WHERE BUSINESSES MEET THE COMMUNITY Issue 4 - Jan/Feb/Mar 2019
Find out more about Oaklands College Open to the Community
Let’s get to know the people behind the businesses - what’s available locally in the amazing city that is St Albans!
Meet Emmy and see her yummy brigadeiros
Meet Karen and find out what St Albans Mums are up to
INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE
Meet Matt for transport for business or pleasure in style
Businesses COMMUNITY
Midweek Dining Complimentary CanapÊs & Cocktails with 3 courses ordered from our Set Menu À la Carte or Tasting Menu Available Tuesday - Thursday evening Wednesday - Friday lunchtime January - March 2019
thompsonsdining
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thompsonsdining @thompsondining thompsondining @thompsondining thompsonsdining @thompsondining thompsondining thompsondining @thompsondining thompsondining www.thompsonstalbans.co.uk
THE
Businesses COMMUNITY
WHERE ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE
2019
Hello!
It’s the start of an amazing year 2019! What do you have planned for the next 12 months? A holiday? New career? Taking it easy? Doing up the house? Starting your own business? Whatever you have planned, The Businesses Community St Albans can help. We’ve got an incredible community of amazing businesses right here in St Albans that can help with all sorts of things, so do find a local business via our fantastic new website - https://stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com, or feel free to ask for recommendations, or for advice in our facebook group www.facebook.com/ groups/stalbansbusinesses - we’d love to help you achieve your goals for 2019. BizCom is brought to you by The Businesses Community St Albans (aka St Albans Businesses) and it’s all about getting to know the people behind the businesses. We want you to meet them, so you can see that they are real people, doing amazing things, offering incredible products and services right here on your doorstep. Enjoy! The TBC St Albans Team
Feature your business in BizCom
12,500 copies delivered to shops, homes and offices in St Albans plus digital reach via our wide social media audiences. Incredible exposure for your business. Book your space in BizCom issue 5 onwards by emailing stalbans@thebusinessescommunity.com or find out more via our website www.stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com/bizcom BIZCOM I 3
Whether you are going to the airport for a business trip or dressed up for a social affair… …the last thing you want to be doing is dashing through the rain for a taxi that turns up late. That’s why a Heartwood chauffeur will arrive before the agreed time and meet you at your door with an umbrella! I started Heartwood Executive Cars after a long career in financial compliance and risk management. I had had enough of the stress; rushing around London or to the airport for regular business trips overseas, often carrying the anxious knot in my stomach you get from worrying about being late. There had to be a better way, I wanted to take the stress out of being on the go. If you book a Heartwood car, you can rest assured that your driver will have pre-planned the journey and will arrive ahead of time with an immaculately presented luxury car ready to take you to your destination in comfort. Try us for your next trip to the airport, social event, or day of meetings; we think you will appreciate the difference.
Matthew Jackson-Hale
T: 01727 761010 E: info@HeartwoodExecutiveCars.com Facebook.com/HeartwoodExecutiveCars
For all your electrical needs My name is Anton Leto, I am a local electrician and I do anything from changing light bulbs to full house re-wires. I have 100% customer satisfaction - so for all your electrical needs get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
antonleto22@outlook.com T: 07810 771020 Facebook adlelectricalstalbans
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Welcome to TBC Thank You Bank! So many of you are telling others about the services that we offer for businesses of all sizes here at The Businesses Community St Albans (TBC) that we wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU! When a business joins our community, we ask them how they heard of us - if they give us your name, we will put some dosh in your TBC bank which you can save up or spend with any of our members! So that could be a pint at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, or The Lower Red Lion, it could be a meal at St Villa or Thompsons, it could be beauty treatments at Eve and Adam, or it could be business support.
stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com
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(under the ‘News’ section)
Moving office in 2019?
... the perfect time to review your business phone system. With experienced engineers and great cloud phone technology we can transform your business communication, and help with the transfer of phones and lines.
Businesses COMMUNITY
THANK YOU BANK
To discuss your move call Giuseppe at:
TeamSystem Communication on 01727 848186 www.voispeed.co.uk
Baby & Pre-school classes age 0-4
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Find your local class at puddleducks.com
Join us at any point!
t: 01727 223 085 westherts@puddleducks.com s l
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Are New Year’s Resolutions a good idea? It’s that time of year again when the festive season seems like a distant memory and we’re left the joy of what the Seasonal excess has done to our bodies. Next thing you know, you’ve made a New Year’s resolution. What I hate to see is people making it unnecessarily hard on themselves. As the statistics show their success rate sadly is not that great either. A study referred to in a Guardian article a few years back showed that 63% of people failing within the first month. Anyone who’s failed to keep one will know how awful this feels as they beat themselves up for not having the willpower to stick to it. Some even swing the other way and increase their use of food, smoking etc to make themselves feel better.
So, what’s the solution? Here’s three tips to get you started: 1. Start small and make it easy on yourself. You don’t have to achieve your end goal now. That way you can avoid the dreaded overwhelm and build at a pace that’s right for you. Also, if it’s too hard too soon you’re going to really struggle to stick to it. Why not set yourself a daily or weekly one? 2. Enjoy what you do! It’s important to choose a form or exercise, types of foods etc that you at least like. Otherwise it’ll just get harder to force yourself to do it each time. 3. Get support - be it family, friends or professional. We all need someone from time to time to keep us accountable and on track. After all it’s a lot harder to make excuses to someone else!
If you’d like to chat more about how I can help, drop me a line at enquiries@hypnoswellbeing.com 6 I BIZCOM
“I’m Emmy, I make brigadeiros using the finest Belgian chocolate and nuts available. Brigadeiros are a delicacy that originated in Brazil and are now taking the UK by storm. If you are like me, always looking to wow your friends, family, clients with the next big thing, Emmy’s brigadeiro is the answer! I offer them in beautiful gift boxes and as a dessert for parties.”
www.emmysbrigadeiro.com
The Assembly Room For Hire Now available for hire, the Assembly Room is the jewel in the crown of the newly restored St Albans Museum + Gallery. This bright and airy space with exquisite crystal chandeliers also boasts spectacular rooftop views over one of Britain’s most historic cities. For bookings and enquiries: stalbans@leafi.co.uk
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23 George Street, St Albans AL3 4ES 01727568338 info@thirtynine10.co.uk www.thirtynine10.co.uk ThirtyNine10 8 I BIZCOM
3910Wines
ThirtyNine10
Oaklands has so much to offer! Oaklands College is a further education college in Hertfordshire, with campuses in both St Albans and Welwyn Garden City and a further training provision in Borehamwood (Opening March 2019). As well as providing school leavers, apprenticeship and adult students with incredible facilities and courses in which to pursue their education, the college also holds a variety of quality commercial holdings which can be used for events and external use such as parties, conferences, catering and hospitality events. Oaklands College’s wide-range of commercial opportunities include the brand new Animal Antics parties, which are suitable for children aged four to 12 years old, facilitating 10-15 children per party, including a one hour tour with some of our fully-trained and DBS checked wildlife experts. Our award winning St Albans campus offers facilities set within acres of wide-open countryside with meeting rooms, a sports hall, restaurant facilities, college land and an Equestrian Centre available for hire. Our modern Welwyn Garden City campus can house space on any scale, from small meeting rooms to full access of our main hall and raised stage area. Additionally, our Welwyn campus offer some incredibly niche theatre, dance and music studio space. Aswell as direct hire of our campus facilities, the college also has an on-site hair and beauty salon, which is operated by our talented students and at our St Albans campus there is our OFSTED rated ‘Outstanding’ Acorns Nursery, who care for children between 3 months and 5 years.
E: community@oaklands.ac.uk www.oaklands.ac.uk BIZCOM I 9
Inventor John Snelgrove FBDO invents a revolutionary pinhole card which appears to correct most prescriptions, long sight, short sight, reading. Engaging with the customer is key, your customers will keep this pinhole card as everyone wants to show it off and check their eye sight and if they need reading specs it will act as a reading specs
To order your pinhole business cards go to:
www.style-eyes.co.uk/pinholecards and for marketing support go to: www.aiom.com
Style Eyes Ltd & Eye Need Sight reg charity 1152660 supports Vision Care For Homeless people www.vchp.com
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How can TBC help YOU and YOUR business? ME ME The Businesses Community St Albans is an incredible platform for you to showcase your business.
Whether you are a start up, one man band or a large international corporate company - for us, it’s all about the people behind those businesses. TBC is a fantastic community of supportive people who want to help each other to succeed. We all know that we can’t do everything, so it’s great to have fellow business owners to chat to, get advice from and who can put us in touch with the right people to help us with our businesses.
The TBC website gives businesses: a ready made, active and engaged audience a wide social media reach a platform to showcase what they do the facility to share their expertise the means to feature products and services in our #ShopLocal shop actual business collaborations meet ups an incredible sales team - isn’t it great when other people are shouting about your business? • and our members say that they absolutely value the friendships and working relationships they’ve made since being part of this fantastic business community! Find out more about our membership packages that work out at under £7 or £17 per month!!
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• • • • • • • • •
Businesses COMMUNITY
stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com/why-join BIZCOM I 11
Welcome to Torrington Hall Nestled by St Albans Cathedral, Torrington Hall is just a short walk from all the attractions this vibrant city has to offer. The historic sights, theatre, farmers market, pubs, clubs and restaurants are all within easy walking distance. Our sumptuous bedrooms are designed to meet your every need. Sink into a large, welcoming bed for a restorative night’s rest, or unwind in comfort and privacy for an evening. Relish the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and flat screen smart TV. The tea and coffee-making facilities will ensure that your night’s sleep is followed by a morning that starts just the way you like it. The Hulbert and Belmont rooms have fantastically high ceilings and ample natural daylight making them ideal for meetings, networking events and private events. Complimentary on-site parking means our guests who wish to venture further afield have a perfect base from which to do so – the famous Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour, an enchanting adventure for all of the family, is just a twenty-minute drive away or why not enjoy the hustle and bustle of London which is conveniently only 20 minutes by train. Contact Sophie on 01727 841199 www.torringtonhall.com
Top dog As well as being voted top of the 3 best groomers in St Albans (by Three Best Rated) for the 3rd year in a row, we now have a resident Dog Behaviourist at our fabulous premises. Oliver has a wealth of experience and can help with the complete spectrum of unwanted behaviours, from simple lead pulling all the way to red zone aggression. By working with the owners Oliver can help with any breed, any dog and any situation. Dogtastic can be found in a spacious woodland setting, Oliver and his team will be running our Doggy Day Care and incorporated in this will be a ‘Boot Camp’ - structured off site walks, mental stimulation and physical work ie; scenting and agility. Treadmill and placework, as well as basic manners.
Please call us on 01923 839165 for full information www.d-tastic.co.uk 12 I BIZCOM
Supporting you every step of the way Having a baby can be a daunting challenge. At times you can feel isolated as well as overwhelmed. As your Birth & Parenting Coach, I am here to support you every step of the way through pregnancy until your child is of school age. My mission is to ensure that as parents you feel confident and empowered by your decisions, allowing you to take back control and to learn to trust your instincts as to what is right for both you and your baby.
Working with clients on a 1-1 basis, I combine the role of expert with the key role of a supportive friend. My aim is to give you all the tools you could possibly need to do away with fear and rock your parenting journey. Email or call me now for a free 15 minute consultation to see how I can help you. Quote BizCom when you call for an extra 15% off any package.
In a world of conflicting information, wouldn’t it be amazing to understand the evidence behind all your choices and truly make informed decisions that are right for your family dynamic? Through my experience I can provide unbiased expert advice that is tailored to your circumstances.
T: 07834 589606 E: alex@alexandrakremer.co.uk www.alexandrakremer.co.uk
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Whoever you are or whatever business you are in, if you take card payments, we can help you.
If you are in retail, hospitality or any other business
that now takes card payments from your customers,
the chances are that you may be being overcharged ... we can probably help you save money.
We consistently save our clients £ I 000's which can be re-invested in their businesses. • We give a personal, friendly and professional service • We are based locally • We offer bespoke packages to fit your business
Call UK Business Buddy
0800 046 1804 I hello@ukbusinessbuddy.com ukbusinessbuddy.com
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EYES ON ST ALBANS
EYEWEAR & EYECARE OF EXCELLENCE Bringing Exquisite Eyewear to St Albans Design • Quality • Service
!
!
63 The Quadrant, St Albans, AL4 9RD 01727 838003 | look@eyesonstalbans.com | eyesonstalbans.com @eyesonstalbans This voucher can be used to purchase prescription eyewear only (frames & lenses), this voucher must be redeemed in store and is valid until 30th April 2019. Strictly NO cash refund and one voucher only per purchase.
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WHAT’S ST ALBANS MUMS UP TO? 2019 is going to see the launch of #mamazinesocial on Instagram - my online, instant magazine. Working through my Instagram and Facebook networks @stalbansmums I shall be covering a whole range of topics - exciting, meaningful and occasionally controversial. #mamazinesocial will enable the partnering up of lots of local businesses providing St Albans with exclusive offers and insights not found anywhere else. It is so exciting to have The Business Community - St Albans on the doorstep and to find out how we can work together.
Karen Snook @stalbansmums instagram #stalbansmums #microinfluencer #myjourney
Stop juggling - Start planning
Based locally, I offer a personal financial planning service to individuals, their families and business owners. I invest the time required to understand what is important to you and, together, we look to create a working plan, providing you with a clear direction towards meeting your financial goals. Contact me for a no obligation review of your current financial situation.
Raising a family will inevitably have a huge impact on your life and finances. Even if it doesn’t feel like the top priority right now, having a properly structured financial plan is essential and will help you feel confident that your day-to-day expenses are covered, and you are well positioned for the future – whatever that may bring.
Maria Isaeva Wealth Management Tel: 07980 856 945 maria.isaeva@sjpp.co.uk www.miwealth.co.uk
Maria Isaeva Wealth Management represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management Plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services. For more information; www.sjp.co.uk/products
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The 3 Counties Expo is now in its 4th year and is a day full of opportunities! The Expo opens at 9am and entry is free for visitors until 1.30pm. The event will also have 3 free workshops sharing valuable tips to help you run your business. Plus, we have breakfast and lunch networking events.
well as fellow business people with whom you can form strategic partnerships with. The choice is yours!
Exhibiting vs Visiting-which is best? If you prepare properly exhibiting puts you straight in front of your ideal client, we help by giving you lots of ideas! As a visitor or exhibitor,The 3 CountiesExpo provides an excellent networking opportunity, along with opportunities for learning. Meet new clients and suppliers, as
To book a stand or a free visitor ticket visit the www.3countiesexpo.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/3countiesbusinessexpo Twitter: @3CountiesExpo Tel: Debbie Gilbert 07795 683598 / 01442 382682
Interested to meet new people, 10-26 year olds? Join our rural social club and… • learn and try new skills • take part in competitions • weekly meetings • enjoy varied social life and travel opportunities • become part of a National organisation and
have lots of fun! More details on our Facebook page: St Albans Young Farmers Email: hertsyfc@btinternet.com Phone: 01920 823525
You don’t have to be a farmer to be a young farmer! 18 I BIZCOM
EVERYONE ACTIVE WESTMINSTER LODGE
* Membership allows entry to over 160 centres nationwide
‘2019 NEW YEAR NEW YOU’ MEMBERSHIP OFFERS Facilities onsite include: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Spacious Gym Group Exercise Studios - including a state of the art Group Cycling Studio Hot Yoga Studio – membership packages available Luxury Verulamium Spa, offering the latest beauty treatments and products 25m x 10 Lane Swimming Pool Teaching Pool & Water Confidence Area Healthy CRUSSH Bistro Soft play and Crèche Various sporting activities Inc. Climbing Wall FREE Activity & Fitness Planner via our Online App FREE Car Parking 2 hours NO CONTRACTS! Monthly and annual options available.
Call in to site on: 01727 736 080 (Opt. 1 –Membership)
*Ts&Cs ap
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TBC and Home Start Herts We began working with Home Start Herts back in 2016 when one of our members told us that Home Start had a massive funding cut and were looking for support from the community. Since then we’ve raised over £7,000 for this incredible charity via a variety of fun events such as BAFTA nominated videos (Justin Timberlake and Christmas mash up), publishing The Little Book of Amazing Business Stories, donating a percentage of membership fees, socials and exhibitions. Find out more about TBC and HomeStart via our website www.stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com/charity/
‘FREEZE’ the ageing process with skin tightening As we age, our skin starts to produce less collagen – this is what leads to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of aging. Rather than invasive surgery, tighter skin can now be achieved with The Venus Freeze Plus. This machine uses a combination of Multi-Polar Radio Frequency, and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field technologies, that work in unison to safely and comfortably heat the tissue under the surface of the skin. This encourages the collagen production and elastin fibre growth, resulting in firmer, smoother skin that looks noticeably more youthful. The heat can also stimulates lipolysis (fat reduction) for areas on the body. The treatment takes between 30-45 mins, and is alikened to a hot stone massage. A one off facial treatment achieves immediate results – perfect for a special occasion – but to achieve a longer lasting effect, a course of 6-8 weekly treatments is required Visit www.eve-and-adam.com for our list of treatments, events and seasonal offers. 20 I BIZCOM
St Albans based local band Kick Pistol are thrilled to announce the release of their self-titled debut EP on 7 December in partnership with Nub Music. Drawing on influences from bands such a Muse and Radiohead whilst injected with their own unique style. Following their recent successes on the local pub/club circuit, as well as performing at the O2 Islington Academy, the band have appeared several times on Radio Verulam. Download their EP ‘Kick Pistol’ on Spotify, Deezer, i-tunes.
At The Brandit we loooooooove branding! Clues in the name
When was the last time you looked at your business branding? Does it need updating, enhancing, or perhaps you don’t yet have a brand. We are here to chat with you about what you want to achieve, who your audience is and the personality of your brand. We’ve got tons of experience, great personalities ;) and we work with cracking businesses, with TBC amongst them.
www.thebrandit.co.uk
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17 years of midwife experience Hi, I’m Louise. I have been a midwife for 17 years. I set up my business “Louise’s Antenatal Classes” 3 years ago. I deliver antenatal classes for first time parents and refresher classes for parents who already have children. The aim is to discuss the realities of having a baby but also build confidence in your ability to birth your baby and how your birth partner can help and support you. The most satisfying part about running my classes is seeing the transformation in couples that may have been frightened or nervous about the upcoming birth before the class, to feeling much more positive and confident about the process afterwards.
For more details visit www.louantenatal.com
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SOME OF THE THINGS WE GET UP TO… Mary Doyle – One of Britain’s Most Influential Disabled People In 2018!!! Cheryl and the team at Wagada at the UK Search Awards and they left as WINNERS Anne Ross of ADD-Vance Is Awarded A British Empire Medal (BEM)!!!! TBC Finalist in Chamber Business Leader of the Year Award 2018! TBC Take Part In Small Business Saturday Read more on our News page: stalbans.thebusinessescommunity.com/tbc-news
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Please support these local charities “Death might be universal, but grief is completely unique.�
Bereavement support in St Albans Here to listen to you
A ST ALBANS LOCAL AND JDRF SUPPORTER, JASON WILLS, IS RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR JDRF IN THE NAME OF HIS DAUGHTER. Support Jason Wills of St Albans running the London Marathon for his daughter Maddie
uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JasonWills1
01727 86 85 85 counsellingfoundation.org
CAN YOUR BUSINESS SUPPORT EDUCATING POOR CHILDREN IN AFRICA? HARPENDEN
WWW.HSOA.ORG.UK
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Copyright Š 2018 | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ltd (JDRF) is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 295716) and in Scotland (No. Sc040123). Registered address: 17/18 Angel Gate, London EC1V 2PT. Registered as a company limited by guarantee, in England and Wales (No 2071638).
Enjoy these vouchers from St Albans Businesses
A GIFT FOR YOU
VALID TUESDAY - FRIDAY INCLUSIVE. EXPIRES 28 FEB 2019 THIS VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED. ONLY 1 VOUCHER PER PERSON
15%OFF
When you spend over £35 on products or workshops online or in the shop. *excludes paint. Expires 28/02/19 Workshops must be attended before 28/02/19. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Online Code: WOW15
COME AND TREAT YOURSELF TO A
THE FLYING PHYSIOS
10% off all Swedish, Sports & Deep Tissue massages CONTACT US ON 0800 6127814 OR EMAIL INFO@THEFLYINGPHYSIOS.COM FOR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY WWW.THEFLYINGPHYSIOS.COM
20% off
St Villa Experience OUR À LA CARTE MENU*
FIND US AT St. Villa Bar & Restaurant, 2 Marlborough Road, St Albans, AL1 3XQ Tel: 01727 807222 | stvilla.co.uk | @st.villa *To redeem this discount simply present this voucher at the time of dining. This 20% discount can only be used when ordering off our à la carte menu. It is available to use for lunch and dinner Mon - Thur (excluding 14th February) in January and February 2019 only. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
NEW LANDLORD INTRODUCTORY OFFER: NO FEES 1ST MONTH Home County Rentals: 01582 761666 Offer expries: 31st March 2019 Ref: BC2018 LANDLORD
Creating pain free and independent movement
Therapeutic, Deep Tissue and Remedial massage www.functionaltherapies.co.uk Email: laura.functionaltherapies@gmail.com
20% off first treatment for TBC members 10% off first treatment for non TBC members
If you are a TBC member and you would like to offer BizCom readers a voucher for your products or services, then get in touch at stalbans@thebusinessescommunity.com VOUCHER VOUCHER
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Jan-Mar
Find out more about all these fantastic events at www.thebusinesscommunity.com/stalbans/events Contact the organisers as subject to change
7th Jan - Create a better wordpress website in one day - Paul Creamer 9th Jan - Mums UnLtd Networking St Albans - Debbie Gilbert 10th Jan - Kick Start 2019 Business Planning Workshop - Amanda Brown 16th Jan - Business Network South Herts Networking - Sharon Sacofsky 17th Jan - TBC Jelly 18th Jan - Presentation Skills workshop - Karen Witchalls-Plunkett 19th Jan - Organising paperwork workshop - Tracy Ross 22nd Jan - Mums UnLtd Networking Hemel Hempstead - Zoe Douthwaite 24th Jan - Mums UnLtd Networking Harpenden - Carli Wall 28th Jan - A Little Bit Of Networking - My Mustard 1st Feb - TBC Jelly Baby 8th Feb - The Ian Swanston Charity Ladies Lunch - For Crohns & Colitis UK 13th Feb - Mums UnLtd Networking St Albans - Debbie Gilbert 26 I BIZCOM
13th Feb - Business Network South Herts - Sharon Sacofsky 21st Feb - TBC Jelly
Oct-Dec
25th Feb - A Little Bit Of Networking - My Mustard
28th Feb - Mums UnLtd Networking Harpenden - Carli Wall 1st Mar - TBC Jelly Baby
13th Mar - Mums UnLtd Networking St Albans - Debbie Gilbert 13th Mar - Business Network South Herts - Sharon Sacofsky 14th Mar - TBC Jelly 18th Mar - A Little Bit Of Networking - My Mustard 28th Mar - Mums UnLtd Networking Harpenden - Carli Wall
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Your Accounts, Sorted. Limited Companies Sole Traders Contractors Landlords Startups
“
I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Haiders to anyone.
The team have supported our business start up with insightful knowledge, professionalism and expertise since we have started trading.� Nigel Marshall, Honeygate Recruitment.
www.haiders.co.uk 01582 250 222 @haiderstax