%) of the 186 firms surveyed after the referendum vote said that they planned to maintain their investment plans, with one in ten (9%) planning on actually increasing their plans. 16% said they will freeze investment plans, whilst a fifth (21%) think they will reduce them.”

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ChamberEnergy

Chamber Energy Solutions Are increasing energy costs impacting the growth of your business?

Then Chamber Energy Solutions is the answer.

This business service scheme offered via the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is provided by award-winning Utilitywise plc, one of the UK’s leading business energy and water consultancies. It offers an exclusive range of products and services to reduce both energy consumption and associated cost.

Chamber Energy Alliance Members joining the Chamber Energy Alliance will be offered a budget portfolio deal, with the security of no price increases for up to two years, which can be fixed 12 months in advance.

Small businesses will command a powerful ‘trading desk’ capability typically only enjoyed by larger companies. Members can also benefit from a rebate on prices if the unit price drops below the portfolio rate.

Chamber Energy Helpdesk A brand new Chamber Energy Solutions Freephone Helpline and Email Helpdesk offers businesses, of all sizes, direct access to energy specialists, answering questions and offering advice on all aspects of energy management.

Discounted Audits, Metering and Monitoring products Through Chamber Energy Solutions, all members can access a range of discounts on audits and across the Utilitywise marketleading suite of monitoring and diagnostic products. Savings can amount to hundreds of pounds, depending on member requirements.

Utilitywise expertise and independence As the UK’s leading independent energy consultant, over 17,000 businesses, of every size and sector, rely upon Utilitywise for energy management and cost reduction.

With access to prices from major gas and electricity suppliers, and an extensive purchasing capacity, Utilitywise can independently recommend and secure competitive deals – and help members gain understanding and insight into the energy choices available to them.

‘Price Lock for Five Years’ and advanced contracts As you would expect, Chamber Energy Solutions offers members the opportunity to secure energy rates 12 months in advance of current contract end dates. In addition, members can benefit from five year contracts offering peace of mind, protection from exposure to volatilities in the energy markets and unexpected bottom line impact.

These arrangements, coupled with the Chamber Energy Alliance, offer Chamber members a unique pricing advantage.

“I made a saving of £9,330 on my electricity contract over three years through chamber energy solutions.”

Visit www.chamberenergysolutions.co.uk for further details T: 0800 923 0210 E: help@chamberenergysolutions.co.uk 6

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UpFront

Summer Chamber Networking Events In July Chamber members were inspired by Olympic medallist David Florence and his insightful talk about the highs and lows of his journey.

Chamber members wished David Florence luck for the Rio Olympics at the July Olympic Brunch networking event, pictured right to left: Sandra Oldfield, Head Start Recruitment; Nathan Davies, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire; Simon Manasseh, Linde Material Handling East; Kate French, Head Start Recruitment; David Florence multi-Olympic medal canoeist; Nathan White, De Vere Venues Theobalds Park; James Cook, Focus7 International; Keith Grover, HB Accountants and Claire Taylor, TU Marketing.

Later this summer, following his talk to members, the Chamber was delighted to see that David, Olympic winner of two silver medals for Canoeing, firstly in Beijing 2008 followed by London 2012, went on to win his third silver medal at Rio 2016 in August.

The Lee Valley White Water Centre, a Chamber member, hosted the Olympic networking brunch which was sponsored

by Chamber partners Ambition Broxbourne. Other talks included Special Sergeant Bates and Nathan Davies, from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, speaking about

Networking with a difference

Winning team: Wagstaffs, Stevenage-based accountancy firm

Companies from across the county enjoyed fine weather, and good networking, when they joined the Chamber's August Clay Pigeon Shooting

event at the AGL shooting ground, near Markyate on the west of the county.

View more Chamber networking events on pages 26 - 28.

the value of voluntary work within the police force; and Clare Watson, from Ambition Broxbourne, updated everyone on the progress of the Borough of Broxbourne’s regeneration projects. Afterwards guests were invited to tour the park which hosted the London 2012 canoeing events.

Networking with the Bank of England

The Chamber team were delighted to welcome Phil Eckersley, Bank of England Agent, as guest speaker at the second networking lunch at Beales Hotel Hatfield in August.

More about this event on page 5.

Would you like to inspire and mentor Hertfordshire young entrepreneurs of the future?

Young Enterprise (YE), the UK’s largest enterprise charity, works with schools all over Hertfordshire helping young people to realise their skills and prepare them for the world of work.

In September 2016 many students will be taking part in YE’s flagship programme “Company Programme”; they will set up and run their own companies for an academic year.

Students can only do this with the support of a business advisor who will offer guidance along the way. If you would like to share your business experience and help Hertfordshire’s young people become the next generation of successful entrepreneurs please contact Jill O’Neill, YE Regional Manager, East of England - jill.oneill@y-e.org.uk.

Farewell from Hertfordshire Chamber to Catriona Austin (pictured left above) retiring after serving as Regional Manager of YE for five years. Young Chamber and YE have enjoyed working on many joint initiatives and the Chamber team wish Catriona all the best in her retirement. We also welcome Jill O’Neill (pictured right above) as the newly appointed Regional Manager; Jill has been working for YE for over two years supporting schools in West Hertfordshire.

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GlobalFocus

Exporters urged to ‘keep calm and carry on’ The Brexit Referendum vote in June was a major shock to the system but, now that things are settling down, it is becoming clear that businesses have a key role to play in shaking the future of international trade.

That challenge was made clear in the days following the vote when then Business Secretary Sajid Javid and current Trade and Investment Minister Lord Price wrote to more than 100 of the largest businesses and trade organisations in the UK. In the letter, Sajid Javid said: “We must keep on working together to make sure the world

knows that the UK is open for business and remains an attractive place with which to trade and invest.”

That has been a constant message from politicians and business leaders in the weeks since June 23 with many of them emphasising that the Europe remains an important trading partner, as do those areas outside the EU, including North America, Australasia and Asia.

That point was made by Lord Price in a recent speech delivered at the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Lord Price said: “I want to reassure businesses and investors that there will be no immediate change. For now, the UK is still a full member of the EU, and goods and services will still trade freely across borders.

“Our economy has strong foundations. Over the past six years, we’ve worked hard to make Britain one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business and we have no intention of seeing that change.

“The UK is and wants to be the most business friendly, open, dynamic and innovative economy in the world. That remains unchanged.”

He said that the UK would work to maintain as close a relationship as possible with its European partners during trade deal negotiations, as well as seeking to secure Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries around the world.

Lord Price said: “We have and will continue to engage businesses and investors to help draw up the blueprints for what the UK’s future relationship with the EU and the

rest of the world looks like.

“We need to avoid knee-jerk reactions. Trade deals aren’t agreed overnight. For some, we will be able to build on existing frameworks; others will have to be negotiated from scratch.

“The key thing is to see the opportunity this provides.

Take the current value of sterling.

Its relatively low position will give our exporters a helping hand and attract more investment to the UK. “We are, in essence, starting from a blank piece of paper when it comes to trade deals. Freed from Brussels’ more bureaucratic tendencies we will be able to tackle any excessive red tape that can choke small businesses.

A fresh start gives a unique opportunity to shape a bright future for the UK as a global trading nation and open economy.”

CALLING ALL EXPORTERS

Nordic-Baltic Export Summit Enterprise House, Stansted Airport, CM24 1QW

24 November, 2016

Join Mark Prisk MP and the Department for International Trade (DIT) this November, for a day of talks and 1:1 meetings about the export opportunity in the Nordic-Baltic region.

£25

plus V AT

Why export to the Nordic-Baltic Region? What you will experience?

The Nordic-Baltic region has proved to be a very lucrative market for UK companies. With exports of goods & services in excess of 26 billion (GBP) on an annual basis.

The Nordic-Baltic countries combined are UK’s 6th largest export market after the US, Germany, Netherlands, France and Ireland.

Ahead of large European markets such as Spain, Italy and Turkey. UK exports to the Nordic-Baltic region is approx. 1.4 times greater than the UK’s export to China.

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• Case studies presented by business already successfully exporting in the Nordic-Baltic Region

• Presentation on key market facts, market access, trends and opportunities, including high value opportunities’ legal and professional support • Face to face appointments where you can meet key decision makers and sell to overseas buyers

To learn more and register for this event contact: 01707 398 398 email EastInfo@mobile.ukti.gov.uk @UKTIEast www.gov.uk/ukti

GlobalFocus

Network offers export support No one understands business needs better than other businesses – and few organisations can draw on as much practical expertise as the British Chambers of Commerce.

It offers a powerful and reliable B2B network that includes 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce in the UK, all linked to the British Chambers around the world.

If you want to start doing business internationally, the BCC Global Business Network is here to help you.

As a Chamber member, you have access to the BCC Global Business Network in the following markets: ASIA Vietnam, Indonesia, Taipei, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, India, Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, South Korea and Hong Kong.

AFRICA Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia.

EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

SOUTH AMERICA Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Brazil and Caribbean.

The British Chambers of Commerce accredit organisations in these countries, to ensure that the local Chamber has met a rigorous and continuously updated quality standard.

Chambers in all UK regions, including Hertfordshire, provide the following trade services to members in addition to facilitating networking and business opportunities: EXPORT READINESS Country/sector seminars and webinars/Overseas market intelligence TRADE PLANNING Helping businesses identify and select distribution partners/Best practice sharing GETTING GOODS TO MARKET Documentation and letters of credit/ Foreign exchange HELP GETTING STARTED OVERSEAS Access to business centres/Match making MARKET INSIGHT Assessing market appetite for a product/service/Improving cultural understanding SUPPORT BUILDING MARKET SHARE Joint venture or local marketing support

For immediate and local help with your export requirements contact the Export Team at Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce on 01707 398 400.

Conference a must for exporters Have you ever considered exporting to increase your revenue through overseas sales, but didn’t know where to start?

Perhaps you already export, but are looking for new markets to target for your products?

Or maybe you have started exporting unintentionally, and now need to understand the fundamentals - from documentation to finding overseas partners?

Whatever stage of the export journey you find yourself at, BCC Global Business Network Live is the event designed to provide you and your business with the knowledge, expertise, advice and contacts to succeed overseas.

Aimed at businesses of all sizes and sectors – with learning streams for both new and more established exporters – the day will have a strong practical focus.

You can look forward to a wide choice of informative workshops, lively panel discussions with businesses from both the goods and services sectors, and inspiring talks from pioneering exporters. There will of course also be plenty of time for networking with fellow exporters and British Chambers representing a wide range of overseas markets.

Join us on 1 November 2016 in London to: • LEARN from inspirational exporting companies and experts in the many facets of exporting, including access to finance, e-commerce, logistics and international payments.

• EXPORT by meeting trusted Chamber representatives from dozens of countries (from Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia), who will give frank advice and explain the opportunities in their markets, as well as UK Chambers who can help you get there.

You can find out more at www.britishchambers.org.uk/business/events/global-business-network-live

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GlobalFocus

Trading with the United

By Mr Abdeslam El-Idrissi, Director Trade Services, Arab British Chamber of Commerce

Approximately 5,000 British companies operate in the UAE, while around 120,000 British nationals are resident and working in the country in addition to the nearly one million Britons who visit the UAE each year.

“The UAE is Britain’s largest market in the Middle East and its 12th biggest export market globally, with bilateral trade standing at £12.95 billion in 2014.”

Both sides are fully committed to strengthen commercial and customs cooperation in a bid to drive forward growth in bilateral trade.

The UAE and the UK are aiming to double bilateral trade to a value of £25 billion by the year 2020.

The UAE is Britain’s largest market in the Middle East and its 12th biggest export market globally, with bilateral trade standing at £12.95 billion in 2014. Recognised as a global hub for trade between East and West, the UAE is a regional transit for goods with around 50% of British exports going on to be re-exported to regional markets.

The UAE and especially Dubai is renowned as a high-end leisure destination with numerous facilities that attract visitors from

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all over the world. The growth in the tourism, leisure, hotel and hospitality markets show little sign of diminishing in coming years and continue to offer opportunities to investors and suppliers.

Khaimah (RAK) both of which have been making determined efforts to raise awareness among UK investors of the opportunities available in their respective emerging markets.

Mega events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 are driving further expansion in this market.

“Dubai is likely to witness an addition of nearly 57,000 rooms in hotel and serviced apartments in the five years to 2020,” according to a forecast by investment bank Alpen Capital in its GCC Hospitality Industry Report.

Sharjah’s Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has recently stepped up its trade and investment promotion in the UK by opening a permanent office in London. Last year the authority concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arab British Chamber of Commerce to promote and facilitate greater investment and development cooperation between Sharjah and the UK.

While the well-established Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets remain dominant in the UAE, there is increased focus on the smaller emirates such as Sharjah and Ras Al

Shurooq has identified key sectors where it is seeking to attract investors and form

GlobalFocus

Arab Emirates Advice for exporters to the UAE The UK’s Department of Trade provides free international export sales leads and various other services to assist exporters to the UAE. Details of the key Embassy personnel at the UK offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/ uk-trade-investment-united-arab-emirates

Travel Advice business partnerships, such as tourism, transport and logistics, healthcare and renewable energy. An attractive package of incentives is now available to persuade investors of the benefits of choosing Sharjah as a business location. In addition, a portfolio of construction projects in Sharjah has been unveiled by Shurooq.

Further information about the advantages of doing business in Sharjah can be obtained by visiting the Shurooq website: www.shurooq.gov.ae/businessopportunities/project-portfolio

It boasts one of the MENA region’s fastest growing economies, with a yearly average growth rate of 8.8%.

Ras Al Khaimah, whose meaning in Arabic is 'head of the tent', is the northernmost emirate covering 1,684 km2 and with a population of 345,000 (2015). Tourism and industry are the UAE’s key sectors.

Investment authority RAKIA can provide assistance to companies seeking entry into the Ras Al Khaimah market. For further information on how RAKIA can help see: www.rakia.ae

RAK is now playing a crucial role in the growth of the UAE’s industrial activity.

The emirate enjoys some of the most successful free zone operations in the region and MENA's largest bulk handling port at Saqr Port. This serves the local quarrying industry that supplies much of the materials for the Gulf's construction boom.

The FCO advises travellers to the UAE to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to flying out. A passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa free of charge at the airport on arrival. No advance visa arrangements are required for British passport holders.

The regularly updated FCO travel advice can be found here: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arabemirates

Arab British Chamber of Commerce The ABCC can help UK companies to gain a foothold in the market and assist exporters through its trade documentation services.

The ABCC is a membership organisation. More about the Chamber’s services can be found here: www.abcc.org.uk

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EconomicReview

UK Monthly Economic Review September 2016

UK GDP growth in Q2 unrevised at 0.6%...

...trade remains a drag on growth...

The second official estimate for Q2 2016 growth in UK GDP was unrevised at 0.6%, compared to the 0.4% rise in Q1. This is the 14th consecutive quarter of positive growth (see Chart 1). The UK economy grew by 2.2% in Q2 2016, compared to the same quarter in 2015. While UK economic output is now 7.7% above its Q1 2008 prerecession peak, GDP per head is still just 1.2% above its pre-recession peak. Overall, the latest GDP figures provide further evidence that the UK economy expanded at a solid rate in the run-up to the EU referendum.

The UK's trade deficit widened from £14.1 billion in Q1 2016 to £15.7 billion in Q2 2016, the biggest deficit on record (see Chart 3). This was driven by a 1% rise in imports in Q2, ten times the 0.1% increase in exports over the same period. As a consequence, net trade was a drag on GDP growth in the quarter, knocking 0.3 percentage points off Q2 growth. Overall, the latest GDP figures confirm that rebalancing the UK economy away from consumer spending and towards exports remains a major challenge.

...as consumers continue to drive growth...

…inflation in the UK is set to rise…

The latest Q2 2016 GDP estimate revealed that business investment grew by 0.5% in Q2. In annual terms, business investment was 0.8% lower than in Q2 2015 (see Chart 2). The latest BCC Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) revealed that investment intentions improved in Q2 among services firms, but declined among manufacturing firms. However, despite the pick-up in business investment in Q2, consumer spending, which accounts for around two-thirds of UK economic output, grew by 0.9% in Q2 and was the main driver of growth in the quarter.

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CPI inflation rose to 0.6% in July 2016, the highest rate since November 2014 and up from the 0.5% rise recorded in July. The increase was mainly driven by rising fuel, alcoholic drinks and hotel room prices. There are signs that we could see a prolonged period of increasing inflation with input prices faced by manufacturers rising by 4.3% in the year to July. This was the first increase since September 2013 (see Chart 4) as the post-EU referendum slide in sterling pushes up the cost of imports. However, if economic growth slows as many expect, then the extent of the price rises is likely to be limited.

…UK jobs market continues to strengthen…

In the three months to June 2016, UK employment rose by 172,000 compared with the previous three months. The number of people who are unemployed fell by 52,000 over the same period.

This mirrors the latest QES survey data which showed that before the EU referendum, businesses were confident enough to recruit despite a slowing economy. The claimant count, the first postreferendum labour market data, fell by 8,600 in July (see Chart 5). However, labour market indicators tend to lag behind the wider economy so it is likely to be some time before the full postreferendum employment picture emerges.

…deficit reduction proving a real challenge.

The UK’s public sector finances (excluding public sector banks) recorded a surplus of £1 billion in July 2016, down by £0.2 billion from July 2015.

July is typically a month of surplus for the public finances, due to the timing of corporation tax payments and self-employed tax returns. However, the UK's public sector net debt currently stands at 82.9% of GDP, more than double pre-crisis levels (see Chart 6). If economic growth slows in the coming months, the government is likely to face an increasingly uphill task to generate the tax receipts needed to make meaningful progress in cutting the deficit.

EconomicReview Monthly headlines: • GDP growth unrevised in Q2, with consumer spending driving growth in the quarter • UK set for a prolonged period of rising inflation, as the jobs market continues to strengthen • US interest rates likely to rise by the end of 2016 despite downward revision to growth

India’s economy slowed in Q2...

...as Brazil’s recession deepens...

India's economy, the world’s seventh-largest, grew by 7.1% in annual terms in Q2 2016, the slowest rate of growth since Q1 2015 and down from the growth of 7.9% recorded in the previous quarter.

Weaker consumer demand was only partly offset by rising exports and government spending. However, despite the slowdown, India continues to outpace China which grew by 6.7% in the quarter (see Chart 7). With consumer spending, a key driver of India economic output, likely to continue to be supported by a growing middle class, the outlook for India’s economy remains relatively good.

Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America, contracted by 0.6% in Q2 2016, the sixth successive quarterly decline (see Chart 8). In annual terms, Brazil’s economic output was 3.8% lower compared to Q2 2015. Brazil’s economy continues to be hampered by high inflation and unemployment as well as weakening commodity prices and significant political unrest. However, there are some emerging bright spots for Brazil with fixed investment growing for the first time since Q3 2013 and exports increasing for the third successive quarter

....and US growth is revised downwards.

The second estimate of US GDP for Q2 2016 revealed that the US economy grew by 1.1% in Q2 2016, compared to the same quarter in 2015 (see Chart 9), lower than the previous estimate of a 1.2% increase, but up from the growth of 0.8% recorded in the previous quarter. The downward revision mainly reflected weaker state and local government spending and an upward revision to imports. However, despite the subdued growth picture for the economy for the first half of this year, US interest rates are still likely to rise again before the end of the year.

Bottom line: UK economic growth remains unbalanced with too great a reliance on consumer spending. If household spending is squeezed in the coming months as inflation rises, it is vital that the upcoming Autumn Statement is used to support other areas of the economy, including greater support for firms looking to invest.

For more information please contact: Suren Thiru, UK Economic Advisor. Email: s.thiru@britishchambers.org.uk. Tel: 020 7654 5801

“Overall, the latest GDP figures provide further evidence that the UK economy expanded at a solid rate in the run-up to the EU referendum.”

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ArmedForces

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce signs the Armed Forces Covenant Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce joined over 1000 other businesses and organisations around the country that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Yolanda Rugg, CEO of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce pledged to support those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families. Co-signing the pledge was Navy Captain Kevin Shaw, Station Commander of Northwood Barracks, at a business breakfast networking event organised by the Ministry of Defence and Hertfordshire County Council.

The event brought together over 15 businesses across Hertfordshire on 7th July to learn about the Armed Forces Covenant.

Kristina Carrington, Regional Employer Engagement Director spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. She said: “This is a great way for employers to highlight to their customers and the community that they support the Armed Forces. I invite every employer to get in touch to emulate the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce in publicly declaring their support for the military community.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have

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served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

James Moore, Employer Relationship Manager with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), raised awareness of the free recruitment services that CTP offer to help Service Leavers secure employment, highlighting how transferable the skills and qualifications developed in the Armed Forces can be.

Audrey Nealon, Co-ordinator for Army Families Federation in London, shared her personal experience on the topic of spousal employment. She feels that including supportive HR policies on spousal employment is just one way employers can demonstrate their support to

Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Chief Petty Officer Martin Cannon, a Royal Navy Reservist with HMS Wildfire based at Northwood, gave the audience an insight into what being a reservist really means and how the skills developed in the Navy, Royal Marines, Army or RAF can prove invaluable in a civilian career.

The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, The Countess of Verulam, gave the final words for the morning’s event, thanking all those in attendance and urged employers to consider how they can support those who have served so bravely and so loyally for their country.

Businesses of any size and industry can pledge their support.

The first step is to reach out to Kristina and attend an Armed Forces Covenant breakfast event near you.

Kristina advises and supports businesses who are interested in demonstrating their support. She puts organisations in touch with people like James and Audrey, or with like-minded businesses who can share insight into the benefits of employing Reservists, for example.

For the full list of Armed Forces Covenant events in East Anglia, visit www.earfca.org.uk/employers

Kelvin Hughes signs the Armed Forces Covenant Kelvin Hughes, a world leader in the design and supply of navigation and security surveillance systems, is proud to announce that it supports and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

The covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Involving government, businesses, local authorities, charities and members of the public, it has two underlying principles: that members of the armed forces community should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services; and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given the most such as the injured or the bereaved.

Any business is entitled to sign the covenant but Kelvin Hughes has a particularly strong reason for being pleased to have done so, having a close association with the armed services and having consistently employed veterans of the armed forces who work in all areas of the business including engineering, director and board member positions. Earlier this year, the company was contracted to provide its SharpEye™ radar for more than 60 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, submarines and shore facilities.

By signing the covenant, Kelvin Hughes has undertaken to uphold its key principles and to promote the fact that it is an armed forcesfriendly organisation.

Russell Gould, CEO of Kelvin Hughes, commented: “We are delighted to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We fully recognise the contribution made to our country by personnel currently serving in all branches of the military as well as veterans and their families. As a company, we are only too happy to help them where we can.”

FinanceSurvey

New BCC survey reveals low awareness of alternative funding routes Towards the end of July the British Chambers of Commerce and Bibby Financial Services published a new survey which revealed that, while almost half of businesses applied for finance in the past year, awareness of alternative funding options remains low amongst UK firms.

The survey of more than 1,000 businesses, undertaken before the EU referendum, highlighted a significantly lower awareness of alternative and equity finance products - such as peer-to-peer funding and trade finance compared with familiarity with traditional loans and overdrafts.

Firms were most familiar with bank overdraft facilities (92.8%) and least familiar with mezzanine finance (18.8%).

Findings show that almost half of businesses (47.7%) applied for finance in the past 12 months.

Of those firms, business growth (42%) was the main reason for seeking finance, followed by improving cash flow (26%) and funding for start-ups (14%).

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However, only 21% of firms surveyed reported that the availability of finance had declined over the past three years, while 23% said that it had improved in that period.

The key findings from the survey were: • 47.7% of firms have applied for finance in the past 12 months • The four types of lending firms were most familiar with were bank overdrafts (92.8%), bank loans (88.2%), commercial credit cards (86.1%) and leasing/hire purchase facilities (86.0%)

• The four types of lending firms were least familiar with were mezzanine finance (18.8%), angel finance (38.9%), peer-to-peer funding (41.6%) and trade finance (46.1%) • Of the firms that were successful in securing finance but rejected the terms offered, 54% did so because the interest rate offered was too high, and 39% said the collateral required was too high Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “At some point in the life cycle of a business, access to finance becomes critical to supporting expansion and export plans.

The low appetite for finance revealed in this survey, which was undertaken before the EU referendum, is concerning because it implies that many firms were treading water and putting off expansion plans well before the high-profile campaign we’ve seen in recent months.

“These results demonstrate the importance of supporting business confidence, so that businesses feel comfortable making growth plans and seeking finance to deliver them.

“At a time of transition for the economy, government help can play an important role. So there is work to be done to raise awareness among businesses of schemes such as the British Business Bank, which was set up by the government specifically to make finance available to firms via banks and alternative lenders to promote business growth. The clear message needs to be that growth funding is available.”

David Postings, Global Chief Executive of Bibby Financial Services, said: “It’s clear that on the lead up to the EU referendum many UK businesses were not spreading their gazes in relation to securing finance. Traditional sources of funding still seem to be the first port of call for many SMEs, but there are a growing range of options available and it’s important that businesses consider forms of finance that fit their own requirements.

“At a time of change for the UK, there’s a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to achieve growth by looking beyond traditional channels for specialist finance.

Sources of funding such as invoice finance grow in line with a business’s sales ledger and this means that SMEs don’t have to take-on debt. Furthermore, a weaker pound provides opportunities for businesses selling overseas so export and trade finance may be better suited than loans or overdrafts.

“There have been helpful proposals to improve access to business finance, such as the Government’s bank referral scheme as part of the Small Business, Enterprise & Employment Act. However, it will take some time for this to translate into new applications once launched. In the meantime business groups and funders can play a big part in raising awareness of the range of options available to businesses.”

WorkforceSurvey

BCC’s workforce survey reveals businesses need reassurance on EU employees At the beginning of September, as Parliament returned from the summer recess, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) published the first stage of results from its recent workforce survey on how businesses are responding to policy developments relating to labour market conditions.

This national survey of Chamber members was conducted after the Brexit vote and covered four themes: Apprenticeship Levy; National Living Wage; Childcare and the Status of EU Employees.

The first stage of survey results released covered the final theme above: the Status of EU Employees. Covering more than 800 UK businesses who employ EU staff, the survey revealed that more than two fifths of companies report their EU employees have expressed concern over their future residency status following the vote to leave the European Union.

Undertaken a month after the referendum vote the survey shows that a small number of businesses (5%) have seen EU employees resign already following the June 23 vote, while 10% of businesses have reported that their EU employees have stated their intention to leave the UK. In September, at the time the survey results were announced, the BCC called on the government to provide immediate certainty for both businesses and employees on the residence rights of existing EU employees.

The potential skills lost from existing EU workers leaving the UK would hamper businesses at a time when many are already reporting recruitment difficulties.

Businesses also need clarity on hiring from the 27 other EU countries during the transition period.

The BCC has also lobbied the government to create a future immigration policy that allows businesses to plug their skills shortages with employees from the EU, with minimal

bureaucracy, cost or barriers.

There is still a significant skills gap in the UK, and while it is vital that the government continues to address this through expanding apprenticeships and vocational training, businesses need to be able to access the specialist skills and talent that they need from all over the world, not just a part of it.

Findings from the BCC’s survey: • More than two fifths (41%) of companies that employ EU workers say EU staff have expressed uncertainty over their future residency status • 5% of businesses that employ EU workers have seen EU employees resign following the vote to leave the European Union • 10% of businesses have seen their EU employees state their intention to leave the UK • 60% of businesses surveyed think residency guarantees for EU workers would have a

positive impact on their business (the remaining 28% said it would have no impact and a further 9% said they were unsure or it was not applicable) The BCC’s standpoint and message for government On the day the survey was published Adam Marshall, BCC Acting Director General, said: “Since the referendum many firms have expressed concern over the future status of their existing EU workforce. These hardworking people are absolutely vital to the success of businesses, and must be retained – we cannot afford to lose talented and skilled workers.

Theresa May should reassure them as soon as possible that they will have the right to remain in the UK, to provide muchneeded certainty both for EU employees and UK employers.

“The government must also clarify how new EU hires will be treated, as many businesses also

say they are uncertain about whether the people they wish to recruit will be able to continue working with them in future. A sensible immigration policy that allows businesses to plug difficult skills gaps should go hand in hand with sustained investment in training UK workers for the jobs of the present and the future.

“Guaranteeing the rights of EU workers is just one of the major issues that the new government needs to make, and quickly.

Decisions on airport and rail expansion are long overdue, which along with action on infrastructure investment will be crucial to solidifying business confidence and laying the foundations for UK growth in the coming years.”

The BCC will continue to release further results from its national survey on labour market conditions in stages during the autumn.

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SpotlightOn

Dacorum investment takes the gold

Dacorum is a rapidly evolving borough, with areas of outstanding natural beauty as well as being a prime location for business.

The largest business park in the South East of England, Hemel Hempstead’s successful Maylands Business Park is home to 700 businesses and 20,000 employees – and growing. Brands currently operating from the area include Amazon, Britvic, Gyron Internet, Henkel and Sopra Steria, to name but a few.

Maylands’ inclusion in a new Enterprise Zone is set to incentivise further growth, attracting hundreds of new businesses, generating thousands of jobs and unlocking key development sites.

international importance for global investors wanting advanced manufacturing and distribution space, as well as high tech, potentially exemplar sustainable office provision. This opportunity also paves the way to supply business start-up/small business incubation space (at the research establishments) and move on space for growing businesses.”

Focusing on the enviro-tech sector, the newly designated area covers Maylands Business Park and the surrounding area.

Both new and expanding firms locating there will be able to benefit from government backing such as business rate discount and simplified local authority planning.

Richard Boyle, Global Technology Champion for Henkel and Hemel Ambassador “Hemel is the location to do business,” agrees.

Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, is excited by the news: “The Enterprise Zone has the potential to become of

He said: “Our employees travel extensively to work with their customers and their colleagues.

It was no coincidence that Henkel moved its UK

Headquarters to Hemel Hempstead, with trains to London in less than 30 minutes, four international airports within 60 minutes and close to the motorway network.

We also wanted a great place for our staff to relax. Here we can enjoy the local countryside, and have easy access to great schools, housing and social activities.”

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SpotlightOn “On target to open early 2017, the modern energy-efficient building will house a state-of-theart central library and voluntary organisations as well as the council’s own services. A major 200-plus residential scheme surrounding the hub has been given the go-ahead.”

Nandos, Coast to Coast and Chiquito. These sit alongside a new gym, an ice rink and a 17 screen IMAX cinema, which it was recently announced has been acquisitioned by Cineworld as part of their ongoing expansion plan.

Retail has also taken off in Dacorum, seeing shop vacancy rates in Hemel Hempstead town centre having declined by two thirds as investors take confidence from its on-going £30 million regeneration.

Just 6% of units were empty during July compared to the national average of 10.1% according to recent Springboard figures. The rate stood at 16.5% in October 2014 as Dacorum Borough Council’s Hemel Evolution transformation of the main shopping area began, showing a 64% overall reduction.

Dacorum’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Graham Sutton, said: “Hemel Hempstead is proof that the British high street can bounce back if you create the right conditions for development. The news came

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just as we've submitted our entry for the Great British High Street Awards 2016 - and confirms that our Hemel Evolution regeneration is working.

“We should all be very proud of Hemel Hempstead. The transformation of the main shopping area, the new modern bus interchange, the Jellicoe Water Gardens restoration, The Forum, our new shared services hub, and not forgetting our beautifully preserved Old Town – it's all come together."

Large-scale commercial operations as well as independents have spotted Hemel Hempstead’s potential.

Capital & Regional real estate investment trust explained its recent acquisition of The Marlowes Shopping Centre and neighbouring properties for £53.8 million earlier this year: “Hemel Hempstead is a strong south-east commuter town located just outside of the M25, which has recently benefited from significant investment from the local authority. The opportunity exists to reposition this asset and potentially consolidate it with other retail properties adjoining the scheme, as part of a regeneration of the wider town centre.”

Another change to the town’s landscape is almost completed.

The borough council is coordinating the construction of landmark shared services hub “The Forum” (pictured above).

On target to open early 2017, the modern energy-efficient building will house a state-ofthe-art central library and voluntary organisations as well as the council’s own services.

A major 200-plus residential scheme surrounding the hub has been given the go-ahead.

Further life has been brought to Hemel Hempstead through the refurbished, reconfigured and rebranded Jarman Square leisure quarter by Tesco Pension Fund. The out-of-town redevelopment has attracted leading casual dining and family restaurant brands which enjoy external terraced seating areas, including Prezzo,

Meanwhile, Aviva’s 150,000+ sq ft new retail scheme on Maylands Avenue has been given planning approval, and Smith’s Detection – a worldleading designer and manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical agents and other hazards – has relocated from Watford, renovating 65,000 sq ft premises and bringing with it 300 jobs.

Further investment opportunities within the borough include Maylands Gateway, including 6.3 hectares of employment land available, Spencer’s Park, 1.92 hectares and Hemel Station Gateway, consisting of 4.2 hectares of prime retail and housing land available.

Dacorum Borough Council has funded the establishment of a place marketing initiative, led by local businesses and stakeholders, to actively promote Dacorum as a place to invest. This scheme has been running for a period of 9 months and has already been hugely successful.

The “Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassadors” includes businesses such as Hightown Housing Association, Martin Brower, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and many, many more. The scheme not only promotes the place of Dacorum on a large scale, but allows businesses to share information on investment, planning and future business trends, share ideas and spread the word about why Hemel is their number one choice.

SpotlightOn

A strong business community However, investment in this prosperous area doesn’t just come from businesses and the local borough council, but also in the shape of tourism and filming.

Attractions within Dacorum include the Snow Centre, the Natural History Museum in Tring, as well as a range of breweries and high quality accommodation. Just outside the borders of Dacorum lies Warner Bros.

Studios and the largest zoo in the UK, ZSL Whipsnade.

Due to its stunning rural areas, Dacorum has been home to the production of films such as Maleficent, Guardians of the Galaxy and even the new Bourne film, which made use of

Maylands for one of its scenes. Investment into the borough from filming for 2015/16 was estimated at £5.8m.

Sally Marshall, Chief Executive of Dacorum Borough Council offers businesses an open invitation: “Regeneration has repositioned our town so that businesses, residents and visitors benefit equally in its bright future. If you’re considering relocating, expanding or investing, look no further.

Our door is always open.”

“Dacorum Borough Council has funded the establishment of a place marketing initiative, led by local businesses and stakeholders, to actively promote Dacorum as a place to invest.”

To discuss investment opportunities in Hemel Hempstead please call the Enterprise and Investment Team Leader Rebecca Oblein on 01442 867882, email rebecca.oblein@dacorum.gov.uk and visit www.dacorumlooknofurther.co.uk/work

Peggy Barnard has worked and lived in Dacorum for over 20 years now, and knew it was the perfect place to launch Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions.

With high employment levels and a diverse range of businesses from SMEs to multinationals, Dacorum is a commercially vibrant area, which continues to thrive.

A stone’s throw from the city with good transport links, Dacorum is in a prime position to attract customers / clients from the most affluent region of the country. With well-established industrial areas, and towns ranging from the quaint and historical to the new, the area also boasts well-kept parks and beautiful countryside, striking a balance between business and pleasure.

The business community in Dacorum is strong and supportive. The Economic Wellbeing team are keen to see businesses in the area succeed, and are always on hand to provide assistance and encouragement.

There are grants available for new and innovative enterprises, many of which are supported by more established local businesses. Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions were lucky enough to be winners of Dacorum’s Den, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition to provide funding and publicity for promising start-ups. There are numerous networking groups where you can share ideas and information with like-minded entrepreneurs, make contacts and meet potential clients. I have found there is a strong tradition of corporate social responsibility amongst the business sector, an ethos which is embodied within a local organisation, Connect Dacorum, which helps link businesses to local charities.

There is a real confidence in the future of Dacorum and local businesses are actively involved in its development. Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions is proud to located in Dacorum and looks forward to a positive future in the area.

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Dacorum

Lumina Technologies: Managing cyber safety and supporting the Dacorum local community Lumina Technologies’ mission is to deliver great service through great people doing great things. It prides itself on high service values, which means consistently delivering the right solution quickly and efficiently.

The company’s friendly, skilled and experienced team has been providing expertise in technical support, infrastructure management, business continuity, security, IT strategy, asset management and budgeting for nearly 30 years.

To the nonIT-minded, the cyber world is a confusing and complex place. It is a vital yet underutilised part of modern business practices because too few people understand how it could help them do better business. Indeed, many are wary of using technology because of the fear and actuality of cybercrime.

And they’re right to worry.

Cybercrime is now the second most reported economic crime which affects nearly a third of organisations worldwide.

Unfortunately, only 37% of organisations have a cyber incident response plan, and fewer than half of all board members have even asked about the state of their organisation’s cyberreadiness.

Other figures also make sobering reading - 98% of tested web apps are vulnerable to attack; 65% of large UK companies are targeted by cyber criminals; 25% of companies are breached at least once a month; the average cost of a breach is £36,500; 93% of Data Protection Act breaches are caused by human error.

These days everyone is a target.

It is now no longer the case of if a company is going to get hacked, but when.

Time for Cyber Action

Community work

The logic behind cyber security is astoundingly simple - keeping staff and data safe and the bad guys out. By failing to implement basic cyber security best practice, a company risks damage to its reputation and potential fines, not to mention loss of business, data and, ultimately, money.

The good news is that it’s not necessary for decision-makers to know anything about (or even have any interest in) IT to ensure their company is fully managed, maintained and protected. By outsourcing IT functions to a specialist service provider like Lumina Tech, board members can sleep better at night knowing that their security is being actively managed and that they are playing an informed role in protecting their businesses.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the bedrocks of Lumina Tech’s ethos. Staff are encouraged to take ethical responsibilities seriously and to actively participate in local community projects in order to promote and foster the welfare of all.

Following a conversation at a local networking meeting with Work Solutions, an organisation supporting young people with a wide range of disabilities, Lumina Tech offered work experience to a young woman with Asperger’s Syndrome, a set of traits whose unique applicability to IT and programming are all too often overlooked.

Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassador

Supporting local charities

Richard McBarnet, MD of Lumina Technologies, will be holding a Cyber Security Briefing breakfast on Thursday 10 November between 7.30 and 9.30am.

There will be an optional fee of £25 and all proceeds will be donated to The Hospice of St Francis.

If you would like to book a place, contact rsvp@luminatech.co.uk.

Lumina Technologies has become a Business Ambassador for Hemel Hempstead as part of Dacorum Look No Further. The area has a rich and varied industrial and business heritage, and the initiative encourages and supports growth and entrepreneurialism in order to ensure the borough is a great place to work, live and enjoy.

Supporting local young people Young people are our future, which is why the staff at Lumina Tech are keen to support teenagers as they make decisions about their lives.

Through Connect Dacorum’s Employability Days, MD Richard McBarnet has visited local schools to advise 14 and 15 year olds about CVs and job interviews. He said: “Over the years I have been disappointed with the lack of preparation candidates have had on coming to interview for us. I strongly feel that, as business leaders and local employers, we need to make a contribution to help the next generation prepare for employment.”

Work experience is an important process which helps young people make good career choices.

Lumina Technologies is heavily involved with raising money and awareness for a range of local charities, actively supporting The Hospice of St Francis, SANDS (The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), Connect Dacorum, as well as DENS Action Against Homelessness.

The company fundamentally believes in corporate social responsibility and actively participates in the local community through fundraising, volunteering, mentoring and providing pro bono services.

Lumina Technologies Lumina House, 37 Mark Road Hemel Hempstead. HP2 7DN T: 01442 500890 F: 01442 500891 E: info@luminatech.co.uk

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Dacorum

Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions A breath of fresh air in the legal world...

Peggy Barnard

Q: What's the difference between a lawyer and a herd of buffalo?

A: The lawyer charges more.

Q: What do you get when you cross a librarian with a lawyer?

A: All the information you need, but you can’t understand a word of it.

Q: How many lawyers does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: None, they'd rather keep their clients in the dark.

We’ve all heard them…. and there are thousands more that aren’t fit for publication!

Lawyers have been the butt of such jokes for years, and arguably with good reason.

Expensive fees, unexpected bills, poor communication, untrustworthiness, pompousness and a failure to return calls have all been cited as reasons for the public’s low opinion of the profession.

Sadly, the legal sector has been slow to respond to the need to change.

Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions can provide prompt, pragmatic and cost effective solutions to all your employment law and HR needs, enabling you to devote your valuable time and resources to your core business goals.

Services we offer include: • Contracts • Policies & Procedures • Settlement Agreements • Redundancies & Restructures • Disciplinaries & Grievances • Performance Management • TUPE • Settling Employment Disputes • Court / Tribunal Representation • In-house Training

As an exclusive deal we are offering 20% off our standard fees for all Herts Chambers members.

Please quote “Herts Chamber” when calling.

Contact us today.

01442 531021 info@barnardco.co.uk www.barnardco.co.uk

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Launched earlier this year, Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions is a truly client focussed employment law firm seeking to change this. We pride ourselves on our friendly, accessible and down to earth approach to providing employment law services.

Peggy Barnard, founder of the firm, is an experienced solicitor specialising exclusively in employment law and member of the Employment Lawyers Association. Having previously headed the Employment & Commercial Dispute Resolution team at a large regional firm, Peggy recognised a need for a more flexible and modern approach to the provision of legal services and with this in mind decided to branch out on her own.

Barnard & Co is based near the industrial estate in Hemel Hempstead and represents both employers and individuals within Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. We provide tailored advice in relation to all aspects of employment law and HR. Unlike many of the larger employment law and HR consultancy firms out there, we are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, so you can be sure that you are receiving advice from a legally qualified professional.

So, how are we different from the stereotypical lawyers that inspire so many bad jokes.…?

• We are passionate about providing access to justice and affordable legal services to all our clients. Specialising solely in employment law, we do not have the high overheads of multi-practice commercial firms. This enables us to provide a much more competitively priced service. We offer further discounts for start-up businesses and charities.

• We offer a variety of flexible pricing options including hourly rates, fixed fees and retainer packages. We don’t want clients to be worried about the cost of every phone call and e-mail and as far as possible want to move away from this method of charging, preferring to agree fixed fees for work where appropriate.

• We know how frustrating it is when people don’t get back to you. We promise to return your calls or e-mails the same day.

• We will ensure that you are kept fully up to date as to the progress of your matter – you won’t have to chase us all the time. We will keep in touch regularly, even if just to confirm there is no news so you don’t feel left in the dark.

• We promise to avoid legal jargon and will always use plain English when providing advice.

• Whether at our offices, your premises, or over lunch or coffee, we offer flexible appointments to suit your individual needs.

We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to discuss employment matters during working hours, and are therefore happy to meet during evenings or weekends if it helps.

• Above all, we promise you are more than just a fee to us – we want to get to know you so that we can provide the best possible service tailored to your individual needs. Unlike the lawyers of the jokes, we are practical, supportive and down to earth – we even have a sense of humour!

For further information, please visit www.barnardco.co.uk

ProfessionalDeveloment “This year Hertfordshire Chamber members can invest in their team or, if an individual, their own skills and make great savings on University of Hertfordshire courses. From a part-time MBA to one-day CPD certified soft skill courses, the opportunities to up-skill are enormous.”

Yolanda Rugg, CEO Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

“The Hertfordshire Executive MBA brings together students from diverse personal and professional backgrounds into lifelong networks. Drawing insights from all sectors and industries, we foster a learning environment in which students engage meaningfully with alternative approaches to theory and practice.

The programme emphasises entrepreneurship, encouraging each individual to consider innovative business solutions within their existing working environments, or through creating entirely new enterprises in related or differing industries.”

Dr Denise Dolllimore, Director of the MBA Programme

Develop skills and save money

CPD certified courses from only £187.50

Chamber members can save 25% on an MBA course Thinking of an MBA for you or a member of your team? Apply for an MBA at the University of Hertfordshire (UH) via the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and save 25% on your course fees during the first academic year 2016/2017. This is an unrepeatable offer and a great opportunity for anyone considering an MBA to make the right career decision and save money too.

The AMBA Accredited Hertfordshire Executive MBA is a part-time course that has been commended for its critical, reflective and integrative approach to leadership, entrepreneurship and enterprise skills development.

The saving on Year 1 for a part-time MBA with the Chamber discount is £1,825. A further discount of 25% may be available for students offered a scholarship study opportunity. Ask for details.

Contact the Chamber team now on 01707 398400 to find out how you can save money on an MBA course or email enquiries@hertschamber.com

• • • • This extensive range of CPD certified courses is offered by the University of Hertfordshire (UH) to Chamber members at a 25% discount - which means the price per delegate is £187.50 per day, the normal price is £250 per day.

You can choose from a range of courses: • Handling Difficult People - 19 September • Developing Confidence and Credibility 29 September • Finance for Non Finance Managers 6 October • Building Better Relationships 11 October

• • • • •

Performance Management - 13 October You and the Team - 20 October Making Effective Use of Time 3 November Developing the Effective Manager 11 November Communicating Assertively 14 November Practical Marketing - 24 November Managing Change - 29 November Presenting with Impact - 6 December You as a Leader - 8 December

All above 2016 one-day courses (09.30 16.30) take place at the UH Business School in Hatfield, you can read more about the courses and how to apply here www.hertschamber.com/cpd-super-series.

All courses subject to availability.

These are just two of the many savings on training and career development which the Chamber can offer members.

To find out more call the Chamber team on 01707 398400 or email enquiries@hertschamber.com.

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ChamberEvents

UAE Exporter Roundtable Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Thursday, 15 September 09:15 - 11:30 Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE £6 members / £18 non-members

In the last 18 months the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has helped local businesses export more than £20m in goods and services to the UAE. Would you like help in finding out more about this growing overseas market opportunity?

Whether you are already exporting to the UAE or simply considering putting a first toe in the water you would be welcome to join us, and other Hertfordshire exporters, at this roundtable discussion.

Susie Isaacson, from the UAE British Centre for Business (BCBUAE) will be with us all morning to take questions and guide businesses on the best opportunities for reaching and succeeding in this lucrative and growing market place.

Demand for the following products is particularly strong: food and drink, health and electrical products, chemicals and machinery.

Property & Construction Forum: Sustaining Momentum in the Construction Industry Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Wednesday 21 September 16:30 - 18:30 MacLaurin Building, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE £18 members / £30 non-members

Construction is a sector where Britain has a strong competitive edge with world-class expertise and British companies are leading the way in sustainable construction solutions.

It is a sector with considerable growth opportunities, with the global construction market forecast to grow by over 70% by 2025.

Our panel of experts from within the industry will answer your questions on the way forward and the Government’s vision for Construction 2025.

We will be joined by: • Don Ward, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence • Julia Lydall, Senior Cost Manager of G4C • Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, Chief Executive of BRE Group

Chamber HR Forum – Social Media Policies Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Wednesday 28 September 09:00 – 11:00 Longmores, 24 Castle Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1HP £15 members / £18 non-members

Does your organisation have social media policies in place?

And have they been reviewed recently?

At this breakfast seminar, you'll learn the latest tips from experts on the HR aspects and implications of social media.

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Any business or organisation, regardless of its size and the number of people it employs, should ensure that it has an up-to-date social media policy so that employees who use social media (either as part of their job or simply in a personal capacity) can understand what is expected of them when it comes to online communication and behaviour.

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All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

ChamberEvents

Networking Breakfast with MD of Metro Bank Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Tuesday 4 October 08:00 – 10:00 Metro Bank Hemel, 56-58 Marlowes Centre, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DX Free of charge

Herts Chamber, in association with Metro Bank would like to invite you to a free networking event at the Metro Bank Hemel Hempstead Store.

Come along and hear from Ian Walters – Metro Bank’s Managing Director, Business

and Private Banking, and find out more about the impact on e-banking, following closures of high street branches.

There will be breakfast provided at this event in addition to fantastic networking opportunities.

Chamber Networking Breakfast Employee Engagement Strategy Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Thursday 6 October 7:30 to 9:00 Tate Hitchin, 100 Hermitage Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1DG £10.20 members / £18.00 non-members

Employee engagement strategy should be top of mind for all employers regardless of the size of the organisation. At this breakfast seminar, hosted by Tate Hitchin, our guest speaker, Catherine Dann from Embrace Consultancy, will focus on the benefits that a robust employee engagement strategy can deliver every business and organisation; from the consistency of service

delivery to lower levels of staff turnover, put into practice effectively, employee engagement can give you tangible and measureable results.

Join us on 6 October to debunk the myths and find out what this could mean for you and your business; you’ll also enjoy some excellent networking with representatives from other Hertfordshire companies and organisations.

Exporting for Beginners Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Wednesday 2 November 9:00 to 13:30 BioPark, Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3AX Free of charge

Working in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Growth Hub and UKTI we invite members and non-members to join this half-day seminar on "Exporting for Beginners".

Post-Brexit one of the greatest opportunities for businesses in Hertfordshire, whatever their size and industry sector, is looking for and

exploiting export markets. Yet for anyone without export experience the idea could be daunting as well as exciting. This morning session will bring together experts from the world of export including our own team who have a wealth of experience and already help a wide variety of organisations, throughout the county, generate millions of pounds in export income - from small start-ups to multi-national corporations.

This event will offer an excellent networking opportunity too; if you are thinking of entering the export arena or approaching a new overseas market do join us on 2 November in Welwyn Garden City.

INSPIRE All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

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ChamberEvents

Chamber Networking Breakfast with Ambition Broxbourne Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Tuesday 8th November 07:30 – 09.00 Cheshunt Marriott Hotel, Halfhide Lane, Turnford, BROXBOURNE, Hertfordshire, EN10 6NG £18 members / £21.60 non-members

Join us at our Networking Breakfast with Ambition Broxbourne sponsored

by Digital Results and learn how SMEs can utilise inbound marketing

automation to grow their businesses.

This event is a great opportunity to interact with other businesses in the local area.

British Business Mexico Women Roundtable Forum in Leadership Lunch Date: Time: Venue:

Cost:

Wednesday 9 November 9.30 - 11.30 Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE £6 members/ £18 non-members

Richard Drabble, Director of British Business Mexico and Laura Atkinson, Head of Trade will be joining us at this unique opportunity for Hertfordshire exporters to ask questions about the trade opportunities in this growing economy.

British Business Mexico offer tailored professional advice on market entry and how to set up trading along with a variety of services to facilitate the arrival of British businesses in Mexico.

Date:

Thursday 10th November

Time:

12:00 – 14:00

Venue:

Pendley Manor Hotel, Cow Lane, Tring, HP23 5QY

Cost:

£25 members / £35 non-members

The aim of our Women in Leadership events is to enable Hertfordshire's business women to network with peers and develop their leadership skills as well as provide mentoring, support and inspiration to the County's next generation of women business leaders.

Lunch with Luton Airport CEO Date: Time: Venue: Cost:

Tuesday 22nd November 12:00 – 14:00 Beales Hotel Hatfield, Comet Way, Hatfield, AL10 9NG £27 members / £35 non members

Meet guest speaker Nick Barton, CEO London Luton Airport at this networking lunch at Beales Hotel in Hatfield.

Nick Barton will be talking about London Luton Airport’s ongoing £110million

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transformation programme. In particular, he will talk about how the redevelopment will enhance the passenger experience, and the airport’s aims to improve transport connections in order to accelerate economic growth and employment in the region.

This event is sponsored by Scottish Widows.

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All prices quotes include VAT at 20% unless otherwise stated. For more information on any event: Sophie Watts, 01707 39 84 04, sophiewatts@hertschamber.com – or www.hertschamber.com

This event is open for sponsorship (includes an optional 10 minute speaking opportunity).

If you would like to find out more, please contact Sophie Watts on 01707 398404.

PatronsFocus

How to win the Race for Talent Due to political and economic uncertainty, the job market is moving even faster than ever.

Be flexible

This is especially true at entry to mid-management level, where the strongest candidates can take their pick of the jobs.

Companies are in a race to hire top talent that can increase growth and revenue. But as well as racing against each other, employers are racing against speed itself: the speed of the market, the speed of candidates’ expectations and the speed of change. Here are a few tips from our new Patrons TATE on how you can win that race.

Why you need to act quickly You’re busy. As well as recruiting for this position, you’ve got your actual job to do. If the candidate really wants the job, they’ll wait a few days, right? Wrong. If you want talent in your team, you have to make hiring a priority.

There are plenty of jobs these days, so candidates have the power to pick and choose. You need to make them feel wanted and enthusiastic about your company, otherwise they’ll easily find another company that does.

Interviewed a great candidate.

What next?

You‘ve found someone who ticks all the boxes, plus they’ve got that little bit of an X factor.

The only problem is, you have no one else to compare them to.

What if there’s someone else out there who’s even better? Although it’s sensible to see others as a benchmark, you may lose your first choice candidate if you take too much time over it. You’re probably not the only employer to have recognised a great candidate for what they are.

Keep communicating There will be times when you have to run a slow recruitment process. Perhaps funding didn’t come in on time or company policies are tying your hands together.

It might be tempting to hold tight until you get the go-ahead, but by then your candidates will have moved on because they haven’t heard from you. So the most important thing you can do is to keep communicating with them. Keep your candidates informed on developments so they always feel wanted.

So you’ve found your perfect candidate yet when it comes to negotiating an offer, it all falls apart over details? Companies offer lots of benefits these days, from homeworking or flexitime to travel allowances or loans to generous bonuses and equity.

You’ll need to match these sorts of benefits to stay in the race for talent. If someone has a long commute, allow them to work from home one day a week, or perhaps in a different office. Offer a contribution towards their travel costs. It’s worth being flexible for a candidate who will significantly increase your bottom line.

If you don’t have the budget, you can still secure your perfect candidate through non-monetary means.

Maybe a few extra days’ holiday, development or training opportunities or bonuses based on company or personal performance, will swing the balance. Regardless of your company’s size, you need to convince a candidate that it’s a great place to work. Know your key selling points and shout about them.

The world is getting faster. Your customers are expecting you to deliver yesterday and competition is heating up. The best talent is used to working with organisations that are ambitious, innovative and fast-moving. If you cannot hire quickly, not only will you lose time and money, but you’ll also lose great candidates to more nimble competition.

Worst of all, you’ll gain a reputation as slow-moving, bureaucratic and backward thinking. Make sure you move quickly or you could find yourself at the back of the pack.

Introducing TATE, new Chamber patrons and winners of the 2016 Inspiring Hertfordshire Award “Best Small to Medium Company” Tate was founded in 1985 by Lady Virginia Tate who had a vision to create a jewel of a consultancy, an impeccable blend of people and process to support her fabulous clients in London Mayfair. Lady Virginia is also part of the Tate family, famous for the world-renowned Tate Gallery and Tate & Lyle sugar.

Tate, have had the same vision since they first began in 1985 “to be the best, everywhere, all the time”.

Now, 30 years later, this is just as important to them as it was back then. Tate strive to deliver the best possible service to their clients, candidates and each other through innovation, best practice and continuous improvement whilst having lots of fun at the same time!

As an award winning recruitment consultancy specialising in office support and professionals Tate provide only the highest calibre of candidates on a temporary, permanent and contract basis recruitment by attracting, recruiting and retaining the best available in the market.

Collaboration is fundamental to the success of the business. Their Hertfordshire branches share candidates and vacancies to improve fulfilment rates and give their clients the best choice.

Tate’s commitment to quality is endorsed by the strongest guarantee in the market which states quite simply if you’re not happy with the service, you don’t pay.

In addition, if a permanent placement leaves within the first 100 days and Tate cannot source a replacement within two months, the entire fee is refunded plus an additional 10%.

Your nearest Tate team can be found across Hertfordshire at: Hitchin 01462 455181 St Albans 01727 844799 Hemel Hempstead 01442 345210 Welwyn Garden City 01707 320255

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NewMembers

Welcome to new members AIM Sales & Marketing

Climbing Turn Ltd

Golden Bites Ltd

Digital Marketing & Brand Agency Business Technology Centre, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2DF 07890 972106 www.aimsalesandmarketing.co.uk

Software Development Business and Technology Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2DX 01438 791010 www.climbingturn.co.uk

Food Manufacturing Redbourn Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7ES 07872309360 www.goldenbitescafe.co.uk

Creative Visions

Holiday Affair

Avant Franchise Partners Ltd 5 Maidenhead Court Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8HN 07950 029389 www.avanthealth.co.uk

Barnard & Co Employment Law Solutions Employment and HR Law Firm Office 4, Maylands Business Centre, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 7ES 01442 531021 www.barnardco.co.uk

Brand Doctor Sales, Marketing and Branding Consultant PO Box 1255, Burwell, Cambridge, CB25 0XD 01638 602731 www.branddoctorconsulting.com

Brocket Hall (UK) Ltd 543 acre estate with stately home, golf course and restaurants Brocket Hall, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL8 7XG 01707 368782 www.brocket-hall.co.uk

Celia Gould Limited Fashion accessories 21 Aldbury Mews, London, N9 9JD 07771 850579 www.celiagould.co.uk

CIPS Ltd Development, Project and Cost Management Services 7 Eastway, Paynes Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG51EH 01462 429754 30

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Wedding and Event Co-ordinators 62 Redhall Drive, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9EE 07931 536732 www.creative-visions.co.uk

Dispute Resolution Ombudsman Limited Provide Alternative Dispute Resolution services in the furniture, home improvement and floor coverings industries Maxwell Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2EW 07736 310886 www.disputeresolutionobdusman.org

DP-Flow Ltd Fluid Process Instrumentation 8 Elbury Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 2RE www.dp-flow.co.uk

Evo Transformation Ltd

Independent and Impartial Travel Service tailored to your needs Haverfield, 5 Churchfields, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7JU 01992 463665 www.holidayaffair.co.uk

Jason Campbell Business Coaching Business coaching for company owners who want more sales, growth, strategies, marketing and efficiency.

Based in Hertford 07743 800088 www.jasoncampbell.co.uk

Kerr Everitt Ltd Accountant West Winds, Little Windmill Hill, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire, WD4 9DG 07789 94678 www.businessdoctors.co.uk/businessconsultant/central-hertfordshire

Kevin Lines Photography

Project Management, IT Consulting, Business Support Services including Payroll and HR Management 47A Roundwood Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3BP 07910 307551

Freelance Photography 73 Daniells, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL71QT 07990 710101 www.kevinlines.co.uk

FRP Advisory

Optimise Hospitality

Restructuring, recovery and insolvency specialists Trident House, 42-48 Victoria Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3HZ 01727 811111 www.frpadvisory.com

Hospitality agency selling VIP packages at cultural and sporting events Harpenden Hall, Southdown Road, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 1TE 01582 941981 www.optimisehospitality.co.uk

NewMembers

People Building

SWCO Financial Planning

Personal development training and coaching for sales teams, leaders and managers 15 Queensway, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1LS 02036 677294 www.peoplebuilding.co.uk

Independent Financial Advisers and Wealth Managers The Old Boardroom, Collett Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 7LR www.dsco.co.uk

Pitch Events

Medical Practice Based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire www.thehearingpractice.co.uk

Event Management Company Based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire 07980 926773 www.pitch-events.co.uk

Polaris Law Ltd Employment Lawyer 45 Fordwich Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6EY www.constantinelaw.co.uk

Proactive Block Management Residential Management from a proactive, customer focused and clearly accountable standpoint.

The Moat, Buckland, Buntingford Hertfordshire, SG9 0QB 08456 890049 www.pbmlimited.co.uk

Seelogic Ltd Independent CRM consultancy Helen & Douglas House, Broadfields, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8BU 01296 328689 www.seelogic.co.uk

Sherry Hostler Cake Artistry Bespoke wedding and celebration cake design Based in Tring, Hertfordshire 07786 911222 www.sherryhostlercakeartistry.com

Specialist Cars Ltd BMW and Mini Retail Group in Herts, Beds and Bucks Arlington Business Park, Gunnelswood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2BE 01438 760200 www.specialistcars.co.uk

The Hearing Practice

Travel Four Seasons Travel Agency 67 High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3AF www.travelfourseasons.co.uk

Trinity Wealth Management Ltd Independent Financial Advisers and Wealth Managers 6C Parkway, Porters Wood, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6PA www.trinitywealthmanagement.co.uk

UOE (UK) Ltd Office Experts 23-25 Maidenhead street, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG14 1DW 08456 434344 www.uoe.co.uk

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The business magazine of Her tfordshire

Chamber of Commerce July - August 2016

Veale Wasbrough Vizards Full service law firm and leading sector specialist 45 Clarendon Road, Watford.

WD17 1SZ 01923 919 300 www.vwv.co.uk

Walter Clarke (EFG) Long established food service distributor Unit 3, Ashville Trading Estate, Royston Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire, SG7 6NN 01462 893711 www.efgfoodservice.com

Britain’s future after the EU Re, ferendum - pa ge 4

I I

Insp irin g Her ts Win ner s – pag Awa rds e 8 Man ufa ctur ing Co- ope rati ve – inno vati on and idea s – pag e 37

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Inte rvie w with Ada m Rea der Gra ce Foo ds : Bus ines s of – win ner of the Yea r (Me dium to Larg e) – pag e 16

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MembersNews

Accolade for entrepreneurs Seven entrepreneurs have been awarded grants of up to £2,500 from the Dacorum’s Den panel of judges. website” for the Golden Bites café at Maylands Business Centre, in Redbourn Road, Hemel Hempstead. Giorgio has a 20 year career in catering, including at Walt Disney World in the US, on cruise ships and at Harrods and is planning to employ more people.

Award for leisure company Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) has received more national recognition for the consistently high quality of its operations.

SLL won the award of ‘Top Performing Organisation with 11-30 Quest registered centres 2015’ at the Quest/CIMSPA Conference, held recently in London. SLL saw off stiff competition from other regional leisure providers.

SLL delivers a wide range of high quality leisure, health and cultural activities and opportunities to over 3 million visitors each year at the 17 centres that the company manages across Stevenage, North Hertfordshire, Central Bedfordshire and Rutland.

Quest is the Sport England’s leading national quality scheme for leisure centres across the UK which are examined across all areas of their operations.

Ian Morton, SLL’s Managing Director, said: ’This is a fantastic achievement, and it is a fitting tribute to the hard work and high standards that the teams at all of our centres deliver on behalf of our partner authorities and the local community.”

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• Mari Thomas, 26, of Berkhamsted, received £1,000 to develop a sports apparel brand.

The panel of judges was headed

by Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning who praised Dacorum’s Den as a “great initiative”.

The judging panel on the day also included Andy Cook, the chief A gruelling day of judging at equipment for her bespoke cake executive of FFEI who also chairs Maylands Business Centre in design business in Tring. Sherry, the Maylands Partnership and Jean McLeish, who chairs Hemel Hemel Hempstead saw the panel who started her business from Hempstead Business Ambassadors divide up £10,000 to ideas that home in 2008, creates as well as being head of vertical included historical costumed tours celebration cakes for special marketing at Sopra Steria. around the old town and a new events, sometimes taking 20 cake business opening in Tring. hours to build scenes and New judge Martin Fieldman, characters. who is also the chairman of As well as the cash, the winners Dacorum Tourism Partnership receive one year’s free membership • Former nursery nurse Gemma and managing director of Abode to Hertfordshire Chamber of Bailey, 37, was awarded Bed & Continental, said: “It was Commerce, membership of the £1,000 to help her make Hemel Hempstead Business changes to the People Building, refreshing to see exciting products, from people who have clearly Ambassadors, membership of in Queensway, Hemel identified gaps in the market.”

Connect Dacorum, credit with Hempstead, so the adult DeskLodge and, for those eligible, Dacorum’s Den is also sponsored training and self-development membership to the Tourism

by Ambi Singh, managing director business can expand its Partnership. of Lumiere Developments and services.

Alan Butchers, McDonald’s The winning business ideas were: • Sophie Rigby, 29, and Katy franchisee in Hemel Hempstead.

• Kimberly Woodcock, 37, Whiteside, 32, of Pitch Events Any business interested in has been awarded £2,500 for in Old Town, Hemel Spirit of the Old Town, which Hempstead, have been awarded Dacorum’s Den 2017 should contact Louis Devayya on organises historical walks/plays £1,000 to develop a full 01442 867808 or in the old town area of Hemel website and buy promotional louis.devayya@dacorum.gov.uk.

Hempstead. She is a selfmaterials for their new events Visit the website employed actor, who lives in company. They are planning a www.dacorumlooknofurther.co.uk Hemel Hempstead and calls on series of street food festivals /dacorums-den for further info. a team of 11 actors who play across Dacorum, including one characters from the town’s in Old Town on September 17 history on the walks. Her to include local food, local ales character is Isabella Harrington, and local buskers. landlady of The Royal Oak pub, • Employment law solicitor Peggy who ran the inn on her own Barnard, 31, has been awarded with her 14 year-old daughter. £1,000 for marketing support She made her presentation to for her new practice, Barnard & the judges in costume with Co Employment Law Solutions, Matt Hatton, in full Henry VIII based at the Maylands Business costume and Mark Crane, Centre, in Hemel Hempstead. playing Joseph Cranstone junior.

• Giorgio Celestre, 39, a Brazilian • Sherry Hostler, 44, of Sherry national who came to the UK Hostler Cake Artistry, formerly in 2006, has been awarded the Cake House, has been £1,000 to build a “proper awarded £2,500 to buy

MembersNews

Peace Hospice Care nominated as Charity of the Year Peace Hospice Care has been chosen as Charity of the Year by Watford-based law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV). that we are able to support local charities where our efforts, including fundraising, collecting food for Watford Food Bank and signing up for this year’s Watford Dragon’s Apprentice, can really make a difference.

Each year, staff at VWV nominate a charity to partner with and raise money through a variety of fundraising activities, as well as donations from the charitable trust. Peace Hospice Care has been chosen as VWV’s charity partner for 2016/2017.

Peace Hospice Care is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families and carers facing a life-limiting illness by providing specialist care and support to patients in the setting of their choice.

The charity provides rehabilitation and wellbeing services, inpatient care, hospice at home and

supportive care including bereavement support. It costs over £5 million to run and develop these services for a year, which is why the support of the local community and local businesses is so vital.

As well as fundraising for Peace Hospice Care, VWV is also looking forward to building a close working relationship with the charity by learning more about its work from the dedicated team at the Hospice who provide invaluable support to members of the Watford Community.

Richard Phillips, Partner at VWV Watford, said: “I am delighted

“Our focus this year, however, will be Peace Hospice Care and we have individuals already committed to take part in or be marshals at the Push it for Peace event on the 24th September.

Our teams in Watford are well used to fundraising. We are hoping to build on this with the Hospice and raise significant funds for Peace Hospice Care."

Ropinder Gill, Director of Fundraising at Peace Hospice Care, said: "We are thrilled to be working with VWV and it’s fantastic that they have come on board with Peace Hospice Care as our Anniversary Partner.

This is a special year as we celebrate 25 years of being at the heart of our community and providing care and support for people facing life-limiting illnesses.”

For more information about Peace Hospice Care and if you would like to also become their charity partner please visit www.peacehospicecare.org.uk

Aubrey Park Hotel offers brand new business and event venue facilities The hotel recently won the Inspiring Herts Excellence in Customer Service Award and has received their first of many AA Rosettes.

Aubrey Park is having an Open Evening on Thursday 24th November 2016 from 4pm-7pm for private appointments and show-rounds.

Want to have a look yourself, or be one of the first to book a meeting there?

Call the team on 01582 792 105

Kingston Smith in St Albans is moving The St Albans office of top 20 chartered accountants and business advisers Kingston Smith is delighted to announce that its partners and staff will be re-locating to a new office in Victoria Square in St Albans in September.

Having been based in a beautiful historic building on St Peter’s Street since arriving in St Albans three decades ago, the partners are excited about the move to the very modern and elegant new offices. They will offer improved meeting, entertaining and event facilities in the heart of the town, just a stone’s throw from St Albans City station.

Silvia Vitiello, lead partner at Kingston Smith in St Albans, comments: “It was

important to us to remain right in the heart of the St Albans business community and we are delighted that our new offices will better serve our clients. We are excited about the new open plan layout, which we believe promotes collaboration within the firm and supports our growth plans, as well as the more spacious, dedicated client working space we will have, complete with Wi-Fi and refreshment facilities.”

Michaela Hall, insolvency partner at Kingston Smith & Partners, adds: “The move to larger, more contemporary offices will provide clients with better and more convenient facilities, which will enhance our insolvency and recovery services offering to the local community.”

Kingston Smith’s new address will be 4 Victoria Square, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3TF.

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MembersNews

Chancellor visits Harlow business Luna Logistics George Osborne, at the time Chancellor of the Exchequer, paid an unexpected visit to specialist transport business Luna Logistics as part of the ‘Remain In’ campaign in the European referendum.

Mr Osborne was joined by Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, who visited Luna in River Way, Harlow, to speak to owner and chamber member Briege Leahy and her staff.

The Chancellor was taken on a tour of the distribution centre at Luna Logistics in Mead Park, Harlow on Wednesday, June 1 as part of the campaign to promote for Britain to remain in the EU before the referendum on June 23.

As part of the visit Mr Osborne had a go at packaging the

components for a new satellite navigation system for onward distribution.

Mr Osborne said: "Luna Logistics is a fantastic example of a small business that was not here a few years ago but has been able to grow and employ more staff.”

Briege Leahy said: ‘It was a big surprise to learn that we would be meeting the Chancellor the following morning but we were delighted to make things happen and it was a memorable day for Luna, our staff and for Harlow.’

Does your business support special needs?

Do you cater for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their families?

Hertfordshire’s Local Offer is the central source of information for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. If your business supports this customer base you can tell them about it in the Local Offer.

Hertfordshire’s SEND Local Offer is part of the government’s commitment to improving SEND services around the country. One of the various changes to the SEND reforms is that local authorities must make sure children and young people aged 0-25,

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with special educational needs and/or disabilities and their families, are able to easily find the information they need. This can include information about services such as leisure activities, support groups, health and care services, even home hairdressing.

If your business offers similar services, list it free on Hertfordshire’s Local Offer (via the Register button top right) so those with SEND know what is available.

Find the Local Offer www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/localoffer or email localoffer@hertfordshire.gov.uk

MembersNews

Don’t work for technology, make it work for you Have you ever felt that you’d love to use all the business technology around, but you just don’t have time for it? Or maybe you can’t afford it? Yes? Then you’re looking at it the wrong way round.

Joined-up business automation is there to take away hassle, not to cause more, and can simplify and streamline everything you do. As for cost, the superior efficiency can increase your profits so much that the question is whether you can afford not to have it.

In the traditional model, everything has to be sorted and allocated each day before work starts.

Someone has to go through emails and distribute them to the appropriate people, check calendars to coordinate appointments and sales calls, assign alerts to the person best placed to follow them up. Until this has been done, nothing can go ahead. And this continues throughout the day.

The right tech can ensure that this is all automatically sorted by the time your employees start work.

Increasing your consistency

Having the right tools

It’s easy for the people in an organisation to misunderstand one another. Two employees each think they’re supposed to carry out the same task - or, even worse, each thinks the other is supposed to do it. Or someone who needs a crucial piece of data can’t find it because the colleague who has it in their files happens to be off today.

Your systems can be set up so everyone has access to the relevant information.

There’s plenty of generic software out there, and sometimes it’s adequate to get the job done if you’re willing to adapt to its requirements and accept that data from one application may need to be tweaked a little before it can be fitted into another.

Alternatively, you can have a complete software system designed that’s customised to do precisely what you need it to, not the other way round.

Please direct all queries to Nosheen at 01438 771000

Cyber security is important for business

By Vladimir Jirasek Focusing on business development, retention of existing customers and prudent financial management are the key principles for successful companies of any size.

Cyber security is not typically on the top of the agenda in small and medium businesses. Yet, there have been numerous cases of failed companies caused by cyber security incidents. These ranged from a leak of the customer database, intellectual property theft or a corporate bank account compromise. The numbers are not stacked up in companies’ favour. The research shows that in 60% of cases, attackers are able to compromise an organization within minutes.

The key message I have for any managing director: cyber security is important! How much thought, and how many resources should a company invest into it, is a question worth asking. I have seen companies

wasting thousands on cyber security technology that did not deliver the promised benefit.

The reason is quite simple: cyber security is, as any business area, built on the usual troika: people, prices, technology. It is simply not enough to buy a security technology and hope for a good protection. One must inviest in people to run the technology, detail, processes and procedures.

In addition, as cyber security threats change so should the security controls.

The UK government gives out easy to understand guidance on cyber security (www.gov.uk/government/ collections/cyber-securityguidance-for-business).

These are well intended initiatives and I certainly applaud

them. However, a non-technical business manager will struggle to implement effective controls.

Effectiveness is key as cyber criminals only need to get it right once to get through.

That leads me to the final recommendation in cyber security: get external help to discuss current threats and how these apply to your business.

Cyber security consultancies employ highly skilled people that have been responsible for delivering cyber security projects to multiple customers across industries. And in this field the experience really counts.

To learn how Jirasek Security can assist you with your security requirements visit: www.jiraseksecurity.com

Back to school and back to work We often associate the first week of September with the excitable sounds of children returning to school after a long summer break.

So why might this be important for businesses in Hertfordshire?

Back to School also marks the point where thousands of mothers turn their attention to returning to work or changing their current working pattern.

More and more women with professional skills return to work seeking jobs offering flexible hours, aiming to commit to a rewarding job alongside their family responsibilities.

They’re also looking to work locally, maximising working hours while minimising commuting time.

“I saw so many mothers at the school gates and realised there was a huge waste of talent and experience right there” said Deborah O’Sullivan, Director of Ten2Two in Hertfordshire.

“I knew that businesses were missing out on what they had to offer as there was no easy way to access this talented community that was right on their doorstep.”

Ten2Two has thousands of local professionals registered with experience ranging from HR and Finance to Marketing and Sales looking for their perfect job. Many are not active in the jobs market, feeling professional local part-time opportunities do not feature in other agencies or job boards.

“We are constantly amazed at the range and quality of people, who are part of our candidate community.

There’s an untapped source of great talent out there,” said Deborah Recruiting a part-time professional makes real business and economic sense. Ten2Two research showed that local businesses didn’t think they could afford professionals with proven experience but employing them flexibly makes it affordable.

Reducing hours to three days a week reduces the salary investment by 40% without compromise on the experience or abilities on offer. And if you’re clear about what you want this person to achieve, a lot can be achieved in 20-25 hours a week.

Call 01442 874247 or www.ten2two.org to find out more

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MembersNews

Post-Brexit record breaking day In the post Brexit world, Silver Fox - the Welwyn Garden City based specialist manufacturer of industrial labelling solutions - is growing fast in the export market.

SCEO Nick Michaelson, commented ‘‘We have seen good growth throughout the year with a significant surge since the Brexit vote. A prime example of this, in one day we received orders and enquiries from as far afield as Australia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, USA together with mainland Europe and the UK.’’ Silver Fox’s specialist labels are used in a variety of areas; oil and gas, power and rail. These solutions have taken years to develop, with strong competition from the USA, Germany and China, yet we are still growing.

Our strength lies with the mix of continuous product development and the fall in the value of sterling. However the key to our success is consistent quality and service, attracting high levels of repeat business. ‘’Wherever possible we source our materials in the UK’’ continued Nick, ‘‘and we are pleased to report that as a result of the sustained growth, we are now looking to further grow our team! ‘’To my knowledge Silver Fox are the only UK Brand, UK Made, UK Owned manufacturer of these types of niche market labelling solutions. ‘‘As one of our customers in Saudi Arabia so kindly observed: Silver Fox help turn Time into Profit®, and all that from our base right here in Hertfordshire.’’

For more information, please contact us on 01707 37 37 27 or email marketing@silverfox.co.uk.

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WMT appoints second partner in three months WMT is continuing its recent growth spell with the appointment of Paula Jeffs as Private Client Partner. This is the firm’s second partner appointment in three months.

From left to right: Back row - Andrew Williamson, Paula Jeffs, Peter Davies, Graham Wintle, Anne-Maree Dunn Seated - Adrian Le Roux, Elizabeth Irvine

Paula worked for WMT as a senior private client adviser between 2007 and 2013 and has returned to lead its personal tax team, which has expanded steadily over the last two years.

A chartered tax advisor, Paula is particularly skilled in advising on protecting wealth and passing it on tax efficiently through inheritance tax planning and the use of trusts.

Paula also resolves clients planning concerns around residency and domicile income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax and property

as well as advising on the tax implications of separation and divorce.

Paula’s appointment follows close on the heels of Peter Davies’ promotion to partner on 1 June 2016, bringing the total number of partners at WMT to seven.

Peter, an employment tax specialist, heads up the firm’s hospitality practice and leads its troncmaster services team. Now advising over 130 hotels and restaurants on the distribution of service charges and card tips to

staff, the tronc team is expanding to support a rapidly increasing client base.

Most of the tronc team’s new business has come from personal recommendations. Peter credits its success to a deep understanding of the laws and tax rules around tipping practices, combined with their ability to adapt to the way different clients like to work.

Tax hasn’t been the only area to achieve significant growth over the last two years. Offering inclusive service packages, structured around the use of Xero cloud accounting software, is proving attractive to owner managed businesses looking for a scalable service.

Anne-Maree Dunn, Partner and Head of Tax said: ‘We are delighted to appoint Paula as our Private Client Partner and we’re sure our clients will be delighted too. Her skills in advising on a wide range of private client matters will expand the specialist advice we provide to clients. It’s very rewarding to see that the developments we are making as a firm are attracting new clients. As it evolves, our advisory team remains true to our joined-up approach when advising private individuals and businesses.

“Offering inclusive service packages, structured around the use of Xero cloud accounting software, is proving attractive to owner managed businesses looking for a scalable service.”

ChamberHR

Manage Your Employee Relations

SAVE MONEY PEACE O MIND F

Essential HR support that’s included in your membership fee Key features of ChamberHR ChamberHR is an employer focused service it’s on your side!

Advice line • Our Advice Lines are manned by specialist HR advisors

ChamberHR - What is it?

ChamberHR is a national scheme provided

by Qdos Consulting and has been an accredited BCC service for over 10 years.

The service is offered by the majority of UK Chambers of Commerce and over 34,000 businesses now have access to the service.

ChamberHR offers members easy access to essential support for employment law and human resources (HR) issues through two platforms: • ChamberHR advice line • ChamberHR website

How to access ChamberHR Advice line – call 01455 852037 Lines are available 24/7, 365 days a year Please note: to access this service you will need to confirm the name of your Chamber to the advisor

Website – visit www.chamberhr.co.uk and select your Chamber from the links provided, or access through your own Chambers’ website Please note: for full access to this service you will need your unique log in details

If you need additional HR services All businesses are different and some may require a more bespoke service than ChamberHR. You can access a full range of HR solutions through the Qdos team.

Retained services Some businesses require ongoing HR support and a solution that is specifically designed for their business. In this case you

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• Unlimited calls – call as often as you need to • Hand-holding support - advisors offer comprehensive support to guide you through difficult situations • Practical advice – advisors offer practical advice that is easy to understand Website • Huge document library with over 550 downloadable template documents • Includes a basic contract of employment and employee handbook • Online HR Healthcheck – easy to complete with an instant response • My Account area to store your frequently used documents Plus latest news and legislation updates.

And it’s FREE! – The ChamberHR service is included in your membership fee – because your Chamber invests in this service so that your business has access to support and protection when it needs it most. need ChamberHRPlus, which offers short term contracts at exclusive Chamber rates.

All services include the following: • HR Compliance Audit • Specialist Business Partner • Allocated Advisor • Bespoke Contracts of Employment • Bespoke Employee Handbook • Newsletters

What you can call the ChamberHR advice line about You can call the ChamberHR advice line about anything related to employment law or HR. The advisors can help you with any issues or problems you have, but are also happy to answer any questions you have, no matter how trivial you may think they are.

What you can find in the ChamberHR document library It is easy to navigate your way around the ChamberHR website and you will find documents under a number of headings.

They cover the life-span of an employee – from recruitment to exit.

Why you need to use ChamberHR Every business needs to manage its employees because your people can be your biggest asset – they can help your business thrive... but they can also be your greatest liability. Employment disputes are stressful and time consuming and they can completely distract you from achieving your objectives.

However, if you use ChamberHR you will soon see the benefit: • Save money – there is no need to have a separate lengthy support contract to cover your basic HR requirements – ChamberHR is free to access • Peace of mind – help and advice is only a phone call away – you are never alone Manage your Employee relations – don’t be distracted by HR or employment matters – let the ChamberHR team take the strain.

Ad hoc services With an ad hoc service you pay for what you need when you need it. There are no ongoing contracts involved.

If you need to know more about the full range of ChamberHR services please contact the Qdos ChamberHR team: 01455 852028 or email sales@qdosconsulting.com

WorkPlace

National Living Wage and Workforce Pensions - will your wage bill go up?

When you separately look at the impact of the National Living Wage (NLW) and Workforce Pensions Automatic Enrolment (AE) for Employers at first glance the cost does not look that much, however in reality the combined impact is considerable.

So in a nutshell what are the changes?

Workforce Pensions Auto Enrolment

Over the next three years the minimum employer contributions for Auto Enrolment pensions increases from 1% to 3% of pensionable earnings (including salary).

With the introduction of the NLW the hourly rate will increase from the current National Minimum Wage (NMW) of £6.70 to £9.00 by 2020.

The proof is in the detail

Over and above the need to auto-enrol workers in a suitable pension scheme, the introduction of Workforce Pensions brought with it an incremental phasing of minimum employer contributions.

Minimum Employer Contribution

Minimum Total Contribution

To April 2018

1%

2%

April 2018 to March 2019

2%

5%

April 2019

3%

8%

Date Range

National Minimum Wage (NMW) The current national minimum wage (for workers aged 21 and over) has just increased from £6.50/hour to the current £6.70/hour.

From April 2017, the NLW for workers aged 25 or older will be introduced at a rate of £7.20/hour rising to a planned £9.00/hour by 2020.

Date Range At Mar 2016

NMW £6.70/hr

NLW -

Total cost per week to employer

Total cost per annum to employer

0.00

£234.50

£12,194.00

0.00

Employer Pension Contribution

Increase £ cumulative

Apr ’16 to Mar ‘17

-

£7.20/hr

1% = £2.52/week

£254.52

£13,235.04

£1,041.04

Apr ’17 to Mar ‘18

-

£7.60/hr

1% = £2.66/week

£268.66

£13,970.32

£1,776.32

Apr ’18 to Mar ‘19

-

£8.00/hr

2% = £5.60/week

£285.60

£14.851.20

£2,657.20

Apr ’19 to Mar ‘20

-

£8.50/hr

3% = £8.92/week

£306.42

£15,934.10

£3,740.10

Apr ’20 onwards

-

£9.00/hr

3% = £9.45/week

£324.45

£16,871.40

£4,677.40

Understanding the reality The above table is an example of the increase in wage-bill (salary and pension contributions) faced by an employer for one single employee (over 25 year old and on a 35 hour week for 52 weeks p.a.) – where the Software for People (SfP) is an award winning HR & Payroll software and services provider with over 20 years experienced based in Hitchin.

Operations Director, Keiron Smith has been responsible for the success and growth of the HR

employer will reach their AE Staging date next April and the employee is currently paid the NMW. Without taking account of any other increases that may be applied (or other costs like Employer’s NI): Whilst the exact figures in each year may vary slightly, the

overall impact can be seen to be an increase in your wage bill of nearly 40% in just over four years.

Now multiply these increases by the number of your workforce who are currently on the national minimum wage – are you ready?

and Payroll solution since 2001.

His philosophy that "only the customer matters" is reflected across the company in everything they do, from the initial contact through to the dedicated and committed After Sales Support.

He encourages everyone at SfP to go the extra mile and the team at SfP spend a lot of time talking to industry experts, managers, software suppliers about Payroll, Pension and Employee

Management to ensure the company is at the forefront of change and meeting the requirements of industry operations.

Further information: National Living Wage www.gov.uk/government/publication s/national-living-wage-nlw Workforce Pension Auto Enrolment www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/e mployers/contributions-fundingtax.aspx

Small Business Marketing Conference 2016 This popular and annual event in the Hertfordshire business community was organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) with the University of Hertfordshire (UH), and took place in Hatfield on 27 May. There were a number of exhibitors including Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

The post-event questionnaire shows that over 95% of attendees would recommend this event to other small business businesses. This year topics covered included: • Story Telling: how to use story telling techniques to create emotional buy-in and avoid jargon • Online Tools: the best online tools for small business productivity and to avoid stress!

• Lead Generation: how to use LinkedIn to generate B2B quality leads, what you are doing wrong, and how to convert them into long-term customers.

• Marketing Strategy: we were reminded by the UK’s leading authority on marketing (Prof Malcolm McDonald) that marketing strategy (segmentation, targeting and positioning) is the essence of digital (including social media) success; if you don’t do this you are likely to be wasting your marketing money on agencies and probably achieving a negative ROI • Emotional Intelligence: how to connect and built rapport with your audience.

• SEO: what you need to know today and how to do it • Mindset: marketing mindset secrets of FTSE100 leaders • Avoiding the Pitfalls: world-renowned copywriter and direct marketing guru, Drayton Bird, provided a frank overview of the marketing pitfalls, and his wise insights with over 50 years’ experience (on working with the world’s largest companies and most famous marketing campaigns) on how to avoid the mistakes and achieve success Hertfordshire Chamber members and local business owners who would like to receive a copy of the Best Digital Marketing Tools for 2016, specifically designed to help SMEs, should email the Chamber enquiries@hertschamber.com to request their free copy.

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Cyber Security Do not guess!

Ask professionals for impartial business oriented cyber security review.

Executive security consultancy helping business executives protect what matters most.

Services: • Cyber security risk assessments • Help with Cloud migrations and security • Assessment of your current IT provider • Cyber security training for staff • On-going management of cyber security solutions

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Website: Twitter: Email: Phone: Mobile:

www.jiraseksecurity.com @jiraseksecurity info@jiraseksecurity.com +44 330 088 1623 +44 7538790302

24Hours

24.Hours Making sure that the personal touch counts “He had a strong belief that what he promised he would deliver and that philosophy is the same for us today.

“We are a family business and when we say we will do something we do. Online retailing has had a big impact but we are about the personal touch that you do not always get if you buy from a website.

“We don’t just deliver a piece of furniture in a box and expect the customer to get the screwdriver out and put it together.

We assemble and leave the furniture ready for use, taking away all the packaging for recycling, leaving your staff to get on with the real work!.

Fiona Edwards Commercial and Sustainability Director JPA Furniture In a retail world where online trade increasingly dominates, the personal touch still has an important place and that is what drives the 25-strong team at St Albans-based JPA Furniture.

The family company specialises in supplying office and educational furniture to organisations in North London and the Home Counties and has a strong focus on quality service and products that do not harm the environment.

One of its key people is Commercial and Sustainability Director Fiona Edwards.

Fiona, who works from home two days a week and in the office the other three, said: “My Dad formed the company in 1974, in the teeth of the three day week, and right from the beginning his motto was ‘my word is my bond’.

“Also, online shopping does not take account of things like manual handling.

A box containing a piece of furniture is a heavy thing and we do everything we can to smooth the process.

“We will have worked with the client in advance, taken them through the designs whilst tailoring to individual budgets and deadline dates.

It is not just about the product, it is about a complete service package.

“I try to cram as much as possible into my three days in the office. I get in about 10.30am to miss the commuter rush hour and tend to leave about 7-8pm.

“During the day I catch up with our staff and meet clients and prospective clients with about half the meetings in our office and the rest going out to see people. It is important that, in addition to seeking out new clients, I make sure that our existing clients are happy as well.

“I will also spend time researching new furniture that fits in with our philosophy that our products should be sustainable and I will drop in on suppliers to see their latest products.

“For instance, I am looking at the idea of cardboard desks. You would be surprised at how strong they are and once you have finished using them they can be pulped back into cardboard and re-used.

They are the only desks that can start out as a desk then become a desk again.

Watch this space!

“I also oversee our marketing department, discussing ways to raise the profile of the business, and I do a lot of networking to make sure that as many people as possible know about the company.”

It all makes for busy days but more than forty years after being established, JPA Furniture is still going strong.

“We are a family business and when we say we will do something we do. Online retailing has had a big impact but we are about the personal touch that you do not always get if you buy from a website.

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Young Chamber

YoungChamber

Get Work Ready Week at the Priory School Hitchin The Chamber team were delighted to recognise Get Work Ready Week at The Priory School in Hitchin by attending its assessment day on Tuesday 19 July, supported by Chamber patron member Tate Recruitment together with Computacenter, The Food Teacher and Willmott Dixon.

The day’s activities provided the students with feedback on their communication, leadership, teamwork, dress and planning skills; this valuable exercise gave each participant the opportunity to understand what they might face during the interview process for a job or university place. Also, through talking with local business people, the students gained a better understanding of their needs and expectations.

Katharine Tate, The Food Teacher, said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity to work with a group of motivated and innovative millennials who generated some really practical ideas for my growing business.

“The students personalised many of the challenges I gave them, and they came up with some very original, actionable ideas which are different to the more traditional marketing approaches commonly in use.

Some of the ideas generated will certainly shape the marketing plan for a new product I'm developing, so a huge thanks to those students who took part. There were a lot of smart thinkers in the room, many of whom I'd love to work with in the future”.

University of Bedfordshire and Airbus Defence and Space Limited.

Hertfordshire Chamber also supported the school’s careers fair the following day. Over 35 businesses attended; the fair helped the students understand the different routes into employment and to make connections with possible companies for the future, whether for work experience, an apprenticeship or a graduate role. We were delighted to see many Chamber members there on the day including GSK, University of Hertfordshire, EM Skills, LV=, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust,

Following the recent success of two pupils from Welwyn Garden City’s Holy Family Catholic Primary school in the Vex IQ Competition, the Chamber invited MBDA to take its fantastic robot into the school for the students to see and experience. The MBDA team were keen to inspire and interest the young audience in the science of robotics. Students were able to see how the robot’s mechanisms worked and heard what challenges MBDA faced during the build process.

MBDA’s robot visited WGC’s Holy Family Catholic Primary School

John Warner School students joined us for lunch Chamber members were delighted to welcome teacher Keziah Todd and students Callie Winch and Lauren Moreby from the John Warner School in Hoddesdon at our Women in Leadership Lunch in July at the Marriott Hanbury Manor in Ware. Callie and Lauren had the opportunity to network with over 60 local business people and hear talks from two inspiring business women: Nosheen Lone, Managing Director of TekOne Technologies and Commander Virginia Newman, Commanding Officer of HMS Wildfire, the Royal Navy Reserve Unit based in Northwood, Middlesex.

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Finance

Funding announcements show that the UK is open for business Recent weeks have seen a raft of encouraging funding announcements from the Government, all of them designed to create opportunities to boost businesses of all sizes.

In addition to Chancellor Philip Hammond committing to honouring EU spending commitments post-Referendum, the Government also announced £365m for new UK aerospace research and development projects and a major partnership with Boeing to create 2,000 jobs in the UK. The £365m worth of aerospace R&D projects approved are jointly funded by industry and government and are part of the work of the Aerospace Growth Partnership, which sets out to maintain the UK aerospace sector’s leading position in the world.

In addition to supporting aerospace, £57.5 million was announced for the UK’s energy and infrastructure, biomedical and quantum technology sectors.

The fund will help boost businesses across a range of sectors and the best ideas will compete for funding to develop new sustainable energy and transport solutions, bring new healthcare

advancements to market and drive forward commercial advances in quantum technology used in electronic devices such as clocks and computers.

The series of competitions are run by Innovate UK and its partner organisations.

They include: • Two competitions totalling £28 million to develop new solutions to provide affordable, sustainable and secure energy delivery, integration of different modes of transport or tackle the challenges of modern urban living that will help businesses secure future investment for ideas • The joint £10 million Biomedical Catalyst 2016 competition between Innovate UK, the Medical Research Council and Scottish Enterprise to develop innovative healthcare technologies that will help offer potential cures, prevent disease, manage chronic conditions or lead to earlier detection and diagnosis

• A £19.5 million joint competition with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to develop commercial applications for quantum technologies.

The competition is particularly looking to support companies developing devices such as clocks, sensors, imaging, communications or computing.

Support has come for Agri-Tech as well.

Twenty-four projects have been awarded a share of £16 million funding through the latest round of the Government’s Agri-Tech Catalyst to solve some of the world’s greatest agricultural challenges – from food security and sustainability to weed control and livestock disease.

The UK is a world leader in the sector, as global challenges such as rising population, shortages of land, water and energy require better and more reliable production of food.

This round of the Government’s Agri-Tech Catalyst – run alongside industry investment – has provided awards between £200,000 and £1.5 million to the most pioneering science and technology projects within the UK’s agricultural sector to help meet the global demand for food with the least environmental impact.

Successful projects in the fifth round of funding announcements include the development of a robot that accurately eliminates and controls weeds, which will significantly reduce the use of herbicides in food production. Another project will look at why potato greening occurs and how to prevent it – helping to reduce the 100,000 tonnes of potatoes thrown away annually.

Support has also been given to develop technology that will help fruit farmers monitor and control the storage of British apples – improving their availability window across the year and reducing the need for imports.

Five projects will target challenges in developing countries, including improving methods to detect carcinogenic mould toxins in food crops.

Each of the announcements makes clear that the UK may be undergoing uncertain times but it is very much still open for business.

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Communications

A Guide to Cloud Computing If you are an owner or a director of a business Cloud Computing will be a term you are familiar with but what does it really mean?

Of all the new IT trends that have emerged in the last 20 years or so, one of the most widely talked about is cloud computing.

Like the rest of the IT world, cloud computing is full of buzzwords.

In a nutshell, cloud computing gives businesses access to high performance IT software, hardware infrastructure and services without many of the “up front capital costs” associated with more traditional forms of IT. Cloud computing services are all delivered over the internet – and because “the internet” as a network of networks has

always been visually represented in its simplest form as a “cloud”, the name has stuck.

The key elements of cloud computing are hardware, software and the management services to maintain all these elements.

Because cloud services are delivered remotely over the internet, another element is the physical buildings and space in which the servers and other infrastructure are housed, and this is where many of the efficiencies associated with it are found.

Many software applications that you’ll be familiar with are now also delivered as cloud software as well as – and in some cases instead of – the more traditional CD or download version.

Examples include email (such as hosted Exchange), application software (for example Office365), file sharing, storage and backups, and even Voice Over IP telephony (VOIP).

Essentially, ‘the cloud’ offers business an alternative or complementary option to ‘owned’ servers and the software that runs on them, instead allowing customers to pay only what they need, for as long as they need it.

Many of the services can be paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis, which is welcome news for cashflow-conscious Managing Directors and Finance Executives.

The questions that normally arise are: • Is cloud computing right for my business?

• What are the benefits of cloud computing?

For more information about cloud services, or to discuss any aspect of your IT systems, please contact Alliance Solutions on 0800 292 2100 or email us at contactus@alliancesolutions.co.uk and ask us for a for a free IT Systems Audit.

Looking for help with your IT support and IT management?

We offer a full range of IT support services to meet all your needs.

Based in Stevenage we provide cloud & on-premise IT solutions, software customisation and IT support to businesses

Phone 0800 292 2100

or email contactus@alliancesolutions.co.uk for a free network audit.

We will work with you • We offer a great service • We invest in technology 46

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Local Hotel Opens New Conference Centre

Aubrey Park Hotel has opened the doors to the home of their brand new business and events venue.

Kitted out with the most up-to-date technology, floating staircase, reception area, floor to ceiling windows and private terrace, it’s really something to get excited about.

Aubrey Park Hotel Managing Director, David Timmis is thrilled with the latest addition to the hotel, saying that ‘After a long time waiting, from the first planning application four years ago, we’re delighted to have our brand new build finally here. This completes the last stage of the refurbishments that began in 2012, along with the beautiful new landscaping; this really is the icing on the cake.’

With space for up to 200 people, it’s the perfect location for meetings, networking events, seminars, trade shows and much more.

The hotel also invested in new staff areas, extended kitchen and removal of their famous marquee which has hosted hundreds of events, parties and weddings throughout the years.

The investment has completed the Aubrey Park’s facelift and is a far cry from the days of being a chain hotel.

To mark this special occasion the hotel decided to rename all of their event rooms by creating a ‘Name

That Room’ competition where over 400 people entered to win a VIP experience at Aubrey Park Hotel. With such a high number of entries, the hotel had a real tough time deciding, but they went with Ms Breed’s tree theme as the team felt it best captured the rural feel of their location.

Aubrey Park Hotel recently won the Inspiring Herts Excellence in Customer Service Award and received their first of many AA Rosettes; we expect to see great things from this hotel in the future.

Aubrey Park is having an Open Evening on Thursday 24th November 2016 from 4pm – 7pm and are taking private appointments and show-rounds.

Want to have a look yourself, or be one of the first to book a meeting there?

Call the team on; 01582 792 105

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Festive

Making the right decisions for that big festive event Summer may only just be coming to an end but it’s the time of year when people are already thinking about booking that all-important Christmas Party.

A good Christmas Party can do wonders for staff morale, which is crucial in these uncertain times, and the chance of finding the best venue for your needs is very high indeed as long as you take care in preparing the groundwork.

The area is blessed with excellent restaurants, hotels and other venues that can stage the best parties possible, taxi companies that can get you home or hotels and guest houses should you decide to spend the night.

So how do you know how to select the best venue?

Well, it’s all down to first impressions - do you like the décor, does it look like it can generate a good atmosphere, are the staff friendly?

It is crucial to selecting venues that make everyone feel welcome. Older staff members might not appreciate a busy pub, younger ones might not want a restaurant whose clientele are normally on the older side.

It’s worth putting a bit of thought into making a choice that strikes the right balance.

Choosing the right menu is important as well. People like choice so even though most guests will go for the traditional Christmas meal, it’s a good idea to make sure there is an alternative - and definitely a vegetarian option.

Also, people like to be appreciated. Maybe your staff and suppliers have gone over and beyond what was expected of them to help the business.

A good boss knows to acknowledge that at the Christmas party. Maybe a tribute in a short speech or a thank you note on place settings would be a good idea.

And, yes times, have been tough for some, yes, budgets have been tight, but a cheap party looks cheap so if you are a boss who is determined to hold one, loosen the purse-strings a little - err on the side of generous and your staff will appreciate the gesture.

However, for some people a straightforward party is not enough and there is a growing trend for something a bit more ambitious to celebrate the festive period.

Themed parties can work really well so consider what will generate the most goodwill

and what kind of event will appeal to most people.

That could mean bringing in specialist companies to dress up venues to mimic everything from Thirties America to space-age celebrations. Anything is possible.

Whatever you fancy venues or specialist events companies can oblige, providing the right décor and costumes and guaranteeing the right ambience.

Such events could happen everywhere from hotels and restaurants to marquees in gardens – it does not really matter where because venues and events companies are adept at making magic happen. All you need to bring is that initial spark of imagination and they can make the rest happen.

Hertfordshire is blessed with excellent restaurants, hotels and other venues that can stage the best parties possible.

Why not join in the Christmas party nights at Cheshunt Marriott, or sample festive delights, such as sumptuous afternoon teas or lunches at Aubrey Park.

For a classic Christmas atmosphere Ware Priory has plenty to offer.

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LastWord

Bannatyne Health Club Fairfield Q Who do you work for?

I work for the Bannatyne Health Club in Fairfield, near Hitchin and Letchworth towns. It is part of the Bannatyne group.

Q Why did you join the Chamber?

Name:

Charlotte Quantick Company: Bannatyne Health Club Fairfield Job title: Sales & Marketing Manager Q What do you do?

Sales & Marketing Manager - My role is mainly to introduce new members to the club and retain current members. I also take care of the marketing collateral for the site including the website, social media, advertisements etc.

I work on PR opportunities with journalists/bloggers/charities and other corporate companies.

Patrons

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I have used the Chamber in previous roles and always found a high level of support from the team to promote business messages, offer advice and help increase the profile in the local area. I hope to work with the Chamber to host events at our Health Club and gain corporate interest in the club through corporate membership and corporate spa days.

Q What do you get from it?

There are a number of areas where the Chamber can help including invitations to networking events and hosting events at my place of work.

Chamber membership also facilitates word of mouth recommendations and the promotion of events through

their newsletter. Plus the team offers advice on how to build your profile or get involved with cross-marketing opportunities.

I know one of their biggest events is the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards hosted annually and I have tried previously to enter into the event but never had the time so I hope on this occasion I get the opportunity to enter.

Q How has it helped your business network?

We will be hosting an event in conjunction with the Herts Chamber at our club, followed by tours at the event so people get a look at the facilities and get a feel of the club for themselves, that in turn will help raise the profile amongst corporate businesses in the local area.

Q What advice would you give someone starting out?

Speak to someone at the Chamber they have a big contact portfolio and it would probably be best to start off doing some networking so you get used to some of the key local people.

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

There are always new opportunities and updated technology and better offers grabbing consumers’ attention away from your product, so I guess it’s keeping up to date with your offers, equipment and communication and to really be part of the buzz of the county and not shy away from opportunities.

Q How confident are you your business will grow in 2016?

I am confident as the health industry has boomed over the years and I think people are more conscious of their health now more than ever. I hope that corporate businesses can work on offering fitness and health as part of their employee package and that we can build on offering their employees more than just a job but a lifestyle.

Blink, and it’s Christmas With a growing reputation for its personalised approach, The Christmas Decorators Hertfordshire provides a service that oozes flair, integrity and professionalism.

The Christmas Decorators Hertfordshire has been quietly building an enviable reputation for the show-stopping Christmas designs it creates for commercial and residential clients in Hertfordshire. Sumptuous and striking, its schemes can justifiably be called outstanding.

But, “outstanding” also describes its approach to service:

“We differentiate ourselves by the fact that we offer a superb end-to-end service as well as luxurious festive interiors and exteriors,” says Eunice De Campi, the company’s personable creative director. “Our approach – melding service and design capabilities – enables us to produce schemes that have individuality at their core.”

It’s an approach made possible by a dedicated team of highly-qualified professionals with a deep understanding of what each client wants.

Commercial clients

Commercial clients prioritise impact, service, budget, storage and installation logistics and health and safety.

The company’s expertise and credibility in meeting these objectives come from decades of combined experience in interior design, logistics planning and management in a range of industries.

Risk assessments and method statements ensure that clients are fully briefed on the chronology and content of stages required before installation, on in-season maintenance logistics and on the derigging process after the festive season. “We leave no pebble unturned to help our clients achieve their festive ambitions,” says Eunice.

“Behind that sensational, illuminated shop façade draped in fairy lights or the hotel lobby transformed into a shimmering festive walkway lies months of planning and unrelenting attention to detail. Our mantra is ‘impossible is possible’. Our service is an ‘all-done-foryou’ service.”

The results – and testimonials – of the company’s “customer-first” way of working are there for everyone to see: spectacular festive schemes that achieve each commercial client’s ambitions for his or her available resources.

In addition to designing festive interiors and exteriors, the company works with its burgeoning client list throughout the year on myriad projects such as Christmasthemed photo shoots, product launches and stage sets. Such commitment to providing exceptional service is what has put The Christmas Decorators Hertfordshire on the lips of the UK’s leading corporate and commercial brands such as the Hilton, and retail venues.

Residential clients

“Many of our residential clients approach us because they have a vision that’s beyond their resources, be that time or ability. Others call because they don’t have a clear vision, so we help them to create one that’s best for them,” says Eunice.

Whether they’re being asked to advise on the best kind of Christmas tree (“Nordman firs retain their needles for longer, but Frasers have a gorgeous, crisp, citrus scent,” she offers), or create inspired winter-wonderland spaces, The Christmas Decorators Hertfordshire have become the decorators of choice for a discerning clientele.

No job, she emphasises, is too small or too big and, delightfully, the same level of detail and service is applied to all projects.

Blink, and it’s Christmas.

Call for your FREE Consultation

The Christmas Decorators Hertfordshire: 0203 231 1020 | 0845 838 1898 projects@thechristmasdecoratorshertfordshire.co.uk www.christmasdecoratorshertfordshire.co.uk