Inspire

INSPIRE.03

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Apr-May2014

Hiring Apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2014 finalists announced

Women in Leadership leading ladies pave the way to success

n Spotlight on Stevenage n International Trade

InspireIntroduction

From the Chief Executive Busy time, successful activities We’ve run a number of highly successful information sharing, networking and inspiration events.

In March, more than 80 Hertfordshire businesswomen attended the Women in Leadership’s launch lunch to hear the success stories by two highly successful women, incredibly inspirational people, who smashed their glass ceilings, Nora Senior (British Chamber of Commerce president) and science writer Sue Nelson. We feature their stories in this edition.

Charles Walker, MP for Broxbourne and Council Leader, Paul Mason, spoke at a Chamber networking event, giving very eloquent, inspiring presentations on Ambition Broxbourne’s priority on skills and employment development, part of the area’s wider economic strategies.

We grab every opportunity to get our Hertfordshire Members of Parliament to hear how their support is critical to Hertfordshire receiving some much needed government funding through both our Regional growth hub funding bid, and also the LEP Strategic Economic Plan bid (SEP), and what we as a business community need.

We’ve banged our drum with Stephen McPartland (Stevenage), Anne Main (St Albans), Charles Walker (Broxbourne), David Gauke

(South West Herts) and Grant Shapps (Welwyn & Hatfield) — and we’ll continue to do so.

Binding with other Chambers In March we affiliated with the Berkhamstead Chamber as part of our vision to expand our direct membership — for greater networking and business-building relationships for our members.

We are exploring ways to develop greater dual membership opportunities with other town chambers such as Bishop Stortford, for the same mutual advantages for our respective members and the business community in general.

We’re also working with sister Chambers in neighbouring counties, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, to build relationships and unify our business voice.

Economic review According to the latest British Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Review for Hertfordshire, there are strong signals for optimism — sales, orders, turnover, profitability, prices and export sales and orders have increased. The factors that remained a concern for Hertfordshire businesses were exchange and business rates, inflation, competition and corporate tax.

The Budget, since then, will have addressed some of these. It is so important that Hertfordshire businesses complete the Quarterly Economic Review requests — they do have an impact in central government economic policies.

Without your voice, we don’t have one.

Local economic initiatives As a voice of business in the county, we fully support the Herts LEP Strategic Economic Plan that campaigns for £346m government long-term investment in Hertfordshire with £42m shortterm funding to jump start our local economy.

This funding will help us achieve 38,600 net additional jobs, £3bn net additional uplift in economic growth, of which, it is planned; £3.25m will be for an SME Business Growth Package.

Sector forums We’re setting up forums for information sharing and industry campaigning where needed, and invite our members to participate in the Women in Leadership, the Engineering and Manufacturing forums. To register interest, contact Christine at: christinefaulkner@hertschamber. com. Please do come forward and represent your sector.

Inspiring Hertfordshire The responses to the Awards 2014

Information Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 398400 Fax: 01707 398430 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com Chief Executive: Yolanda Rugg Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing 3tc House, 16 Crosby Rd, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published April 2014 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

entry invitation have been fantastic. The quality and number of entries is very impressive with even more businesses entering.

We urge you, if you haven’t entered, to come along and be inspired by the talent we have in the County, and world class businesses. Come along on Thursday 15 May; book a table for your company and be part of our celebration of success and inspiration.

Working together By getting involved with the Chamber’s various activities, and supporting it in growing our local economy, through jobs creation, investment, sector growth, there is no question about it — you get much more out of it for your business; developing good contacts, generating income opportunities and picking up along the way best business practice.

Please do get involved by supporting the local forums, speaking at or attending events or sending in articles.

Contents Production Manager Fern Badman Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: studio@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1389 Disclaimer Inspire is published for Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Inspire are not necessarily those of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2014.

Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication.

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

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

Up Front 4-13 Spotlight on...

16-18 Regional Feature 21 24 Hours 23 International Trade 24-25 Skills Apprenticeship 26-27 Chamber Policy 29 Inspiring Herts 30-31 Business News 32-37 Forum News 38-39 Women in Leadership 40-41 New Members 42-43 Member Benefits 44 Chamber Chatter 45 Chamber Events 46-47 Member Spotlight 48-49 Last Word 50

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Hertfordshire A1(M) corridor It seems to most commuters, hauliers and Hertfordshire businesses along the route that the A1(M) road widening between junctions 6 at Welwyn and 8 at Stevenage is too distant a prospect to contemplate with optimism.

Through-traffic from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire shoehorns into a two-lane highway at Stevenage. Secondary roads clog with cars and vans scouting alternative routes to avoid a motorway incident or excessive bottlenecking.

The A1 (A1M through Hertfordshire) connects London to Edinburgh and en route cities and towns, but its particular importance to Hertfordshire is its service as artery to key routes that criss-cross the county — A414, A602, A119, A505, A507 — delivering goods, taking people, getting consumers to retail centres.

Campaign for A1(M) improvements Herts Chamber, on behalf of its members and businesses in general welcomes the news in January this year of a consortium of county, district and town councils, together the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and working with the Highways Agency and Department of Transport, to launch a campaign for improvements to address the congestion.

Obtaining government funding The Hertfordshire A1 Corridor Consortium has identified the worst congestion occurs between junctions 6 and 8, making this a priority for

investment. The Highways Agency is looking at possible solutions, and will identify this area as a possible investment priority for their route-based strategy — their means to obtain government infrastructure funding.

The Consortium is also considering investment — through the LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan — in junctions to reduce delays in highways access and exit, as well as surrounding road networks.

The campaign needs Herts business support The Consortium is fully aware that Hertfordshire competes with other counties for Highways Agency road investment — counties where there are active business groups joining the lobbying for government funding.

The Chamber will be meeting with Consortium members to see what useful support to the campaign we can give. This is an important issue. We need to be vociferous about it.

Make Government aware The A1(M) issue is not anywhere on the government’s road improving agenda – scarcely a blip on its radar. We need to change that. We have important, useful and

Announcement The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that The Most Honourable The Marquess of Salisbury KCVO PC DL accepted appointment as Honorary President of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce in March 2014.

Upon receiving his certificate of appointment from Herts Chamber Chairman Neville Reyner, Lord Salisbury said “I was delighted and honoured to be asked to be the Honorary President of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and accepted with great pleasure.

“Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is the British Chamber of Commerce accredited chamber for Hertfordshire, one of 53 accredited Chambers in the UK which represent some 100,000 companies and 4 million employees. I was particularly interested to hear that the BCC is in the process of

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establishing an international network in 40 countries and I am sure such a network will be of major benefit to companies in Hertfordshire.

“I applaud the Hertfordshire Chamber’s ambition to increase its membership and to encourage businesses across the County to achieve success. I welcome, too, the Chamber’s desire to strengthen its existing relationship with the University of Hertfordshire.

“I look forward very much to supporting the Chamber in its work towards achieving these aims.”

profitable businesses along the route, and various town councils have inward investment campaigns that depend on reliable road infrastructure.

We must be clear about the consequences of failing to attract government funding, and what it will mean to business, present and future, and our economic prospects.

We whole-heartedly endorse the Consortium’s campaign, and will contribute to its success in what ever way we can, particularly in representing Hertfordshire businesses and gathering useful congestion impact evidence from our members.

Herts Chamber is asking businesses to help with the lobbying and join the campaign to voice our need for A1(M) improvements.

Infrastructure improvements are absolutely critical to the economic vitality of Hertfordshire.

We need a big voice on the A1(M) corridor and will do what we can to support the Hertfordshire A1 Corridor Consortium’s campaign for government funding.

Yolanda Rugg

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Watch out for the launch of our new website The Chamber of Commerce is in the final stages of the development of its new website incorporating the newly adopted branding launched at the end of last year. The updated website will have a more modern look and feel, be easier to navigate for users and easier for us to manage and update. It will include new features such as a secure member area, payments section and will have the ability to incorporate additional features in line with the changing needs of members.

With regular industry related updates, news stories and twitter feeds, we hope that visitors will enjoy browsing the fresh and exciting pages.

The aim of the new site is to better connect members to events and fellow members, providing easier access to business support sources and information to help them develop and grow their business.

It will also be the ideal location for businesses to keep up to date with government legislation, economic updates and any campaigns or lobbying initiatives that the chamber is involved in both locally and nationally.

“This website project has been a big undertaking for the Chamber team and we are grateful to Brightside Print and Design and AllyKats Design for all their help and support,” commented Cathy McAuley, Head of Business Development who has been managing the project.

The first phase of the new website will be officially launched later this month.

The Herts Chamber of Commerce announce Ashbourne Insurance of Broxbourne as a Patron

Yolanda Rugg, Chief Executive of the Herts Chamber said, “On behalf of the Herts Chamber, I am delighted to welcome Ashbourne Insurance as a Patron. We are very fortunate to have an award-winning, independent insurance broker on board who can offer our members their expertise and guidance on matters related to business and personal insurance. Ashbourne’s commitment to outstanding customer care and staff training have seen them grow from strength to strength and I am looking forward to their participation at every level in the Chamber.”

Peter Smits, Managing Director commented, “We have been a member of the Chamber for many years and decided it was an important part of our Marketing Strategy for 2014 and beyond to work more closely together. In particular we are keen to support the Ambition Broxbourne initiative with Broxbourne Council and look forward to working collaboratively with them and the Chamber in championing our borough. With offices in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt and with over 32 years’ experience in the borough, we are ideally placed to share the views of independent business owners and to encourage others to have a voice with local and national business issues. Being part of the Herts Chamber is an essential ingredient to our business.”

Join us for our 90th Birthday Ball This year the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 90th birthday and we will be celebrating in style at the stunning Hanbury Manor Hotel and Country Club on Friday 3 October.

We are planning an exciting evening with a gala dinner and some fabulous entertainment. Businesses throughout Hertfordshire are invited to join us for this special evening.

For details of the event, to book a table or for individual tickets call or email Jodie Reid on 01707 398401 or jodiereid@hertschamber.com.

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Peace of mind for the future

Matthew James Pocock -

Most people consider it is prudent to make a Will, but how many people think about making a Lasting Power of Attorney? What could happen if you do not have one?

Having completed my MA in Human Resource Management at Hertfordshire University in September 2013, I encountered the same difficulty facing many young people, as I toiled to secure employment following completion of my course.

If, during your lifetime, something happens so that you cannot make decisions for yourself in the future, the only way a member of your family or someone you trust can assist you is if you have made a Lasting Power of Attorney giving them that authority. If you have not done that, then the only way you can be helped to, say, sort out your bank, speak to the utility companies or make a care decision for you is by someone making an Application to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. This is a time consuming and expensive process.

So what can you do to ensure someone you trust can help you if you are no longer able to make decisions or simply do things yourself?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is the only document you can make in which you can appoint a person aged 18 or over to act for you at your direction and on your behalf. The Power would remain valid for your lifetime, even if you eventually lose the capacity to make a decision during that time.

You can choose to delegate decisions affecting your personal welfare as well as decisions concerning your property and financial matters. These are two very different areas so there are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney.

We hold free Seminars on a regular basis which includes information about Lasting Powers of Attorney and what can happen if you do not have one. Each Seminar is also aimed at those people concerned about the future who want to plan with a view to preserving their assets from inheritance tax and care home fees. The Seminar is entitled “Keep it in the Family” and our next one is being held on Thursday 29th May at 11.30 am at Wyllyotts Theatre, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 2HN in the Alexander Room. Tea and coffee will be served at 11.15 am and the Seminar will be followed by a buffet lunch. If you wish to attend, then simply telephone Charlotte Quantick on 01992 300333 or e-mail her on charlotte@longmores-solicitors.co.uk with your details and she will send you an invitation.

Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership Agri-tech fund The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has created a fund to support the agricultural technology sector (known as agri-tech).

The LEP area, which includes North Hertfordshire, will benefit from £3.2 million of funding to support the development of the agritech industry and will be delivered by a new agri-tech grants scheme to support the development of new and innovative ideas within the sector.

There are two main funds that businesses can apply for: • The first is the £2 million Agri-Tech Growth Fund, which will provide grants of between £25,000 and £150,000 to support product development and improve agricultural productivity.

• The second is a £540,000 Research, Development and Prototyping Fund, which will help support the research and development of new product or processes with grants of between £10,000 and £60,000.

For more information and applications forms, please see the LEP’s website at: http://www.yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co. uk/agri-tech-grants.

For more information on the project please contact Martin Lutman on info@agritechgrants.co.uk or on 01223 967009 or 01733 602009.

My time at Herts Chamber

This all changed when I was lucky enough to secure a temporary contract as a Marketing Assistant with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, working within the education team, to locate and arrange student work experience placements for Hertfordshire students aged 15-18 years.

Following this in December 2013, I was overjoyed to be offered the position of Employer Engagement Officer within the Chamber.

This fast paced and challenging role has allowed me to gain new levels of professional experience, as I have interacted with a variety of people both inside and outside of the organisation. Having organised and successfully lead the Chamber’s March HR Forum as the pinnacle of my role with the Chamber, I feel I have been stretched through the challenges I have faced which have prepared me for the next stage in my career as I leave the Chamber this April.

I would like to thank Herts Chamber for the opportunities extended to me, as without the help of the Chamber’s excellent staff team, I would not have been able to benefit from such a unique personal development opportunity, and without whom the next stage along my career journey would not have been possible.

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Celebration of world-class women’s sport as cycling route revealed Details of the Stage 4 finish of the inaugural Women’s Tour were unveiled at a star-studded celebration of women’s sport. It means that all five stages of the UK’s first ever elite road cycling event for women have now been revealed.

Emma Trott, who will be competing in the groundbreaking event along with her sister, Laura, was there as details of the stage finish were released by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and tour organisers, SweetSpot.

The Trott sisters will be joined by other world-class athletes including Marianne Vos and Lizzie Armitstead, gold and silver medalists respectively in the women’s road race at the

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“It will be a great day for people in and around the area, and the presence of local riders such as Emma and Laura Trott can only help with that.”

London Olympics, as they compete to be first across the Welwyn Garden City finish line on Saturday 10 May. Recognising the significance of the race for women’s sport, the council and SweetSpot were joined by England international and Arsenal Ladies legend, Casey Stoney, and Clare Drakeford, a Hertfordshire Mavericks netball star.

UPFront What’s the best time of day to do social media?

If like me you’re charged with the task of maintaining your business’ social media activities, then you’ll more than likely have considered the perfect time to post a Tweet or Facebook update.

Also there to mark the occasion were a dozen of the current Welwyn Wheelers who race for the club at which Emma and Laura Trott began their cycle racing careers. These included Bethany Hayward, now part of the British Cycling Olympic Development Programme and set to be a cycling star of the future.

“It’s also going to attract spectators, competing teams and other visitors from outside the borough, and local businesses are set to benefit from this boost to the local economy.”

Cllr John Dean, Leader of the council, said: “We have worked closely with SweetSpot since the idea of a Women’s Tour was first raised, and we were keen for the borough to host a stage finish for a number of reasons. It will be a great day for people in and around the area, and the presence of local riders such as Emma and Laura Trott can only help with that.

“It’s also going to attract spectators, competing teams and other visitors from outside the borough, and local businesses are set to benefit from this boost to the local economy.

“Last but not least, it’s a real opportunity to engage people with sport and inspire a new generation, girls and young women in particular. That’s why it’s great to see so many superb female athletes joining us to mark the occasion as further details of the Stage 4 route were revealed.”

Whilst every industry, business and individual is unique, we can certainly make use of common trends for ‘ideal timings’: Best time of day to post by social media network: Facebook 1-4pm Twitter 1-3pm Google+ 9-11am Tumblr 7-10pm Instagram 5-6pm Pinterest 8-11pm You can see that in general, the best times to post often seem to be during and after lunchtime and again in the evenings.

The obvious aim is to firstly target people when they have some time to read what you’re saying. Timing isn’t ever going to be an exact art. You should seek to continually monitor and analyse your social media marketing efforts, in order to make improvements in the future.

To discuss your social media marketing requirements give one of our team at Digital Results a call on 01920 444797 or email hi@digital-results.com.

Information about the full Stage 4 route from Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City, as well as the other four Stages and team profiles, can be found at www.womenstour.co.uk.

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An outstanding new recruit for Feed Manager Feed Manager has now acquired its newest and most valuable member of staff and he doesn’t even get paid!

Feed Manager is the 2011 Regional Chamber Awards winning platform which Gillissa Limited operates out of Hemel Hempstead, submitting fully serviced product listings for their ecommerce clients to shopping channels.

• Stock needs to be updated • The shop window needs to be attractive • Customers shopping experience needs to be as simple and easy as possible

They have gone through a recent exercise to identify the key issues that face all e-commerce merchants and help them move forward

• You need to know what you’re selling

So enter Sherwin the Shopkeeper – the face of Feed Manager.

Sherwin not only represents Feed Manager and gives the company a voice through his own online presence, he represents all shopkeepers.

He represents their customers, selecting products, putting them in his show and marketing them to best advantage to make money.

Sherwin represents what Feed Manager is about. He is a smart 21st Century shopkeeper who knows that having an online shop is no different to running a physical high street store:

• Why you’re selling it

Through social media it allows Sherwin to talk like the shopkeeper he is. Realistically commenting on changes in the e-commerce world and how they affect shops. Whether these changes be positive or negative.

B2B marketing is sometimes perceived as boring and hard to understand. Gillissa wants Feed Manager to be something that is instantly recognisable and attractive to all online shops.

No matter the size of an online shop. Feed Manager is of relevance.

The essence of selling products is no different than it has ever. Realistically it all comes down to the Marketing Mix of Products, Place, Price & Promotion. An offline shopkeeper makes sure his shop is clean, well presented, his bestsellers and are always in stock whenever possible.

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However, unlike the high street, 21st century product selling is very complicated. Through the internet, social media, blogs, (everything that is now the modern word of mouth) people can read reviews of the merchant, compare prices and recommend sellers. Most importantly, people need to be able to find the business easily and not be disappointed in the service they receive.

Great shopkeepers sell, they don’t have the time or energy to understand complex technology and that is where Feed Manager steps in. Feed Manager takes these clients’ products and completes their online shop for them. So they don’t need to worry about it.

“Sherwin helps me to connect, interact and inform clients and followers within the ecommerce world about the business.

Sometimes new rules and regulations are introduced through shopping channels that cause a lot of change and added work.

Sherwin gives us a voice to let clients know about change and how it influences them. It also allows me to bring an element of fun and relaxed tone of voice to a technical service. He is everything Feed Manager stands for and gives a voice to everyone in the office.” Ceri Keely, Marketing Manager, Gillissa Limited.

Follow Sherwin’s on Twitter at twitter.com/Sherwin_the_Shop or to read more about Feed Manager visit www.feedmanager.co.uk.

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Call for help from Stevenage recycling charity Stevenage Furniture Recycling Scheme is a local service supplying affordable good quality furniture and large electrical goods. Its free collection service gives you an opportunity to support others who could re-use your unwanted items.

The scheme is unique in that its primary focus is on helping people in need or who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

In the past year, it has supported 5,000 individuals in the community of Stevenage.

The Scheme relies heavily on the commitment and energy of volunteers and staff but requires further support from the business community in the areas of skilled support, financial sponsorship and donated domestic furniture.

“In the past year, it has supported 5,000 individuals in the community of Stevenage.”

If you require any further information or can help in any way please contact us on 01438 362900 or email info@stevenagefrs.org.uk.

A day of sporting celebration 10th May – A Day To Celebrate is a day dedicated to sport and community in the Borough of Broxbourne.

The day celebrates the Women’s Tour starting from Cheshunt and the launch of Grundy Park Leisure Centre after a multi-million pound refurbishment with a Community Sports Festival event.

two midfielders and two strikers) and games last 15 minutes.

As part of the Community Sports Festival the organisers will stage a ‘World Cup Themed Human Table Football’ competition for local businesses.

The day will be busy and fun with a range of fun activities for the whole family at the new centre, including performances from local bands, Dr Bike and bike-ability sessions, a climbing wall, a tightrope act on a bike, trampolines, fun fair, Punch and Judy, advice about healthy living and lots more activities and attractions!

Each business will compete as their favourite international team against other businesses.

Teams are made up of five players (one goalie,

The Community Sports Festival is held at Grundy Park, Cheshunt on Saturday 10 May 2014 from 12noon until 5pm.

EU vetoes maternity leave in surrogate cases Two mothers who had children through surrogacy have failed in their attempt to win maternity benefits, but UK Law is changing.

Both involved mothers whose cases related eligibility for benefits under the EU Pregnant Workers Directive. Unlike for pregnant women, there is no uniform set of rules on surrogacy across the EU, as it is prohibited in some member states.

In the two cases, one involved a mother who took charge of the baby within an hour of birth and was able to breastfeed for several months. She had obtained a parental order under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, but this was not enough to convince the court to agree the same rights as a birth mother.

The other was brought by a woman in Ireland, where surrogacy is not regulated. As the woman was medically unable to carry a pregnancy, she and her partner found a surrogate in California, USA to carry their fertilised egg. Despite the baby being their genetic child, and that under California law no other parental rights were recognised, the ECJ ruled against her claim under the Pregnant Workers Directive.

But under the new Children and Families Act 2014, things will change in the UK from April 2015 as adoption leave and pay will reflect the entitlements available to birth parents.

There will be no qualifying period for leave; enhanced pay to 90% of salary for the first six weeks; and time off to attend introductory appointments. Intended parents in surrogacy and ‘foster to adopt’ arrangements will also qualify for adoption leave and pay.

The rulings are unlikely to influence employer attitudes for the time being, but there will be a very different position when the Children and Families Act becomes law and Employers would be well advised to seek advance guidance on the interim position.

Breeze & Wyles Second Floor, Stag House, Old London Road SG13 7LA

Tel: 01992 558411 www.breezeandwyles.co.uk

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New conference and banqueting suites to open at The Forum in Stevenage The Forum, Banqueting and Conference Centre is a purpose built as a stunning and exclusive five star venue with a real WOW factor. An ideal venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, concerts, gala dinners, awards ceremonies, weddings, birthday and anniversary celebrations, sporting events, and product launches and is licensed for Civil Weddings. We are delighted to announce that our spectacular and prestigious new banqueting and conference centre will be opening in May 2014, and is now available for bookings. disposal – offering you total flexibility and first class service.

Conference and Meetings The Conference Centre comprises four modern and flexible conference and rooms ideal for meetings and, events, large or small, training and presentations to suit your requirements. All rooms are finished to a high specification, which includes LCD Projector or LCD TV projection link and Wireless Internet service.

The Suite is fully air conditioned and sound proofed throughout, with Banqueting style seating for up to 625 people or it can be divided into three rooms for smaller functions.

No expense has been spared on the stylish décor, versatile state of the art, in built LED lighting and latest technology with PA systems and Plasma Screens.

There is also a separate, trendy bar and attractive reception area. The Suite also has a purpose built and fully equipped kitchen for selfcatering purposes.

Whatever your event, we will put all our amazing facilities, people and experience at your

Our meeting rooms can be hired by hour with packages to suit all budgets and delegate rates from just £30 per person, to provide the key ingredients to make your meeting or event an outstanding success.

Our excellent transport links offer convenient access by road and rail with the venue just minutes away from Stevenage’s main East Coast railway station - with direct rail links from Kings Cross and to the North. The Forum is located just a five minute drive off junction 7 of the A1M and only 28 miles from London. Guests can enjoy Stevenage Leisure Park facilities with its restaurants, multiplex cinema, bowling alley and other entertainment just a five minute walk away.

For more details or to book, please contact Ruslana Yarmolyuk on: 0330 4454450.

Hotel Accommodation You will find competitive accommodation rates are available for guests and delegates at the adjacent Ibis Hotel with 98 fully re-furbished bedrooms. All rooms have king size beds, luxury shower rooms, free Wifi and air conditioning throughout. Café Green provides a bar/restaurant with a modern feel. Parking is available at the nearby NCP Car Park.

Visit to Harry Potter Studio Watford as part of National Apprenticeship week Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Watford, hosted a tour of The Making of Harry Potter to promote apprenticeships as part of the National Apprenticeship Week.

The tour was attended by Matthew Hancock, government minister for Skills and Enterprise, who stressed to everyone on the tour the need for employers, parents, educational staff and young people themselves, to play an active role in driving apprenticeships across the UK. As a sponsor of the event and Partner of the National Apprenticeship Scheme, Herts Chamber was proud to attend and support the apprenticeships initiative as part of its commitment to promote the skills agenda and increase employability prospects across Hertfordshire.

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SponsoredFeature

Better Business For All A Regulators’ Charter, signed by all the Hertfordshire District Councils and Hertfordshire County Council was launched at the Best Business Expo in Hemel Hempstead. the local business organisations have also signed up to this charter and committed to promoting the role of regulators widely to their members.

From left to right: Graham Lane - Herts Local Enterprise Partnership Board Member and founder of Cheeky Munkey Limited Manny Lewis - Managing Director of Watford Borough Council County Councillor Chris Hayward - Deputy Leader of Hertfordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Education and Skills (and LEP Board member) Councillor Andrew Williams - Leader of Dacorum Borough Council The Charter sets out how businesses can expect to be treated by regulators and aims to remove barriers to growth.

Often, businesses will not approach regulators for advice because they are worried about enforcement action; equally some regulatory officers do not fully appreciate the many and various competing demands that businesses have.

The Charter aims to improve this working relationship, making clear that regulators are there for advice and support and that they will involve businesses in policy making decisions.

Often regulators will be able to advise on best practice or may have seen examples of how to get better value for money, they can pass on these lessons and save businesses money. All

The Charter is one element of work being undertaken by the Better Business for All partnership. This includes the majority of national regulators, all local councils, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Hertfordshire and Watford and West Herts Chambers of Commerce, ACAS and the Federation of Small Businesses. The programme aims to help existing businesses grow and attract new businesses into the County. Other work underway includes improving how businesses find out what regulations may apply to them and helping them find who to speak to in order to get advice easily as well as commercial awareness training for all frontline regulatory officers in the councils.

LEP Executive Director Neil Hayes said: “The Better Business for All Partnership is working to build trust between the private sector community and regulators. Our regulators have an important role to play in supporting economic growth and creating a level playing field in which business can flourish. This charter is a significant commitment to future collaboration which will ensure Hertfordshire remains perfectly placed for business.”

Local businesses attended the launch which took place as part of the Herts Chamber of Commerce business breakfast at the Best Business Expo on the 6th March.

Keep up with the campaign on twitter @BbfaHerts #BetterRegulation For more information about Better Business For All and to see the Charter please visit: www.hertfordshirelep.com/BetterRegulation.aspx

First impressions count Remember the old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression?

Well, that’s as true today as it was when it was coined – the difference being that today your first impression for potential customers is likely to be online rather than face-to-face. Which is why ensuring you have an up to date, appropriate and engaging web site is essential.

To achieve this, it’s worth remembering a few simple rules: 1 Make sure you have a cohesive look and feel. Consistency of image across print and electronic media is essential to reinforce your brand.

2 Content is King. You can have the most beautiful, whizzy web design, but it is the quality of what you have to say that is important. Make content focused, short, clear and informative to attract and retain your readership.

3 Clear signposting. A well-structured and clearly signposted web site that requires minimal clicks for visitors to find what they need will encourage them to return.

4 Call to action. Advise your visitors what action to take and they are more likely to make personal contact with you; essential to enhancing opportunities for a ‘sale’.

How do we know?

At Artizan Communications, we’ve been helping businesses maximise the effectiveness of their communications for over 16 years. To find out how we can help you, call us now on 01920 466678 for an informal, no obligation chat.

Jane Ducarreaux, Director Artizan Communications Limited 01920 466678 07738 017313 www.artizan-on-line.com Delegates at the Best Business Expo

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SpotlightOn

Created to innovate Stevenage is home to businesses that are shaping the world - whether it’s researching new ways to treat and prevent diseases, sending a space vehicle to Mars or building a successful business.

The town’s vibrant and diverse business community ranges from global leaders in space, defence and bioscience through to growing companies and innovative start-ups backed by an extensive business community.

Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, recently joined UK Space Agency chief executive officer David Parker at the Airbus Defence and Space centre in Stevenage.

Together they unveiled an extension of the company’s ‘Mars Yard’ – a 30m recreation of the red planet’s surface designed to test new technology for future space exploration.

The minister said: “The technology being developed here, in Stevenage, is at the forefront of global innovation and can be applied to various sectors of our economy.

“One of the battles that we’re fighting is demonstrating the importance of science and technology for the future. We are trying to excite the next generation to pursue careers in this field.

“We’re massively under-supplied with science graduates so I think it is important to acknowledge the great work that is happening here.”

Airbus, formerly known as Astrium, will use the site to test rovers for the planned 2018 mission to Mars working with the European Space Agency.

Another feature of the business environment in Stevenage is its thriving support for apprentices.

Daniella Distazio, who is a fourth year business apprentice with missile company MBDA in Stevenage, was named National Higher Apprentice of the Year 2014.

Danielle said: “When I realised I had I won, I was overjoyed. To win the award, especially being up against such talented young apprentices, is fantastic.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have had on my apprentice scheme in order to get where I am and hope I can help inspire people to consider apprenticeships when thinking about their own career opportunities.”

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The Mars Yard at the Airbus Defence and Space centre in Stevenage Altogether there were 22 finalists in competition across eight categories. Each of the winners was recognised for their talent, innovation, commitment and enthusiasm.

Keith Garden, deputy managing director for MBDA, said: “What a fantastic result. When you look at the companies our apprentices were competing against, it reads like a roll call of some of the finest in British engineering and manufacturing.

“We believe MBDA attracts and recruits the best of the talent out there and this win for Daniella is proof that we are doing just that. She has come on through on our business apprentice scheme and has been doing a fantastic job as part of our supply chain team but seeing her getting this national recognition for her individual effort is hugely satisfying for all of us at our Stevenage site.

“I believe young women like Daniella are an inspiration for the home team back at MBDA and it also shows what you can achieve on an apprenticeship programme such as ours. ”

The Elephant sculpture which stands outside Stevenage Museum, Hertfordshire

SpotlightOn

A view of Fairlands Valley Park near Stevenage, Hertfordshire

The Joyride sculpture by Franta Belsky, showing a mother and child, stands in Stevenage town centre close to the clock tower The retail outlook in Stevenage is also looking more positive with fashion retailer H&M recently opening a new store the town. Bon Marche is also opening a new store in Stevenage soon.

Crowds of people queued up for the official opening of H&M’s Stevenage branch and it is hoped the new store, based in the town’s Westgate Shopping Centre, will be the catalyst that helps revitalise the town centre.

The H&M store has created about 20 new jobs and occupies a sales area of about 1,500 square metres spread over two floors, offering collections for women, men, teens and children.

Knebworth House near Stevenage

Stevenage compares very favourably to other towns with a current retail vacancy rate of only 6.4% for the Old and New Towns combined, compared to the national average of 13.9%.

The Council recognises the need for further growth and development and is currently working with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise

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SpotlightOn

Partnership and other partners and organisations to actively consider all options for regenerating the town centre.

Stevenage offers a wide range of commercial property, premises and office space for growing businesses as well as incubator support for new companies.

Property developer Bouygues UK, leading utility service contractor Morrisons Utility Services, life science company Eppendorf and the UK’s leading manufacturer and installer of washrooms and toilet cubicles Amwell Systems are among the dynamic companies that have recently chosen Stevenage to base key operations and offices.

The town is also home to the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, the UK’s first open innovation bioscience campus, pioneering a unique culture to drive early stage biotech, pharma and medtech developments.

For free business and advice and guidance on how to build your business in Stevenage call 01438 242507, email economicdevelopment@stevenage.gov.uk or visit investinstevenage.co.uk.

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst campus

Get Smarter Free event to highlight benefits of sustainable travel Want to cut the cost of travel for your business and employees?

This FREE event with a presentation from an expert speaker from Go Travel Solutions will show how organisations can:

Squeezed for parking space?

• Develop a travel plan • Retain and recruit staff through cheaper and easier commuting • Enhance their business reputation through support of a low-carbon initiative

Interested in staff discounts, information and resources to support a workplace travel plan?

A dynamic network of businesses, partners and low-carbon travel providers – representing 7,400 employees – is helping employers and employees in Stevenage cut the cost of commuting while driving awareness of the benefits of sustainable travel.

Now local businesses are being invited to a FREE event in Stevenage to discover how they can benefit from adopting smarter and more sustainable travel solutions.

Smarter Travel Forum Venue: Date: Time:

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Holiday Inn, St Georges Way, Stevenage SG1 1HS Thursday 15th May 2014 2:30pm to 4:30pm

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Attendees will hear how local businesses, such as GSK and MBDA, have benefited from their sustainable travel plans and will also have the opportunity to discuss how their own organisations and staff can benefit through the Smartgo Stevenage network.

Smartgo Stevenage is co-ordinated by Go Travel Solutions and works in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Highways Agency and GlaxoSmithKline.

Smartgo offers employees of participating companies discounts on public transport with Arriva, Centrebus and First Capital Connect. It also provides practical help and advice across all forms of travel.

Companies also benefit by easing parking demand, cutting business travel costs, reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing their corporate reputation by embracing sustainable travel.

Martin Wigley, Operation Manager at GSK, said: “The scheme now includes all areas of Stevenage which can only be of benefit to the whole community through increased discounts and more effective sustainable travel programmes.”

Councillor Ralph Raynor, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise & Transport, Stevenage Borough Council, added: “Trying to influence travel to work behaviour is a huge challenge and particularly important for Stevenage given the congestion issues on the A1(M).”

To reserve your place at the Smarter Travel Forum on Thursday May 15th please visit https://get-smarter.eventbrite.co.uk.

Alternatively, please contact the Smartgo team on 0116 216 8326 or email info@smartgo.co.uk.

SponsoredFeature

Your local commercial finance specialist Omega Commercial Solutions are a Commercial Mortgage Brokerage; in its simplest form we arrange finance on your behalf with Lenders of all shapes and sizes, and work to ensure we find you the best terms available to meet your requirements.

Omega was founded in 1992 and has now grown to be the largest sole Commercial Mortgage Brokerage in the country. Based in Stevenage, each member of our Broker Team is an ex-commercial Lender with many years of business funding experience. We are completely independent, but more importantly, Whole of Market, meaning we have access to every lender directly, many working from our offices on a weekly basis.

Because of our relationships with individuals and institutions alike, and our in-depth market knowledge, we ensure we deliver the best terms available to meet every enquiry, every time. In many cases we are also able to access terms which are not generally available which means we can genuinely not only save our clients both time and money but complete deals which otherwise wouldn’t have been achievable.

Mark Jones, Sales & Marketing Director

We cover all types of Finance, including; Property Investment, both Residential and Commercial, Portfolio refinance and expansion, Property Development, Trading Businesses and Owner Occupied (Office, Retail, Industrial, Leisure & mixed use) Short-Term and Bridging Finance, in addition to cashflow and asset finance, for clients based across the UK and overseas.

We offer Free Initial advice, so for more information on how we can be of assistance, please contact us by phone or email or visit our website.

Our research, and feedback from clients and lenders alike, suggests we have a market leading conversion rate, which means we deliver the best possible service to our clients.

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SponsoredFeature

Building the SBC Community Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) campus is a unique bioscience community created to provide small biotech and life sciences companies and start-ups with access to the expertise, networks and scientific facilities traditionally associated with multinational pharmaceutical companies.

A key aim of SBC is to pioneer a culture of open-innovation that will place the UK bioscience sector at the forefront of worldwide biomedical discovery and deliver cutting edge healthcare solutions. Supported by Government, business, and the charitable sector, the SBC campus offers a fertile environment for scientific innovation and commercial success.

The site has been designed to foster collaboration and interaction between tenant companies with the hope that the combination of opportunity and cooperation will breed innovation and commercial success. This will provide small biotech companies with new insights into their research and development activities and should accelerate the progress from discovery to product development.

With long-term plans to expand the campus by five-fold from the first phase to the third phase, the SBC campus offers a range of equipment and commercial opportunities that would be impossible for a small or medium sized enterprise (SME) to develop alone.

The impressive facilities are not merely architectural - SBC inspires a growing web of connections between big pharma, academia, and SMEs advancing biomedical discovery.

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In this vein, one of the latest pharmas to establish a presence at SBC includes the London-based J&J Innovation Centre, who aim to identify exciting new companies for partnership through regular interaction with the start up community.

Another welcome addition is GE Healthcare’s Cell Technology Showsite, where SBC tenants/collaborators have access to various pieces of cutting-edge equipment.

Universities are also part of the mix Cambridge continues collaboration with GSK to progress their drug candidates, and UCL has moved three research projects into laboratory space here.

A true feat of open innovation! www.stevenagecatalyst.com

RegionalFeature

Dacorum aims to grow from within Backing the next generation of entrepreneurs is central to the support available to start up businesses in Dacorum.

Organisations that receive a grant are encouraged to develop or test trade a new product or service or to expand into a new market.

But the support available goes beyond financial assistance.

Every applicant has an initial one-to-one meeting with a business advisor to examine their business plan. Those who don’t get through to the final shortlist are offered free business advice and many keep in touch as their business develops.

One example is Dacorum’s Den. This is a platform for business owners from across the borough to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts to win grants of up to £1,000.

All applicants who get to the top 10 have ongoing one-to-one support as often as they need it, free of charge, whether or not they receive an award.

The scheme, now in its third year, is run in association with the Maylands Partnership.

Some applications that were initially turned down were successful when they reapplied thanks to the advice and support they received.

Since its launch, Dacorum’s Den has supported 21 local businesses with individual grants totaling more than £23,000.

Winners last year included Wicks Ice Cream, who received £2,000 towards producing handmade quality ice cream, sorbets and frozen desserts.

Other successes included Cake Stories by Lauren who received £1,000 for her business creating bespoke cakes and cupcakes and Sunnyside Rural Trust who received £1,700 for horticulture projects to support people with learning difficulties.

All applicants are invited to attend the Small Business Forum, offered regular one-to-one meetings and are given help with a range of issues including marketing, cash flow forecasting and business regulations.

They also become part of the Maylands Business Centre network that connects them to like-minded new businesses and local support chains. Some have even taken up services at the MBC such as a virtual office which gives them a more corporate image, helps them to attract larger customers and cut costs such as on their postage.

All applicants are invited to attend the Small Business Forum, offered regular one-to-one meetings and are given help with a range of issues including marketing, cash flow forecasting and business regulations.

What the winners say Tom Williams was a winner in 2012 and used his grant from Dacorum’s Den to help support Hemel Stags’ move into the professional league. “The financial investment helped but it mainly opened my network up to a whole raft of new people and opportunities. I now run my own business and I am sure that the whole process around the Den contributed massively to enabling me to take this step.”

Lauren Whiteman, who runs Cake Stories by Lauren, won a grant in 2013 to fund cupcake classes and increase business through diversification. She explained: “Being part of Dacorum’s Den really helped build my confidence. Meeting other like-minded people going through similar experiences and of course benefiting from the support and advice of the dragons has been super valuable.”

Sophie Cox from Baby Moments said: “Winning a grant in 2012 from Dacorum’s Den really helped my confidence and my business. It gave me the initial funds to buy crucial equipment that has helped build my local business into a success. I’m very grateful for the help they gave me after my win and recommend everyone starting out to give it a shot!”

Russell Williams from Grim Reaper used his grant to buy a Gazebo for craft fairs and events. He said: “Without this help I would not have been able to buy my gazebo, which in turn enabled me to generate enough income to employ my wife!”

For further information on how to grow your business in Dacorum visit www.dacorumlooknofurther.co.uk.

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24Hours

24.Hours Ken Ramirez Managing Director, Renault UK

“Last year, we saw a record 55% increase in car sales in the UK. That success path continues this year with a doubling of our sales in the first quarter compared to the same period last year with a wave of desirable new models that have stolen a march on the competition...”

“Last year, we saw a record 55% increase in car sales in the UK. That success path continues this year with a doubling of our sales in the first quarter compared to the same period last year with a wave of desirable new models that have stolen a march on the competition with the stylish Clio supermini, Captur crossover and refreshed Mégane and Scenic ranges. We’re all particularly proud of the launch of the Dacia brand to the UK last year where, from zero, it was the fastest-growing new car brand reaching a retail market share of 1.4%.”

“During most days, there will be contact with our Paris head office via phone, email, e-conference or video. As Renault is a global business, I’m very happy that our international language is English!

“Our network partners are crucial to our business so I have regular contact with them individually and their association body and our sales growth results in meetings with potential new partners” Ken is Puerto-Rican born, American by nationality, multi-lingual and has worked all over the world from Japan to Mexico. Now working for a French company in the UK, he says what this international perspective brings to his career and outlook.

He said: “There’s always something new to learn from every situation and a global career further widens that opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to experience different political, economic, cultural and commercial challenges throughout my career, and I’ve brought those learnings with me to Renault UK. Ultimately, though, the role of a business leader remains consistent throughout the world: to motivate people to strive for better and generate profit.”

Ken’s day in the office ends around 7pm; arriving home in time to see his daughter before bedtime and finishing the evening with a final catch up on international and business news. There’s sure to be some more business to conclude and emails to send to his lieutenants before the end of the day.

A busy life for Ken Ken is the Managing Director of Renault UK and is responsible for the sales of Renault and Dacia vehicles, parts and services in the markets of the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta.

At its head office at Maple Cross, near Rickmansworth, Renault UK employs 135 people and, last year, turned over almost £1 billion, selling just over 76,000 vehicles through its network of 135 dealers.

Ken’s day starts in the early hours catching up on emails overnight from other time zones. His smart phones are never far away.

The family breakfast always follow a dose of international and business news from CNN, BBC and Bloomberg.

Seeing his daughter off to school is always a priority just before departing for work. Meetings at the Maple Cross office start from 9am with a packed schedule throughout the day.

He said: “I have regular committee meetings with my management team to review our sales performance, marketing plans, product and service quality actions.

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InternationalTrade

On-line International Training With a growing call for businesses to explore international markets, the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce offers training in export, import and International Trade. Courses suit all levels, whether you are new to international trade or want to update with the latest information. Trained staff deliver right, first time, every time.

Market Entry Report – enter Arab markets with confidence The Arab British Chamber of Commerce has designed a product that will help and assist UK businesses looking to expand their overseas presence into the Arab World. The Market Entry Report (MER) will do just that. It will provide a UK company the information it needs to make informed decisions about doing business in the Arab World.

With this in mind the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce offers the addition to its programme of in-house or scheduled training, an on-line import and export training package.

On-line import and export training courses are a practical, no nonsense guide focusing on the day-to-day issues you will face dealing with International Trade and will ensure sure that you avoid many of the pitfalls of importing and exporting that ultimately save you time and money right from the start.

What do you get?

• 24/7 access to your training • When and Where you like • The free helpline: Email/Skype/Telephone • Excellent Value for Money • Library of supporting documents and further information • LIST validation

A bespoke Market Entry Report (MER) should be your first move when looking to the Arab World.

Drawing on 40 years of experience and the myriad of expertise in our team, the MER can give you a competitive advantage and help you to make decisions with confidence when entering Arab markets.

What’s Inside?

• Detailed country profile • Government policy • Economic forecast • Trade environment

For more information Contact Cliff Lawrence at the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce

• Vetted contacts

Frances Harris at the Hertfordshire Chamber on

Email: cliff.lawrence@abcc.org.uk

• Expert recommendations

export@hertschamber.com.

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7659 4881

If you are interested and would like to see a demo or for further details please contact

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InternationalTrade

Ask Alan Q3 Many of our overseas customers ask us to show our tariff number for each different item on our invoice. As we sell so many different items, this can lead to me spending hours of my time searching in the tariff book, time which I cannot always spare.

Is it compulsory for my company to supply Tariff numbers and what is the reason for this request?

A

First of all it is not compulsory, it’s just a request made by your overseas buyer.

The reason for this request is usually for Custom declaration formalities in the country of importation.

A word of caution, the commodity code you show on your commercial invoice most likely will not be IDENTICAL to the corresponding commodity code in the country of importation so by quoting an EU commodity code you may inadvertently be holding up your customer’s custom clearance.

The first four digits, the chapter heading will be the same, but the remainder digits making up the complete commodity code could be different.

Example Commodity. Bicycle Chain EU (UK) commodity code USA commodity code Canada commodity code

73 15 11 10 00 73 15 11 00 10 73 15 11 00 19

To protect yourself, I suggest you print the following statement on your commercial invoice.

Any EU tariff codes shown on this invoice at the request and risk of the buyer and may not correspond to the tariff number of the importing country.

If your buyer requests their tariff number(s) to be shown on your commercial invoice, they should supply you with their tariff numbers.

A very handy website to have on hand is www.madb.europe.eu where you will find worldwide tariffs listed.

Q4 We are a small trading company with limited funds and bank support.

We are going to bid for a supply only contract in Djibuti.

We have a very good chance of procuring the contract on price, delivery and quality. Our problem is raising sufficient funds to purchase the material.

Any suggestions please?

A

Sorry but there’s no magic answer to your question!! In this financial climate many businesses are finding it very difficult getting support from banks.

However there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I assume that you will request payment by a Letter of Credit (L/c), sight or term.

If payment is by L/c you could request an Irrevocable TRANSFERABLE letter of credit.

A transferrable L/c is one which allows you to set up an independent L/c with your supplier using the proceeds of the transferrable L/c to finance your letter of credit with your supplier.

For this transaction to work a) your buyer in Djibouti has to agree to ask their bank to issue a transferrable L/c b) your supplier has to agree to sell to you against a L/c From my experience in requesting a transferable L/c, the buyer was always in agreement if they see that buying from you has advantages of price, delivery and quality likewise most suppliers today welcome any method of payment as long as it is secure.

Finally, if you are trading with a buyer in Djibouti for the first time I suggest you request the Irrevocable Transferrable L/c to be CONFIRMED by your UK bank.

A confirmed L/c gives you added protection as the confirming bank in the UK takes on the responsibility of the bank of first payment and will arrange reimbursement from the bank in Djibouti.

There will be bank charges for your account in this transaction such as confirmation and advising fees with UK bank, opening fees with your bank to establish second L/c on your supplier.

I suggest you sit down with the International division of your bank who will explain to you in more detail how a transferrable and confirmed L/c works and if they are willing to confirm the L/c.

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SkillsApprenticeship

More Apprentices as week proves a Increasing numbers of people will be given an opportunity to earn while they learn, after more than 20,000 new Apprenticeships were pledged by employers as part of the recent National Apprenticeship Week.

Nationally, Lloyds Banking Group committed to hiring 5,000 apprentices, Greene King and Whitbread pledged 2,000 a piece and EE, Mitchells & Butlers and Starbucks each announced 1,000 vacancies.

Announcements were been made by hundreds of businesses around the country, not just corporates but many smaller companies with Hertfordshire businesses among those supporting the initiative. Indeed; 47% of the employers creating new Apprenticeships are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

National Apprenticeship Week also saw a boost to the new Traineeships, which give young people the work preparation training, English, maths and work experience they need to get an Apprenticeship or other job.

The announcements about the success of National Apprenticeship Week followed new research revealing that nearly half (44%) of employers intend to take on one or more apprentice in the next five years.

And research from the Association of Accounting Technicians revealed that apprentices delivered £1.8bn of net economic benefits to UK organisations in the last year.

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The Week also saw the Prime Minister announce the Government’s commitment to creating two million Apprenticeships over the lifetime of the current Parliament.

David Cameron also announced the next round of Trailblazer employers; 29 new groups of employers who will lead the transformation of Apprenticeships.

The new Trailblazers, spanning sectors from accountancy to aviation, nursing to retail, include small businesses and sector specialists as well as some big names such as Tata Steel, John Lewis, British Airways and BMW. Other announcements during the Week included the launch of new Higher, degree level, Apprenticeships in Space Engineering and Nursing.

And to help bring more SME employers on board, further support has been announced including a new online mentoring service, Apprenticemakers. Meanwhile, the AvLive feed of vacancies which training providers and partners can use to promote Apprenticeship vacancies has been upgraded following a successful six-month testing period.

“The Government is putting an end to the damaging divide between vocational and academic learning. We are committing the biggest ever investment in Apprenticeships and are on track to create two million Apprenticeships over the course of this Parliament.”

SkillsApprenticeship

ships announced success

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SkillsApprenticeship

“In order to give young people the best chance possible of securing an Apprenticeship or job and unlock their potential, we need to help them become work-ready. The new Traineeships will be crucial to that.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “The Government is putting an end to the damaging divide between vocational and academic learning.

We are committing the biggest ever investment in Apprenticeships and are on track to create two million Apprenticeships over the course of this Parliament.

“The resounding success of this year’s National Apprenticeship week demonstrates that apprenticeships are deservedly becoming more popular with business of all sizes. Apprentices already contribute £1.8 billion to the economy and with these further commitments, thousands more people will now be able to get the practical skills they need to build careers and help firms grow.”

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock MP said: “We want to make going to University or into an Apprenticeship the new norm, and over half of young people say they would like to do an Apprenticeship if one were available. So it’s great that as National Apprenticeship Week 2014 comes to a close we can announce that 20,432 new positions are to be created.

“In order to give young people the best chance possible of securing an Apprenticeship or job and unlock their potential, we need to help them become work-ready. The new Traineeships will be crucial to that.

Apprenticeships factfile • An Apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future • Hiring apprentices helps businesses to grow their own talent by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice (96%) reports benefits to their business. 72% of businesses report improved productivity as a result of employing an apprentice • Other benefits reported by apprentice-employers include improved product or service, the introduction of new ideas to the organisation, improved staff morale and better staff retention, each mentioned by around two-thirds of employers • Businesses that offer Apprenticeships view them as beneficial to their long-term development. According to the British Chambers of Commerce, most employ an apprentice to improve the skills base within their business. The average Apprenticeship increases business productivity by £214 per week • Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher (degree) level, covering more than 170 industries and 1,500 job roles, from advertising to youth work via environmental engineering and nuclear decommissioning

“Apprenticeships are delivering for employers, young people, adults and the economy and are increasing at a record rate. Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice reports benefits to their business, including the ability to grow their own talents.”

• More than 100,000 employers are employing or have employed

Visit apprenticeships.org.uk or https://bitly.com/Traineeships2014 for more information or ring 08000 150 600.

The National Apprenticeship Service

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quality apprentices in more than 200,000 locations.

Source:

ChamberPolicy

Budget 2014, what the Secretary says At a Herts Chamber Business Leaders’ breakfast on 28 March to meet the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP (South West Hertfordshire), and to hear what he had to say of the Budget, Mr Gauke said that the Government’s most pressing commitment was deficit reduction.

At the breakfast, sponsored by Lookers Lexus Hatfield, he said that there were three points to make.

Firstly, the Treasury ambition to halve the deficit by 2015 led to the decision to produce a fiscally neutral budget, and sticking to the 2010 Plan A — that is, tackling the deficit to avoid soaring interest rates.

Secondly, the Budget recognised the SME and large business contributions to the sustained recovery of the economy, which is why corporate tax was reduced from 28 to 23 to 21 per cent (2014) with a proposed further percentage point reduction in 2015 to align with the G20 rate. This was particularly important to help Britain’s intellectual property competitiveness.

On business taxation, he said that there were a number of issues needing urgent attention, the

first of which was taxation reform relating to foreign companies. But in the mean time, for SMEs, a growing and major part of the economy, he said the Treasury wanted to make research and development (R&D) tax credits more attractive for initially loss-making SMEs, which would be good for start-ups. The employment allowance of £2,000 against SME’s national insurance contributions (NICs) aims to boost job creation. There was a £1,000 rebate relief for retailers and a £4.9m, equating to a 100 per cent, relief on plant and machinery to motivate further investment.

To help the competitiveness of energy-intensive businesses in the UK, the Carbon Price Support rates would be frozen, and for exporters, there was additional export finance support.

He said “We don’t manufacture as much as we should do. We don’t export as much as we

should do, and we don’t save as much as we should do.”

The third point Mr Gauke made was on pension reform and savings. The Budget endows ISAs with greater flexibility and abolishes 10 per cent savers rate to help those earning less than £15,500. On pensions, he said radical reform was required and that it was right to give people power over their assets.

In summing up, the Exchequer Secretary said it was right to encourage businesses outside the UK to choose this country for investment, and to bring their business here. On inflation, employment and growth, he said the country is moving in the right direction, and all part of the long-term plan, which is to put in place the right conditions for business to grow — to stimulate enterprise and entrepreneurship.

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InspiringHerts

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2014 –

Finalists Announced The Inspiring Hertfordshire 2014 Awards, launched to celebrate success and achievement and boost business confidence in Hertfordshire, has yet again had a fantastic response with a record number of entries.

Chamber Chairman, Neville Reyner CBE DL, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to these awards. The quality of the entries was most impressive and presented an almost impossible challenge for the judges. My thanks to all that entered, our hard pressed judges and our sponsors without whose support these awards would not be possible. I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all who entered and, in particular, to those who were shortlisted not forgetting all entries which are winners in my opinion.”

Achievement in International Business Sponsored by Breeze & Wyles Solicitors LLP Investment Mastery Training LLP – Elstree Mirage Health Group – Welwyn Garden City Pret-a-Portrait Limited – Buntingford

Excellence in Customer Service

Most Promising New Business

Sponsored by Porsche Centre Hatfield

Sponsored by Broxbourne Council and Ambition Broxbourne

Affinity Water Ltd – Hatfield Brighthouse – Leavesden LV= Retirement Solutions – Hitchin Premier EDA Solutions Ltd – Ware Ronnie Sunshines – Berkhamsted Which? Member Services – Hertford

Community Champion Sponsored by Aldwyck Housing Group

Excellence in People Development

Angela Spencer – Angels at Play – Ware East & North Herts NHS Trust – Stevenage Golden Giving – Tring Sandra Ashley – Hertfordshire Practical Parenting – Cheshunt Andy Nation – Teddington to Calais – Knebworth Volunteer Centre Dacorum – Hemel Hempstead

Sponsored by North Hertfordshire College

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Herts & Essex Newspapers Angela Spencer – Angels at Play – Ware Emma Walker – Ashridge Security Management Ltd – Stanstead Abbotts Ishreen Bradley – Bizas Coaching & Consulting Ltd – Elstree Ruslana Yarmolyuk – Ibis Stevenage – Stevenage Antony Bates and Paul Christo – Dialogue Ltd – Bishop’s Stortford Darren Hayward – Nockolds Solicitors Ltd – Bishop’s Stortford Cristina Antochi – Team 2 Clean Limited – Takeley

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Ashridge Security Management Ltd – Stanstead Abbotts eventVISUALISE – Borehamwood Golden Giving – Tring Dialogue Ltd – Bishop’s Stortford Think Specialist Recruitment – Hemel Hempstead

Social Enterprise of the Year Sponsored by Councillor Sharon Taylor’s Locality Budget and Stevenage Borough Council

B3 Living – Hoddesdon Crane & Staples Solicitors – Welwyn Garden City Jubilee House Care Trust – Welwyn Garden City LV= Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society – Hitchin Nockolds Solicitors – Bishop’s Stortford P-Zazz – Watford Ronnie Sunshines – Berkhamsted

Broomfield Youth – Hitchin Carers in Hertfordshire – Hertford CRI – Welwyn Garden City Farming for All CIC – Watford Golden Giving – Tring Inspire to Aspire Academy – Hatfield

Innovation through Technology

The Environmental Award

Sponsored by Serverchoice

Sponsored by Affinity Water

Advance Change Limited – Redbourn Blue-i Event Technology – Hemel Hempstead Cameo Kitchens – Nazeing Ether NDE Ltd – Harpenden Townhouse Creative – Letchworth

Chalmor Limited – Luton Marriott Hanbury Manor – Ware Holiday Inn Stevenage – Stevenage Lussmans Fish & Grill Restaurants – St.Albans Novotel Stevenage – Stevenage Stevenage Leisure Limited – Stevenage

Made in Herts

The Tourism Award

Sponsored by Lloyds Bank

Sponsored by Dacorum Look no Further

Brig Ayd Controls Ltd – Welwyn Garden City DOP Solutions Ltd – Letchworth Garden City ETher NDE LTD – Harpenden Kelvin Hughes Ltd – Broxbourne

Ibis Stevenage – Stevenage Lee Valley White Water Centre – Waltham Cross St Albans City & District Council – St Albans Paradise Wildlife Park – Broxbourne

InspiringHerts

Young Herts Sponsored by Youth Connexions Daniel Moss – Broomfield Youth – Hitchin Jessie Edwards – Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership – Welwyn Garden City Hannah Chapman – IBIS Stevenage Justin Feller – We Love Jelly - Stevenage

Business of the Year Small to Medium Sponsored by KISS Communications Angels at Play – Ware Crane & Staples – Welwyn Garden City Lawrence Dean Recruitment Group – Stevenage Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel – Welwyn Garden City Mirage Health Group Ltd – Welwyn Garden City Team 2 Clean – Takeley TSE Productions – Hemel Hempstead

Business of the Year Medium to Large Sponsored by University of Hertfordshire Cameo Kitchens – Nazeing Debenhams Ottaway – St Albans LV= Retirement Solutions – Hitchin Nockolds Solicitors – Bishop’s Stortford Osborne Appointments – Welwyn Garden City

Award winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner taking place at the prestigious Porsche Centre Hatfield on Thursday 15 May. This sensational evening attracts over 350 business people from across the County and is a night of celebration and entertainment.

Tickets are on general sale and can be booked online, for more information contact Jodie on jodiereid@hertschamber.com.

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BusinessNews

Debenhams Ottaway leads the way in high quality Wills and Probate Hertfordshire firm receives new Law Society WIQS accreditation Debenhams Ottaway’s leading Wills, Trusts and Tax Planning practice is amongst the first firms in the UK to receive its WIQS accreditation from the Law Society. The Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) is one of the Law Society’s most important initiatives in the last year to ensure that lawyers are providing the very highest standards to their clients. This accreditation comes hot on the heels of the Debenhams Ottaway team being nominated in the ‘UK and Ireland Regional Legal Team of the Year’ category at the prestigious STEP Private Client Awards in 2013.

Claire Sharp, private client partner at Debenhams Ottaway commented, “We have always made the quality of our advice and service our highest priority. However in this day and age it is not enough to simply say that, you have to be seen to be doing it. We are absolutely rigorous in our approach. This accreditation from the Law Society recognises the

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importance we place on quality, the systems we have in place and most importantly the extremely high standards we expect from our team. The establishment of this scheme will allow anyone looking to make a Will or who needs help with an existing Will or Probate matter to find lawyers who they can trust to do what is best for them.”

For further information please visit www.lawsociety.org.uk/AboutWIQS.

BusinessNews

Make your home a healthy home with EnviroVent New homes, old homes, houses or apartments, when mould appears you need to banish it. Unfortunately, it can appear in any room of the house, it’s not just a problem exclusive to bathrooms.

Buy with Confidence is an approved trader scheme set up by Trading Standards to help residents find reputable businesses and improve consumer protection. The scheme is run locally by Hertfordshire Trading Standards service.

Benefits for a business joining the scheme include use of the Buy With Confidence Trading Standards Approved logo, being listed on the Buy With Confidence and Hertfordshire County Council websites, and support around complying with consumer protection legislation and dealing with customer disputes Apart from being unsightly and ruining your decor it is also bad for your health. Mould thrives in damp areas and if your home has recently suffered flood damage you may find that over time it becomes an issue, especially when your property is drying out. You may be surprised to learn that mould can also be a sign of prolonged condensation or condensation dampness, a common problem which affects 1 in 5 homes across the UK. Condensation dampness is caused by poor ventilation and it is becoming an issue in households where steps have been taken to make the home as energy efficient and air tight as possible in order to keep it warm without wasting energy or money. Whether you’ve got mould as a result of condensation or flooding, by keeping your home well ventilated with a continuous flow of clean, filtered fresh air to gently dilute the levels of humidity, will not only help to dry things out, it will also prevent further mould growth and eliminate condensation along with any musty smells or odours.

EnviroVent is an award winning UK manufacturer offering a wide range of eco-friendly ventilation solutions including the Mr Venty Range of condensation control units. The energy efficient units work by delivering fresh, filtered and clean air into the home, gently ventilating it using a technique called Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). This method dilutes high levels of humidity and harmful household contaminants, creating a healthy all year round living environment, free from condensation and mould. What’s more, they are quick and easy to install, and if you have just spruced up your home, there should be no need for redecoration.

Your local EnviroVent ventilation specialist is Grahame Barsdell. Grahame is on hand to offer expert advice along with a free home survey to help determine and recommend the correct type of ventilation for your home.

For more information visit http://www.homeventilation.co.uk/ cambridge-colchesterhitchin.php or call him on 075928 73154.

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BusinessNews

Real business, real practice: using business school ideas in the workplace Need some fresh thinking to help your business? Join us in an exciting new venture!

University of Bedfordshire Business School (UBBS) is different from other educational establishments – we are focused on the real world: real challenges for businesses and preparing our students to tackle those challenges.

How do we do this? By championing what we call a practice-led approach to our courses.

Many business leaders complain that UK graduates may be good on business theory but have no knowledge or experience of business life.

Organisations need individuals who can be effective from day one: individuals who fit in, demonstrate impact on the business and respond creatively to opportunities and challenges. The combination of theory and experience UBBS provides drives both our student employability and their performance.

We do this by giving our students exposure to genuine business problems and practice from their very first term.

Already we have worked with over 40 businesses including Easyjet, Vauxhall and Luton Town Football Club and we want many more businesses to join us in this exciting new venture. Our most popular way of working is Practice Weeks.

Practice Weeks Practice Weeks are set outside the ‘classroom’ where small groups of students work on genuine business problems presented to them by the company and identify potential solutions.

They have two objectives: 1 To develop the employability of students Through practice, students learn and develop the attributes and behaviours that employers wish to see in their graduate recruits, not just skills. These include confidence, negotiation, time-management, teamwork, planning and other competencies.

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BusinessNews

2 To engage with local employers

Other ways you can work with us

Practice Weeks give us the opportunity to work alongside businesses and other organisations with benefits for both students and employers.

We are a Business School for business and the community.

• Show how your business works – factory tours, “a day in the life”, your product or service from inception to delivery • Mentor students in areas of your expertise, sharing your experience of practice and the nuances of working in business • joint projects that impact in the community and may be part of your corporate social responsibility agenda, or the professional development of yourself or your staff

How it works On the first morning of the week, you present an issue or opportunity from your organisation that you do not have the resource to tackle currently. This might be market research for a launch of a new product or service or a new strategic direction that needs analysis and input. You may want to scan your competitors, identify the scope of your resources or the risks associated with change and innovation.

University of Bedfordshire Business School University of Bedfordshire Business School is the largest business school in the East of England. We have 200 full time teaching staff and 7,000 students – approx. 5,000 on campus and 2,000 through our partners overseas in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Practice Weeks take place throughout the year at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

For further information about how your organisation could benefit from participation in Practice Weeks contact Tim Priestman, Projects Executive on 01582 743972. e: tim.priestman@beds.ac.uk

Students then have the opportunity to ask questions and dig deeper into the issue. They work intensively on the potential solutions over the rest of the week (with guidance from UBBS staff) and present back to you their results on the final day.

You will work with a single UBBS project manager from the Executive Dean’s office throughout to ensure both continuity and consistency. We structure any interactions to make the most efficient use of your time with students. Your input and expected outcomes will be agreed in advance.

Good for your organisation • test real world ideas with academic input using the knowledge and skills of our students with the support of UBBS staff and resources at no financial cost.

• experience the talent available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and pursue opportunities for placements or an employment.

• a low-risk opportunity to work with UBBS and test the opportunities for further involvement.

• increase awareness and credibility of your business.

• access to University events such as Leadership Futures and facilities such as our new Postgraduate and CPD Centre.

• preferential rates for activities such as market research and analysis and other consultancy with students and staff.

• connect to international companies working in areas complementary to your own through our overseas centres and alumni.

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ForumNews

HR Forum Herts Chamber held its latest HR Forum on Thursday 20th March, and the session was facilitated by Matt Pocock, Employer Engagement Officer for the Chamber and HR specialist Helen Bell. The forum was structured around a workshop session focusing on some of the key people management challenges currently facing organisations including: Embracing change, dealing with conflict, the effects of disempowerment and the importance of personal responsibility.

This session was a great success and allowed businesses from across Hertfordshire to interact and comment on these challenges by providing case study examples from their own organisations. The forum was also a great opportunity for delegates to come together and discuss other people management challenges currently facing their organisations.

I would like to take the opportunity to extend thanks to this forum’s key note speakers Martin Arnold and Mike Turner from Youbecome, for their presentation on employee engagement.

In recent years, employee engagement has been described as one of the biggest HR challenges currently facing organisations, and

If you would like to attend, or would like to suggest topics for discussion, please email christinefaulkner@hertschamber.com.

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The next HR forum, which is being hosted by Longmores Solicitors LLP, Hertford will be held on 3rd June.

The next HR forum, which is being hosted

by Longmores Solicitors LLP, Hertford will be held on 3rd June.

ForumNews Rush to Court Proves Costly for Restaurateurs

Supporting the local building industry

Rushing into litigation with insufficient preparation and without taking advice can have unfortunate consequences.

This fact was demonstrated when the owners of a restaurant, who claimed that their business had been blighted by, amongst other things, a leaking pipe, had their hope for compensation dashed by the High Court.

The Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with Constructing Excellence in Hertfordshire to bring a varied series of informative events to the building and construction industry in the county.

The Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence Club holds regular events and awards focused on best practice in design, project management and maintenance of building projects. There is a natural link between this club and the Chamber’s Property & Construction Network, which is also planning a series of networking and information events for the industry.

in Watford about Building Information Modelling, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and University of Hertfordshire’s National Centre for Project Management (NCPM).

Both organisations have now put together a combined programme of activity which will benefit Hertfordshire’s construction industry with a wide choice of venues and subjects over the next 12 months and beyond. Chamber of Commerce members will benefit from a discounted rate to attend Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence events and Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence members will be given a discount to attend Chamber of Commerce Property & Construction events.

For more details, visit hertsandbeds.constructingexcellence.org.uk.

The first joint event was on Friday 28th March, with a tour of the University of Hertfordshire’s £150m student accommodation project and introduction to the Campus Development Programme. This is followed by a seminar on 10th April at the Building Research Establishment

Constructing Excellence is the single organisation charged with driving change in the UK construction industry. Members and nonmembers are welcome to all events.

Constructing Excellence is the single organisation charged with driving change in the UK construction industry.

Members and nonmembers are welcome to all events.

The owners of the restaurant argued that the dripping pipe had caused water ingress. They also claimed that their business had been damaged by works carried out on the footpaths and highway outside the restaurant and by the planting of trees which were said to have obscured the premises from passing trade.

The Court found that the proceedings showed ‘every sign of having been prepared hastily’, without sufficient thought, and noted that more than one of the organisations claimed against had been misidentified. The original particulars of claim were ‘short and inadequate’, necessitating a number of attempts to improve on them by amendment.

The Court found that the owners’ claim against a property management company stood no reasonable prospect of success and had been struck out at an early stage. Even following substantial amendment, their claims against the local authority in respect of the leaking pipe, tree planting and other matters were not supportable in law or in fact and were dismissed. The owners’ claim against a construction company that had carried out excavation works in the restaurant’s vicinity also did not disclose an ‘arguable cause of action’.

Legal proceedings must be considered carefully and prepared with great care. The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For advice on litigation matters please contact our specialist solicitor Jenny Howe on 020 8370 2890 or by email at jennyhowe@vanderpumps.co.uk. For advice on other areas of law please call us on 020 8367 3999 or visit our website at www.vanderpumpandsykes.co.uk.

Lough Point, 2 Gladbeck Way (off Windmill Hill), Enfield, Middlesex EN2 7JA

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WomenInLeadership

Leading ladies pave the way to success Herts Chamber staged a Women in Leadership lunch on 14 March for more than 80 women to launch its new Women in Leadership Initiative — and was upstaged itself by its two guest speakers.

After an excellent Marriott Hanbury Manor lunch — with pudding as colourful as it was calorific — Yolanda Rugg rose to introduce the philosophy behind the Women in Leadership launch.

Her lesson number 2: to be noticed in a company, take yourself out of your comfort zone. You’ll surprise yourself with what you achieve – with a sense of humour!

Gender diversity liberates career options, and young girls could and should seriously consider previously established masculine sectors: construction, engineering, agriculture, IT and science, among others. The two guest speakers demonstrated why.

She moved back to Scotland with the company in a marketing and PR role. After a while, recognising the glass ceiling for what it was in the industry (then), she applied for a role with Saatchi and Saatchi — twice. She had the

Nora Senior, President of the British Chamber of Commerce, began with a grim statistic: just three per cent of career women have their career goals written down, and only 10 per cent have ever expressed them aloud. When she was 10 years old, after a school visit by a local businesswoman, she wrote down her career goal: by the time she was 30 she would be a managing director — clueless about what it was or entailed.

Her lesson number 1: write down your career goals, keep them visible.

With a degree in languages and some timeserving in France, Germany and Brussels, she realised marketing was a good career entry point for her. The only job at the time was in construction. As all employees in the firm, irrespective of their role, had to undergo building training on site, she convinced the sceptical construction owner she could handle the environment. She was given six months’ probation and, as the first woman to work for the company, wasn’t expected to last the course.

At the end of the trial, the general manager conceded that a woman on the team significantly improved the team’s productivity.

Today Nora is still a dab hand at roof tiling, cementing and laying bricks. And a lot else besides.

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wrong skills, but the right attitude. She eventually landed the role and learned hard and fast.

Her lesson number 3: when you love something, of course you’re going to be successful.

She had just begun to move up the career ladder when she was told that Saatchi’s PR business was struggling; the management decision was to close down. Such was her confidence in the team there, that she took a risk, and talked management into giving her a six month’s trial leading the company. Inside that period she turned around the business around, making a small profit. In her first year, it made £55,000 profit and in two years turned over just under £2m. She became the youngest MD of a plc in the UK at the time — realising her childhood dream.

Her lesson number 4: get the team working, and get rid of people not pulling their weight.

Nora’s next aspiration was to build her own PR firm. Knowing nothing about setting up an enterprise, she approached her local Chamber of Commerce for support, advice and introductions. She grew her business – many construction and property clients – and gained new accounts: Coca Cola, Microsoft and Glenmorangie.

Her lesson number 5: beware of people who are ‘drains’; they sap your energy.

Manage them out of your business.

Her smart move was a merge with a global PR firm Weber Shandwick. After two years she was appointed Managing Director Scotland and is today Chairman UK Regions and Ireland as well as non executive roles as Chair, Scottish Chambers of Commerce and also President, British Chambers of Commerce.

WomenInLeadership

The second speaker was equally inspiring and probably more a proponent for gender diversity.

Sue Nelson, a former BBC science correspondent, is an award-winning science journalist, radio presenter and editor of The Biologist, who also writes for national newspapers.

Her passion for science and the world it governs began at school with an outstanding physics teacher, Mrs Swartz. Engrossed by the wonders of the space age and rockets to the moon, she wrote to NASA — at 13 years of age — expressing her huge interest in space, and asked how she could become an astronaut.

Over 30 years later, with her interest in science and space undimmed, she presents the Space Boffins podcast and makes short films for the European Space Agency. She produced the forthcoming Radio 4 programme Save the Moon!, broadcast on 24 April 2014, on the potential carving up of the moon for minerals by various commercial interests, and why the UN laws governing rights to the moon are outdated.

Sue’s life lesson to us all is: go for it; don’t wait for permission.

Sue, aware that science can appear a male preserve, passionately supports women’s inclusion. Geek is chic, she says. She used social media to campaign against male-only advertising by Lynx for an astronaut recruitment competition and joined an online AstroGirls

campaign to encourage more women to apply. At its closing date, out of 87,000 applicants in the UK and Ireland, 250 were short-listed. Sue was one of them. She completed the tough physical challenge.

Although none of the few women short-listed got through to the final phase, the campaign raised the profile for women who — like many men — are also interested in space, and aim high.

She takes this commitment to gender diversity into schools, where she speaks to young girls about the possibilities of science, its role in our universe and their exciting career potential in deeply fascinating industries. She also mentors a woman journalist student at City University and reports on women’s issues for Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

Throughout her everyday work as a director of the Wheathampstead-based Boffin Media, a specialist media production company that produces radio programmes, videos, magazines and podcasts, she remains inspired by the mentoring of her former physics teacher, Mrs Schwarz, on the Wirral, a woman she remembers with enormous respect and affection.

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NewMembers

Welcome to new members A Fresh Start Coaching & Training Specialised IT & Web training and work based learning programs 60-61 Bartholomews Court High Street WALTHAM CROSS , EN8 7JU T: 01707 873981 www.afreshstartct.org Allykats Design Graphic Design Services 7 Hyde Meadows Bovingdon HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP3 0ER T: 07771 744 903 www.allykatsdesign.co.uk Arrow Valves Manufacturing York House Northbridge Road BERKHAMSTED, HP4 1TA T: 01442 823123 www.arrowvalves.co.uk Balmond Wholesale Continental Cakes & Confectionary 10 Empire Avenue LONDON, N18 1AD T: 07984 136 774 www.balmond.com Beststart Human Resources Ltd Providing Outsourced HR Service Including Auto Enrolment Gateway 1000 Building 16, First Floor Whittle Way Arlington Business Park STEVENAGE, SG1 2FP T: 01438 747 747 www.beststarthr.com Brandz Ltd Supplier of Branded Promotional Merchandise 4 Crown Yard Red Bournburys Barns Redbournebury Lane ST ALBANS, AL3 6RS T: 0870 890 2847 www.brandzltd.com Broomfield Youth Amateur Youth Football Club 7 Paynes Park Eastway Enterprise Centre HITCHIN, SG5 1EH T: 01462 429 741 www.broomfieldyouth.com ClevaGroup Ltd We help businesses save money and become more IT efficient.

Mill Studio Business Centre, Ware SG12 9PY T: 0333 344 8300 www.clevagroup.co.uk Clidon Drainage Services Domestic & Commercial Drain Clearance & Plumbing Service Unit 4, Abbey Road Carterfield Road WALTHAM ABBEY EN9 1JD T: 01707 240 481

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Connect Clubs Ltd Sports Club & School Sport Management & Construction 8 Bogs Gap Lane Steeple Morden ROYSTON, SG8 0PN T: 01763 852662 Containerlift Services Ltd Freight Forwarding Gallop House Haslers Lane GREAT DUNMOW, CM6 1XS T: 01371 879400 www.containerlift.co.uk Crystal Press Ltd Commercial Printer Unit 14 Trident Industrial Estate Pindar Road HODDESDON, EN11 0WZ T: 01992 453 900 www.crystalcp.net Curly by Nature Distribute own brand of natural hair care through website that also offers hair inspiration, expert hair care advice and exclusive deals for people with genetically curly hair.

Incubation Centre MacLaurin Building 4 Bishops Square HATFIELD, AL10 9NE T: 07962 338173 www.curlybynature.co.uk EPOSability Ltd Technology Specialist for Retail & Hospitality Unit 17 Abbotts Business Park Primrose Hill KINGS LANGLEY, WD4 8HY T: 01923 693 775 www.eposability.com FT Solutions Ltd Security & Product System Printers Centrus Business Park Mead Lane HERTFORD, SG13 7GX T: 01992 501500 www.ftsolutions.co.uk Gee Kay Farrar Group Limited Accountants and Business Advisors Units 8, Wilmington Close, WATFORD, WD18 0FQ T: 020 3597 7800 www.gkfbusinessschool.org Hertsmere Leisure Leisure Management and Children’s Centre Service provider Unit 8 Broadlake House Riverside Industrial Estate London Colney ST ALBANS, AL1 1HG T: 01727744200 www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk HMP The Mount A Category C Training & Resettlement Prison Molyneaux Avenue BOVINGDON, HP3 0NZ 01442 836 560 HR Business Alliance UK Ltd Business consultancy & coaching for the SME sector Hall House Barn Finches Avenue CROXLEY GREEN, ED3 4LN T: 07770 934 926 www.hrbusinessalliance.co.uk

Lloyds Banking Group High street banking focussed on supporting business Black Horse Lane The Progression Group 47 Mark Road HEMEL HEMPSTEAD Hertfordshire HP2 7DW T: 077250 688 73 www.lloydsbank.com Meredith Marketing Ltd Marketing for SME’s & Business Award specialist 81 West Street HERTFORD, SG13 8EZ T: 07970 280084 www.meredithmarketing.co.uk N2 Visual Communications Group Visual communications agency providing creative, digital, display and print solutions Pindar Road HODDESDON, EN11 0DP T: 01992 440333 www.n2vis.com Northgate Vehicle Hire Short & long term vehicle rental & fleet service New Ford Road WALTHAM CROSS, EN8 7PD T: 01992 714 545 www.northgatevehiclehire.co.uk Omega Group Specialist whole of market commercial mortgage and finance brokers 1 Arlington Court Whittle Way STEVENAGE, SG1 2FS T: 0845 230 2100 www.omegacs.org Parker Wilkes Solutions Marketing strategy for cost effective ways to grow business Marlborough House 17 Malborough Gate ST ALBANS, AL1 3TX T: 01727 370077 www.parkerwilks.co.uk Reciprocal Minds Ltd Coaching, counselling & training for productivity innovation & wellbeing Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst Gunnels Wood Road STEVENAGE, SG1 2FX T: 01438 906 968 www.reciprocalminds.com Shield Environmental Services Asbestos Removal Unit 9 Maple Park Essex Road HODDESDON, EN11 0EX T: 01992 478 759 www.shieldenvironmental.co.uk Start up Direct Ltd Business consultancy- providing funding mentoring & support for start ups 135 Bath Street LONDON, EC1V 9LB T: 0794 889 3397 www.startupdirect.org

SponsoredFeature

Are all your employees connected to and delivering your business strategy every day?

Getting the focus of the people in your business right by joining them up to your business strategy is as important as any other aspect of business management in the search for growth.

Synergy Construction and Property Consultants LLP Comprehensive service including project management, cost consulting, building surveying & Consultancy Unit 1 Grovelands Business Centre Boundary Way HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP2 7TE T: 01442 212 755 www.synergyllp.com Teens Unite Fun charity for 13-24 to support and motivate young people Teens United Respite Home 99 High Road BROXBOURNE, EN10 7BN T: 01992 440091 www.teensunitefightingcancer.org The Business Allotment Practical training, strategy & ideas to help business grow The Lodge 1 Lower Bury Lane EPPING, CM16 5HA T: 07966 482 662 www.thebusinessallotment.co.uk The Living Room Treatment for addiction with a goal of abstinence Rear of 156 Hatfield Road ST ALBANS, AL1 4JA T: 01727 854 479 www.thelivingroom.me.uk The Solar Centre Ltd Design, Manufacture and Sale of a range of Solar Products Unit 5 Dencora Centre Campfield Road ST ALBANS, AL1 5NH T: 01727 893 548 www.thesolarcentre.co.uk

Townhouse Creative Digital Agency Suite 10a, Pixmore Business Centre Pixmore Avenue LETCHWORTH, SG6 1JG T: 0845 504 5240 www.townhousehq.com Ventative UK Managed Print Specialist 3rd Floor 79 High Street Town Centre HODDESDON, EN11 8TL T: 01279 642 244 www.ventative.co.uk WDE Consulting Environmental Consultancy 62a Western Road TRING, HP23 4BB T: 01442 825570 www.wdeconsulting.co.uk William Morris London Ltd We design our own brand of eyewear plus we are distributors for other brands Lock View Dell Lane LITTLE HALLINGBURY, CM22 7SH www.williammorris.co.uk

HR Business Alliance is a new member of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Simon Boulcott, who is based in the County, and his business partner Ann Mary Wardman, have decades of business development experience in the UK. They were looking for an innovative way to support the growth of SMEs in the UK when they found the HR Business Alliance model making a real difference to business growth and profitability in Australia. After months of planning and testing to ensure that the huge bank of resources built up over the last 10 years would be transferable to the UK they launched here last year. “Our resources are backed by extensive research and experience which demonstrates that understanding the importance of the relationship between business strategy and the actions of people in the business is critical to achieving growth�, says Director and Master Coach, Simon Boulcott.

For a limited period HR Business Alliance is offering a free initial consultation to small and medium-sized businesses in Hertfordshire to see if they can help to secure the connection from strategy to action. Contact Simon at 0117 364 3320 or simon@hrbusinessalliance.co.uk for an initial conversation.

For more information and to download a free copy of our latest quarterly index for the UK SME Market visit: www.hrbusinessalliance.co.uk.

Wilson Learning Europa Ltd Globally recognised training provider for sales, leadership and workforce development 23 London End BEACONSFIELD, HP9 2HN T: 01494 678 121 www.wilsonlearning.eu

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MemberBenefits

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ChamberChatter

Each issue we will be sharing the most popular social media debates, what's trending and what's hot. Join our social media groups to share your views and activity. @hertschamber, @inspireherts and for linkedin and facebook, /hertschamber.

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

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ChamberEvents

Chamber Events – April/May/June 2014 Tuesday 15th April 2014

Wednesday 14th May 2014

Friday 16th May 2014

07.30am – 9.30am

9.00am – 5.00pm

9.30am – 3.00pm (morning and afternoon session)

Dacorum Business Breakfast

Chamber Training; Objection handling negotiation skills

Taster Session – Becoming Culture Savvy

Herts Chamber Offices, Hatfield

Herts Chamber Offices, Hatfield

Chamber Training; A Practical Guide to Import Documentation and Procedure

Thursday 15th May 2014

Tuesday 20th May 2014

Herts Chamber offices, Hatfield

Inspiring Hertfordshire 2014 – Gala Awards Dinner

Chamber Training; A Practical Guide to Export Documentation and Procedure

Porsche Centre, Hatfield

Herts Chamber offices, Hatfield

Aubrey Park Hotel, Redbourn

Tuesday 15th April 2014 9.15am – 4.00pm

Tuesday 15th April 2014 10.45am – 1.00pm

Ambition Broxbourne – Tour of Newsprinters Newsprinters Broxbourne, Waltham Cross

Tuesday 29th April 2014 09.30am – 11.30am

Chamber Brunch with Herts Fire & Rescue Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service, Stevenage

Wednesday 30th April 2014 09.15am – 2.00pm

Chamber Golf Day The Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club, Broxbourne

Tuesday 6th May 2014 9.00am – 5.00pm

Chamber Training; Opening and closing the sale Herts Chamber Offices, Hatfield

Wednesday 7th May 2014 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Chamber Networking Evening Driving Business Success UH Business School, de Havilland Campus, Hatfield

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7.00pm

9.15am – 4.00pm

ChamberEvents Wednesday 4th June 2014 9.00am – 5.00pm

Chamber Training; Delivering Customer Excellence Herts Chamber offices, Hatfield

Tuesday 17th June 2014 9.15am – 4.00pm

Chamber Training; A Practical Guide to Documentary Letters of Credit Herts Chamber offices, Hatfield

Tuesday 24th June 2014 9.15am – 4.00pm

Chamber Training; A Practical Guide to Import Documentation and Procedure Herts Chamber offices, Hatfield

Tuesday 20th May 2014 9.30am – 11.30am

Hertfordshire Connect Business Networking Brunch Maylands Business Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Thursday 22nd May 2014 7.30am – 9.00am

Ambition Broxbourne – Networking Breakfast Cheshunt Marriott Hotel, Broxbourne

Wednesday 4th June 2014 12.00pm – 2.00pm

Network with your Neighbours – with Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel, Letchworth

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MemberSpotlight

Our members are involved in all sorts of exciting projects as they grow their businesses. On these pages, we look at some of their aspirations.

Brian Arnopp, In the picture

Tina Dickens, Director, 2J Consulting Ltd

Martino Picardo, CEO, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Brian Arnopp was trained as an industrial photographer, having worked at British Aerospace, so his principal interest is technical photography.

Through her business, 2J

Martino Picardo is CEO of the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, an ambitious concept to develop an Incubator and Accelerator, followed by a world class Science Park for the Life Sciences sector.

Consulting, Tina helps companies to maximise their potential.

This involved everything from missile trials down to photographing small scratches for engineering investigation as well as aerial work, photographing food for restaurants and even injury to a knee.

Graduated in graphic design in 1972, Mick has been successful in art directing major projects for Companies such as Britannia Airways, W.H.O., Boots, Novartis Pharmaceuticals etc.

Martino’s key aim is to pioneer a culture of openinnovation that will place the UK bioscience sector at the forefront of worldwide biomedical discovery ...

Tina offers a compelling For the past year, he has been photographing food and restaurants for Hertfordshire Life. He is seeking further technical photographic work and to take pictures of food and restaurants for websites, be that food from farm to table.

The range of work can be seen on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/ 45955791@N07

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INSPIRE

Mick Le Mare

combination of expertise; she is an accredited business coach and qualified coaching and sales trainer, who also has over 20 years’ commercial experience, mainly in

Martino’s key aim is to pioneer a culture of open-innovation that will place the UK bioscience sector at the forefront of worldwide biomedical discovery and deliver cutting edge healthcare solutions.

that 2J Consulting delivers. Find out

Supported by Government, business, and the charitable sector, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst campus offers a fertile environment for scientific innovation and commercial success.

more at www.2jconsulting.co.uk.

www.stevenagecatalyst.com

sales and sales management.

Tina’s passion is watching businesses and their staff grow and evolve as a result of the tailored training and coaching solutions

Recently turning his design skills to chocolate making, having been trained by renowned chocolatiers from Belgium and Switzerland he now specialises in printing hi definition edible images directly onto high end chocolates producing a unique product with fresh cream centres such as strawberry and balsamic, pistachio and lime etc and now known for his chocolate business card!

SponsoredFeature

Ros Beattie, Area Centre Manager

Jodie Newman, The Business Allotment

Ros Beattie is the Area Centre Manager for The Business & Technology Centre (btc) and Chells Industrial Units in Stevenage.

These sites are managed by the largest enterprise agency in Hertfordshire (Wenta) and the two centres are currently home to 106 local businesses in total.

Jodie launched The Business Allotment to help SME business owners grow their businesses. The Allotment offers a range of 2 to 3 hour practical modules covering the fundamental business building blocks such as strategy and marketing, along with a range of skills-based topics required by business people, from presentation to management skills.

Ros joined Wenta in 2009, bringing with her extensive experience in business centre project management. Having overall responsibility of the two sites, her role involves being responsible for the letting of the office/workshop space available, conference facilities, building maintenance and health & safety aspects of the sites and future strategy.

“My two watch words are creativity and practical,” says owner Jodie Newman. “The modules are packed full of original content you can’t find anywhere else, with great tools you can take away and use in your business that day.”

Accelerate your business growth Management Development An aspect of development which is often neglected is the development of supervisors/team Leaders and Managers. So often these people are currently doing the job and then inherit a level of responsibility – often without any training or development at all!

Is it any wonder that so often this ends in disaster; in the new appointees feeling overworked, undermined and then ‘out of here!’ While the staff being managed lose motivation, lose faith in the organisation, and step onto a downward spiral of negativity and disaffection.

At Niche Learning Programmes we passionately believe in internal promotion wherever possible; but not the negatives that occur as a result of lack of training. As a result we specialise in delivering training for: • Individuals who are interested in becoming a manager?

This will aid your succession plans!

• Individuals who are newly promoted to being a manager. This will facilitate their confidence in how to effectively manage a team, maintain motivation as well as be able to address issues and concerns • Training for experienced managers to aid their continued team development, productivity and success!

Ros said: “What I enjoy most about my role is the variety as no two days are the same. My day can range from meeting with potential clients and showing them the great facilities that we have to offer, producing licence agreements, working with the maintenance team and agreeing schedules, right through to training new members of the team. The role can be demanding but when a client thanks you for a job well done this is reward enough.”

Ros is also the host for the awardwinning business networking event, Business BUZZ – Stevenage, which

For information, call Jodie on

is held on the first Friday of every

07966 482 662 or visit

month at the btc.

www.thebusinessallotment.co.uk.

We are proud of our initial FREE consultation, which we would use to acquire a comprehensive understanding of your organisation and its Management Development requirements along with any associated any concerns you may have. Using this information we will provide you with a unique training proposal to achieve your goals. Our management and team development modules include: • Overcoming team conflict through use of Myers Briggs psychometric indicator (MBTI) • Personal development using MBTI

• • • •

One-to-one coaching Group coaching Workshops How to be an effective Leader and Manager • Effective Communication Skills • How to coach your team to achieve increased productivity • Team Roles and Team Building

Questions clients often ask: I have branches spread throughout the region as well as outside our region – how can you manage this training to minimise impact upon the company?

In this situations I may suggest that we travel to your employees and deliver the training to groupings small enough that we do not compromise’ business as usual’.

I need to invest in learning and development for my teams but as I have a small business I cannot let more than 1 person per branch attend at any one time Have you thought about inbranch coaching? In this way we could address the issue with all staff one after the other without major impact to business as usual. Other options could be to deliver the session prior to the day’s work or after the day’s work. Or through an approved ‘script’ delivered by the Branch Manager.

INSPIRE

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LastWord

“ Q

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

My first full-time job was designing and programming fruit machines. I was paid £125 per week.

Q

A professional sportsman. When I was younger I competed in motorsport, and worked my up to Formula 3, before running out of funds due to lack of sponsorship.

Q Q

What do you always carry with you to work?

If you could do another job what would it be?

As a business person, what are your three main qualities?

Creativity in developing new ideas

I take my dog Baxter to work every day if he

Being calm under pressure

counts! He’s become a bit of a legend in the

Being a team player

office.

Q Q

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Finding talented IT staff - there seems to be a shortage of experienced IT staff. Our close proximity to London makes it tougher too, as it’s

In 1999 at the age of 22 I founded LCN.com Ltd and over the course of nearly 14 years I grew the company to become one of the largest web hosting companies in the UK. LCN currently manages over 350,000 websites and has more than 200,000 customers.

often hard to compete on salary.

Q Q

Patrons

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INSPIRE

If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business?

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

Have absolute belief in what you can achieve.

If you work hard and aspire to reach for your dreams, you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of achieving.

I’d like to see bigger tax breaks for smaller businesses and young entrepreneurs.

Q Q

In 2005, the demand for enterprise hosting solutions grew rapidly within the UK. In the same year I responded to this demand by launching ServerChoice, which provides clients with highly secure managed/cloud hosting and data centre services.

I can’t think of any big mistakes that stand out.

Of course there are things that I have done which didn’t work out for one reason or another, but I always try to take a positive view and ensure the same mistake doesn’t happen again.

What can you see from your office window?

Nothing exotic unfortunately; just other offices in the business park where we are based.

Who do you most admire in business?

There is no one person who I admire above all others, but there are lots of people who inspire me in different ways. I’d recommend people read Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh, which is a particularly inspiring story.

“

Mark Boost ServerChoice Ltd / LCN.com Ltd CEO and Founder

What was your biggest mistake in business?