# STEVENAGE Text
The unique digital magazine for Stevenage promoted by social media
Sept ember 2020
You spoke too soon
Opin ion is split as gian t gr een bikes appear . Read PAUL FRY on page 20
The unique digit al m agazine f or #St evenage
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# St ayal ert savel ives t hrough t he coronavirus crisis Advert ising and not publ ic charit y support s t his publ icat ion
What's on in
#Stevenage
We're now into September and traditionally it's a time of year when we are all looking ahead to a busy few monthsand then of course the festive season. Aswith 2020 so far though, that's not the case thisyear, instead both our lives and our businessesin #Stevenage are working on a month-by-month, and week-by-week basis. Now, asnever before, isthe time to help support local, keep your business within the #Stevenage area if you can get to the shopsand restaurantsin town or use
their online services. When thisisover, and it will end at some point, we need them all to still be offering their expertise. We are proud of our support during the coronavirusoutbreak to local groups and businessesand pledge that at #Stevenage we will continue with our policy of providing free editorial support to all our valued advertisersand local organisations. So if you are a group or a businesswho would like to promote yourselves through #Stevenage magazine you can do so by simply calling 07539782979 or by emailing: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
#STEVENAGE - THE UNIQUE DIGITAL M AGAZINE GOT A STORY TO TELL US? St or ies an d f eat u r es: dar r en @spit f irText epr .com WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT? Sales: h dm digit alsales@gm ail.com Text FIND OUT M ORE ABOUT HASHTAG DIGITAL M EDIA w w w.h ash t agdigit alm edia.co.u k Text Tw it t er w w w.t w it t er .com / h t agst even age/ Facebook w w w.f acebook .com / st even agem agazin e/
Domestic abuse charity opens 16th victim safe space Survivors Against Domest ic Abuse (SADA) has opened it s 16t h Safe Space for vict ims of domest ic abuse. The Safe Space offers a haven t o vict ims, survivors and t heir families fleeing domest ic abuse by providing a locat ion t o make what can oft en be life changing decisions. The space is fully furnished and is available for up t o seven days. SADA current ly has Safe Spaces across Hert fordshire ? wit h t he service running in St evenage, Nort h Hert s, Welwyn Hat field and East Hert s ? and operat ing under t he name St evenage Against Domest ic Abuse inside St evenage. The first Safe Space opened in St evenage in 2017, and t he 16t his in Nort h Hert s. Leader of St evenage Borough Council and Chair of SADA, Councillor Sharon Taylor, said: ?I am immensely proud of t he work SADA does, and t he opening of our 16t h Safe Space means we?re able t o help even more vict ims of domest ic abuse and t heir families. ?The need for support and accommodat ion is st ill essent ial, and t he service is averaging 21 referrals
every week. The t eam works hard t o support client s by working co-operat ively wit h part ners, including t he police and housing associat ions.? Cllr Gary Grindal, Nort h Hert fordshire Dist rict Council?s (NHDC) Execut ive Member for Housing said: ?We are incredibly pleased t hat SADA has been able t o open anot her Safe Space in Nort h Hert fordshire, helping vict ims of domest ic abuse and t heir families escape t he most awful of sit uat ions. We will cont inue t o work closely in part nership wit h SADA in Nort h Hert s t o ensure t hat t hose who need t his vit al help are able t o receive it . ? Please call 01438 242666 t o speak t o a dedicat ed domest ic abuse worker. For more informat ion, visit : www.st evenage.gov.uk/ about -st evenage/so-safe/ 187555/
Pictured: L-R: Hilary Speirs, Chair of Stevenage Arts Guild; Jo Ward, Stevenage Museum Manager; Mayor Jim Brown; Youth Mayor Alissa Crew; Andy, project volunteer; and Councillor Richard Henry.
Art installation unveiled A new art installation has been unveiled in Stevenage town centre, thanks to the Stories from the Gordon Craig project.
display on the town?s cycling/walking network, with permission from Hertfordshire County Council and support from Stevenage Borough Council.
The installation ? located in the underpass leading to Asda ? consists of posters made by local people living with dementia and their carers, in collaboration with Modern Suffrage. The artists used copies from the archive developed from the Stories from the Gordon Craig project to create the collage-like posters with the group of residents.
The concept for the artwork was that public engagement with people with dementia, the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials, and encouraging public use of the pedestrian and cycling network are a reflection of the network?s environmental and wellbeing benefits. It is also a contribution to the annual Stevenage Cycling Festival and Hertfordshire Year of Culture 2020.
Stories from the Gordon Craig is a project led by Stevenage Arts Guild, which started in January 2019 ? supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund ? and is delivered in partnership with the Gordon Craig Theatre and Stevenage Museum. In recognising Stevenage?s Arts and Heritage Strategy, with the aim of maximising community skills and development opportunities and enhancing public art, the Arts and Heritage Forum got involved to help select Modern Suffrage to create a public artwork
Councillor Richard Henry, Executive Member for Children, Young People, Leisure and Culture, said, ?This art installation brightens up the area and we hope it will encourage more residents and shoppers to use our unique network of cycleways and pedestrian infrastructure. ?It?s great that local residents have been able to leave their own unique marks in this way, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project.?
Time to run the Striders virtual 10K The Virtual Stevenage 10K 2020 With the impact of Covid19 and the strong
4/9/2020 and then entrants have until 31/10/2020 to complete a 10K on a route of their choice.
possibility that public gatherings for running
All finishers receive a bespoke race medal and a
events won?t be allowed until much later in the
branded technical t shirt.
year (if at all) Stevenage Striders have decided to hold the Stevenage 10K as a virtual race in 2020. This enables the club to ensure that funds can still
Stevenage Magazine publisher Hashtag Digital Media is proud once again the sponsor the event. Entries are now open!
be raised for the race?s nominated local good causes - Stevenage Community Trust, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, Stevenage Haven and staff at the NHS Lister Hospital. On line entries for the race will remain open until
For full details head here. h t t ps:/ / st even agest r ider sr c.or g.u k
Free self-employment webinars on offer Not -for-profit social ent erprise,Went a, have launched a series of FREE webinars designed t o help anyone facing unemployment and considering becoming self-employed. W hilst t he COVID-19 pandemic has caused uncert aint y t o many, it has also been a t ime t o reflect on work-life balance and what really mat t ers. Business st art -up expert s, Went a, have report ed a 140% increase in t heir digit al t raffic over t he past five mont hs wit h a large proport ion of t hese enquiries now coming from t hose at risk of redundancy from t heir jobs and now t hinking of st art ing t heir own business. In response t o t his demand, Went a, who have been providing free business st art -up advice and skills t raining for over 37 years across Hert fordshire and Bedfordshire, are now running a series of free webinars which t ake you t hrough t he psychology of running your own business (?Is st art ing a business right for me??), t he pract ical element s of st art ing a business (?How t o set up your small business?) and how t o writ e a business plan (?Business planning for your small business?). Comment ing on t he launch of t hese webinars, Alex Shoobert ? Business Advisor at Went a, said: ?Speaking t o t he hundreds of people t hat are
coming t o us each mont h for advice at t he moment , we are seeing unprecedent ed numbers of t hose t hat have been made redundant and considering ?alt ernat ive? opt ions t o get t ing anot her 9 ? 5 job. Some have used ?furlough t ime?t o reflect on t heir work-life balance needs and ot hers have t urned hobbies int o business ideas over t he lockdown period. As always, we?re here t o help people t o t urn t heir business ideas int o a realit y and get st art ed.?
Went a provides free of charge and impart ial business st art -up advice as well as physical, affordable workspace across t heir business cent res in Wat ford, Pot t ers Bar, St evenage and Enfield. Home t o a communit y of 270 SMEs, t he social ent erprise helped 373 local resident s t o st art t heir own business in 2019. The new series of business st art -up webinars run alongside Went a?s Hert fordshire St art -up Programme which provides Hert fordshire resident s wit h 12 hours of free advice and support wort h ÂŁ1400, including access t o a st art -up grant . To book and find out more about Went a?s free business st art -up webinars visit : www.went a.co.uk/t raining-event s
An import ant message from Jim McManus, direct or of Public Healt h, Hert fordshire. Dear colleague Thank you for everyt hing you are doing t o help keep Hert fordshire safe. We?re not t hrough t his yet t hough, so I am writ ing t o you t o ask t hat you play your part by put t ing t he right cont rols in place t o prot ect your workforce, cust omers and visit ors from COVID-19. To dat e, t here has been a lower rat e of spread of COVID-19 infect ion in Hert fordshire t han in many ot her areas. This is really good news. However, we cannot be complacent . The challenge t o prevent t he spread of t he virus is now more import ant t han ever. We know workplaces can be t he source of out breaks and we cannot afford t o t hrow away t he gains we have made locally. I would, at all cost s, like t o avoid a sit uat ion where a Hert fordshire business is forced t o close due t o a significant out break, so I urge you t o follow all relevant government guidance t o ensure t hat your workplace is as safe as it can be and is fully prepared t o respond appropriat ely t o any case of COVID-19 wit hin t he workforce. I would especially ask you t o be a responsible employer when dealing wit h employees who might be unwell. It is essent ial t hat t hey are able t o self-isolat e and t hat t hey cont act t he NHS Test and Trace service t o book a t est . I know t his may present operat ional issues for some businesses, but it is very import ant t hat everyone complies. We have at t ached a post er t hat you can display if you wish t o explain t o people why t hey may be asked t o provide cont act det ails. Please also find overleaf a flowchart t hat explains what t o do if you have a suspect ed or confirmed case in your business. It is vit al t hat you follow t his guidance. We are relying on you t o help us prot ect our communit ies. We?re aware t hat some businesses may be concerned about collect ing dat a and report ing cases due t o reput at ional issues if t his leads t o connect ion wit h an out break. I would like t o reassure you t hat by
following t he guidance, it will increase t he likelihood of your business remaining open, reflect posit ively on you as a responsible employer, cont ribut e t o nat ional effort s t o fight t his virus and ult imat ely save lives. Any failure t o comply could delay a Public Hert fordshire Count y Council Count y Hall, Pegs Lane Hert ford SG13 8DF Healt h England response and negat ively impact your business as well as local and nat ional effort s t o prevent out breaks. Please also encourage your st aff and cust omers t o cont inue t o carry out t he simple act ions t hat can prevent t he spread of COVID-19. These are: 1. Wash t heir hands as oft en as possible, for 20 seconds wit h warm wat er and soap or use a hand sanit iser 2. Keep t heir dist ance from ot hers, part icularly in indoor spaces (2m if possible or 1m plus ot her measures such as wearing a face covering) 3. Wear a face covering in t he places t hey are required t o and when it is difficult t o st ay socially dist anced 4. If t hey show sympt oms, self-isolat e and book a t est immediat ely at www.gov.uk/coronavirusor t elephone 119 Post ers, leaflet s and social media post s promot ing t hese messages are available at www.hert fordshire.gov.uk/playyourpart t oolkit . Guidance, checklist s and t emplat es for Hert fordshire businesses t o ensure t hey are ?Covid Secure?can be found here:Covid19 Trading Safely Toolkit If you need furt her guidance on t his informat ion or t rading safely in your workplace, including your healt h and safet y risk assessment , please cont act your Environment al Healt h t eam at your local council(available on your council?s websit e). Thank you for helping everyone t o st ay safe in Hert fordshire Jim McManus Direct or of Public Healt h, Hert fordshire Count y Council
Ready for Pride awards
This year?s Pride of Stevenage Awards will be held virtually for the first time on Saturday 24 October and will be live streamed from the council?s YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/SBCComms Categories highlight the good work of individuals and businesses that have made a difference during the pandemic. The award categories are: ·Best Covid communit y support service to help the people of Stevenage during the pandemic ·Covid lockdown hero someone who selflessly helped others ·Best company providing Covid support to the residents/local community ·Best t eam Covid support providing support to the residents/local community ·Best Covid communit y hero someone who helped local groups of people / volunteering that made a difference / someone who was a good neighbour or Samaritan during the lockdown ·Best Covid healt hcare hero/ heroes healthcare specialist/s who made a huge difference ·Best Covid adapt able business organisations that redeployed staff, made donations, changed
services/products during the pandemic and/or lockdown period. Nominations are now closed. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, chaired by Leader of the Council, councillor Sharon Taylor. Finalists will be informed after the judging. The host for the evening will be SG1 Sports Scene radio presenter and Stevenage FC matchday announcer, Jay Drackford. Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Councillor Sharon Taylor, said: ?Although we cannot host the awards ceremony as we usually would, it?s more important than ever that we recognise the good work of community groups and individuals, so this year?s Pride of Stevenage Awards will be held virtually. ?The heart of our town lies in its people and over the past six months, I have been truly humbled by the acts of kindness and community spirit shown by so many people and organisations during such a difficult time. We really have seen the best of Stevenage, it?s something our town should be extremely proud about and we look forward to being able to recognise and say thank you in October. ?The Pride of Stevenage Awards is a chance of us to come together virtually to celebrate and say thank you to some amazing people and recognise the outstanding contribution they have made to our town and the lives of people in it.?
Call for total approach to keeping healthy NHS England have announced t hat t hey will be prescribing meal replacement shakes and soups t o Diabet es t ype 2 (DT2) in an at t empt t o reverse t heir condit ion and t o help t hem t o lose weight . Dr Nat asha Larmie who is a local GP in Nort h Hert fordshire and Juanit a Prescot t , Head of Healt h and Wellbeing for St evenage Leisure Lt d quest ion t hat t his is t he correct approach t o solving t he ever increasing problem wit h obesit y and DT2. Dr Larmie?s video explains her reasons for not support ing t he Government s proposal. W hat is needed t o improve t he healt h and wellbeing of t he communit y isn?t a prescribed meal
replacement from t he NHS but a comprehensive approach where advice is given on foods t hat can help improve cholest erol, reduce blood pressure, regulat e blood sugar and improve t ot al body fat and muscle percent age and also t he import ance of being physically act ive. Limit ing calories over t hree mont hs will definit ely result in weight loss but , evidence shows t hat rapid weight loss is ext remely hard t o maint ain because once normal eat ing habit s are resumed t he weight goes back on and unfort unat ely in a lot of cases, even more so. This is because when we lose weight , fat cells ?deflat e?t hey don?t disappear. W hen we st art t o
consume ext ra calories t he cells inflat e and mult iply which is why we end up wit h weight gain. DT2 is a chronic condit ion which can lead t o premat ure deat h. In 1980, 153 million people in t he UK had diabet es, in 2019 t hat increased t o 357 million. 90% of all cases are DT2, largely prevent able by lifest yle changes. Lifest yles gym at t he St evenage Art s and Leisure Cent re?s Healt hy Hub run an exercise referral scheme where medical professionals refer pat ient s wit h a variet y of medical condit ions. There was an increase of 17% in diabet ic referrals and a 35% increase of referred obese pat ient s in 2018/ 19 t han t he previous year. Going by current t rends, we can expect a 68% increase for referrals wit h DT2 and obesit y by 2021. Early diagnosis is vit al, complicat ions can begin five t o six years before some people act ually find out t hat t hey have t he condit ion meaning t hat one in t hree people will already have serious problems before t hey are diagnosed. DT2 affect s more people t han all cancers and dement ia combined but just 17% of people consider it t o be a serious condit ion. St evenage leisure were successful in receiving funding from t he St evenage Toget her Policy Lab t o enable t hem t o offer free t raining and nut rit ion advice for 100 people who have been diagnosed wit h Met abolic Syndrome (Met S)This encompasses abdominal obesit y, high blood pressure, high cholest erol and raised blood sugar levels. These fact ors increase t he probabilit y of developing DT2. Each part icipant will be offered a body composit ion scan and will be asked t o complet e some lifest yle quest ionnaires. This will be repeat ed again at t he end of t he project and st udent s from t he Universit y of Hert fordshire will undert ake and analyse t he dat a.Physical act ivit y is an import ant part of weight loss, not just nut rit ion; part icipant s will be able t o use t he gym, suit able st udio sessions, badmint on, swimming and Par 3 Golf at t he St evenage Golf Cent re. If you have been t old by your medical professional t hat if you do not change your lifest yles you are in danger of developing DT2 and you live In St evenage, you may qualify for t he project . Please cont act enquiries.healt hyhub@sll.co.uk for more informat ion
Plea to report full bins to help stop litter
Lit t er ranges in size from a single sweet wrapper, t o a bag full of rubbish. The Environment al Prot ect ion Act of 1990 st at es t hat if a person drops, t hrows, deposit s, any lit t er on land t hat is open t o t he air and which t he public have access t o, wit h or wit hout payment and leaves it t here t hey are commit t ing a lit t ering offence. Lit t er in a public place is unsight ly, unsafe and unpleasant , dangerous t o animals and pedest rians, and dropping it is an offence. Inst ances of lit t ering, where wit nessed by an Environment al Enforcement Officer may result wit h t he person dropping t he lit t er
receiving a Fixed Penalt y Not ice. The Fixed Penalt y Not ice t ariff for t his offence is ÂŁ75. A fine of up ÂŁ2,500 can be applied by a court on convict ion of an offence. Lit t er bins are provided across t he whole t own. Each bin is empt ied at least once each fort night , more oft en where t here is a high volume of pedest rian t raffic and can t ake bagged dog wast e and lit t er. To report a problem wit h a lit t er bin or t o request a lit t er bin at a new locat ion, please cont act us using one of t he following met hods available on t he right . Always use a lit t er bin or t ake it home wit h you.
#Stayalertsavelives
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The benefits of nature It?s a well known fact that spending time outdoors has major health benefits, both physically and mentally. Getting back to nature can improve your mood, reduce stress, help you be more active and even increase your self-esteem. During the early stages of lockdown, government guidelines restricted us to just one form of exercise outside a day. Thankfully, we can now spend unlimited time outdoors ? and the benefits are clear. Get t ing back t o nat ure According to research by the National Trust, 79% of adults infrequently or never smelled wild flowers and 62% either infrequently or never listened to birdsong. We wonder how these figures have changed since lockdown? Nature is restorative and one of the gifts lockdown has brought us is the time to notice it. We?ve seen many more people walking, cycling, jogging, picnicking and meeting (socially-distanced) outdoors. Perhaps ironically in a time of ?lockdown?, we are re-establishing our connection with nature and the wider world.
quote from Angie Weiland-Crosby says: ?Nature is the kind of friend that never leaves my side. Even in grief-stricken times, in her soul I can confide.? Nature reminds us that death is a part of life and that life goes on; we watch the seasons change before us and without fail, from Spring through to Winter each year. Nature also gives us time to reflect because it doesn?t demand anything back from us. And nature encourages us to see outside of our ever-circling thoughts of grief and to reconnect with others. ?In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks,?the wise words of Naturalist, John Muir. Harwood Park During lockdown, our own Harwood Park Memorial Gardens has remained open for families to reflect on their loved ones. With 25 acres, there is plenty of space for quiet contemplation. The memorial gardens serve both as a final resting place for loved ones and also a peaceful retreat for family and friends to visit. From the carefully pruned roses, to the pretty line of cherry trees and the immaculately planted topiary crescent, it?s a lovely place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
failing to get council backing to build on municipal land, John decided to source a plot of private land in the village of Datchworth and 10 years later, in February 1997, Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens was finally opened. John thought of all the little touches when planning Harwood Park, including a large window in the chapel overlooking the countryside and raised areas to make it easier for wheelchair users to view the floral tributes.. Nat ural memorials Natural and ?living?memorials continue to grow in popularity. We have chestnut, birch and woodland trees, all planted as saplings, so you can watch them grow and mature. There are memorial trees throughout our grounds and woodlands, all accompanied by a memorial tablet or plaque, and ashes can be scattered or buried by the tree. Our memorials also include benches and seats, with an inscription dedicated to the person who has passed. Nature can help us through life?s toughest questions, so find time to take that walk or to just sit and watch the world go by. You won?t regret it.
Nat ure and grief Outside of lockdown and Covid, there are also many stories of nature helping in people?s grieving processes after losing a loved one. A beautiful
When John Austin (Claire?s father) took over the business in 1965, his vision was to provide a crematorium to serve the local community. After
Find out more about Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens at www.cremat orium.co.uk
Paul Fry on # St evenage
Street art meets the big bike debate in Stevenage Old Town
If t here is one t hing guarant eed t o st ir people's ire it is a bit of st reet furnit ure. It helps if it involves cyclist s (t hree point s). You can double t he t ally if it annoys or inconveniences mot orist s, which cyclist s invariably do anyway. So it is wit h t he addit ion of t he Old Town cycle bays, front ed by large, green cut -off bike symbols which have sprung up in t he past few weeks. They have divided opinion and I have t o say I act ually quit e like t hem. The New Town has been right ly proud of it s cycling herit age and is t he envy of many t owns and cit ies which are now hurriedly st ealing a lane of major t horoughfares t o allow cyclist s more space and t o encourage us out of our cars. In places such as Leicest er, t he result is a lane st olen from mot orist s wit h t he aid of unsight ly cones. St evenage has miles of cycle t racks, int ended t o keep bikes and cars apart , wit h underpasses and foot pat hs. There have been complaint s of lat e about t he st at e of some of t hese t racks, which I used frequent ly t o get t o school from Broadwat er t o t he old Nobel sit e in Chells years ago. People blame St evenage Council but it is a count y council responsibilit y. But t hat is a side issue. I t hink cycling should be encouraged, part icularly in schools - fewer cars doing t he school run would be bet t er for t hose unfort unat e souls who live close t o t he school gat es but don't have children, and also for safet y. It is t he right age t o encourage a habit t hat can last for life. I recall my mum, int o her 40s, cycling
from Broadwat er t o work in t he t own cent re, and many more used t o cycle t o t he fact ory area, where now t he car is preferred all t oo oft en. And even set t ing aside t he healt h benefit s of cycling, I t hink a t ight er int egrat ion of safe st orage wit h t he easy access of bike lanes is needed. On a t rip t o Bruges early t his year, I saw a couple of large t wo-st orey bike garages, one beside t he medieval Clot h Hall and anot her a short st roll from t he cit y square wit h it s famous bell t ower. Bot h were well used and had CCTV and securit y st aff, as many car parks used t o here. I would go furt her wit h t he Old Town, perhaps t aking a leaf out of Bruges' book - pedest rianise t he whole High St reet and banish parking t o t he west and encourage bike st orage. The High St reet businesses need not suffer any loss of t rade if t here was sufficient parking behind t he former Wait rose perhaps wit h building a t wo-st orey car park. And imagine what could be done wit h t he High St reet it self businesses could provide out door seat ing, perhaps wit h shelt er and heat . There could be small st alls selling not just food but ot her it ems on an ad hoc basis, perhaps even on a rot a basis t o encourage variet y. A paved High St reet would cert ainly enable a welcome level of socially dist anced gat herings. W it h t he Town Cent re undergoing huge change t o fit more wit h modern-day living, t he Old Town could do much bet t er wit hout t he const ant t raffic. And while our weat her is not
necessarily conducive t o a more cont inent al approach, ot her cit ies seem t o t hrive round t he calendar. It is t ime for some bold, radical t hinking. Imagine how much more of a t hriving magnet t he High St reet 's night -t ime economy would prove in t ime. And now is t he ideal t ime t o invest in such a vision, wit h hist oric low int erest rat es and t he nat ional economy likely t o be in t he doldrums for some t ime, and unemployment rising. It is t he t ime not t o ret reat and let t he gloom descend but t o fight back, renew and look forward. Reinvent ing t he High St reet could help bring job opport unit ies just when t hey are most needed. And a t ruly green init iat ive has t o be a posit ive way forward. Take any bus around t own lat er in t he day and you will see just how choked once-green and open est at es have become. Verges have been ripped up t o make room for run-ins and second and t hird family vehicles and we are way t oo wedded t o cars for t he planet 's good. St evenage was a New Town built on t he back of a bold vision. Now is t he t ime for a complet e fresh look at what it has t o offer - and go again, set t ing an example ot hers would love t o follow. A bit like t hose cycle lanes. ---------------------------------------The new-look Town Square has much t o commend it , especially t he fact t hat t he old Town Square is not simply being blit zed. It undoubt edly needs modernising but it would do a great disservice t o t he t own t o change it beyond recognit ion
because it s look holds symbolic memories for so many who have been associat ed wit h t he New Town in it s relat ively short hist ory. It is part icularly good t hat t he balcony above St arbucks is t o be back in use aft er 30 years. In fact more out side viewing, wit h more scope for people-wat ching and making people feel involved in t he t own's cent ral focal point would be a good t hing. We have seen more out side seat ing spring up in many t owns and cit ies as cafes and ot her eat eries st ruggle t o get back on
t heir feet amid t he cont inuing virus crisis. In St rat ford upon Avon t he ot her day, I saw how part s of a main t own road have been coned off and big ciruclar wooden t ables and benches now provide a place t o sit and eat , no mat t er where you have bought t he it ems. W hat an advant age St evenage has in a cent ral square t hat could incorporat e similar seat ing; a place for office workers t o have t heir lunch, or t he young or elderly t o sit and chat . There are various pict ures about online of t he Town Square in t he
60s and even earlier and it is apparent how t he Town Square was being used for purpose: a place of communit y. And as St evenage Council leader Sharon Taylor said, unveiling t he scheme: ?This blend of prot ect ing and enhancing our herit age, and reint erpret ing it for t he modern world, is a consist ent t heme across our regenerat ion programme." Above all, I hope it engenders a renewed sense of pride in t he t own.
A warm welcome back to everyone Hello! it ?s you we?ve been looking for!
1 Game = 18 holes: 2 Games = 36 holes.
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The ult imat e family day out in St evenage. Perfect for children?s birt hday part ies, corporat e event s and Christ mas part ies.
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*One or t wo '12 and overs?wit h t wo or t hree ?under 12s?(Maximum 4 people)
2 x 18-hole Indoor Advent ure Golf Courses A Limit ed Food & Drink Menu Is available at sit e via QR Code Use Call 01438 879579
Head to 360play.co.uk and book a family treat Now t hat we have been open for a few weeks and have seen how t he cent res have operat ed t hrough t he first phase of opening we have reviewed t he procedures and planned for t he second phase. In t his second phase we have t weaked some of t he procedures t o make t hings easier for you and more like t he old normal. We st ill have your safet y at t he heart of our decisions so t emp checks, sanit iser, face masks and cleaning are all our priorit y st ill at t his t ime. - You will st ill have t o book your visit but we have more arrival t imes available t o book and we won?t hold you t o t he exact arrival t ime as long as you have booked wit h us. - Our building will no longer close bet ween sessions so all cust omers can t ake advant age of longer play sessions if t hey choose t o at quit e t imes. - Our st rict regime of cleaning will cont inue while t he cent re is open so some at t ract ions may be closed for a short period of t ime. We will st ill be running t o a reduced capacit y and at peak t imes (holidays and weekends) we may have t o enforce a 2 hour session t ime and you may be
asked t o leave. Our out side areas will remain open t hroughout t he aut umn and wint er for t hose t hat want t o have t he out doors experience and t o keep fresh air t o t he max. Our cent res maybe slight ly cooler due t o t his so maybe bring a jumper on your visit . Play Pass holders Play pass holders will not have t o book t heir visit s Monday-Friday in t erm-t ime we will just check you in and out as normal, so you may visit during t his t ime ad hoc t o suit your babies and childrens sleep
pat t erns. You will st ill need t o book t hrough t he exist ing syst em for weekends and school holidays when we are in peak t imes as our capacit y is st ill vast ly reduced.
Why it is crucial to keep full working time records Keeping records of working t ime ? why is t his import ant ? By Rebecca List Since the introduction of the Working Time Regulations in 1998, UK employers have been required to maintain records to enable them to show that working time limits are being complied with. More specific regulations govern working time for young workers, for those doing night shifts, and for work involving special hazards or heavy mental strain. On the advice of the Health & Safety Executive, there was no need for specific records to be kept of actual daily working time and instead, existing records that were maintained for other purposes (such as pay) may be relied upon to ensure that limits on working time were being adhered to. A recent case brought before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has called that advice into question. Is it possible that the UK?s Working Time Regulations do not comply with EU law after all? The ECJ were asked to determine whether employers were required to record actual hoursworked each day, in order to ascertain compliance with working time limits, and the answer was a definitive yes. It considered that the only way to guarantee workers? fundamental rights to maximum working hours and rest breaks was for employers to have an ?objective, reliable and accessible?system of keeping adequate records of the actual hours worked by those workers who had not opted out of the 48-hour weekly working time. It is also the responsibility of Member States to ensure that this is implemented, and employers cannot cite expense in sidestepping their obligations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are yet to update their guidance, but what can employers do in the meantime to mitigate the risk of claims? Look at whether your system is capable to recording actual working hours, especially if you have staff who work regular and unpaid overtime or nightshift, or young workers, since they may
Rebecca List - Head of Empl oyment Law at Tol l ers
become subject to greater scrutiny by the tribunals and the HSE. Remind your workers to declare any second jobs, and where there is any doubt, ask them to opt out of the 48-hour limit. Keep adequate records of those who have opted out together and copies of their signed opt-out agreements. Remember also that those records must also be kept for two years. The Government has consistently maintained that ECJ decisions made before the UK?s departure from the EU will continue to bind domestic courts post-Brexit, although whether we will see a formal amendment to the Working Time Regulations to properly implement the EU?s Directive, remains to be seen.
To find out more regarding t his complex area ?Talk t o Tollers?Employment Team on 01438 901095.
Support for business during Coronavirus The latest advice support and guidance in these challenging times to support your business. This update includes: ·Self-Employment Income Support Scheme ·Self-Employment Income Support Scheme eligibility ·£20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills in the wake of coronavirus ·Claims service for Eat Out to Help Out Scheme ·Update on Face coverings ·Innovative new pilot launched to speed up access to key digital services ·Enjoy Summer Safely campaign update ·HOP Newsletter ·Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme WEBINAR (6 - 14 August)
·Herts Chamber Events ? Virtual Networking Event and Chamber Customs - Trading across the World Self-Employment Income Support Scheme The Self Employment Income Support Scheme opens for claims from 17 August for eligible self-employed customers to claim their second and final taxable SEISS grant.If you were eligible for the first grant and can confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020, you?ll be able to make a claim for a second and final grant from 17 August 2020. You can make a claim for the second and final grant if you?re eligible, even if you did not make a claim for the first grant. For further information visit
-access to new markets
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant -through-the-self-employment-income-support -scheme?&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium =social&utm_campaign=covid19&utm _content=seiss#claim
-sustainable economic recovery projects
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme eligibility
-young innovators
HMRC has recently published guidance on how those who are self-employed, or a member of a partnership, can verify they had a new child which affected their eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
·Innovate Funding Streams Currently Available to support:
-designing sustainable plastic solutions -developing innovative healthcare products -technologies and processes -digital technologies to transform supply chains in UK manufacturing -recovery and growth of the UK?s foundation industries ·Support from Wenta for small businesses including: -free advice and support services -Skills Development Support, including Free Webinars to support Sales and Marketing, Finance and bookkeeping, Cash Flow, Website Development, Social Media training and much more.
For further information visithttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/ask-hmrc -to-verify-you-had-a-new-child-which-affected -your-eligibility-for-the-self-employment-income -support-scheme £20 million to improve small business leadership and problem-solving skills in the wake of coronavirus Two new leadership programmes to help small
business leaders grow their companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic have been launched.
tackle these challenges head-on while growing their business.
Interested small business leaders can sign up to the Small Business Leadership Programme which will focus on strengthening decision-makers?leadership skills, to address management challenges, such as remote working, have arisen from coronavirus. The programme will equip business leaders with the confidence and leadership skills to plan for the future of their business, and ensure that they are in a great position to recover from the impacts of coronavirus.
Claims service for Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
The Peer Networks Programme will focus on helping business owners improve their problem-solving skills, through a series of guided exercises. Participants will take part in sessions where common coronavirus related business challenges will be discussed, such as finding new customers and using technology such as customer record management and websites to adapt a business model. Members of the programme will be given skills in areas such as leadership and management, sales and marketing that they need to
The claims service for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme is now live. Registered establishments can make a claim after 7 days from the date of their registration. They can only claim for scheme discounts they offered on or after the date they registered. Claims can be made weekly and when signed into the service, businesses must select the periods that they are claiming for. For further information ant to claim visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-money -back-through-the-eat-out-to-help-out-scheme A video is also available which guides users through making a claim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB7OTL4SNaY Business can still register for scheme by visiting
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-your -establishment-for-the-eat-out-to-help -out-scheme#register Update on Face coverings The guidance on face coverings has been recently to reflect changes on when face coverings should be worn. From 08 August, the list of places where members of the public will have to wear a face covering will be expanded to include: ·funeral directors ·premises providing professional, legal or financial services ·cinemas ·theatres ·bingo halls ·concert halls ·museums, galleries, aquariums, indoor zoos or visitor farms, or other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites. ·nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers ? other than where necessary to remove for treatments ·massage parlours ·public areas in hotels and hostels
digital services which require identity checks, such as online mortgage applications, financial services and recruitment on-boarding. The new service will also help organisations tackle fraud and test if there is a market for this type of digital identity checking service. The pilot will run for approximately a year aims to deliver significant time savings for people who previously went through in-person processes to verify their identities. It will also provide financial savings for organisations who can move their identity proofing processes online. The Document Checking Service, run by the Government Digital Service, allows a small number of approved organisations to digitally check a person?s passport data to speed up application processes. Up until now, the Document Checking Service had only been available to GOV.UK Verify identity providers. The pilot will give no organisation access to government-held data and an individual must consent to having their data verified. The organisation checking the ID will simply receive a ?yes or no?answer confirming whether the document provided is valid. Enjoy Summer Safely campaign update
·places of worship ·libraries and public reading rooms ·community centres ·social clubs ·tattoo and piercing parlours ·indoor entertainment venues (amusement arcades, funfairs, adventure activities e.g. laser quest, go-karting, escape rooms, heritage sites etc) ·storage and distribution facilities ·veterinary services ·auction houses Innovative new pilot launched to speed up access to key digital services
As part of the government?s Enjoy Summer Safely campaign,Shop Local Week (10-17 August)has been launched to encourage shoppers to return to their local high street and shop safely. Businesses are encouraged to use their social media accounts to join the conversation, informing the local community why they should shop local, using #ShopLocal, to help encourage customers back to the shops. Businesses are asked to post photos, gifs, videos and Boomerangs demonstrating local produce and items, demonstrating how they have made their shop safe for customers. Businesses are also encouraged to use the tag @BEISgovuk so that posts can be reposted. HOP Newsletter
An innovative new scheme has recently been launched to give people easier and safer access to
Please find attached the latest newsletter from the Herts Opportunities Portal for the latest support from
the Employment Recovery Hub including, job and career related support available to Hertfordshire residents, employers and students.
connections on offer. The financial support and tailored coaching and mentoring will be provided directly to the successful applicants.
Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme WEBINAR (6 - 14 August)
The Award includes a £5,000 grant, tailored business support and a living allowance.
The webinar provides an overview of the changes to the scheme, how employers will be affected, flexible furloughing, key dates and support available.
For further information visit
The webinars are running 6 - 14 August 2020 with a number of daily sessions. For further information visithttps://register.gotowebinar.com/ rt/8528021499696163331?source= August-HMRC-DCS-Supp-Emp-1 Innovate Funding Streams Currently Available The Sustainable Innovation Fund UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £26 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. The aim of this competition is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19. Eligibility This competition is open to single applicants only To lead a project your organisation must: be a UK registered business of any size Project?s total eligible costs must be between £50,000 and £100,000. The competition is now open and closes on2 September 2020 For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/ competition/678/overview Young Innovators Awards 2020/21 Innovate UK in partnership with The Prince?s Trust is supporting young innovators to turn their great ideas into successful businesses. The Project is looking for young people who would benefit most from the Young Innovators Awards, including the financial support and tailored package of expert advice and access to innovation tools and
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competiti EUREKA GlobalStars Singapore CRD ? Round 2 UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £1 million to develop innovative proposals with Singapore and other EUREKA participating members. This competition has an open scope, with projects funded to result in a new product, industrial process or service. Projects must be innovative, involve a technological risk, and have high market potential in the participating countries. Projects funded by Innovate UK must include at least one partner from the UK and one partner from Singapore. Projects can include additional partners from other participating EUREKA participating members listed below: Austria, Belgium (Flanders), Canada, Estonia, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine. The competition is now open and closes on 15 October 2020 at 11:00 For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/636/overview Designing sustainable plastic solutions As part of UK Research and Innovation, Innovate UK will invest up to £800,000 to fund early-stage, human-centred design projects to reduce the harm that plastics have on our environment and to therefore increase productivity and growth of the UK economy. This funding is from the Plastic Research and Innovation Fund. This aim of this competition is to help businesses to create designs for innovative goods, services or business models that will result in less persistent plastic waste entering our environment. This should be achieved by them obtaining a better understanding of relevant customer and user behaviours. The competition is now open and closes Wednesday
16 September 2020 12:00.
Late stage experimental development.
For further information visit
The competition is open and closes Monday 20 July 2020 at 11:00.
https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov .uk/competition/631/overview Biomedical Catalyst 2020: round 1, early and late stage awards UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to ÂŁ30 million to develop innovative healthcare products, technologies and processes. These can include, for example: disease prevention and proactive management of health and chronic conditions
For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/659/overview Manufacturing made smarter: digital supply chain, industrial research UK registered businesses can apply for funding towards an industrial research project in digital technologies to transform supply chains in UK manufacturing.
tailored treatments that either change the underlying disease or offer potential cures
Projects must help UK manufacturing supply chains to develop digital technologies to become more efficient, productive, flexible, resilient. These must encourage the use of digital approaches to better integrate and optimise the performance of supply chains.
The competition is open and closes Wednesday 7 October 2020 at 11:00.
This competition comprises of 2 strands running at the same time. The strands are:
For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/623/overview
feasibility studies
earlier and better detection and diagnosis of disease, leading to better patient outcomes
TAgri-tech catalyst round 10: agriculture and food systems, early stage UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to ÂŁ2.5 million to work on agri-tech and food chain innovations in Africa. Up to ÂŁ2.5 million of funding is available from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) across the 3 strands. This is for projects working on agri-tech and food chain innovations with partners in eligible African countries. The aim of this competition is to increase the pace of innovation in the development of agricultural and food systems in Africa. Projects must result in more use of innovations by farmers and food systems organisations, such as manufacturers, processors, retailers, distributors and wholesalers. Innovate UK are running 3 strands to this competition at the same time: Early stage feasibility studies (this competition). Mid stage industrial research.
industrial research (this strand) The competition is open and closes Wednesday 7 October 2020 at 11:00. Manufacturing made smarter: digital supply chain, feasibility studies UK registered businesses can apply for funding towards feasibility studies into digital technologies to transform supply chains in UK manufacturing. Projects must help UK manufacturing supply chains to develop digital technologies to become more efficient, productive, flexible, resilient. These must encourage the use of digital approaches to better integrate and optimise the performance of supply chains. This competition comprises of 2 strands running at the same time. The strands are: feasibility studies (this strand) industrial research The competition is open and closes on Wednesday 7 October 2020 11:00am For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/649/overview
ISCF Transforming foundation industries: Building a resilient recovery UK registered businesses can apply for a share of £8 million in grant funding for projects supporting recovery and growth of the UK?s foundation industries.
·Emotional needs and motivation ·Overcoming barriers ·Time management To be held 27 August and 23 September between 15:00 and 17:00.
Eligibility
For further information and to book visit
This competition is open to both single applicants and cross-sector collaborations.
https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/is-starting -a-business-right-for-me-online-bootcamp/
To lead a project your UK registered organisation must:
How to set up your small business (The practical elements): Online Bootcamp
be a business of any size or a research and technology organisation (RTO)
What will it cover:
carry out its project work in the UK
·Registering your business as a sole trader or limited company
intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
·Insurance and legalities
The competition is open and closes 4 November 2020.
·Registering a business name
For further information visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service .gov.uk/competition/684/overview
·Bank accounts
Support from Wenta Support for those considering self-employment or improving skills
·Invoices ·Tax, NI and VA To be held 20 August, 2 September and 14 September between 15:00 and 17:00. For further information and to book visit
FREE skills training webinars for Stevenage residents and business owners available
https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ how-to-set-up-your-small-business-online-bootcamp/
Wenta and The Business & Technology Centre (btc)are continuing to run a wide variety of FREE skills training webinars on subjects from?starting a business? to ?social media?, ?websites?and ?finance?.
Business planning for your small business: Online Bootcamp
These free webinars are ideal if you are looking to learn new skills or improve on existing ones and are particularly useful for the self-employed. Wenta?s online bootcamp webinars now also include networking opportunities.
*Ideal for anyone exploring the idea of starting their own business
What will it cover:
·Research and preparation ·The purpose of a business plan ·Completing the sections of a business plan
See below for a selection of these but more can be found on their website: https://bit.ly/35QxJn0 Is starting a business right for me? Online Bootcamp
·Financial projections To be held 17 and 28 August, 9, 16 and 24 September between 9 and 13:00. For further information and to book visit
What will it cover? ·Pros and cons of self-employment
https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/business -planning-for-your-small-business-online-bootcamp/
·Personal values
Social media for your small business: Online
Bootcamp
Online Bootcamp
What will it cover:
What will it cover:
·Social media channels, networking and streaming
·Financial assessment and review
·Generating attention with Twitter and Facebook
·Financial Management
·Social Media influence and monetisation
·Financial support
To be held 19 August, 1 and 17 September between 09:00 and 13:00.
To be held 20 August, 15 and 28 September between 09:00 and 13:00.
For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ social-media-for-your-small-business -online-bootcamp/ Finance and Bookkeeping For your small Business: Online Bootcamp What will it cover: ·Basic bookkeeping and legal status ·Cashflow, profit and loss ·VAT, NIC, Personal and Business Tax To be held 27 August, 10 and 25 September between 09:00 and 13:00. For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/finance -and-bookkeeping-for-your-small-business -online-bootcamp/ Cashflow Management for your small Business:
For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ cashflow-management-for-your-small -business-online-bootcamp/ Content marketing for your small business: Online Bootcamp What will it cover: ·Advantages of content marketing ·Target markets and your brand ·Content marketing platforms To be held 21st August, 4, 5 and 22 September between 09:00 and 13:00. For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ content-marketing-for-your-small-business -online-bootcamp/
Marketing for your small business: Online Bootcamp What will it cover: ·Marketing and market research ·Understanding your customers and competition ·Marketing planning, pricing and branding To be held 18 and 24 August, 3,14 and 21 September between 09:00 and 13:00.
finance to sales and marketing. This service is available via live chat, in-person, telephone and email. For business advice, visit www.btcstevenage.co.uk to live chat to an advisor (Mon-Fri, 9am ? 5pm)or book your one-to-one, advice appointmenthere. Herts Chambers of Commerce Virtual Networking Opportunity
For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ marketing-for-your-small-business-online-bootcamp/
Herts Chambers have just announced their latest virtual network opportunity to support members and non-members.
Website development for your small business: Online Bootcamp
The networking event on Wednesday 26th August at 11am will provide networking with the opportunity to meet up to 50 different business peers, providing the chance to meet with up to 50 different business people in an informal atmosphere. All participants will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business.
What will it cover: ·Audience demographics and website domains ·Website structure, keywords, GDPR and analytics ·Website building, Google Ads and Traffic
To book please email bookings@hertschamber.com To be held 26 August, 2, 7,18 and 30 September between 09:00 and 13:00. For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/ website-development-for-your-small -business-online-bootcamp/ Online Presence for your small Business: Online Bootcamp What will it cover: ·Online assessment, review and strategy ·SEO, websites and Google ·Social media To be held 25th August, 8 and 23 September between 09:00 and 13:00. For further information and to book visit https://wenta.co.uk/training-events/online -presence-for-growing-your-small-business -online-bootcamp/ To browse more FREE Wenta webinars visit: https://bit.ly/35QxJn0 Free business advice The Business & Technology Centre on Bessemer Drive provide FREE business advice services for all types of small businesses on a wide range of subjects from
Chamber Customs - Trading across the World UK Border Customs Controls from 1/1/21- What it means for your business If your company trades goods anywhere in the world, new border controls that start when the EU Transition period ends will mean that you MUST prepare for change NOW. Whether you have previously prepared for no deal or not, the environment for importers and exporters has changed and recent announcements from Government mean change is more certain than ever. So, if you import or export, there are just 23 weeks to get ready for new systems and processes critical to your business. JoinL iam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation at the British Chambers of Commerce, customs and trade expert, member of HMRC Joint Customs Consultative Committee, participant of a number of Government Expert trade Advisory Groups for an insight on the new UK Border Operating Model, as well as advice on the actions you need to engage in now and for funding support for trader readiness. Chamber Customs - Trading across the World takes place on18 August between 10:00 and 11:00. To book contact the Export Team by telephone 01707 502193 or email export@hertschamber.com
#Stayathomesavelives
Is your business eligible for a support grant?
Dear colleague In response t o t he Covid-19 pandemic, t he government recent ly set out a package of measures t o support businesses t hrough t his period of disrupt ion. Around 750 businesses in t he dist rict are eligible t o apply for a grant of up ÂŁ10,000 t o help t hem t hrough current financial difficult ies and a furt her 180 are eligible t o apply for a grant of up t o ÂŁ25,000. St evenage Borough Council has allocat ed over ÂŁ8m in grant s so far and would like t o administ er t he remainder of t he funding t o all t hose who are eligible under t he scheme. We st ill have around 160 businesses in St evenage who receive Small Business Rat e Relief and have not applied for t his funding. We are very keen for businesses in St evenage t o claim t his funding. If you operat e a business in St evenage and t hink you are eligible could you kindly complet e our online form ht t ps://services.st evenage.gov.uk/ brcovid-19grant The online applicat ion form is quick t o complet e and help is available. Please not e t his is a grant not a loan and money is wait ing t o be claimed right now. We look forward t o hearing from you Mena Caldbeck Business Relat ionship Manager
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Brilliant businesses in High Street need you After our amazingly successful piece in our last edition on Middle Row and the independent shops in that area, we have turned our focus on other shops in Stevenage High Street. The shares and likes we have gained by putting these businesses in the spotlight has been amazing, so don't forget make sure if you need a product or a service which they offer head down to them and keep them in business in #Stevenage
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#Stevenage magazine spotlight on support
Survivors Against Domestic abuse offering support SADA cont inues t o offer advice and support t hroughout pandemic Stevenage Borough Council is reassuring any victims of domestic abuse that Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) will continue to offer advice and support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the government advice is to stay home, anyone who is at risk of, or is experiencing, domestic abuse is still able to leave and seek refuge, and SADA will continue to provide support to victims. SADA is available to residents in Stevenage, North Herts, and East Herts, and expanded to include Welwyn Hatfield in January. Councillor Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Chair of SADA, said: ?Unfortunately increasing financial pressures, school closures and more people working from home all mean that there could be an increase in domestic abuse. ?We know that this is a worrying time for all of us, but this may be heightened for those who have suffered or are suffering any form of domestic abuse and are now isolated with their abuser. ?We want to reassure residents that we will continue to support anyone who needs our help. Please contact SADA and do not suffer in silence.? Cllr Gary Grindal, North Hertfordshire District Council?s (NHDC) Executive Member for Housing said: ?NHDC will continue to work closely with
SADA during the coronavirus pandemic to make sure that those who are victims of domestic abuse still get the help they need. If you need advice or help because you are in a difficult situation, please pick up the phone and talk to SADA, or access their services online?. Please call 01438 242666 to speak to a dedicated domestic abuse worker. For more information, visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ about-stevenage/so-safe/187555/
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h t t ps:/ / w w w.f acebook .com / gr ou ps/ m em or iesof st even age/
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For r esult s t oday speak t o t he com m unicat ion exper t s at Spit f ir ePR Media rel at ions
Copy writ ing
Social media market ing
Media t raining
Market ing
Crisis management
Proud publ i sh er of #Herts @h ash tagh erts For al l your mark eti ng and soci al medi a needs: 07539 782979 w w w .spi tf i repr.com darren@spi tf i repr.com @DarrenI sted1 @h ash tagh erts
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Ashr idge Est at e
# St evenage Sept ember 2020
PROPERTY
The unique guide to property news in #Stevenage
#STEVENAGE PROPERTY: THE INTERACTIVE WAY TO VIEW YOUR AGENT
DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK OUR AGENTS ARE OFTEN WORKING REM OTELY SO PLEASE M ESSAGE THEM AT THIS TIM E
# PROPERTY STEVENAGE Let 's f ace it - w e live in a digit al w or ld - w h en
t h e agen t s w h o ar e act in g on beh alf of bu yer s,
w as t h e last t im e you u sed pr in t t o t r y an d bu y
seller s, lan dlor ds an d t h ose look in g t o r en t .
or sell a h ou se or t o look f or a pr oper t y t o r en t .
In t h ese pages you w ill f in d live lin k s st r aigh t
Th e on lin e w or ld allow s f or qu ick an d easy
t o t h e agen t s - so h it t h eir w ebsit es n ow , em ail
con n ect ion t o all h ou ses f or sale or r en t , w it h
t h em or ar r an ge a visit - all f r om t h e com f or t
f u ll f act s at you r f in ger t ips an d in st an t lin k s t o
of you r ow n ph on e.
101 High St r eet , St even age
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Tel 01438 231200 m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k
TLC est at es, 4 Bak er St r eet , St even age
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Tel 01438 219282 let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k
61-63 High St r eet ,
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St even age Tel 01438 316846 w w w.pu t t er ills.co.u k
86 High St r eet ,
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St even age Tel 01438 728444 h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k
A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age
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Tel 01438 369173 con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k
# PROPERTY STEVENAGE 24 M ar k et Place St even age
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Tel 01438 720100 geof f r eym at t h ew.co.u k
19 M ar k et Place,
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St even age Tel 01438 312312 st even age@w r igh t sof .com
Ow n Hom es, 2 M iddle Row , St even age
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Tel 01438 367753 sales@ow n -h om es.com
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Call 0800 0248 914
8 M ar k et Place, St even age
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Tel 01438 728444 st even age@con n ells.co.u k
74 High St r eet , St even age
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Tel 01438 870673 en qu ir ies@agen t h ybr id .co.u k
The independent local estate agent Text
2 M iddle Row , St even age Tel 01438 367753
w w w.ow n -h om es.com
St ephen Harris and Michael Not schild est ablished Own Homes in 2008, operat ing as a successful, independent local St evenage est at e agent .
Here at Own Homes, we understand that each property and sale is individual and therefore tailor our service to suit your specific requirements.
We have prominent offices ideally situated in the heart of Stevenage Old Town. One in Middle Row covering lettings and mortgages and one on the High Street to deal with sales. Our recent expansion and our double fronted office allows us the scope and ability to serve Stevenage and the surrounding residential areas.
Passionate in all we do, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of service. Selling and letting a property can be a stressful time, which is why we go the extra mile to make your involvement with us as enjoyable and professional as possible.
Working in Hertfordshire for the past 10 years has enabled Own Homes to develop a comprehensive understanding of residential property in the local areas of Stevenage, Hitchin and surrounds. We have an established an experienced team, on hand to work with you throughout the selling and buying process, ensuring personal contact is maintained from start to finish.
We use a number of marketing styles to ensure your property, whether you are selling or letting, gains maximum exposure and a smooth efficient sale. This includes advertising in local newspapers and glossy magazines, as well as Internet marketing. Our double fronted office also allows people to see
our properties in both windows. To arrange a free valuation, or to find out more about Own Homes and the services we provide, simply call 01438 367753 or email sales@own-homes.com. You can also visit our office. Awards In recognition of our outstanding service, we've been awarded two gold winner awards by the British Property Awards, one for being the top Estate Agent in Stevenage and another for the top Estate Agent in the South East. We're very proud of these awards as the Own Homes team has worked tirelessly to provide industry leading property services in and around the area.
Placing the focus our customers Text
Hom e an d M or t gages St even age, 86 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 728444
em ail st even age@h om esan dm or t gages.co.u k
Homes and Mortgages Estate Agents are ready and waiting to help the Stevenage community with all its property needs, be it buying, selling or renting, Homes and Mortgages are committed to providing great value customer service for all our clients. Situated in the heart of the historic Old Town and set over three floors, each department provides a professional, welcoming and comfortable environment for all of our customers. We have a team of 9 full time, experienced Sales and Lettings staff on hand to deal with any property enquiry. W hat 's new? The rebranded branch and heavy investment in IT has set Homes and Mortgages up to stand out in 2017 and for the future. Our experienced and dedicated staff all share the same view in providing a fantastic customer experience and are heavily focused on the importance of transparency between ourselves and our customers. The IT software is excellent at allowing vendors and Landlords 24/7 access to information regarding their property. At the click of a button, vendors can see feedback, current interest from web portals and can track the progress of a sale online. Likewise, Landlords have the option to view property maintenance schedules and access statements. mailt o:st evenage@homesand mort gages.co.uk
Click on t h e im ages an d lin k dir ect ly t o t h eir det ails on lin e
Agent Hybrid falls bet ween t radit ional and online est at e agency. Our aim is t o deliver a personal, one-t o-one est at e agency experience, whilst delivering a service of excellence.
ht t ps://my.mat t erport .com/show/ ?m=GCbcjmCyYn
Click on t he image of our Monument Court propert y (above) and t ake a walk t hrough using t he lat est Agent Hybrid Technology
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Putterills Stevenage - talk to the professionals Text
61-63 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 316846
Founded by Tony Putterill in 1992, with our first office in Welwyn Garden City, Putterills are now celebrating 26 years of serving the Hertfordshire community. We have grown from our original branch in Welwyn Garden City to having offices in Knebworth, Hitchin, Stevenage Old Town and St Albans, as well as a partner office in London?s Mayfair. Each of our sales offices are overseen by a Director who is actively involved in the day to day running; this helps to ensure that we are providing the highest possible levels of advice and service. All of these offices are prominently located to ensure all properties receive the best possible exposure. In addition to our network of sales offices, we have an award winning Land and New Homes department. Our specialists help landowners maximise the development opportunities for usually previously
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used land known as Brownfield, as the country struggles for space for new homes. We have always believed that our task is to provide our clients with the best, up to the minute, expert advice when dealing with what is usually their greatest asset. Our clients have a wide range of emotions and circumstances and we help guide less experienced first time buyers, provide yield information and advice to investment buyers, schooling information to families, hold the hands of those who have not moved for many years and deal sensitively and professionally with those. Over the last few years, we are proud to have won a number of national awards which we believe underline our philosophy of being Trusted Property Experts. 2017 saw Tony Putterill retire and hand the reins of the company over to Mark Shearing. Mark has been in agency in Hertfordshire since 1982
and joined Putterills in 1993. As the company moves into a new era with changing markets, advances in property marketing and the use of technology, our aim is simple - to keep at the absolute forefront of full service Estate Agency and to continue the exceptional levels of service and advice that our clients have been able to rely on over the last 26 years. Our primary purpose has always been to provide an outstanding customer experience and our core values continue to represent this: EXCEPTIONAL ? we are passionate about delivering excellence. RESPECT ? we respect and value those we work with, both our colleagues and our customers. EXPERTISE ? we deliver outstanding skills and knowledge in all we do. TRUST ? we act with honesty and integrity at all times.
For a top service Text
rely on A-TOP A-Top Pr oper t y Let t in gs, 1 Dr aper s Way, St even age Tel 01438 369173
em ail con t act @a-t oplet t in g.co.u k
If you are looking for a t eam t hat you can t rust t o deliver t ime aft er t ime t hen A-Top Propert y Let t ings in Drapers Way, St evenage is t he one for you. A-Top, which is owned by founder Mervyn Terret t , has gained an impressive reput at ion as t he go-t o agent for all your propert y needs whet her you are looking t o rent or are a landlord seeking t enant s. W it h a combined market experience of more t han 60 years, t he st aff at A-Top are t he most knowledgeable in t he business and along wit h advice on t he rent al market , t hey can also provide informat ion which allows cust omers t o make t he most informed choice possible. Over t he past 33 years t he t eam lead by Mervyn has seen t he local market undergo a wide number of changes, but t hrough t hem all A-Top and it s experienced st aff have always given t he very best and most informed service. There have been plent y of changes which have alt ered t he let t ings landscape in St evenage. Through t hem all however t he reliabilit y of A-Top Propert y Let t ings has remained a const ant and t heir port folio of excellent landlords has increased dramat ically. Comment ing on t he t eam Mervyn said: ?W hat once was a rarit y in t he UK i.e. rent ing, is now so common as a source of income/ invest ment for landlords and of mobilit y for professional working t enant s. We are delight ed t o be able t o use our expert ise t o help bot h t enant s and landlords.? For furt her det ails cont act 01438 369173 or email cont act @a-t oplet t ing.co.uk
Portfolio - for serviced apartments in #Herts Text
Tel 0800 0248 914
Booking a holiday is possibly one of the greatest feelings and counting down the days when you?re having an awful day at work or are just desperate to get away from home can seem like a joy, but there can be a downside. Hotels. While some people may see staying in a hotel like a dream, it can actually be a nightmare if you?ll be staying there for a long time, especially if on a business trip or secondment. With that said, here are the top reasons to stop staying in hotels for your business travel trips. Limit ed Wardrobe Space Packing for a holiday or for a business trip puts you on one of two teams, you?re either naturally gifted and find it a breeze or it?s the worst part of the trip for you, but one thing unites these two camps ? limited hotel space. If you love to pack an outfit for every possible occasion you will know how difficult it can be to cram your clothes into tiny hotel wardrobes, or even worse live out of a case. Staying in a serviced apartment fixes this and means you have a home away from home and all the storage you could need. You feel like you?re t rapped Walking into a hotel room can at first glance feel wonderful, everything is conveniently within arm?s reach and for the first day you love it. Then the second day comes and the third day and by the fourth you feel like you almost can?t breathe. Hotels just aren?t feasible for long periods of time or for anyone who likes a sense of space, after all, who wants to feel trapped by the same four walls for the entire of their trip? Privacy? W hat privacy?
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Hotels may seem like a good idea for a romantic night away, but if you?re travelling with family or small children or even colleagues, then all sense of privacy goes straight out of the window when you?re all sharing a room just feet away from each other. Forget staring dreamily into each other?s eyes when you wake up, you?ll probably be staring at a toddler who immediately wants to play or be woken by another family member?s snoring and that?s not even mentioning the housekeeper who always turns up at the most inconvenient times! Serviced apartments let you have time to yourself no matter how many you have brought along for the trip, so you can sleep well and feel like you have privacy if you are all loved up. Money money money! Straight to the point hotels aren?t cheap. Even for the savviest of spenders and the keenest bargin hunters, you may think booking your hotel means it?s all done, dusted and paid for but you will undoubtedly end up incurring extra fees. Whether you give in to the lure of room-service with its extortionate service charges, or buy a film to keep energetic youngsters occupied, your bill when you check out can hit you like a smack in the face and leave you wanting a more affordable option. Meals on wheels Speaking of room-service, while this may seem like a decadent treat on the first night, by the time you come back from a long day of exploring and are tired, it is so easy to have a burger brought straight to door along with its crazily hiked-up price and extra delivery charges. This can not only wreak havoc on your bank account,
but also on your waist-line and by the time you leave, the only thing that will be thinner is your wallet. Serviced apartments absolutely win here, as having a fully equipped kitchen at your fingertips means it?s easy to rustle up something quick and delicious that will probably be healthier for you and will also save you money! If you want some tips on how to eat well when working away from home check out next weeks blog post, or check out our apartments to find out why it?s time to say goodbye to hotel hell and wake up to apartment heaven! Though staying in a hotel may seem like the obvious option at first, there?s no denying that a serviced apartment brings with it a number of benefits that a hotel just can?t offer. At Portfolio Serviced Apartments we specialise in providing luxury serviced apartments and temporary homes for corporate and business travellers. We offer a secure spacious base which can become a home from home for longer staying guests. Portfolio Apartments are located throughout all of Hertfordshire including Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, St. Albans and Hatfield, whilst through our partners we have access to over 90,000 luxury apartments across the globe. So whether it?s a placement in St Albans or a secondment in San Francisco, Portfolio is consistently the favoured choice for travelling professionals. For more information,get in touch. Our team at Portfolio looks forward to helping you soon. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 024 8914 (Mon ? Fri 9-6pm) or visit our website to view our modern serviced apartments.
101 High St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 231200 w w w.m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k pr oper t y@m ar k sim on est at es.co.u k
Partners with vast knowledge of the local area Text
Mark Simon Estates is an established Estate Agency situated at: 101 High Street, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 3HR. Here at MarkSimon Estates, we have over 40 years combined experience of Estate Agency within Stevenage and its surrounds. Our Partners Mark Sollis & Simon Jacob both grew up in Stevenage and therefore have a vast knowledge of the area and its surrounds. This in itself, is proving an invaluable asset to prospective Vendors and Purchasers seeking a property which meets both their needs and expectations in a home.
?To Mark, Many t hanks for all your hard work selling my house for us in Jessop Road. You went t he ext ra mile in so many ways. You always kept me well informed and I knew I could t rust you t o carry out everyt hing you promised.? From H.
?To MarkSimon Est at es & your t eam, Thank you for being t here t o help us. ? Mr K & Miss T
Click here for MarkSimon Twitter
?To Mike and everyone at MarkSimon Est at es, A Big t hank you for all your help selling our house, Best wishes.? The W ?s
Click here for MarkSimon Facebook
The agent with more than 18 years experience Text
TLC est at es, 4 Bak er St r eet , St even age Tel 01438 219282
em ail let t in gs@t lcest at es.co.u k
TLC est at es is sit uat ed in t he delight ful set t ing of St evenage Old Town. We pride ourselves on t he personal and professional services we offer t o all landlords and t enant s alike We offer very compet it ive rat es we are one of t he very few let t ing agent s only left in t he t own . W it h over 19 years of experience in t he St evenage market we are sure t o offer you t he best of services from under one roof.
Renowned for our open and honest approach ,TLC will give you t he full informat ion on t he market . Many of our landlords and t enant s have been wit h us since we opened in 2000 and we are known for our close work wit h bot h. Pop int o our Baker St reet off ice or give us a call and find out how TLC can help wit h your let t ings needs.
The Connells team that you can trust Text
8 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 318080
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Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are located in the Town Centre along Market Place, and within walking distance of the Train Station. We would love to help you sell or rent your home or find a property to rent or buy in and around the Stevenage area, as well as the villiages Walkern, Knebworth, Little & Great Wymondley, Gravely & Aston. Connells Estate Agents in Stevenage are managed by Gary Young. Gary has had a successful estate agency career over the last 20 years. Gary is supported by Callum Souter who is the Sales Executive with four years experience behind him, Oz Ansari who is the branch valuer, and Melanie Retberg the Branch Administrator. Our in-house Mortgage Consultant Juliet Twining, is fully trained and qualified to advise you on the right mortgage product to suit your needs. Connells Lettings would love to help you rent your property. Lettings Manager Patricia Bowden has 10 year's experience within the Lettings industry and is assisted by Trainee Lettings Negotiator Ben Brooks. With their combined experience and extensive knowledge of the area and rental market, are always happy to offer their assistance to new and experienced buy to let investors and first time landlords
alike. Whether you are looking to sell or rent your property, we offer FREE market appraisals. Please feel free to pop into the branch or call 01438 318080 (Sales) or 01438 318258 (Lettings). We offer a range of property related services all under one roof. In house Mortgage Consultant. Premium Marketing Packages available including Floorplans, Professional Photography, audio tours, and premium listings on Rightmove & Zoopla We have pioneered a dedicated service called The Property Finder
- You tell us what you are looking for and we will find it We know how the Stevenage market moves - our staff are local and extremely knowledgeable. Their in-depth and up to date local experience. Over 10 years?worth of experience and knowledge within the local market. A professional team providing services to suit all your needs including property management, accounts and high quality administration. We accompany all viewings, we believe it is really important, we?ve been trained to do it so you get really good feedback.
Geoffrey Matthew property innovators Text
24 M ar k et Place, St even age Tel 01438 720100
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Geoffrey Mat t hew Est at es are a propert y business wit h offices in Harlow, St evenage and Great Ashby t hat specialise in t he sales and let t ing of resident ial propert y. Over 25 years of experience in propert y and finance give us an unparalleled insight t o t he needs and desires of sellers, purchasers, landlords and t enant s alike. W it h a dedicat ed, hardworking, innovat ive forward-t hinking t eam t hat use modern met hods and good old-fashioned cust omer service, we offer a unique bespoke service t ailored t o you. Tel 01438 720100 w w w.geof f r eym at t h ew.co.u k