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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’.
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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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