Inspire May 2021

INSPIRE.44

The business magazine of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce May - June 2021

Inside p35

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

New High Sheriff of Hertfordshire to promote youth empowerment

Building Skills for a brighter future ANNIVERSARY marks period of great change

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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY Tourism fights back

NEWS

New Director General for BCC

For a greener future, think Hertfordshire IQ. With a focus on sustainable travel solutions, renewable energy and tax breaks for green businesses, Hertfordshire IQ is the perfect place for your business to thrive.

Find out more and get in touch at herts-iq.co.uk

WELCOME & CONTENTS

New skills can fast-track economic recovery by the Chamber, has been a phenomenal success with 110 small business leaders coming together to benefit from it.

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Since the last edition we have travelled a significant distance on the road out of lockdown, with gyms, non-essential shops and outdoor hospitality open again for business. There’s a buzz on our high streets again and an air of cautious optimism that, finally, the worst is behind us.

Nevertheless, it’s vital that people continue to come forward to receive their vaccinations, and the Chamber is working with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure this happens as safely and efficiently as possible.

The last year has put a great strain on many individuals and businesses across our county. Positive mental health is vital to maintain a thriving business community, which is why we’re hosting our inaugural Wellbeing Conference later this year (more details on page 29). The idea is to generate exciting new ideas and information to create positive change in physical and mental

wellbeing and I’d urge businesses to get involved.

We’re also supporting businesses in other ways as they strive to get the economy back on track.

Our Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire campaign, which encourages people and businesses to buy local, is generating pace and soon we’re launching a digital platform that will facilitate introductions to companies that have county-based contracts requiring suppliers, talent and services.

Along with the British Chambers of Commerce and accredited Chamber network, we’re also helping exporters navigate the postBrexit terrain with a comprehensive Business EU Transition Checklist, which helps companies consider the impact of changes brought about by Britain’s exit from the EU. Meanwhile, the Peer Networks programme, a Hertfordshire Growth Hub service delivered

A common issue that was raised in the programme – and in business circles generally – is access to skills in a world that’s changing so quickly. The digital revolution and the need to tackle climate change are major catalysts for this rapid change, and this has spawned a requirement for new skills that can help employers capitalise on these opportunities. We’re working with local businesses, education providers, employees, the LEP and other key stakeholders to understand employers’ immediate and future skills needs so they can speed up the economic recovery and ensure we have a resilient workforce and economy that’s fit for the future.

who have been disproportionately hit by the pandemic, to find employment.

Youth unemployment has been a longstanding issue so it’s fantastic that Lionel Wallace has been appointed as Hertfordshire’s new High Sheriff. He intends to use this opportunity to encourage young people to explore new career avenues with confidence and commitment.

I’d like to finish by saying a big thankyou to our loyal and growing army of members for their ongoing support. Together we are coming through this pandemic and brighter times lie ahead.

Briege Leahy Chief Executive Officer Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

One of the things we’re doing is running a series of webinars with the LEP on apprenticeships – a vital form of training that will enable businesses to get the skills they need. Apprenticeships will also help more young people,

Contents Skills & Development Patron Focus

4-8 12

Spotlight Focus

16-19

Chamber News

20

Chamber Events

24-27

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 28 Wellbeing Conference

29

The Big Interview

30-31

Entrepreneur Foundation

32-33

Inspirational Leader Editorial and General Enquiries Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce MacLaurin Building, 4 Bishops Square, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9NE Tel: 01707 502180 Email: enquiries@hertschamber.com Web: www.hertschamber.com

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Public Heath Tourism & Hospitality

37

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

42

News

46

New Members

48-49

Members News

50-53

Membership Benefit

54

Hertfordshire Global

55

Keeping the Heart in Hertfordshire

56

Last Word

62

Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

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46 Published May 2021 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

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. ©2021 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.

Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com

Media No. 1849

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SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

Building skills for a brighter future If we are going to “build back better” after the COVID-19 pandemic (to coin a well-worn UK government phrase), businesses will need the requisite skills to ensure that an economic recovery is sustainable.

With the world changing at a rate of knots, cutting-edge digital technology, advanced manufacturing techniques and solutions to combat climate change and improve public health will all be needed in the coming years.

The question is: are businesses in a position to deliver this?

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Do they have the skills, capability and willingness to adapt to the fast pace of change in society? If they don’t, what can be done to rectify the situation?

Ramping up the number of apprenticeships could be part of the solution. This form of vocational training is already helping to build skills in key industry sectors. To encourage more apprenticeships, the government

has unveiled a £3,000 incentive payment for businesses that take on an apprentice of any age from April 1 to September 30 this year. This is on top of the £1,000 payment provided for new apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those under 25 who have an education, health and care plan or have been in the care of their local authority, meaning that some employers could receive a payment of up to £4,000.

SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

To encourage more apprenticeships, the government has unveiled a £3,000 incentive payment for businesses that take on an apprentice of any age from April 1 to September 30 this year.”

“We’re very keen to invest in apprenticeships and we’re looking to hire another apprentice later this year. The government’s incentive scheme is a good move as it will hopefully encourage more companies to invest in this type of training.”

HB Accountants in Hoddesdon is a firm advocate of apprenticeships and currently has two apprentices on its books. A third has just qualified as a chartered accountant after completing his AAT accounting qualifications.

Karen Chase, director of HB Accountants – which has been providing financial services and business advice for 100 years – says: “We’re very keen to invest in apprenticeships and we’re looking to hire another apprentice later this year.

The government’s incentive scheme is a good move as it will hopefully encourage more companies to invest in this type of training.

“A lot of our training is currently done online due to the pandemic.

In the future there’ll be a mix of online and face-to-face training as businesses look to upskill their workforces. From our point of view, we put our team members through regular training for their own personal development and to keep them abreast of any recent changes in accountancy rules and regulations.”

Karen herself has been a beneficiary of this culture of training and development.

She joined HB Accountants after leaving university, studied for her professional qualifications and is still there 24 years later. She also sits on the board of the Love Hoddesdon Business Improvement District (BID) and advises companies and individuals on a range of skills and workforce development issues.

“Many of the team have been at HB Accountants for more than 15 years,” she says. “People who come here tend not to leave. We have a family feel to the business and although we work hard, we have fun too. We also look after our team in terms of their personal and professional development and I think they really appreciate it.

“It’s so important to build skills in Hertfordshire in key industry sectors.

In doing so, we can give people of all ages – and particularly young workers – the skills they need to grow and develop.”

Cont. >>>

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SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

“We’ve been running these programmes, in partnership with companies and charities, for several years. We’re seeing people who complete them go on to get a job in these sectors and, crucially, stay there.

Engineering and technology are two sectors that are facing a skills shortage.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which has around 168,000 members around the globe, is trying to address this through its flagship STEM education programmes with schools and its scholarships and bursaries which are helping engineering students and apprentices to realise their dreams.

The latter includes Engineering Horizons Bursaries, which support people who are striving to become engineers through vocational and/ or academic routes and are facing hardship. The Diamond Jubilee Scholarships are available to students who are embarking on an IET-accredited degree, from an academic route.

Bhavini Bhatt, fundraising and campaign development manager at the IET, says: “We’ve been running these programmes, in partnership with companies and charities, for several years. We’re seeing people who complete them go on to get a job in these sectors

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and, crucially, stay there. Our research shows that 72% of 2020 graduates found work or began further study in engineering and technology within a few months of graduation. Of the award holders who graduated between 2016 and 2019, 86% are working or studying in the engineering or technology sectors, which is a great result.

“We don’t just work with young people who are hoping to get their feet on the first rung of the career ladder.

The bursaries are also open to people who want to switch career or upskill.

This includes armed forces veterans

“Of the award holders who graduated between 2016 and 2019, 86% are working or studying in the engineering or technology sectors, which is a great result.”

wanting to retrain and forge a career in civilian life. Our awards are extremely popular; we have many more eligible applicants than we can offer awards to, even though we’ve offered more than 170 awards in the last year.

“By working with us to support bursaries or scholarships, companies like Hatfield based Affinity Water, are investing in their own skills pipeline.

Partnerships like this show hundreds of aspiring engineers how diverse the sector is. At the same time employers are meeting the people developing the skills that they are looking for.”

SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

Upskilling the local workforce is also of interest to Caroline Cartwright, the skills, employment and apprenticeship manager at Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Caroline works to improve skills provision across the county in line with the Hertfordshire skills and apprenticeship strategies and Local Recovery Plan. She facilitates and implements projects such as HOP (Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal), works alongside the Hertfordshire Skills Advisory Service, Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and employer engagement strategy to support the introduction of T-Level qualifications.

In Caroline’s diverse role, she also works with the Careers and Enterprise Company to make students aware of the range of careers on offer, works with employment support providers who help unemployed people find opportunities to get back into work and, through the HOP, delivers the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships campaign.

Launched earlier this year, the initiative is designed to deliver a diverse resident workforce fit for the future, raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work, and showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19. MCP Property Services, featured on page 8, is just one employer taking part in the campaign.

Caroline says: “I have a lot of work to get through! We have several growth sectors in Hertfordshire, including engineering, science, healthcare, technology and smart construction, and these industries need an influx of skills to underpin their future success. While we have a very capable and agile workforce here, we do have the challenge of retaining skilled talent. Previously people have left the county to work in places such as London or Oxford.

Can we do more to keep them here by showcasing Hertfordshire’s strengths and employment opportunities?

“Another challenge is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.

Many companies are incorporating digital into their day-to-day work but some are finding it difficult to recruit staff with the right skills in this area.

“That said, we’re generally well placed from a skills point of view.

Hertfordshire is leading the way in some sectors – our science industry is one of the best in the UK and our colleges and universities are adapting their learning provision to meet the specific skills demands of local companies. This is helping businesses to get ahead of the game and individuals to get ahead in their careers. It’s important that we continue this strong engagement with the education sector.”

The focus on skills in Hertfordshire is being replicated on a national level.

The government’s recent Skills for Jobs white paper sets out reforms to post-16 technical education and training to support people to develop the skills needed to get good jobs and improve national productivity.

It includes measures to give employers a greater say in the development of skills, improve the quality and uptake of higher-level technical qualifications, and provide a flexible, lifetime skills guarantee so that everyone can get the skills they need, when they need them.

To find out more about the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships Campaign visit Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal www.hopinto.co.uk

“Another challenge is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.

Many companies are incorporating digital into their day-to-day work but some are finding it difficult to recruit staff with the right skills in this area.”

Cont. >>>

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SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT

Anna West, director of talent and relationships at MCP, says: “We’ve undertaken a mission to take on 15 apprentices a year and we’re starting a mentoring scheme to train up young talent and ex-military servicemen and women to help them get a job. The apprenticeship opportunities cover practical skills and knowledge of social housing administration as well as various trades such as plumbing and carpentry.

North Hertfordshire College (NHC) has welcomed the renewed focus on the importance of vocational qualifications and says the FE sector has a key role in ensuring that businesses get the skills they need.

Kit Davies, principal and CEO of NHC, says: “It’s encouraging that FE is at the heart of government thinking on the fast-moving skills agenda. Against a backdrop of COVID recovery, Brexit, climate change and the green revolution, as a country, we won’t achieve what we need to achieve without more investment in skills. Through the recently published Government Skills White paper, there is the promise of more funding for adults to upskill or retrain, which is a great step in the right direction, but more must be done.

“Our college already works extensively with Jobcentre Plus, Hertfordshire LEP and local businesses to deliver flexible, employer-led learning programmes that give companies the skills they need now and in the future.

“We’re also very aware of local priorities and, in particular, the type of skills needed to deliver significant, local regeneration projects. The College is a founding partner, alongside Stevenage Borough Council, of the Stevenage Works programme. A partnership designed to maximise labour market benefits for local people through training and access to work opportunities. Through

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Stevenage Works, we run a CITB funded Construction Hub out of our engineering and construction campus which trains young people and adults, provides them with ‘onsite’ construction experience and then access to job opportunities in the construction sector.

Kit says: “The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of skills in key sectors such as healthcare.

We’re well placed to deliver bespoke training programmes by working in partnership with these sectors to help them grow and develop.”

NHC delivers full and part-time programmes from its campuses in Stevenage and Hitchin to meet the current and future demands of the local economy across a wide range of sectors. Part of Hart Learning Group, a charitable organisation with a mission to inspire and motivate people through learning, the college supports more than 10,000 learners and employs around 450 staff.

One of the industries earmarked for growth is the property sector. Not only is there a drive to address a shortage of affordable housing by building more of this type of stock, there’s also a pressing need for specialist trades skills to repair and maintain the existing social housing stock.

MCP Property Services is helping to fill this gap. The multi-award-winning, privately owned company provides a comprehensive range of quality repair and maintenance services for the social housing sector, and is doing its bit to build a ready-made pipeline of trades skills.

“We also provide training and development opportunities to existing staff in areas such as accounting and HR. People assume that you need to have a trade to work in our industry but there’s a varied range of interesting careers on offer. We want to dispel the myth that social housing is a career of last resort.”

MCP also works with various organisations to build skills and provide job opportunities in the local community. The company has teamed up with two charities, Herts Young Homeless and NOAH, to help homeless people find employment.In addition, MCP offers work experience opportunities to schoolchildren across Hertfordshire to inspire them to think about a career in social housing.

ENVIRONMENT TOP TIPS LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP

Q

What are some of the issues with a familyowned company?

A

Family Businesses Michael Budd, Partner and Head of Company Commercial, summarises the matters which all family owned and run companies should consider.

Q A

How are family companies structured?

Family companies are much the same as any other company and do not have any special status in company law. However, certain matters are of particular importance to the shareholders in family companies and these are expanded upon below.

The board of directors has day-to-day control of the company and who is on the board and who can appoint or dismiss board members will be important.

The extent to which shareholders are involved in decision-making depend on the rights attaching to the share they hold and the terms of the company’s articles of association and shareholders’ agreement (if any).

Q

What are some of the things that I should be thinking about in relation to a familyowned company?

The company’s articles of association will set out what share capital a company has and what rights attach to such shares. If the company has adopted bespoke articles of association the rights can be tailored to meet the objectives of the family. It is possible to create shares of different classes with different rights attaching to them. It is also possible to include provisions that

A

allow the company to pay dividends to different shareholders at different times and different amounts.

It is also necessary to think about to whom shareholders in the company can transfer their shares and if there will be restrictions on them being able to transfer their shares to their spouse or civil partner.

Q

What documents are needed for a family company?

A company’s articles of association must always be filed at Companies House and they are publicly available. They set out how the company appoints and dismisses it directors, how directors manage the company, the company’s share capital, the rights attaching to share rights and restrictions, how shareholder meetings operate and provisions relating to the transfer of shares.

A

It is possible to draft a shareholders’ agreement between the shareholders and potentially the company.

The agreement will contain

provisions whereby the parties agree on matters relating to the operation of the company. It is a private document and so private family matters should be included in it rather than the articles of association which are public. In it the shareholders can agree how they will exercise their voting rights in certain situations. For example, the shareholders can agree that they will not use their votes to amend the articles, issue shares or appoint directors without the board’s prior approval to such action.

Alternatively, if its desirable for the shareholders to have more control, the shareholders’ agreement can set out matters which limit the board’s power.

For example, the board of directors may be required to obtain shareholder approval before issuing more shares, making large investments or disposals. Often referred to as reserved matters, the shareholder can limit the scope of the board’s powers.

Please note the contents of this article are given for information only and must not be relied upon.

Legal advice should always be sought in relation to specific circumstances.

www.longmores.law

01992 300333 enquiries@longmores.law 24 Castle Street Hertford SG14 1HP

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HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

Hertfordshire supports apprenticeships Promoting apprenticeship success stories from across the county to drive recovery and growth.

In these exceptional times, it is more important than ever to celebrate success. Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships is an initiative brought to you by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to share the best apprenticeships stories from businesses of all sizes across the county. By showcasing the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19, together we can help inform, inspire and lead Hertfordshire from crisis to recovery.

WHY NOW? The pandemic has had a particularly adverse effect on the employment opportunities of the ‘classes of 2020/21’ and other school leavers, apprentices and older workers, with ethnic minorities, the disabled, women and the lower-paid in society disproportionately affected.

Across the UK there has been a marked decrease in apprenticeship starts.

According to the latest Government statistics, in 2019/20, the number of apprenticeship starts fell in every business size band compared to 2018/19. Small enterprises (those with fewer than 50 employees) saw the largest decrease in starts of 19%, equating to around 18,600.

In Hertfordshire, there was an overall 14% reduction in starts, 4,356 compared with 5,073. Prior to the pandemic, apprenticeship starts in Hertfordshire were up 7% between August and April 2018/19 compared with 2017/18. Worryingly, the reduction in 16-18 year-old starts is 19%, showing that school leavers are among the most adversely affected.

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The twin impacts of COVID-19 and EU Transition locally means it is more important than ever to help ensure the county is future-proofed and future-ready. This means building local skills pipelines that unlock the untapped potential of our people and make it easier for employers, young people and individuals to navigate their way through the current skills system.

In Hertfordshire, employers are telling us that they are likely to take action to upskill staff in the next 12 months*; the vast majority (92%) had retained their apprentices through the COVID pandemic and nearly half (47%) would consider taking on an apprentice in the future. *Hertfordshire Employment, Skills and Enterprise Review, November 2020

Adrian Hawkins, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP Skills and Employment Board, said: “Our campaign, Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships, sends out a very simple message that apprenticeships and traineeships are valued options and can raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work, but more needs to be done to increase employer confidence.”

Good news is motivating, and we can learn from it too. That is why we have launched Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships to help: • Deliver a resident workforce fit for the future; • Raise the skills and productivity levels of those already in work; • Showcase the resilience of apprentices and employers during COVID-19.

HERTFORDSHIRE OPPORTUNITIES PORTAL Throughout the campaign we are signposting to our premier skills and employment portal HOP, the one-stop shop for talent. Powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, students, employers and residents wishing to upskill, are now able to HOP into all the resources they need to make informed career decisions and build a future talent pipeline.

HOP is the premier gateway in Hertfordshire to find out about: • Career path options; • Employment opportunities; • Apprenticeships and work experience; • Skills development and professional qualification programmes.

Visit the Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships hub to view: • A short animation setting out the benefits for businesses and return on investment apprenticeships offer; • Video case studies from Hertfordshire employers about how apprenticeships have benefited their business, and the benefits to organisations for both the apprentice and employer; • Step by step guidance on how to get started including support for funding and how to hire an apprentice, upskill or re-train your future workforce.

OUR APPROACH We will inspire Hertfordshire by: • Creating engaging local stories of apprentices’ progression; • Showcasing the local business benefits and return on investment of employing apprentices; • Developing a bank of local case studies for existing and emerging sectors;

HERTFORDSHIRE LEP

BE INSPIRED! View our bank of case studies to find out:

“Everyone in the business trusts me now.

That’s the most valuable thing to me, even though I am an apprentice. I would say to others thinking of an apprenticeship to go for it! It’s definitely worth it. You get paid as you learn. What more do you want really!”

Apprentice: Harry Islam, 19 Cheeky Munkey, St Albans

“I was working in retail and I wanted a change.

I hadn’t considered apprenticeships so I was looking online and found this opportunity. You get trained on the job, paid and can study at the same time. It was perfect for me.”

“I don’t regret not going to university. I knew it was not for me and I wanted to earn some money while gaining a new qualification. This way everyone is a winner.”

Business Administration Apprentice: Mara Hubbard Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Letchworth Garden City

MCP Property Services, Hertford

Apprentice Administrator: Keavy Flynn

Visit HOP for more inspiring employer and apprentice case studies and testimonials:

www.hopinto.co.uk/hertfordshire-supports-apprenticeships

• Amplifying our messages using our extensive local networks to build collaboration and confidence; • Creating a suite of content for use in schools and colleges.

KEY TO FUTURE RECOVERY

Increasing apprenticeships is not just good news for businesses and individuals, it is integral to Hertfordshire’s long term prosperity. The campaign is aligned to the aims of Hertfordshire’s Skills and Employment Strategy which is being revised in the light of COVID-19 to provide a routemap for recovery and sustainable growth up to 2024. An Apprenticeships Strategy will run during the next school year from September 2021 to August 2022 to support employers and apprentices, and foster

greater partnership working. Hertfordshire LEP’s new Skills & Employment Dashboard enables stakeholders to easily access live data relating to skills and employment in Hertfordshire to help inform decision making around future skills provision. This joined up approach to skills development will widen opportunity for all and help unlock Hertfordshire’s recovery.

SHARING SUCCESS

Whatever the size or sector of your business we want to hear from you if you have used apprenticeships to fill skills gaps, upskill and revitalise your workforce to help ensure your organisation is future proofed and future ready! Together over the next 12 months we will inspire Hertfordshire with engaging stories of

apprentices’ progression – the increase in their confidence, skills, knowledge and how apprenticeships have kick-started incredible careers and the return on investment for their business.

Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships is a Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership initiative supported by employers large and small based in the county and public sector organisations.

GET IN TOUCH

If you have an inspiring apprenticeship story to share or would like further information about Hertfordshire Supports Apprenticeships, email: hopinto@hertfordshirelep.co.uk #HertfordshireSupportsApprenticeships

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The global business with local roots Pearldrop Video Production has built an enviable client base since it was formed in 2003 and now works with individuals and organisations all over the world. However, the company has never forgotten the importance of building connections locally.

“We’ve developed longstanding relationships with organisations, institutions and charities many of which are Hertfordshire based.

We deliver a wide range of video content for our clients, from customer-facing viral marketing campaigns to high-quality internal training and health and safety packages.”

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Boasting a team of talented creative professionals, Pearldrop has forged a number of useful collaborations with Hertfordshire organisations, and many of these ties have come through its membership of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Denise Austin, who runs the company with Simon Mercer, who founded the company 18 years ago, says: “We quickly realised the value of membership and we became a patron of the Chamber about nine or ten years ago. We really appreciate the support that the Chamber gives us and other businesses in Hertfordshire.

“It has given us the opportunity to network in the area, and forge new contacts with a diverse range of organisations. We work all over the world but our base is in Hertfordshire, so it made sense not to overlook opportunities on our own doorstep. Being a Chamber patron has definitely enabled us to become more visible in the county.”

Pearldrop is a full-service video production agency that creates engaging content for local, national and international brands including individuals, major corporations and SMEs. Denise says: “We’ve developed longstanding relationships with organisations, institutions and charities many of which are Hertfordshire based.

We deliver a wide range of video content

for our clients, from customer-facing viral marketing campaigns to high-quality internal training and health and safety packages.

“Our in-house animation team has grown in recent years and we also have a resident qualified drone pilot too.

Whatever the content we’re creating our goal is to ensure our clients reach their goals – this could be increased ROI, attendance at an event, product or brand awareness or improved customer satisfaction.

“The last year has been challenging for Pearldrop, as it has for many others in the creative sector, but there are signs that activity levels are beginning to rise again.

“There have been peaks and troughs in our workload in the last few months but now things have picked up,” says Denise.

“The route out of lockdown has been mapped out in a phased way and the results of the vaccine roll-out programme have given the business community more confidence. Many organisations are adopting the attitude of: let’s get on with it now.

“The Chamber has supported us all though lockdown with online events and practical advice on how to access government grants and loans.

Having worked with this organisation for more than a decade, I’m confident that the Chamber team will continue to support the business community as we emerge from lockdown.”

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Sharp-aX is is based based in in Berkhamsted, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Sharp-aX Employing local local people people in in modern modern large large airy airy offices offices with with excellent excellent access access to to the the M1 M1 and and M25.

M25. We We are are uniquely uniquely positioned positioned in in the the ERP ERP software software Employing Sharp-aX is based in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire development market market to to offer offer aa powerful powerful combination combination of of modern modern approaches approaches to to software software combined combined with with aa tradition tradition of of expertise expertise in in delivering delivering development Employing local people in modern large airy offices with excellent access to the M1 and M25. We are uniquely positioned in the ERP software supportdevelopment to B2B B2B SMEs SMEsmarket in the the to wholesale and distribution distribution industries. support to in wholesale and industries. offer a powerful combination of modern approaches to software combined with a tradition of expertise in delivering support to B2B SMEs in the wholesale and distribution industries.

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2021 THE YEAR FOR

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SPOTLIGHT ON EAST HERTS

East Herts firms meet COVID challenges

near Ware attracts visitors from all over the country, the Down Hall Hotel & Spa in Hatfield Heath is one of England’s most established country house hotels.

Wickham Hall, too, is a popular tourist destination that benefits from being located in east Hertfordshire.

David Harvey, owner of Wickham Hall, says: “This is a fantastic location. We’re only ten minutes from Stansted Airport and three minutes from Bishop’s Stortford train station, which provides a direct route to Liverpool Street and the City. This enables us to connect with like-minded businesses.

“We’ve done a number of things to ensure our company recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, including taking on rent holidays and deferrals. We’ve also used this time to drive forward our expansion plans for the business park. We’re building three new spaces, two of which are already let. Construction of the third and by far the largest space is now well underway and should be finished in the summer. All spaces are very modern and are kitted out with double insulation and air source heat pumps.

“Our next challenge is to keep up with demand. We’ve managed to let half of our new space already and have two businesses vying for our large new space.

What we want to create is a thriving business hub and we’re well on the way to achieving this.”

Wickham Hall

East Hertfordshire is the county’s largest district, conveniently situated less than an hour’s journey from central London and Cambridge and within half an hour of Stansted Airport.

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Boasting five delightful historic towns, with bustling markets, surrounded by stunning countryside and some incredible attractions, there’s something to please all types of visitors. Pubs, restaurants and hotels offer high-quality food and facilities, while there are many miles of meandering rivers, cycling paths and walking trails to suit the intrepid explorer.

East Hertfordshire is a tourist’s dream, with many attractive country house hotels which are steeped in history. Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club

Pardon Chambers Architects is another company that benefits from being in east Hertfordshire.

Nicola Chambers, director of Pardon Chambers Architects, says: “Not only is Bishop’s Stortford a vibrant market town with excellent local and international transport links to the local region and beyond, it’s also ideally placed to take full advantage of the proposed economic development of the London-Stansted-Cambridge Corridor.

The business community is also very active with a variety of networking groups

SPOTLIGHT ON EAST HERTS

“Not only is Bishop’s Stortford a vibrant market town with excellent local and international transport links to the local region and beyond, it’s also ideally placed to take full advantage of the proposed economic development of the London-StanstedCambridge Corridor.” across east Herts. It’s also a fantastic place to live with wonderful countryside and a rich cultural and built heritage.

existing building stock which will require extensive retrofitting if ambitious carbon reduction targets are to be met.”

Over the last year Pardon Chambers Architects has taken the opportunity to review all aspects of its business to further improve its service to customers.

Ahead of its fifth birthday, the company is also pushing ahead with a marketing drive, which includes a soon-to-belaunched website, new services and flexible ways of working so that projects can still be successfully delivered within COVID restrictions.

Nevertheless, Nicola believes that there are opportunities to grow the business in the current climate. She says: “Bishop’s Stortford is a fastgrowing town with several large housing developments underway and extensive plans to redevelop the town centre.

This expansion, combined with Bishop’s Stortford’s enviable location at the heart of an expanding economic area should provide varied opportunities for businesses of all types and sizes to grow and develop. With reference to the design and construction industry in particular, the growth of the town and investment in the town centre will help to add value to existing building stock and sites so that development of smaller or more difficult sites also becomes more viable and therefore more attractive to investors.”

Other than COVID, there are a number of challenges to be negotiated by businesses, including Brexit and the pressing need to tackle climate change.

Nicola says: “Due to the pandemic, I don’t believe that the full implications of leaving the European Union are known yet. The challenge to businesses will therefore be to remain flexible and nimble wherever possible to effectively respond to a changing environment as well as new and emerging markets.

“Another big challenge for businesses going forward is the climate emergency.

This will affect everyone in different ways but in the built environment there are particular challenges, not only to design and build in an increasingly sustainable way, but also to confront the issue of the

The fact that east Hertfordshire is brimming with successful entrepreneurs and businesses means that it’s a perfect environment in which organisations can thrive. This is particularly true of professional services firms, according to Richard Gvero, joint senior partner at Longmores Solicitors.

Richard says: “The county’s proximity to London and transport connections makes it a prime setting for major corporates such as Tesco, EE, GSK, Pitney Bowes and Mothercare, to name only a few.

It has a strong and fast-expanding economy supported by the fastestgrowing chamber of commerce in the country. As a long-established Hertfordshire business operating from Hertford since 1819, we’re privileged to be at the heart of an economy which offers so many opportunities.

“As a business, we feel fortunate to emerge from COVID stronger than ever.

Our brilliant, committed staff and their ability to maintain strong relationships with clients and business contacts have been key to overcoming the challenges of the pandemic. We’ve embraced working from home, ensuring that our staff can continue to provide an optimal service whilst at the same time adopting effective virtual platforms to suit our clients’ needs.

Keeping close to our clients to assist them with the unique challenges of these difficult times has been our main aim.

“Going forward, IT is a key issue, with automation and artificial intelligence top of the agenda in terms of cost-effective service provision, but the substantial investment needed for this will prove a challenge to many businesses.

Connected with this is the proliferation of digital data and the need to manage it correctly. Also, whilst bringing many

INSPIRE

17

SPOTLIGHT ON EAST HERTS

advantages, the increase in virtual working will need careful management to ensure that the all-important business and team culture, upon which our brands are built, is not undermined.”

“Our business model of high quality and responsive service precisely tailored to our clients’ requirements continues to provide us with a competitive edge in a crowded, increasingly commoditised professional services marketplace.

Strong and enduring relationships with our business contacts and clients remain of paramount importance, as does costeffective and expert service, which sets us apart from many of our competitors.

As a smaller business we are fleeter of foot in responding to a changing marketplace and we continue to provide exactly what our clients need. We’re optimistic about the many opportunities provided by our wonderful county.”

As lockdown restriction are eased, the emphasis now is on renewal and recovery. The challenge for businesses is how to kick-start economic growth.

The Bank of England’s chief economist Andy Haldane, said the UK could see a “rip-roaring” recovery if consumers spend some of their savings. Meanwhile, Handelsbanken’s chief economist, James Sproule, said he expects a sharp bounceback as restrictions on the economy are removed, with an estimated £150 billion having been saved over the past year.

“East Hertfordshire is a great place in which to live and work.

During this pandemic, the green space around us has been a huge benefit to mental health and in maintaining a good work-life balance.”

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Debbie Chilton, Handelsbanken’s Hertford branch manager, says: “Confidence scores are bouncing back quickly; this should result in good opportunities for local businesses to capitalise on the pent-up demand.

“Going forwards, sustainability is a particular focus for the banking industry.

A collaborative initiative, Bankers for Net Zero, has brought together leaders from the UK banking sector, with representatives from business and government who share a commitment to accelerating the UK’s transition to

net zero carbon emissions. We will see growth in green finance to support environmentally friendly infrastructure, which will result in cheaper mortgage rates that incentivise energy efficiencies.

As our consumption decisions are changing, so too are our investment decisions. This has seen growth in sustainable investment funds, which are becoming increasingly popular; there’s an altruistic benefit in investing where you know your funds are making a difference both to you and the environment.”

Like all businesses, Handelsbanken has had to adapt in the pandemic.

The company has become more reliant on technology, especially for virtual meetings, which has cut travelling time for staff and is better for the environment.

SPOTLIGHT ON EAST HERTS

“As the pandemic hit and the government responded with guidance and measures to provide financial support to those affected, it was clear that we had to support clients to access the help they needed.”

Business Park

“For this reason, we will continue them, especially for internal meetings,” says Debbie. “Virtual meetings, though, aren’t the same as meeting people in person. We look forward to a time when we can meet our customers and local professionals again face-to-face.

“East Hertfordshire is a great place in which to live and work. During this pandemic, the green space around us has been a huge benefit to mental health and in maintaining a good work-life balance. Good transport links also make this a good place for doing business.

However, in my view the most important advantage is the people. We have very good professional and business communities who support each other

through their wider networks; this helps businesses to grow and ensures that the area continues to prosper.”

Citizens Advice East Hertfordshire (CAEH) has also been doing its bit to assist individuals throughout the pandemic. Since the first lockdown came into force on March 23 last year, the organisation has helped more than 8,900 people with free and confidential advice on issues spanning furlough and redundancy, debt, housing, relationships, benefits and many more.

CAEH has seen a 115% increase in employment queries and says its support has generated more than £800,000 in financial benefits for the people it has helped.

Laura Hyde, chief executive of CAEH, says: “As the pandemic hit and the government responded with guidance and measures to provide financial support to those affected, it was clear that we had to support clients to access the help they needed. Legal changes came very frequently. For example, the rules of the furlough scheme and SelfEmployment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) changed almost every week in the first few months of the pandemic.

Our advisers worked incredibly hard to ensure they remained up to date with changes in real time, so that they could give clients the right advice. The speed of change and the practical problems of advising clients during lockdown measures were a unique challenge that local Citizens Advice services across the country met with skill and resilience.

“As a generalist support charity, we work closely with partners who can offer specialist support in certain areas. One project that we’re involved in is the Job Smart scheme, which was launched by Community Voluntary Services (CVS) in response to the pandemic. To date this has helped 43 clients within East Herts with CV and employability support.

“Going forward, CVS is hoping to be able to run a face-to-face service from April in Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford, Hertford, Ware and Stanstead Abbotts.

There are a series of training packages in place – including “Increase your Chances of Employment”, “Digital Skills for the Workplace” and “Volunteering” – which are currently being delivered remotely but will move to in person once restrictions are lifted.”

INSPIRE

19

CHAMBER NEWS

Meet the new Membership Team at Herts Chamber Gemma Rydqvist Head of Membership

Gemma joined the Herts Chamber team in June 2017 as Business Development and Engagement Manager. Following her recent promotion, she now leads and manages the Membership Team.

Gemma’s role is to continue the success of the team, maintaining a high retention of Herts Chamber Membership and grow our new members, streamline and strengthen the accounts department and manage internal processes to increase productivity.

Q: What are your interests and hobbies?

A: I could not live in a world without music, fast cars and I love to travel, I’ve seen many places but my top 3 places to visit are: Pearl Harbour, Northern Lights and an African Safari.

Q: What has been the most exciting activity you have done?

A: I went zip wiring in the heart of the jungle in Belize.

Would I do it again? Most definitely.

Q: What is your favourite food?

A: I love a good curry, homemade or restaurant.

It will always be my choice above anything else.

Q: Tell me something people may not know about you?

A: I can write music and enjoy playing the piano.

I love a good melody.

Amy Rich

Membership Business Support Coordinator Amy is a long-standing member of the team, having been with the Herts Chamber for nearly 8 years.

Amy has extensive knowledge about the Chamber, Hertfordshire and our members. Amy champions our relationship with existing members, ensuring they are engaged, given a great service and see value for money. Amy works with local businesses, building relationships to influence the shape of future programs and involved with Sales to drive revenue.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy going to the Gym, Reading and Baking.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I enjoy spending time with my little boy Ollie and doing Crafts and going to the Park.

Q: Favourite films?

A: My favourite film of all time is Pulp Fiction, followed by the Harry Potter Films.

Q: Have you ever met anyone famous?

A: I have met a number of famous people but my favourite was meeting the Harry Potter cast.

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Donna Schultz

Key Account Manager Donna joined the Herts Chamber in July 2019 as Business Engagement Manager.

Recently Donna was promoted to Key Account Manager She is responsible for driving sales and revenue, managing key relationships with high profile Chamber members, delivering expectations, adding value and taking ownership of a professional commercial working relationship with members.

Donna provides a quality support service to help members Connect, Collaborate and Grow.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I like to spend time with family and friends, go for walks and eat out.

Q: What is something interesting that you have done?

A: I went travelling around the world for 10 months in 2002 and did a skydive in New Zealand.

Q: What is your favourite place you’ve visited?

A: That’s easy Hawaii and Australia.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I like to run and read.

Gill McDowall

Membership Coordinator Please welcome Gill our newest member to the Herts Chamber team only joining in March 2021. Gill is working alongside Amy, helping with Account Management.

She supports the membership team with renewals and retention, ensuring our members are engaged and feel the value of membership.

Q: What is your favourite place you’ve visited?

A: I’ve been lucky to have visited lots of lovely places in the world but there are a couple that stand out.

Sri Lanka is probably the most diverse place I’ve been to and I also loved Rome for the history and culture.

Q: What is your favourite film?

A: It’s an oldie but I love Brief Encounter. Very British and at the time it was first released – 1945 – it was quite controversial.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: I’m not big on hobbies but I do play petanque (French boules) for our local pub with my husband.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I like spending spare time with friends and family, going to the theatre and concerts with my daughters and eating out. My husband and I are also members of the National Trust which lets us visit lots of places.

SCALING SCALING UP? UP? SCALING UP? TALK TALK TOTO THE THE EXPERTS EXPERTS SCALING UP? TALK TO THE EXPERTS TALK TO THE EXPERTS

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If this is where you’re at, we’re here to support you.

Scaling up is an essential part of growth for all successful businesses.

Moore Kingston Moore Kingston Smith isSmith a dynamic, is a dynamic, leading leading firm of accountants firm of accountants and business and business advisers.advise If this is where you’re at,Smith we’reishere to support you.firm of accountants and business advisers.

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HERTS WASTE - FLY TIPPING

DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE FLY TIPPING TRAP

Make sure you follow the SCRAP code, created by the Hertfordshire Fly-Tipping Group.

Often, those responsible for fly tipping are unaware of their part in the process, as the dumping happens further ‘down the line’.

By following the SCRAP code, businesses and individuals can confirm that those they employ to remove their waste will insure it is disposed of properly. The illegal dumping of waste can lead to penalties, which involve fines and even imprisonment as well as reputational damage, which are applied to the individual or business generating the waste as well as to the criminal dumping the waste. Not knowing the rules is no defence.

Fly-tipping is harmful to the environment, risks public health and animal welfare, looks unsightly and costs Hertfordshire Councils over £1m annually.

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The Hertfordshire Fly-Tipping Group (FTG) was formed in 2018 to develop a co-ordinated countywide response to the menace that is fly tipping. The FTG aims to achieve this by: • Improving enforcement operations against those involved in fly tipping; • Achieving behavioural change by those generating and disposing of waste in favour of lawful and safe disposal Separate to this, the group is also heavily involved in leading lobbying work that seeks to update laws relating to fly tipping so that prosecutions are easier to achieve, and those involved in fly tipping are further hampered in undertaking this illegal activity.

The Hertfordshire FTG consists of Hertfordshire’s Councils together with Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the National Farmers Union and the Environment Agency each bringing different perspectives which the FTG reflects in its work programme.

HERTS WASTE - FLY TIPPING

Let’s SCRAP fly-tipping

The local impact of the FTG campaign

FTG’s core messaging is embodied in its webpage slogan: Let’s SCRAP fly tipping encapsulating the basic checks that every individual or business should do in managing the disposal of their waste:

Following the launch in 2018, by end the of the 2019/20 financial year the number of reported fly tipping incidents fell to its lowest annual total since 2012 with 11,208 incidents recorded between April 2019 and March 2020. This represents a reduction of 11.7% on the previous financial year and a reduction of 26.4% since the highs of 2016/17.

The biggest issue in fly-tipping Fly tippers, ranging from the ‘man-in-a-van’ to organised criminals only exist because individuals and businesses do not follow the SCRAP code. If everyone followed it, we would have less fly tipping to deal with and more money to spend on other vital public services.

And of course, perpetrators who do get away with it merely ensure that the pollution, health hazard and eyesore of dumped waste is borne by the wider community.

The success the FTG was recognised nationally, when in 2018, it won the ADEPT Presidential Award for Improving the Environment & Public Health and the Keep Britain Tidy award for Best Partnership.

And further afield than Hertfordshire The FTG is committed to freely sharing its learnings with others.

By early 2021, 102 local authorities had joined the campaign using resources created by the FTG, offering a joined-up approach to fly tipping across the UK.

The impact of Lockdown Unfortunately, since April 2020 we have been tracking a very significant rise in the amount of fly tipping. Provisional numbers up to and including December show an overall increase of 54% which is disappointing. FTG representatives are working with officers from the worst affected areas to refresh the campaign locally.

Sharing the SCRAP code with residents and businesses The FTG promotes the SCRAP code through its popular Let’s SCRAP fly tipping website at https://www.hertfordshire.go.uk/flytipping, through social media postings, often via direct engagement by local councils and via council magazines covering every household in the county.

Business information has recently been updated including a link to http://www.rightwasterightplace.com/#intro, a campaign to assist SMEs to stay on the right side of the waste management regulations.

How the wider campaign targets different behaviours The FTG understands that fly tipping means different things to different people. Content and policy has been developed in response to a range of activities, which all constitute fly tipping, including things like: • Leaving bagged household waste next to street litter bins • Leaving reusable household items outside closed charity shops • Large scale commercial fly tips on farmland near main roads, known to be perpetrated by criminal waste gangs.

Next steps for the FTG Besides its local campaigns the FTG is looking to build parliamentary and governmental support for legislative changes to make it easier to prosecute fly tippers and more costly for criminals. This work, which has involved three parliamentary committees, is ongoing.

www.wasteaware.org.uk

INSPIRE

23

CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Webinars The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce have organised a series of Webinar Events in these challenging times in order to continue supporting our members and non-members, and to provide vital information that businesses may need.

With our members and benefit partners we have designed the programme to cover a variety of topics:

Workspaces

of the Future

Date: 05/05/21

Time: 11:00 – 12:00

Join us with JPA Workspaces and Rothamsted Enterprises on 5th May for a webinar on flexible workspace solutions and a fantastic example of sustainability at work.

This is a great opportunity to re-think the way your organisation works, creating flexible spaces which unite technology and furniture to create more fluid and engaging places to work – wherever they may be.

Fiona Edwards, Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces will be discussing key themes – Safety, Practicality and Comfort and also taking a closer look at

Price: FREE

hub, spoke, home models and their advantages.

In addition, Nicole Sadd, CEO, Rothamsted Enterprises will reveal the refurbishment of the historic Russell Building at their property in Harpenden; an excellent example of regionalisation and hybrid working, collaborative working, sustainable furnishing and local partnerships.

Attend this event to:

• See how Rothamsted are using the space and furniture to promote a collaborative and healthy working environment • Hear how office trend enquiries / working patterns are taking shape and the impact on staff productivity – what was learnt in the pandemic?

• Discover new, flexible solutions for workspaces to take back to the office F Nicole Sadd CEO, Rothamsted Enterprises

F Fiona Edwards Head of Sustainability, JPA Workspaces

#KeeptheHeartinHerts

Meet the Neighbours

Virtual Networking Opportunity Date: 12/05/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: Member FREE Non-Members £15.00 +VAT

Join us with Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday 12th May from 11:00-12:00 and enjoy the powers of networking, providing the chance to meet with a variety of different business people in an informal atmosphere, to listen and share experiences whilst working remotely.

We have joined forces with our neighbouring Chamber, to provide the chance to connect outside of Hertfordshire, and build some excellent business connections.

Each participant will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business.

N.B. Any non-member attending this meeting who subsequently signs up for Chamber membership within one week (i.e. by 19/05/2021) will receive a full refund of the cost of attending this webinar.

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INSPIRE

CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Launch Once again, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce the launch of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, taking place virtually on Tuesday 11th May 2021, from 11:00-12:00 noon.

Date: 11/05/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE The Chamber is hosting the launch of these Awards to promote their importance and encourage businesses within Hertfordshire to submit entries.

We are delighted to bring you this event in partnership with the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are highly prestigious awards, given in recognition of outstanding achievement by UK businesses, across the following four categories: • Innovation • International Trade • Sustainable Development • Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility

Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the LEP Network, will discuss the role played by the Hertfordshire LEP in support of county-wide businesses.

We are also pleased to announce that HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ will be joining us to emphasize the significance of these awards and Chloe Palser, Digital and Social Media Manager, The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Office, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), will outline how to enter these awards.

In addition, we will hear from a number of Hertfordshire-based past winners of Queen’s Awards and learn about the benefits that winning one of these important awards has brought to their organisation, including: • Juney Mistiki, Managing Director, Bamboo Distribution • Rowena Murray, VP Connect, Buddi • Kate Shaw, Founder and CEO, Innovative Trials

F Mark Bretton

Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the LEP Network

F HM Lord-Lieutenant of

Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ

I am delighted for, and proud of, the 9 winners of this prestigious award evidencing Hertfordshire once again as one of the most successful counties in the United Kingdom for business and demonstrates the strength and diversity of the great companies in the county. This truly shows that Hertfordshire is The County of Opportunity and Entrepreneurship.

HM Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE, CStJ INSPIRE

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CHAMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Webinars Trade Safely, Trade Confidently Step 3 of the Roadmap to Recovery

Date: 13/05/21 Time: 15:00 – 16:00 Price: FREE

Herts Chamber have partnered with Better Business for All (BBfA) to offer this webinar to any Hertfordshire business that is planning to re-open soon, to help you keep your staff and customers safe.

This webinar is for Hertfordshire businesses who are planning to re-open or have recently re-opened. It will focus on what you need to know regarding step three of the government’s roadmap to recovery.

Hear from our expert Environmental Health, Fire Safety and Licensing Officers on the following topics: • Risk Assessments and controls (include Hierarchy of controls) • Re-opening indoor space • Events and outdoor space • Adapting your products, services or processes • Managing your business to stay open (avoid/reduce impact of outbreaks)

• Support for workplace cases/outbreaks • Fire safety • Support from Hertfordshire local councils and the BBfA trading safely toolkit This webinar will include a Q&A session with an expert panel to answer questions you may have on preparing to re-open, assessing COVID-19 as a risk, health and safety, fire safety, licensed premises and business support in the county.

#CovidConfidentBusiness

Staff Safety and Wellbeing Date: 20/05/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE Herts Chamber have partnered with Better Business for All and Hertfordshire County Council to offer this webinar to help Hertfordshire businesses keep their staff safe and confident in the workplace.

Hear from Richard Gvero and Miranda Mulligan from Longmores Solicitors on employment law considerations for

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staff returning to the workplace and keeping your business Covid Safe.

This will include how to manage staff concerns on issues such as safety in the workplace, including testing and the Covid vaccination, and flexible working.

Hertfordshire Growth Hub will also provide an overview of their well-being and resilience project for businesses and explain how they can work with employers to support their employees at this time.

This webinar will include a Q&A session with an expert panel to answer any questions you may have on employment law in relation to Covid19, employee

F Richard Gvero

F Miranda Mulligan

mental health and well-being support and any other issues you would like advice on to help you re-open and trade safely.

CHAMBER EVENTS

For more information on any event:

01707 502180

bookings@hertschamber.com or www.hertschamber.com

EU Transition: Question Time Date: 25/05/21 Time: 11:00 – 12:00 Price: FREE

This is the last event in a series which Herts Chamber, in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, are offering – providing an overview of many critical aspects of the EU Transition agreement.

These events have been designed to assist Hertfordshire-based businesses through this period of change.

The new trading agreement has had implications for all businesses, whether they import or export goods & services.

At this webinar we will hear an overview of the current status and comments on possible future

developments, provided by Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation, British Chambers of Commerce, followed by a panel session, offering the opportunity to question a number of experts on the following topics: • Data Protection (GDPR) • Immigration • Importing/exporting of goods and services through the border • Supply Chains • VAT implications for companies

Panellists • Chair: John Woodruffe, Business Support Manager, Herts Chamber of Commerce • Vicki Burch, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Regulatory Services, Hertfordshire County Council • Penny Bygrave, Senior Associate - Data Protection, Veale Wasbrough Vizards • Judith Hockin, Associate - Immigration, Veale Wasbrough Vizards • Geraint Lewis, VAT Director, Moore Kingston Smith • Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation, British Chambers of Commerce • Dr Brian Stammers, Lead EU Transition Adviser, Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Delegates are invited to ask their questions in advance for this event. Please submit your questions by emailing bookings@hertschamber.com. To register your place for this event please visit the Hertfordshire Growth Hub website.

Commercial Property in Uncertain Times

Finding Flexibility in Leases Date: 29/06/21

Time: 11:00 – 12:15 Price: FREE Coronavirus has left both landlords and tenants in a predicament. While landlords seek to recover rent, and keep occupancy rates high, tenants face financial difficulties and may be re-evaluating their need for or use of commercial space.

These commercial decisions are difficult to make while we are still in a period of turbulence. Some sectors are thriving and looking to take on more commercial space.

• John Wagstaffe, Partner and Head of Property Litigation, will outline the current Government restrictions in

place to protect tenants from forfeiture and the Commercial Rent Arrears (CRAR) scheme • Helen Bunting, Associate Solicitor specialising in Commercial Property, will discuss where you can find flexibility in existing leases before a tenant makes the decision to reduce or end occupation. This will include an overview of Covid clauses, rent concessions and alternative rent structures that may be available. She will also cover the legal considerations when making alterations to facilitate distanced working practices and how to change the use of commercial premises.

• Agata Marosz, Solicitor specialising in Commercial Property at Longmores, will provide a review of the methods available to terminate or transfer leases.

After the presentation, there will be a Q&A when delegates are invited to ask their questions, however big or small.

You can also submit a question in advance when booking your place by emailing bookings@hertschamber.com.

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INSPIRING HERTFORDSHIRE AWARDS

Meet the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards Sponsors and Judges 2020/2021 Inspiring Business of Year

Headline Sponsors: Hillier Hopkins and SA Law Judges:

Elizabeth Wickes Neil Cundale Keely Rushmore Vincent Billings

Community Champion

Family Business of the Year

Judges:

Judges:

Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year

Hertfordshire Heroes Award 2020 – NEW!

Sponsor: Ocado Group

Julie Goodyear and Eloise Hopes

Sponsor: Intuity Communications

Outstanding Contribution to Business Sponsor: Tate Recruitment

Business of the Year East Herts Sponsor: Longmores Solicitors Judges:

Richard Gvero and Daniel Burns

Business of the Year North Herts Sponsor: Stevenage Borough Council Judge:

Judge:

Martin Green

Education in Employment

Sponsor: University of Hertfordshire Law School Judges:

Penny Carey and Diana Kirsch

Entrepreneur of the Year

Sponsor: Rothamsted Enterprises Judges:

Mena Caldbeck

Nicole Sadd and Claire Flawn

Business of the Year South Herts

Excellence in Customer Commitment

Sponsor: Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Judges:

Lisa Devayya and Councillor Bernard Sarson

Business of the Year West Herts Sponsor: Porsche Centre Hatfield Judge:

Charlene Nayler

Business of the Year Small to Medium Sponsor: Chasebridge Wealth Management Judges:

Gordon Craft and Maxine Taylor

Business of the Year Medium to Large Sponsor: Croft Communications

Sponsor: Austin’s Family Funeral Directors Judges:

Claire Austin and Peter Hope

Excellence in People Development Sponsor: Spaces Judges:

Robyn Dawson and Lorraine Kokas

Export Business of the Year

Helen Galloway

Best use of Technology Sponsor: IT Builder Judges:

James Naylor and Claudia Marcellis

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Peter Smits and Sarah Smits

Sponsor: EasyBuild – an Access Group Company

Judge:

Carol Massay

Most Promising New Business Sponsor: Barclays Judges:

Ian Taylor and Andy Webb

Property and Construction Project of the Year Sponsor: Dobsons

Judges: Helen Dobson and Matthew Rolandson

The Green Award

Sponsor: Ambition Broxbourne Judges:

Councillor David Holliday and Melanie Miller

Workplace Wellbeing Award Sponsor: VolkerWessels UK Judges:

Adrian Shah-Cundy and June Howard

Sponsor: Chapman Ventilation

Year of Culture Award

Judges:

Judge:

Paul Hill and Anthony Chapman

External Judges:

Sponsor: Signature Senior Lifestyle

Victoria Forsythe

• Gareth Dace, Hertfordshire LEP • Richard Davidson, • Liza Armstrong, Willmott Dixon Hertfordshire Growth Hub • Terry Douris, Herts County Council • Rafi Bejerano, Sopwell House • Christopher Bowden-Hawkins, • Ruth Dutton, Chirp Communications Calligo • Phil Fiddaman, • Christopher Brown, University of Hertfordshire University of Hertfordshire • Lucy Gravatt, • Mustaq Chandia, Calligo Hertfordshire LEP • Denise Austin, Pearldrop

Judge:

Sponsor: Ashbourne Insurance

• Simon Mercer, Pearldrop • Graham Mills, Herts & Beds Constructing Excellence • Vincenzo Pamparou, DIT • Laura Pearce, Strand PR • Jeremy Silverstone, Purple Marketing • Frankie Taylor, University of Hertfordshire • David Timmis, Aubrey Park

The Hertfordshire Chamber

Wellbeing Conference

14.10.2021

Rothamsted Conference Centre, Harpenden Herts Chamber are very excited to be holding our first Wellbeing Conference and Exhibition, on Thursday 14th October, with our Headline Sponsor Hertfordshire County Council.

We are delighted to have Director of Public Health, Professor Jim McManus, giving the keynote presentation at this Conference.

The Conference and Exhibition will provide you with exciting new ideas and the information necessary to create positive change in physical and mental wellbeing.

The programme includes: Keynote presentations Breakout sessions A Panel discussion An Exhibition including companies focussed on the supply of wellbeingrelated products and services Significant opportunities to network For the opportunity to host an exhibition stand or Breakout Session at this event, please contact the Events Team at: bookings@hertschamber.com or call 01707 502180

Exhibitor Stands The exhibitor package includes: One free place at the event (Equivalent to £125 + VAT) Your logo and short description featured on the conference programme The opportunity to display your own collateral and banner at the event Inclusion in the social media and marketing campaign regarding the event Your details and company logo included in an edition of Inspire magazine

Cost per stand: £299.00 + VAT

Breakout Session Sponsorship The Sponsorship package includes: Two free places at the event (Equivalent to £250 + VAT) The opportunity to deliver a 50 minute breakout session (topic to be agreed with HCoC) Your session featured on the event webpage Your session featured in an edition of Inspire Magazine The opportunity to have an Exhibition Stand and display your own collateral and banner at the event Inclusion in the social media campaign and marketing regarding the event Inclusion in the event programme – logo and company profile

Breakout Session Cost: £1,500.00 + VAT

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Anniversary marks

period of great change Just over two years ago, Briege Leahy stepped into her current role as the CEO of Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Little did she know then that she’d be helping the local business community get through the worst crisis since World War II. “When COVID-19 first hit our shores, I did my best to ensure that the Chamber remained visible to local businesses,” she says. “At the beginning I was working 24/7 to offer businesses practical support, such as information on how to apply for government grants. There was a lot of confusion because things were evolving so rapidly.

“Other businesses just wanted some reassurance. I had some people crying down the phone because they were so worried that they were going to lose their livelihoods – businesses that they had built up over several years of hard work. The scary thing for all of us was the unknown. Nobody knew how long this was going to last.”

The vaccine programme offers a clear route out of the pandemic, with more than half of the UK adult population having received at least one dose.

Now Briege is helping businesses prepare to reopen again or refocus their original offering so they can prosper in a post-COVID world.

“A lot of businesses are having to adapt quickly to new trends,” she says.

“Retailers, for example, want to make sure that their e-commerce offering is as slick as possible to cater for increased demand for online shopping.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW

We’re talking to a lot of companies about the importance of mental health and supporting staff who are working remotely. Productivity has probably increased in the pandemic as technology allows people to work longer hours.

The trade-off is that people are feeling burnt out, with many citing Zoom fatigue and greater pressure to be present online. They feel they’re constantly on a treadmill and that’s not sustainable; it will inevitably lead to a dip in productivity in the medium to long term.

Other companies need support to adjust their IT provision so that it’s better equipped to allow their staff to work from home.”

The Chamber, too, continues to adapt its support, hosting online events for businesses, recognising their achievements in the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards and vigorously promoting Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire – a campaign that encourages people and businesses to “buy local”, network with each other and promote job opportunities and apprenticeships in the area.

Other forms of Chamber support are more subtle.

Briege says: “We’re talking to a lot of companies about the importance of mental health and supporting staff who are working remotely.

Productivity has probably increased in the pandemic as technology allows people to work longer hours.

The trade-off is that people are feeling burnt out, with many citing Zoom fatigue and greater pressure to be present online. They feel they’re constantly on a treadmill and that’s not sustainable; it will inevitably lead to a dip in productivity in the medium to long term.”

In the short term, the priority is to get all businesses open and trading again by the summer. Looking further afield, Briege is optimistic that Hertfordshire’s diverse array of businesses can collectively kick-start an economic revival.

“We have traditional strengths in life sciences, construction, property and the digital and creative industries,” she says. “These sectors will underpin our economic recovery.

Our retail and hospitality sectors have been hit hard but demand for their products and services is still there. If anything, this demand will have increased markedly during the pandemic; I know dozens of people who can’t wait to get back to the shops or meet friends for drinks and a meal once restrictions have been eased.

“I’m under no illusions that we still have a few difficult months to come.

Government support measures have generally been very good but some companies may have to make staff cut-backs once the furlough scheme is wound down. Then there’ll be the challenge of getting them back into work. There’s also a need to create job opportunities for

our young, talented graduates, and to work with education providers to ensure companies have access to the skills they need, both now and in the future.

“Many companies are embracing the digital revolution, using technology to improve their operations or expand into new markets. This will be vital to our fortunes as we look to finally put this difficult period behind us.

“Here at the Chamber, we will do our utmost to be there for all types of businesses, regardless of whether they’re members or not. Since I started here two years ago, I’ve been determined to promote our services more widely and adapt our support to meet the changing needs of our businesses.

I just didn’t think that things would change so quickly! If the first year was busy, the second year brought change on an unprecedented scale.

Hopefully years three and four will be a bit quieter but nonetheless we’ll be here to guide, support and encourage businesses whatever the economic circumstances.”

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ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION

Entrepreneurial excellence An initiative launched by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in the county is rapidly gaining pace.

Launched in 2020, the Entrepreneur Foundation provided training, advice and mentoring to more than 30 talented individuals last year, and more will be supported in 2021.

The idea behind the foundation is to connect budding entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who’ve been there and done it – successful individuals who’ve overcome adversity, adapted to new challenges and found innovative ways to sustain and grow their ventures.

That’s why the Chamber teamed up with several Founders to launch the initiative.

These people are business owners and influential decision-makers with philanthropic desires to give back to the local economy by passing on their wealth of knowledge and experience.

One of the Founders is Len Simmons, who’s latest venture is Highway Cycles in Hertford. A specialist provider of all things bike. Len is a highly suitable mentor for any budding entrepreneur, having built up a strong track record of creating successful businesses by leading, motivating and managing talented teams of employees.

“Once you get the business fundamentals right, the sales and profits will follow. We’ve traded profitably throughout the pandemic and, such is the demand for our products, we’ve currently got orders in for around 2,500 bikes.

We’re even placing orders now for 2023!”

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He’s also highly adept at spotting a gap in the market. In 2019 he invested a small amount of money in Highway Cycles and immediately identified a few flaws that were stopping the business from reaching its full potential. He bought it outright last year and set about implementing a strategy that has led to a dramatic rise in sales and improvements in operational efficiency.

Len also identified a need to invest in training to help employees become more knowledgeable about the bikes they were selling, He says: “Once you get the business fundamentals right, the sales and profits will follow. We’ve traded profitably throughout the pandemic and, such is the demand for our products, we’ve currently got orders in for around 2,500 bikes.

We’re even placing orders now for 2023!

Len Simmons

“I’ve run six or seven businesses from scratch and built them up to be successful. That’s why, when the Chamber got in touch about the Entrepreneur Foundation, I was only too happy to help. It’s vital that we develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and it makes sense to put them in front of people who’ve been successful and made mistakes along the way.

“The foundation is a fantastic concept.

A lot of business owner-managers who are just starting out don’t have a grasp of the basics. For example, they don’t know how much margin they’re making on the products they’re selling. If they can get to grips with these fundamentals, they can pass that knowledge on to other members of the team to improve their business acumen.”

ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION

“We were approached by the Chamber to get involved at an early stage and were happy to do so.

In our day jobs we promote young businesses and help them to build their brands, so we thought we could add value to this project.”

The foundation has also built a network of Supporters, one of which is Andrew Bennett, who runs Cuffley-based creative agency Barley. The company works with organisations of all shapes and sizes, delivering a wide range of marketing solutions across multiple print and digital platforms.

Andrew says: “We were approached by the Chamber to get involved at an early stage and were happy to do so. In our day jobs we promote young businesses and help them to build their brands, so we thought we could add value to this project.

“We’ve already delivered four online sessions on various aspects of marketing and branding, including website design and development, search engine optimisation (SEO) and the power of social media. We’ve managed to pass

Andrew Bennett & Marketing Manager Nick Fox

on a few tips to budding entrepreneurs, such as the importance of understanding your audience and the value of selling the benefits of a product or service rather than just the main features of it.

“The other thing I try to impress upon entrepreneurs is the need to consider the full armoury of marketing tools at their disposal. Many people just focus on digital communications and forget that print still has a role to play. Think how many people have a pizza menu in the kitchen drawer, for example. They don’t throw it away even though they know they can order online.”

Andrew speaks with 35 years’ experience in the industry behind him. He launched Barley with a landline phone and fax machine and has adapted the business to changing customer trends, which

For more information visit https://www.hertschamber.com/entrepreneur-foundation https://www.highwaycycles.co.uk https://www.barley.agency

have altered dramatically in the digital revolution.

“Nowadays a lot of companies push their brands onto social media but don’t get much engagement,” he says. “It’s so important that they find ways of making potential customers engage with their posts.

“Speaking of engagement, Hertfordshire Chamber is great at communicating with and developing local businesses.

The Entrepreneur Foundation is a fantastic example of this.”

“The other thing I try to impress upon entrepreneurs is the need to consider the full armoury of marketing tools at their disposal.

Many people just focus on digital communications and forget that print still has a role to play.”

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What are your post lockdown return to work plans?

• Think about your supply chain, are there any hidden suppliers and what impact does their inactivity have on your business • Most importantly think about the health and well-being of all stakeholders; your customers, suppliers and staff Ashbourne are celebrating their 40th year in business in 2021 and take the health and wellbeing of their team members as a top priority. Here they share a selection of their own guidelines for coming to work, leaving work and managing Covid 19 risk in the workplace.

1. Arrival and departure to the office

• Stagger arrival and leaving times • Storage for clothes and bags; limited to unique workspace • Individual hand sanitizer for each workspace As businesses prepare to return to the workplace, Herts Chamber Patron Ashbourne Insurance highlight some important items for business owners to consider to help avoid potential claims upon returning to work, post lockdown.

• Start with your existing risk assessments and update them accordingly • Think about items removed or misplaced during lockdown and give some thought to machinery start-up where lain dormant for an extended period of time • Check on the structure and integrity of the premises before you return to work • Don’t assume statutory controls are to be relaxed and does the changing environment affect the integrity or security of staff and the premises?

2. Maintain social distancing wherever possible while people travel through the workplace.

• Reducing movement by discouraging non-essential trips within buildings and sites • Discouraging visitors to the office unless necessary and deemed safe 3. Individuals at their workstations.

• Review layouts and processes to allow people to work further apart from each other • Using floor tape or paint to mark areas to help workers keep to a 2m distance • Using screen to separate counter visitors and staff from each other • Avoiding use of hot desks and ensure regular cleaning and sanitising workstations including shared equipment

4. Reduce transmission due to face-to-face meetings and maintain social distancing in meetings.

• Using remote working tools/ technology to avoid in-person meetings • Only necessary participants should attend meetings and should maintain 2m separation throughout • Avoiding sharing pens and other objects • Providing hand sanitiser in meeting rooms 5. Maintain social distancing while using common areas.

• Staggering break times to reduce pressure on break rooms or canteens • Using safe outside areas for breaks.

• Installing screens to protect staff in receptions or similar areas • Encouraging staff to bring their own food • Regulating use of shared facilities to reduce concurrent usage • Encouraging storage of personal items at your workstation 6. Minimise the number of unnecessary visits to offices.

• Encouraging visits via remote connection/working • Where site visits are required, site guidance on social distancing and hygiene should be before arrival • Limiting the number of visitors at any one time • Determining if schedules for essential services and contractor visits can be revised to reduce interaction, for example, carrying out services at night • Maintaining a record of all visitors

Celebrating 40 years of supporting the local community Talk to a person, not a computer – we make sure we find you the right insurance every time

50 Amwell Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8UA 01992 471001 • www.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk

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7. Keeping the workplace clean

• Frequent cleaning of: work areas, equipment, door handles and keyboards, and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements • Clearing workspaces and removing waste and belongings from the work area at the end of a shift • Limiting or restricting use of high-touch items and equipment, for example, printers or whiteboards 8. Help everyone keep good hygiene through the working day.

• Using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique • Reminders and signage to maintain personal hygiene standards • Providing hand sanitiser in multiple locations in addition to washrooms • Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept clean and social distancing is achieved • Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection • Provide paper towels as an alternative to hand dryers And remember the government guidelines of: Hands, Face & Space.

Always take a common-sense approach and do ask your insurance provider for risk management tools to help you. Finally, think people, premises, activities, IT, machinery and supply chain.

More information can be found on www.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk or call 01992 471001 for help and advice.

New High Sheriff of Hertfordshire

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER

to promote youth empowerment

An Aeronautical Engineer has been royally appointed to be this year’s High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

L

ionel Wallace DL has been appointed as Hertfordshire’s new High Sheriff at a declaration ceremony held at St Albans Cathedral on 5 April. He succeeds Henry Holland-Hibbert in the ceremonial role.

The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment made by the Queen.

While the role dates back to Saxon times, it has evolved to include a mix of ceremonial, charitable and community functions and is voluntary and unfunded.

Lionel was born and brought up in Hertfordshire and he has been a Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire for over 12 years. He plans to use his year in office to highlight and encourage opportunities for young people to advance, be confident, committed and community minded.

Lionel said, “One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the freedom to explore opportunities and be involved in community and leadership activities from an early age. I did not appreciate its value fully at the time, but I do now.

It is for this reason I am convinced that strong and consistent investment in developing the leadership and civic responsibility attributes of young people will transform both their lives and our entire society’s cohesion.”

High Sheriffs are responsible for supporting visits to their counties by members of the Royal Family and High Court judges. They also encourage engagement with crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector.

At his declaration ceremony the new High Sheriff launched his Youth in Herts Programme which has 3 core pillars: The Young Leaders Award, ‘Be Your Own Boss – Hertfordshire’ project and 30’ Under 30 project: • The Young Leaders Award is a school-based programme empowering young people to practice key leadership skills and character virtues, involving them in transforming communities through social action.

• ‘Be Your Own Boss’ project aims to increase employment opportunities for young people by supporting budding young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

• 30’ Under 30 will seek to promote, attract and support the appointment of more young magistrates to the bench by the Local Advisory Committee.

The High Sheriff also introduced his themes for the High Sheriff Awards, which complement the work of the High Sheriff. These are: 1. Empowering Young People to become today’s leaders 2. Supporting Young People to serve in unique or new areas of community life.

3. Promoting Youth engagement in the Magistracy The awards will seek to recognise Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities supporting these activities.

Nominations are to be submitted on the 12th August 2021 (International Youth Day) online or in person at the High Sheriff’s Youth in Herts Fun Day taking place at the St. Albans Cathedral.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an awards ceremony in March next year.

I am convinced that strong and consistent investment in developing the leadership and civic responsibility attributes of young people will transform both their lives and our entire society’s cohesion.

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How can testing in Hertfordshire help your business reopen and trade safely?

PUBLIC HEALTH

One of the most challenging things about coronavirus is the uncertainty, not knowing who has the infection or when it’s safe to return to normal life. Good quality testing can help provide us with certainty. It’s a big part of how we’re going to defeat this disease - and workplaces play an instrumental role in the fight.

The government’s goal is that anyone who needs a test should have one.

A range of testing schemes are currently being rolled out in Hertfordshire, from workplace testing to community collection of home-testing kits, and we really need employers to support the programme in a way that works for them to ensure that it is a success.

For more information about testing in Hertfordshire, visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest Hertfordshire County Council Public Health and Better Business for All are hosting a series of webinars, in conjunction with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, aimed at helping Hertfordshire businesses to reopen with peace of mind and with the knowledge to operate safely:

• Trade Safely, Trade Confidently: Preparing your Business for reopening - Step 3

13 May 2021, 15:00-16:00

• Staff Safety and Wellbeing

20 May 2021, 11:00-12:00

Previous events are available to watch on the Chamber website. https://www.hertschamber.com/past-events-presentations If you decided not to run a workplace-based testing scheme in your business, but still want to make sure you are operating as safely as possible as things start to reopen, you can register to give out home-testing kits to your employees instead.

If you have 10 or more employees, now you can order testing kits for your employees to collect from their workplace and use at home twice a week.

How can Hertfordshire councils help businesses reopen and trade safely?

Hertfordshire’s Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership has created a suite of resources to support businesses to reopen and trade safely during the pandemic. The toolkit of guides, checklists and templates is updated regularly in line with government guidance.

Some of the topics covered include:

https://www.hertfordshirelep. com/what-we-do/priorities/ business-support/betterbusiness-for-all/covid-19advice-and-support/

• Diversifying products or services

The BBfA partnership, which includes the county’s 10 local councils and the County Council, strives to simplify the delivery of business regulation. The toolkit was produced in response to feedback from Hertfordshire businesses requesting clearer guidance and resources on how to become COVID-secure and further clarity on complex subjects such as PPE and the new coronavirus regulations.

• Buying and providing hand sanitiser for your staff and customers

• FAQs on reopening safely • FAQs on risk assessments • Checklists for reopening and trading safely • Guidance on use of outdoor space

• Trading online for the first time

• PPE and face-coverings • Cancellations and returns Prior to reopening, you must conduct a risk assessment specific to your business and complete the ‘COVID-secure’ checklist. If you have five or more employees, you must also ensure it is recorded.

Register to order free rapid lateral flow coronavirus tests for your employees (www.gov.uk) Your employees can still book a free rapid test at one of our countywide rapid test centres if they prefer: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/rapidtest

For more advice, businesses can contact their local council regulatory teams: • Your local Environmental Health Service: contact details are available via your district/borough council website and • Hertfordshire Trading Standards: Business Advice Line on 01707 281401 - open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, or email trading.standards@hertfordshire.gov.uk INSPIRE

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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

Tourism fights back The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the business community hard but the tourism sector has suffered more than most. Multiple lockdowns have forced the temporary closure of many of Hertfordshire’s star venues and attractions, and even when they were able to reopen again last summer, strict social distancing measures meant that trade wasn’t as buoyant as usual.

N

ow, though, the tourism sector is fighting back. The successful COVID vaccination programme has given everybody hope that the pandemic will come to an end soon, and tourism firms are preparing to open their doors again in a phased way in line with the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

That said, they face several challenges as they begin to welcome customers back.

Social distancing measures are likely to remain in place for some time, and the big question is whether people will be confident enough to return to busy venues – especially those who haven’t yet received their vaccine.

Here we profile some of Hertfordshire’s tourism businesses and ask them about the challenges ahead and their hopes for a brighter future…

Paradise Wildlife Park (PWP) It has been a challenging year for Paradise Wildlife Park (PWP). In spring last year, with the pandemic spreading through the UK like wildfire, the park was forced to close its doors and although it reopened in the summer, a further surge in COVID cases in the autumn brought two subsequent lockdowns.

Now, however, brighter skies are emerging on the horizon. PWP was able to reopen on April 12 and its management team is planning for a much busier summer.

Anna Tank, public relations manager at PWP, says: “We were actually a little disappointed with the government’s roadmap out of lockdown because we wanted to be open for Easter. That wasn’t possible, but we’re looking forward to opening our new Jaguar Jungle in May. This will be three times the size of the original jungle and will have a new

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show house, upstairs viewing areas, and a new pool with underwater viewing – bringing visitors closer to our jaguars than ever before.

“Later in the summer we’ll be opening our ground-breaking sun bear habitat, which will see sun bears, binturong and Asian shortclawed otters in a Malaysian mixed exhibit, which will be the first of its kind in the UK.” Not that it has been an easy ride to get here.

Some of the staff who work at the park are just returning from furlough, while social distancing measures are still likely to be needed once the park reopens to protect the animals and visitors.

However, there’s little doubt that PWP is one of Hertfordshire’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Set in the picturesque Broxbourne Woods, it’s home to more than 1,000 amazing animals, some of which are endangered and are part of international breeding programmes. Along with a varied collection of animals – including lions, jaguars, otters, reptiles, red pandas, meerkats, camels and penguins – the park has one of the best animatronic dinosaur exhibits in the UK, with the remarkable World of Dinosaurs home to more than 30 life-sized moving, roaring, breathing Jurassic creatures.

All of this attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year – and this directly benefits businesses that operate in the vicinity.

Anna says: “If you have good footfall in the area, people will spend money on food at local restaurants or perhaps have an overnight stay in one of Hertfordshire’s luxury hotels.

“We’re targeting the business customer by offering team-bonding experiences at the park, and we also have facilities that can be hired out for business meetings and events.”

The support of the local community also gives Anna hope for a prosperous future at the park.

“During the pandemic we’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of people,” she says. “We received fruit, veg and meat for the animals, and toys to play with to keep them occupied when they couldn’t see any visitors. That kept us going and gave us much encouragement for the future.”

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

“Our business comes mainly from domestic customers, rather than people coming in from overseas. Although the UK lockdown is gradually being lifted, there’s less chance of people being allowed to go on overseas holidays this year due to concerns about bringing a new COVID variant back to the UK.”

The Grove being lifted, there’s less chance of people being allowed to go on overseas holidays this year due to concerns about bringing a new COVID variant back to the UK. This means that more people will be looking to take vacations in the UK, which potentially could result in more business for us.

“This translates to the business customer, too. Many international conferences in Europe have been postponed so rather than looking at Paris or Barcelona, companies may choose to host their conferences in the UK instead. This would be a huge positive for us.”

The Grove Like most tourism businesses, The Grove is looking forward to a full reopening of its facilities this summer.

This stunning venue certainly has a lot to offer both private individuals and business customers. Set in 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside, The Grove is the ultimate five-star retreat. Lovingly restored, the former home of the Earls of Clarendon is situated just 18 miles from London, and is home to an award-winning spa, championship golf course and mouthwatering restaurants.

As the UK opens up again, the management team at the hotel has more reason than most to be optimistic.

Bernard Murphy, group managing director of Ralph Trustees – the firm that owns The Grove – says: “Our business comes mainly from domestic customers, rather than people coming in from overseas.

Although the UK lockdown is gradually

The Grove’s business customer base is vast, ranging from local companies that want top-class facilities to host a meeting or conference, to football clubs that need a base to stay the night before a match in the capital. The Grove has also been the location for several film productions, with media firms attracted by the venue’s vast spaces and picturesque surroundings.

“Going into 2020 we were on track to have our best year ever,” he recalls.

“During the last few months a major refurbishment has taken place of all the bedrooms in the hotel and our public spaces and areas have also been refurbished. So with a new product in place, numerous additional leisure pursuits, along with two new restaurant concepts we are very excited to be opening again.”

“We have carried out a staff training programme to ensure we continue to provide a top-class service. I am confident that this summer will be much better than the last one.”

Hanbury Manor Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a Jacobean-style manor house set in 200 acres of beautiful countryside in Ware, Hertfordshire.

An ideal setting for weddings and private celebrations, the venue also has a lot to offer the discerning business customer. It has launched the Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready programme to help small to mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) efficiently book business travel across multiple destinations at trusted hotel brands with preferential rates.

The idea is to take away the hassle and risk of booking business travel, with benefits including an 8% discount on standard rates, upgraded WIFI access, room upgrades and a sign-on bonus of 2,500 points for the first paid stay (new members only).

In addition, for those business guests who have found themselves working from home for the last year, Hanbury Manor has also introduced Marriott Bonvoy’s Day Pass.

This new initiative has been developed to help with some of the daily challenges of working from home instead of an office or work environment, such as day-to-day monotony, not having a dedicated workspace

Hanbury Manor

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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

Hanbury Manor She says: “One important factor we must never forget is the power of travel. Despite what the world throws at us, the joy we all feel from exploring new destinations, experiencing new cultures or simply travelling to meet our loved ones for lunch or a round of golf will never diminish. Following the government announcement about the UK roadmap, we saw our booking activity across the UK surge, which was wonderful to see and demonstrates that people are keen to travel again.

environment, no boundary between work and personal life (especially for families), and WiFi issues.

Alison Morton, director of sales and marketing at Hanbury Manor, says: “I’m sure that when the current restrictions lift, we’ll see this option being very popular with people locally. Many people are keen for a change of scene having been stuck at home since before Christmas and longer in some cases.”

COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact on the travel and hospitality sector around the globe. With ongoing travel restrictions and the impact of government measures, it’s clear that it will take some time for business to return to pre-pandemic levels.

However, with the vaccine roll-out in full swing and infection rates falling rapidly, Alison is looking to the future with optimism.

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“As we emerge from this crisis, it’s clear that the leisure market will be the first to recover.

After almost a year of restrictions, people are itching to travel again. As restrictions lift and people’s confidence to travel returns, we anticipate that at this hotel we’ll see weekend staycation business returning quickly.

“From a business travel and conference and meetings perspective, we see the recovery coming at a slower pace. While the pandemic has sparked the rise of video calls and webinars, it can never replace the need for face-to-face contact. People crave connections and collaborate better when they’re together. Over the next few months, we anticipate that we’ll see business travel resume steadily, but we’ll also see the evolution of business travel with hybrid events, where elements of the event take place in person and others take place digitally. Our team here is prepared to adapt and embrace these changes.”

“Despite what the world throws at us, the joy we all feel from exploring new destinations, experiencing new cultures or simply travelling to meet our loved ones for lunch or a round of golf will never diminish.”

Sopwell House Sopwell House is also looking to the future with renewed optimism. Nestled within 12 acres of idyllic Hertfordshire countryside, it’s perfectly placed to host a conference, meeting or event of any size.

Rafi Bejerano, director at Sopwell House owner AB Hotels, says: “We take a very customerfocused approach, and as a family-run business it’s our ethos to treat every meeting, event, wedding and private celebration like a family gathering. Our experienced team possesses a passion to deliver warm and faultless service to every guest, with attention to detail and genuine hospitality at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re looking to host a large conference or small meeting, a teambuilding activity away day or a peaceful relaxing treat for your staff, Sopwell House can cater for your every need.”

Over the past 12 months, Rafi and his team have been working hard behind the scenes to create an environment that is safe and socially distanced, whilst maintaining the venue’s luxury offering, warm friendly service, fantastic team spirit and individual endeavour for genuine hospitality.

The team has also engaged with health and safety specialists and governing bodies along the way to ensure that the fine balance of safety and service is achieved.

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

Rafi says: “Enhanced cleaning and sanitisation of high traffic and touch points will continue to happen as it did when we came out of the first lockdown last summer, along with daily temperature checks for all clients and staff members. One positive is that this prolonged lockdown has given us the chance to look at the small things that need repairing, touching up or improving – something that would have been impossible to do had the hotel been open and operating normally.

“Going forwards, the biggest challenge will be hosting meetings and events safely.

Social events and celebrations such as weddings are already looking promising with customers wanting to make up for lost time, but I think it will take a little time for large conferences and events to return.

A lot of companies have got used to satellite meetings over the last year, and whilst many are keen to get the whole team back together under one roof to plan their own roadmaps out of COVID, there’s still some uncertainty about large groups getting together.

“As a hotel, we need to have confidence in what we do. We’ve successfully held meetings and events for many years, and whilst COVID has impacted this severely over the past 12 months, it’s now time to take advantage of all those years of experience and guide others through the latest new normal.”

Aubrey Park Hotel The optimism of the management team at Aubrey Park can be felt by simply looking at the venue’s website.

On the home page, a statement reads: “We are excited to announce we will be re-opening our doors on Monday May 17, 2021 to all of our guests for leisure breaks.

We cannot wait to see you soon!”

Sopwell House The venue’s terrace has already been open since April 17 for customers to enjoy an al-fresco dining experience over lunch or afternoon tea.

Rafael Gonzalez, managing director of Aubrey Park, says: “We’re ready to go.

Our priority has always been the safety and wellbeing of our guests, colleagues and their families and we continue to strive to offer anybody who stays with us a safe place that feels like home during these difficult times.

“We have several exciting promotions for corporate customers throughout the year.

For example, you can book your meeting or conference on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday and one in every ten delegates

get in for free. Whether you’re in need of a larger conference space, boardroom or a venue for your next teambuilding day, we can accommodate you in one of our nine flexible meeting spaces. We can also cater for hybrid meetings, where some people are present at our venue and others dial in remotely.”

Aubrey Park is one of Hertfordshire’s hidden havens. Sitting peacefully between the historic city of St Albans and the old town of Hemel Hempstead, this exclusive venue combines style and elegance with a commitment to providing top-notch customer service.

Rafael joined the venue two years ago and after a good start, the last twelve months have been tough for obvious reasons.

“The biggest challenge was the stop-go nature of the last year,” he says. “We were open, then closed, the open and closed again. It has hardly helped us as we try to build momentum. I’m confident that the worst is behind us now, though, and let’s hope and pray that this lockdown will be the last.”

“We’re ready to go.

Our priority has always been the safety and wellbeing of ourguests, colleagues and their families and we continue to strive to offer anybody who stays with us a safe place that feels like home during these difficult times.”

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HERTFORDSHIRE GROWTH HUB

Helping your business bounce back

“Meeting Chris was an absolute delight. He had experience in my sector and understood exactly what I was going through.”

Toyin Opebiyi, Owner, Tees Bakery

The Volunteer Business Support Scheme (VBSS) is a free and confidential 1-2-1 mentoring programme for micro, small and medium sized businesses in Hertfordshire. The scheme is delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered

by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, and was launched in June 2020 as part of Hertfordshire LEP’s £3.28m COVID-19 business support package.

Since then, our network of mentors has supported more than 190 businesses, providing over 600 hours of 1-2-1 support. The scheme has been extended until November 2021 to help even more businesses.

If you’re struggling during this uncertain time or would simply benefit from having a critical friend, mentor and coach to talk to and explore new ideas with, our 1-2-1 sessions would be an ideal starting point.

Toyin Opebiyi, owner of luxury cake company Tees Bakery, has benefitted greatly from the scheme. At the start of the pandemic, her business was hugely affected.

By joining the scheme, you’ll benefit from: • Up to 12 hours of free and confidential support from a highly experienced mentor • Being matched to a mentor that has experience within your sector or the specific situation you are facing • Signposting to support packages that are available locally, regionally and nationally • Support that’s completely flexible to your needs • Access to all the resources and support available through the Growth Hub and partners

“Meeting Chris was an absolute delight. He had experience in my sector and understood exactly what I was going through.”

“My clients began to postpone their weddings, and as things became more uncertain, the cancellations started to come through”, explained Toyin.

Money stopped coming in, and deposits had to be refunded, causing a great deal of emotional distress.

Toyin was balancing running her business with home-schooling and missed the deadline for the Government’s discretionary grant, which led to her calling Hertfordshire County Council to ask for help.

She was told about VBSS so signed up immediately.

Toyin was matched with volunteer mentor Chris Riley, a retired accountant with over 30 years of experience.

Toyin liked the structured and prepared approach Chris took to each video call. “We always finished with action points, which kept me on my toes.

Chris was giving up his time to help my business and it motivated me to keep going.”

They explored different ways to pivot the business, resulting in Toyin expanding her offer into an online cake shop and the business flourishing again.

Visit hertsgrowthhub.com and register for free to find out more.

You’ll gain immediate access to a host of benefits, including our online Marketplace where you’ll find our VBSS funded listing.

THE PEER NETWORKS PROGRAMME The national Peer Networks programme brings together SME leaders who, with the guidance of experienced facilitators, collaborate to overcome existing challenges, recognise and act on new opportunities, and find ways to improve business productivity.

The programme is delivered locally by the county’s flagship business support provider Hertfordshire Growth Hub, powered by Hertfordshire LEP, in partnership with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

Over the 2020/21 financial year, the programme has supported 110 Hertfordshire businesses, enabling them

As part of the Peer Networking programme, I had several 121 support sessions with the group’s facilitator, Noshir Desai.

It was a privilege to share my business ambitions and challenges with a pair of interested and independent ears. And the gentle wisdom reflected in the responding voice was insightful and instructive. The ‘listen, question and suggest’ approach adopted

by Noshir was welcome and refreshing, and I grew to appreciate his genuine interest in me gaining benefit from the 121 and group sessions run by the programme.

Martin Gladdish, Business Ghost The P2P sessions have been immensely valuable as I have learned from others in the group, and it has enabled me to focus on key areas within the business. The process of sharing an issue makes it smaller and the breadth of experience in the group means many different perspectives are bought to bear on the issue.

Highly recommended.

Jamie Sukroo – Lean Caffeine Ltd

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to build trusted local support networks, receive 1-2-1 tailored guidance, and access further support from Hertfordshire Growth Hub where needed. With Peer Networks set to continue in 2021/22 and the next cohort of peer groups commencing this summer, those interested in taking part are invited to register with the Growth Hub at www.hertsgrowthhub.com

A COVID-SECURE ALTERNATIVE TO THE HOME OFFICE

With more of us working from home on a regular basis, HatTech Business Centre in Hatfield offers a modern, Covidsecure alternative to the home office combined with a unique opportunity to find inspiration among like-minded professionals.

Designed to accommodate lone workers, entrepreneurs and SMEs, HatTech provides a variety of business operating possibilities from flexible or reserved workstations within our co-working suite, private office accommodation, virtual office services and meeting room facilities.

The bright, airy co-working suite is laid out to ensure social distancing can be comfortably observed, with enhanced cleaning, hand sanitiser stations throughout, and visual reminders of the safety guidelines.

Our flexible co-working membership scheme offers six different tiers, ranging from a day rate, five or ten days per month and three unlimited membership options.

The centre’s prime location provides excellent rail and road links with easy access to both London and Cambridge. The A1(M) is a five-minute drive and Hatfield train station is a two-minute walk from HatTech.

HatTech’s high quality, adaptable workspaces and our friendly, knowledgeable team mean you can be confident your business will be supported as the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines change and restrictions are lifted.

Meet and greet your clients, or just enjoy some time away from your desk in our Business Lounge – a fresh, modern space where you can eat your lunch, have a coffee from the Collaboration Bar or hold your informal meeting in a more relaxed environment.

A range of cost-effective private offices are ideal for start-ups and small businesses looking to make the next step.

Table tennis and a foosball table have been provided to encourage networking opportunities, or simply for your relaxation and pleasure. Those needing a ‘digital detox’ during their day can enjoy the tranquillity of HatTech’s Wellbeing Garden.

This purpose-designed creative business hub in Beaconsfield Road, Hatfield has been built with help from a £751k Local Growth Fund grant from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

To discuss any of our services call our team on 01707 623623 or email enquiries@hattech.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you!

For further information see www.hattech.org.uk

Spacious co-working suite Business lounge High-speed WiFi Wellbeing garden Flexible membership tiers

COVID SECURE

A MODERN, CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT. RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP.

Find inspiration alongside like-minded professionals in HatTech’s bright, modern, Covid-secure co-working suite.

Our flexible membership tiers give you the freedom to adapt as your business requirements change.

Supporting you to work safely.

CONTACT US TODAY: 01707 623 623 | enquiries@hattech.org.uk INSPIRE

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Forthe more #RememberYourReusables: incinerated. #RememberYourReusables: Remember, any small effort against the fast Remember, any small effort against fastsee wasteaware.org.uk/reusables https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2018/the-carbon-footprint-of-getting-dressed

e ! m l m r s m r r e emRm e b e e em e e l R a b R b b s b r m u a e ! m m Rem e ! s ! e s b e e r s s u e m l r e ! m e l m r l r e b r s u e e e b e b e R a r e e o l R R a b a b s m u y s s b r r u e ! o m m u a e ! e ! e s y R e e s r e s e s b b e r r l u u r e m l m l r r b ! m e m r u r e e b r b s u u a e e e o e R R a r a s e o o y bue l b s s y y m u b u u ! ! e m r a e s e s yoR em e r r s e r e l l r r u m u b ! b ! u u e e o s s a a o o y Rb s e s e r y y l l u u u b b ! ! e e o s r a s r a y s s e e r r l l u u u u b e o o au r a y y s r uyyso u e r our

emberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: www.wasteaware.org.uk/textiles fashion trends makes a positive impact ontrends the makes fashion a positive impact on the https://www.trustedclothes.com/blog/2016/02/23/fast-fashion-and-your-carbon-footprin/ ow-can-your-business-reduce-its-carbon-footprint/ www.rapidformations.co.uk/blog/how-can-your-business-reduce-its-carbon-footprint/ wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership #RememberYourReusables: wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables: environment!

For more see environment!

For more see WasteAwarePartnership asteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables rchive/2018/the-carbon-footprint-of-getting-dressed www.ecotricity.co.uk/news/news-archive/2018/the-carbon-footprint-of-getting-dressed www.wasteaware.org.uk/textileswww.wasteaware.org.uk/textiles #RememberYourReusables: Sign up to wasteaware.org.uk/reusables our monthly e-bulletin https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/updateme/ 6/02/23/fast-fashion-and-your-carbon-footprin/ www.trustedclothes.com/blog/2016/02/23/fast-fashion-and-your-carbon-footprin/ wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership #RememberYourReusables: #RememberYourReusables:

Keep in touch

HertsWasteAware asteAwarePartnershipWasteAwarePartnership wasteaware.org.uk/reusables emberYourReusables: WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/sustainablehertfordshire wasteaware.org.uk/reusables wasteaware.org.uk/reusables WasteAwarePartnership WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware emberYourReusables: HertsWasteAware ertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership ables asteaware.org.uk/reusables HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware @hertscc WasteAwarePartnership @hertscountycouncil WasteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware ables asteaware.org.uk/reusables ertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware asteAwarePartnership HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware WasteAwarePartnership 44

INSPIRE

HertsWasteAware ertsWasteAware HertsWasteAware

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INSPIRE

45

NEWS

BCC announces Shevaun Haviland as new Director General The Board of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today announced the appointment of Shevaun Haviland as the new Director General of the organisation.

Shevaun joins the BCC from the Cabinet Office where she has worked for the last five years running the Business Partnerships team and leading the Inclusive Economy Partnership which aims to build a stronger economy and fairer society through partnerships between government, businesses and civil society.

Prior to joining central government, Shevaun had an extensive private sector career and was at the forefront of digital innovation through her work as the Founding Director of the Academy of Digital Business Leaders and as a Director at Independents United.

“Our businesses will be central to driving recovery and renewal in their communities across the UK. I look forward to championing the needs of our members – at home and around the world driving change and seizing the opportunities to thrive and grow.”

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Shevaun will take over from Dr Adam Marshall who will stand down on Wednesday 31 March after five years at the helm and 12 years at the BCC. BCC Chair, Sarah Howard MBE, who led the recruitment process, said: “I am delighted that through an extensive and rigorous recruitment process we have been able to appoint Shevaun Haviland to succeed Adam Marshall as Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Her entrepreneurial spirit, strong private sector background and experience in Government means that she has the insight and expertise to lead the BCC on behalf of business communities throughout the UK and around the world.

“I know that under her leadership, and with a strong team around her, the BCC will continue to play a pivotal role in these critical times for our businesses and our country.

“Adam Marshall leaves the British Chambers of Commerce in a strong position after five years as Director General and I am enormously grateful for the contribution he has made.”

Incoming BCC Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on this

vitally important role at this time of immense challenge for UK firms.

The Chamber Network has been at the forefront of helping businesses navigate the pandemic and building our new trading relationships with the world. It will be a privilege to represent this network and to lead the BCC in the next phase of its development.

“Our businesses will be central to driving recovery and renewal in their communities across the UK. I look forward to championing the needs of our members – at home and around the world - driving change and seizing the opportunities to thrive and grow.”

Outgoing BCC Director Dr Adam Marshall said: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the British Chambers of Commerce during the last five years. I look forward to handing over to Shevaun over the coming weeks, and know that she will lead the organisation from strength to strength. At this time of challenge and change, the vital work of Chambers of Commerce has never been more important, and I know that our business communities in the UK and around the world will work closely with Shevaun and the BCC team to restart, rebuild and renew.”

Does your business have employees stuck overseas due to

COVID-19?

Many individuals travelled abroad to be with loved ones when the pandemic first hit.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Penny Sophocleous FInstLM Learning and Development Expert Impostor syndrome is feeling you’re not as good as others and your success is due to luck or circumstance, so you feel a fraud.

It’s been exacerbated by the lockdown – we’ve not met people to feel connected and be seen as accomplished in the eyes of others.

To minimise interference by your imposter feelings, take the following Steps.

1. Realise, just because you think something, doesn’t make it true.

The brain and mind have the most incredible nonsense passing through it a lot of the time, and your best response is to observe it and ask questions – ‘Is this true?’ You after all, are NOT your mind – you are the Consciousness/Awareness that observes the mind think.

2. Speak out your feelings. Letting others know is a sure-fire way to combat imposter syndrome and admitting to the specifics of what you’re experiencing, allows others the opportunity to empathise.

3. Recognise when your feelings are normal. If you’re the only woman, young, old or disabled in a meeting, then it’s only natural you’d feel like you don’t fit in. It’s a normal response to being on the receiving end of social stereotypes about competence and intelligence.

4. Admit if what you are thinking is true. Examine whether your feelings of insecurity are correct and you don’t have the skills to do something. Apply yourself to learn what you don’t know.

5. Create a new script. Be aware of the thoughts in your head when you’re in a situation that triggers your Impostor feelings, and choose differently. Instead of thinking, “OMG God everyone here is brilliant…. and I’m not” choose “Everyone here is brilliant – I’m going to learn a lot!”

6. Visualize your success. Prior to going into a challenging scenario, picture yourself doing the thing that you fear very well. Visualise it, project it and then act-as if it’s true.

If you’re suffering from this symptom and need help to quickly move you to self-confidence, call me on 01707 322500 or email penny@corpalc.com.

n Kasia Field

Payroll Manager at Wilder Coe Chartered Accountants

----------------------------------------------

The concept of picking up our laptops and working anywhere with an internet connection seems simply idyllic.

With the UK lockdown easing, travel corridors will soon reopen. However, for many employers, the pandemic has caused issues for employees who are stuck overseas and unable to return to the UK. Payroll Manager, Kasia Field, cautions employers of potential consequences for their employees working overseas.

“Unfortunately, having staff members working overseas on medium-term arrangements (6 months or more) can trigger tax, social security and legal consequences for both the employee and the employer.

For UK employers, deductions for income tax and national insurance contributions (NICs) under a PAYE system should remain in place for overseas workers.

However, consider the rules in the host country of your employee regarding the risk of tax liabilities.

Your business may also be at risk of creating a permanent establishment in that country.

UK-tax residents can work abroad for a total of 183 days before potentially becoming liable to pay tax on foreign employment income. For some countries, a double tax treaty is in place. NIC obligations are also complex and depend on the circumstances and location of your worker.

The list of things to consider is extensive and circumstances vary, so it is advisable you seek professional advice.”

If you have any tax, payroll or employment questions for remote workers abroad, please contact Wilder Coe today on

01438 758100 info@wildercoe.co.uk

www.wildercoe.co.uk

www.corpalc.com

INSPIRE

47

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to new members u Adrianna Papell UK Ltd

Ladies wear fashion brand providing daytime and evening occasion wear to the UK, Europe and internationally Web: www.adriannapapell.com uu u

u AWWECITY Ltd

Data processes/resourcing and ecommerce operations Twitter: awwecity Email: enquiries@awwecitycapital.com Web:

www.awwecitycapital.com

Tel:

01707 654514

Address: 17 Aston Way Potters Bar Hertfordshire EN6 5NT uu u

u BAM Construction

Design, construct, refurbish and operate outstanding buildings for public and private sector clients, and for our own portfolio of properties Twitter: bamconstructuk Email:

aharding@bam.co.uk

Web:

www.bam.co.uk

Tel:

01442 238300

Address: Breakspear Park Breakspear Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 4FL uu u

u Barons BMW / MINI Stansted Motor Trade

Email: darrenparsons@baronsbmw.co.uk Web:

www.baronsgroup.co.uk

Tel:

01279 755906

Address: Stansted Road Bishop’s Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 2BT

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u CEDESA Ltd

Chemical packaging solutions for the adhesive manufacturing industry Email: info@cedesa.co.uk Web: www.cedesa.co.uk Tel: 01462 480764 Address: Charter Lea Building Icknield Way Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 1WT uu u u Chemical Solutions

Supplier of janitorial and medical products Twitter: chemsoluk Email: info@chemicalsolutionsuk.com Web: www.chemicalsolutionsuk.com Tel: 01438 356562 Address: Unit 39 Wedge Wood Way Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 4QT uu u

u Coaching Solutions

by Michelle

u Cordant People Recruitment Business

Email: lisa.macgregor@cordantpeople.com Web:

www.cordantpeople.com

Tel:

01707 323067

Address: Regus Building Falcon Way Shire Park Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1TW uu u

u Davis Schottlander & Davis Ltd

Manufacture, market and distribute a wide range of dental material within the UK and international markets. In the international market, it includes every continent of the world Email:

jkaur@schottlander.co.uk

Web:

www.schottlander.com

Skills coach Email: coachingsolutionsbymichelle@gmail.com Tel: 07455 731282 Address: Flat 6 Arden Court, Arden Grove Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4SJ

Tel:

01462 480848

u Copleys Food Limited

Cleaning Services In Welwyn Garden City and across Hertfordshire

uu u

With a focus on taste and visual presentation, we cater for a range of private and corporate events straight out of our own kitchens Email: fiona@copleysfood.co.uk Web: www.copleysfood.co.uk Tel: 01920 449292 Address: Units 6&7 Home Farm Industrial Estate Hunsdon Road Stansted Abbotts Hertfordshire SG12 8LA

Address: Fifth Avenue Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 2WD uu u

u Done and Dusted Domestic Cleaning Twitter: dandcleaning

Email: doneanddusteddomestic@gmail.com Web: www.doneanddusteddomestic.co.uk Tel:

07581 790425

Address: 1 Birchwood Avenue Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 0PL

NEW MEMBERS

u Enterprise Insights Ltd

Consultancy and coaching company, offering a portfolio of transformational services, designed to facilitate British scale-up businesses in achieving sustainable growth Email:

hello@enterprise-insights.net

Web:

http://e-i.london

Tel:

020 71128386

Address: 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE uu u

u EMW LAW LLP

u Ray Lowe Studio

u Techna International Ltd.

Professional Photography Studio specialising in Family portraiture, Newborn photography and Pet Photography

Electrical and mechanical engineering, electrical switchgear components, electronic and power electronic systems Twitter: TechnaLimited

Email:

Info@raylowestudios.co.uk

Email:

technasales@techna.co.uk

Web:

www.raylowestudios.co.uk

Web:

www.techna.co.uk

01992 636152

Tel:

01923 222227

Tel:

Address: 121-123 Crossbrook Street Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 8LY

u SMILE Global Ltd

Twitter: EMWlaw

Mindset, wellbeing and personal development coaching and training to power teams and businesses

Enquiries@emwllp.com

Web:

www.emwllp.com

Tel:

0345 070 6000

Address: Seebeck House Seebeck Place Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK5 8FR uu u

u EQ Labs Limited

Provide work health mental related services Email:

Rohitmathur06@gmail.com

Web:

www.moodfirst.ai

Tel:

07912 656628

Address: 20 Dodd Road Watford Hertfordshire WD24 5DE uu u

u Proud Consulting Ltd

We offer management consulting products and services to support businesses to grow and thrive through their people Twitter: proud_vic Email:

Vic@proud-consulting.co.uk

Web:

www.proud-consulting.co.uk

Tel:

020 3488 0166

Address: 22 Dodd Road Watford Hertfordshire WD24 5DE uu u

u Raw Natural Beef Ltd

Provides the finest grass-fed, free-range beef, produced with unquestionable sustainability and in harmony with nature Email: t.johnson@therawnaturalbeefco.com Web:

www.therawnaturalbeefco.com

Tel:

07977 196701

Address: 114-116 Fore Street Hereford Hertfordshire SG14 1AJ

uu u

uu u

Law

Email:

Address: 1 Metro Centre Dwight Road Watford Hertfordshire WD18 9HG

Twitter: ronitgerber Email:

ronit@smileglobal.life

Web:

www.smileglobal.life

Tel:

0800 8789808

Address: The Natural Gateway Clinic 4 Penta Court Station Road Borehamwood Hertfordshire WD6 1SL uu u

u STA International Ltd STA International is a global, full-service credit management company.

Our principal business is debt recovery, but we are also a worldwide supplier of confidential credit control solutions, and tracing services Twitter: staintl Email: Jonathan.degilbert@staonline.com

u The Perfect Team

Independent Recruitment Consultancy Twitter: PerfectTeamUK Email:

ruth@perfectteam.co.uk

Web:

www.perfectteam.co.uk

Tel:

01923 244848

Address: 44 Clarendon Road Watford Hertfordshire WD17 1JJ uu u

u Todd in the Hole Festival Local Music Festival

Twitter: toddinthehole_ Email:

marketing@toddinthehole.co.uk

Web:

www.toddinthehole.co.uk

Tel:

07748 648005

Address: 92B The High Street Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 3JB uu u

u V&C Associates

V&C Associates is a luxury executive search and consultancy building careers and organisations world-wide.

Email:

Matthew@vandc.uk

Web:

www.stainternational.com

Web:

www.vandc.uk

Tel:

01622 600921

Tel:

020 3668 1466

Address: 3rd Floor Coleman House Maidstone Kent ME14 1DN

Address: Kinetic Business Centre Theobald Street Elstree Hertfordshire WD6 4PJ uu u

uu u

u Synergi Recruitment

u WinWell Ltd

Email:

hello@synergirecruitment.com

WinWell uses the experiences gained in mentoring and developing the holistic, wellbeing, personal development and transition needs

Web:

www.synergirecruitment.com

Email:

dawn@winwell.org.uk

Tel:

01923 227543

Web:

www.winwell.org.uk

Tel:

07803 891568

Address:

8 The Rickyard Ashwell Hertfordshire SG7 5PR

Recruitment Agency Twitter: synergir

Address: Units 1 & 2, 2 Lord Street Watford Hertfordshire WD17 2LQ

INSPIRE

49

MEMBERS NEWS

The Herts County Horse Show 2021

Happy 30th Birthday

DataSound Labs!

DSL is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, a key milestone especially worth celebrating against the backdrop of these recent tumultuous times amid the impact of Brexit and COVID-19, when good news can seem in short supply.

From relatively humble beginnings back in 1991, DSL’s well-respected founder Derek Carpenter formed the company to serve the emerging market of embedding the power of computing into historically ‘dumb’ devices, giving them a built-in intelligence that has driven the way we live forward in ways previously unimaginable.

Derek grew the company and invested in both the people and tools to make DSL the market leader in industrial computing and electronics it is today, investing in custom built premises back in 2014 prior to his wellearned retirement in 2017, when Rory Dear, long term Sales Manager, took the helm.

Since then, he’s strengthened their partnership with the Herts Chamber of Commerce, being actively involved in Inspire magazine and their annual business awards.

Rory Dear says “There’s been some rocky seas since I took the helm, but the DSL ship has proved consistently it is resilient and stable regardless of wider market conditions.

I’ve managed DSL for a mere 10% of its life but have been here for well over half of it and feel well placed to drive the company further forwards in the future.

I look forward to the economic bounce back this country craves and I’ve no doubt it will deliver. The British are famed for their resilience and I’ve every confidence in the rapid recovery of UK industry to pre-COVID levels” DSL is based in Letchworth and serves a wide range of industries under the ‘industrial’ sector, providing industrial computing solutions such as factory touchscreen computers whilst its core competency is its electronic product design service, if you have an idea, they can make it happen.

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You will hopefully have heard that while we will not be able to run our traditional County Show this year, we will still be putting on a show - The Herts County Horse Show 2021.

A 3-day event celebrating all things horse and country, the Herts County Horse Show will be held from Saturday 29th May to Monday 31st May 2021 and will be our centrepiece event for 2021.

If all goes to plan, by the time the show is open, we will be safely into phase 3 of the government’s COVID recovery plan and well positioned to invite a limited but not insignificant number of spectators to the event.

Support, sponsor and celebrate with us!

We are looking for the support of generous sponsors for the Show which will present terrific opportunities to promote your brand to a wide audience. Last year, our Virtual County Show

reached over 78,000 people on social media alone (for a single day virtual event). This year, our official launch of the event for the Herts County Horse Show 2021 has already reached over 40,000 people.

As a Hertfordshire Business, we would like to give you the first opportunity to pick one of our sponsorship packages (details are provided in the attached information graphic. All sponsors will also receive a commemorative rosette as a gift from us and, subject to COVID guidelines at the time, have the opportunity to present prizes to our competitors with photo opportunities available.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email us at: office@hertsshow.com

New virtual High Street Guide and rewards system for shoppers and businesses has launched A new virtual High Street guide that showcases the latest social media content comprising news and offers from local businesses is now live.

The online social hub makes it very simple to explore the Borough’s town centres and support local businesses whether they are open or not.

The virtual guides for Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt and Waltham Cross showcase what goods and services are being offered by the local shops and what is available to buy. By signing up to the service, customers will be eligible for rewards at shops included in the scheme. The service runs on Facebook Messenger and customers can register for free by visiting www.localrewards.chat.

Created by Maybe*, the social media engagement service provides businesses with access to a social media management platform that helps them use social media more effectively to sell and improve their online engagement with customers. For businesses that need help to increase their digital activity, the platform provides all the tools and training they need. For those that are already good at social media, it helps them improve their results.

Through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, Broxbourne Council has financed access for local businesses to the social media management platform for 2021, giving them free access to all the tools and resources for the remainder of the year. To register, businesses can visit www.maybetech.com.

Polly Barnfield OBE, CEO of Maybe* said: “Our research revealed that 66% of shoppers look online for inspiration. The High Street Guide groups all social media content by location to encourage people to browse their Local High Street, and when they reopen, they will be rewarded for their local spend. Our aim is to enable shoppers to have a better shopping experience, discover businesses they may not have known before and provide businesses with the tools to reward for their High Street spend.

“High Streets need infrastructure that until now has only been available for online businesses.

They need to communicate with shoppers in real-time and be able to showcase what’s available. In order to compete, high street businesses need to up their digital game, promote their physical stores and collaborate.

Our platforms help them collectively to do that.”

Councillor Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Council said: “The Council supports and recognises the value of business and customer engagement platforms, especially in the current climate. For this reason, we are looking forward to seeing as many local businesses and customers taking full advantage of the Maybe platform and its Local Rewards service.”

MEMBERS NEWS

Moore Kingston Smith in St Albans boosts audit team with new partner appointment Moore Kingston Smith is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Read as Partner on 22 February 2021.

Darren Jordan, lead partner at Moore Kingston Smith in St Albans, comments: “I’m delighted to welcome Jeremy to our growing team, serving clients throughout Hertfordshire and London. His skillset and significant experience perfectly complements our client offering.”

Jeremy brings considerable experience in auditing and assisting listed global organisations, having spent 25 years working in Big Four and mid-tier firms. He has a strong history of supporting high growth scaling businesses and venturebacked game changers, as well as emerging listed groups.

Having previously set up and led offices for firms in the Home Counties and London, Jeremy has a natural affinity for and connection to these marketplaces, and a wealth of connections across the business community.

Jeremy adds: “I’m excited to be joining Moore Kingston Smith at this time in the firm’s growth. I’m greatly looking forward to supporting the firm’s clients in realising their ambitions, spotting fresh opportunities and making the most of new avenues in this volatile and complex world.”

“I’m greatly looking forward to supporting the firm’s clients in realising their ambitions, spotting fresh opportunities and making the most of new avenues in this volatile and complex world.”

Personal Wellness and Wellbeing: Managing worries, fears and anxiety to live with more confidence.

In the last INSPIRE articles, we focussed on developing a wellness culture and executive wellness. In this article, we bring our attention to your personal wellness and wellbeing.

There are many different definitions of wellness or wellbeing. However, to live “well” means we are generally maintaining the balance between the demands placed on us and our ability to access resources.

Demands can take many forms, they can be physical, environmental and psychological.

Psychological demands may take many forms and often include our thoughts, our feelings and are shaped by our relationships.

There are several approaches professionals can take to support you develop your personal wellbeing. Key to all these is the creation of a safe and confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings and develop ways to manage them.

Counselling or psychotherapy helps you talk through your situation to better understand yourself and develop new approaches to your situation.

Hypnotherapy uses your imagination to develop new perspectives and insights in order to help you create useful changes in your life.

Coaching and Mentoring helps you to build resilience and develop goals and skills to effectively move forward.

Whatever the challenges you are facing, there are a range of therapies and other bespoke learning approaches that can support you to adjust to your situation and develop the confidence to live well.

Resources and Memberships www.bacp.co.uk British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy www.bathh.co.uk British Association of Therapeutic Hypnotists and NLP Practitioners www.bps.org.uk British Psychological Society www.cnhc.org.uk Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council www.emccuk.org European Mentoring and Coaching Council – UK division If you wish to get in touch, please email connect@reciprocalminds.com or visit www.reciprocalminds.com.

At Reciprocal Minds we support people develop the skills and confidence to master change.

Personal, Executive and Corporate Wellness.

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MEMBERS NEWS

Local Broker, Ashbourne CONVERTS with James Ayrton joining the team Todd in the Hole Returns 16th - 18th July 2021 At the very heart of this festival, set in beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, is the local community that has spent the large part of last year apart.

What better way to come together to laugh, dance, drink and celebrate with loved ones.

After the success of 2019 which saw over 9,000 visitors, followed by the huge disappointment of having to cancel last year, the Todd team are working tirelessly to put on a weekend to remember this Summer.

This year’s stellar line-up includes The Killerz, Amy Winehouse – A Tribute, Wham George Michael Tribute, Wrong Jovi, Mused, 7 Wonders of Fleetwood Mac, Definitely Could Be Oasis, Dave Pearce, 80’s icon Pat Sharp plus loads more.

Todd in the Hole will also give talented local musicians a platform to perform to a live audience, something they’ve missed over the last year. All this, plus a relaunched Woods Stage and a bigger and better Kids Arena will keep younger visitors entertained all weekend.

‘We know how hard the last year has been not only for our community but for local business, so we’re delighted to be offering our corporate hospitality again on Friday 16th to give Herts based commerce the opportunity to reconnect in a relaxed and informal way’ Nat Webber Marketing Manager.

This year Todd’s charity partner is the East & North Herts Hospitals’ Charity based at The Lister Hospital. They’ll be helping them raise money for their ‘Here for Each Other’ appeal. This appeal will enable the charity to support staff through recovery and beyond as they deal with the aftermath of the pandemic.

For PR, Marketing or Sponsorship queries please contact Nat Webber marketing@toddinthehole.co.uk To buy any other Festival tickets and for full line up information visit www.toddinthehole.co.uk

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Leading the way through the third Covid19 UK Lockdown and the challenges presented to local businesses, Ashbourne Insurance has made a second staffing appointment over the course of the past five months to the growing Commercial Department.

James Ayrton has been recruited to the role of Commercial Account Handler joining colleagues JP Costa, Jack Smits and Leone Richardson.

He brings of wealth of experience to the team with over nine years’ experience working in the insurance industry with customers from various industries including Leisure, Construction and Fintech.

When not working 9 to 5 at Ashbourne’s Hoddesdon offices and pre-Covid lockdown rules, James is well known to local sports fans when wearing his Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club blue jersey, where he plays Inside Centre in Rugby Union. James loves many outdoor pursuits including golf, football, cricket and participating in triathlons. He often uses the challenge of triathlons to fundraise for local charities Matthew Hunt, Commercial Sales Director who leads the Commercial team commented, “James is a wonderful addition to the Commercial department and has already proven himself as a fantastic team player, working with colleagues throughout the third lockdown and building excellent rapport with customers.

2021 marks the 40th Anniversary of Ashbourne Insurance since my father established the company in 1981; and

James joins our dedicated team of insurance professionals who pride themselves in delivering the ‘Ashbourne Way’ every day this is the secret to our longevity.

I am looking forward to introducing James to many more, much-valued commercial customers when we get back to face-to-face meetings later this year. In the meantime, we are only one call away to help and advise on the most appropriate insurance solutions tailored to commercial customers’ needs.”

New recruit James Ayrton, Commercial Account Handler said, “I am delighted to have joined Ashbourne who have an excellent reputation in the insurance industry for delivery outstanding customer service – with a really impressive cabinet of business award trophies I must say! The team have been very welcoming and I would like to express my appreciation to Peter and Sarah Smits for hiring me during the most challenging time of a pandemic and to all the Ashbourne team for helping me during my induction period. I look forward to getting back to playing competitive Rugby in 2021 and continuing to help Hertfordshire business owners with all their commercial and personal insurance needs.”

Multi award-winning, third generation, familyrun Ashbourne Insurance offers a wide range of business and personal insurance along with a claims advisory service. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Ashbourne employ an experienced team of insurance professionals, many of whom have been with the company for over ten years.

“I am delighted to have joined Ashbourne who have an excellent reputation in the insurance industry for delivery outstanding customer service – with a really impressive cabinet of business award trophies I must say!”

For more information visit www.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk Follow on twitter @AshInsServices and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ashbourne-insurance-services-ltd

MEMBERS NEWS

Driving cultural change in business Company culture IS the single biggest differentiator of business performance due to its enduring impact on both employees and customers. So why do we see so many businesses struggling to drive cultural change?

Legal Property Experts in association with Penman Sedgwick LLP Kamran Shah, Associate, Penman Sedgwick LLP

Extension to Stamp Duty Land Tax Relief The Chancellor announced in his recent budget an extension to the temporary stamp duty land tax relief (originally introduced in July 2020) until 30th June 2021.

Thereafter it will be tapered until 30th September 2021.

Consider the following example our client, a fast-growing primary healthcare provider, wanted to drive increased performance and greater ownership across its Executive team. From our perspective, this was about looking at all the elements that create a high-performing business culture, not just the capabilities across the individual team members.

We therefore took a holistic approach, examining the strengths and development areas across the entire breadth of our clients’ business model, bringing real clarity around what was supporting and hindering the outcomes they desired. Our cultural change methodology, WayFinder, allowed us to do this in a way that positively engaged the whole team using an appreciative enquiry approach.

Based on the findings from the WayFinder culture assessment, we delivered a series of developmental sessions with the Executive team to help them co-create the ways of working and culture they desired in order to achieve their business vision.

The core outcomes for the client were: fully aligned departmental strategies with greater understanding of the interdependencies across the team; refreshed business values with a supporting leadership behaviours framework fully embedded into core HR processes, and a significant increase in ownership, collaboration and commitment amongst the Executive team.

Contact us: 0203 488 0166

“Working with Proud Consulting, we have been looking at how well we lead our organisation. The experience has been great and the outputs valuable, as Victoria and team provided a great forum for us to be really honest about where we are, the feedback we have for each other and what our functional strategies should be. We are working hard in our journey to business excellence and Proud Consulting will continue to be an important element Steven Pink – CEO, Seldoc Healthcare in our mix.”

This is good news for home owners looking to move up the property ladder and first time buyers. The danger of a cliff-edge moment on 31st March 2021 (when the relief was due to end) has been removed and the fear of wasted costs on abortive transactions will not now materialise.

The extended tax relief means that no tax will be levied on the first £500,000 of property purchases in England and Northern Ireland with an effective date prior to 1st July 2021.

From 1st July until 30th September, tapering of the relief will mean the threshold at which tax is charged reduces to £250,000.

On 1st October 2021, ordinary rates* of stamp duty land tax in England and Northern Ireland will return to pre Covid-19 levels as follows:

• Purchases up to £125,000 – no tax applies • The part of the purchase price between £125,001 and £250,000 – tax charged at 2% • The part of the purchase price between £250,001 and £925,000 – tax charged at 5% • The part of the purchase price between £925,001 and £1.5M – tax charged at 10% • Above £1.5M – tax charged at 12% * Higher rates and surcharges apply to certain purchases First time buyers’ relief will continue to apply (subject to conditions): no tax is payable on properties costing up to £300,000 and 5% tax applies on the remainder (up to £500,000).

There is also some talk in the media of stamp duty (and council tax) being scrapped and a new property levy being introduced to try and resolve some of the issues in the housing market but this could ultimately create as many issues as it tries to resolve whilst the Government tries to come up with a fairer system for all.

If you are looking for legal advice, we can help.

Problem Solved

e: kshah@penmansedgwick.com t: 01923 225212 www.penmansedgwick.com

5 George Street, Watford, Herts WD18 0SQ INSPIRE INSPIRE 53 53

MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Improving the Financial Wellbeing of your Employees

Financial Wellbeing in the workplace is becoming a key service for employers to offer to their employees and potentially it has never been more important than now considering the damage the Covid 19 crisis has had on people and their finances. ● Financial Pressure - Only 43% of employees say they usually have anything left over at the end of the month1 ● Money worries - 25%of employees have lost sleep over money worries1 ● Stress at Work - 59% of employees cite financial matters as their primary cause of stress2 ● Lower Productivity - 36% of workers report a drop in productivity of 1 hour due to financial difficulties. 30% felt it was 1-2 hours3 ● Don’t know where to go - Only 7% of employees said their employer offered face to face counselling and advice3 Chasebridge Wealth Management can help contribute to a greater level of employee wellbeing with financial education.

We work with the employer to provide a series of educational workshops and presentations to their employees that can suit the workforce and the business. These cover different life and career stages, helping employees to consider their own circumstances and financial goals and desires, explaining the things they might encounter and the options open to them.

We can also provide ongoing support and tools for the attendees to access and use.

Key areas covered in these educational programmes:

For almost two decades, Chasebridge Wealth Management has been helping individuals, families and business clients to determine and plan for their brighter financial futures. Whether you need assistance in creating your financial roadmap and destination, have family and life aspirations to achieve, or wish to become the master of your own wealth destiny, our dedicated advisers and consultants are here to offer you financial clarity, confidence and direction.

• Budgeting, and understanding loans and mortgages

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

• Savings and Investment Planning

We are Herts Chamber members and proud to be a benefit partner.

• Financial protection for individual, family or business • Pension and investment reviews • Retirement planning • Financial Goal setting – understand options to get there, like a financial sat-nav to help achieve financial wellbeing.

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We also provide tailored programs for senior management and Directors, drop- in clinics, 1-1 consultations and there is an e-learning website with articles and tips that can be set for the individual’s preferences.

INSPIRE

Our offer:

For a donation of £250

to the Herts Chamber Charity of the Year,

we will deliver up to 4 x 30 minute presentations via a webinar and provide a drop in clinic for employees to speak directly on any specific questions they may have.

To register your interest, please contact a member of the team on 01707 643 555 or chasebridgewm@sjpp.co.uk

1.

Fincap.org.uk. (2018).Money worries are the biggest cause of stress for employees in the UK. Sample 23 UK organisations, [online] Available at: https://www.fincap.org.uk/en/articles/employers [Accessed 10 Sep. 2019].

2.

PWC. ‘Employee Financial Wellness Survey’. (2019). 8th ed. Sample 1,686, [ebook] United States. p.18.

Available at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/private-company-services/publications/assets/pwc-2019-employee-wellness-survey. pdf [Accessed 10 Sep. 2019].

3.

Aegon. ‘Financial Wellbeing in the Workplace’. (2019). Sample 2,000, [ebook] London. Available at: https://www.aegon.co.uk/content/dam/ukpaw/documents/financial-wellbeing-CEBR-condensed.pdf [Accessed 10 Sep. 2019].

Chasebridge Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products.

HERTFORDSHIRE GLOBAL

Looking Ahead

Brexit at Bowman Ingredients Bowman Ingredients is a leading supplier of coating systems to food service and retail food processors, with products including breadcrumbs, batters and marinades.

With customers in the Middle East, Thailand, South Africa and Australia and a global supply chain we had been preparing for Brexit since 2019.

closed the borders with the United Kingdom in response to increasing Covid case numbers and detection of new variant strains in the UK.

As 1 January 2021 approached the team was closely following the Government negotiations and information from sources including DEFRA, the Hertfordshire and British Chambers of Commerce and European Commission. Preparations included additional production through 2020 with customers holding stocks in the UK and in Europe to mitigate potential disruption to supply in early 2021.

Soon after this, the big news was announced: we have a deal! I remember the feeling of relief which I am sure was shared by other importers and exporters.

The fact that a no duty agreement between the two parties was now a reality gave hope for a quiet implementation of the new rules and regulations.

The Covid-19 pandemic unsurprisingly brought numerous challenges to the availability of raw materials, production capacity and the movement of goods across borders.

From my viewpoint as Customer Services Manager, the biggest challenge came at the end of December 2020, when in addition to waiting anxiously to learn whether a deal would be reached by UK and EU, France

“I am very proud of the work done by my team to ensure we can deliver duty paid to most of our customers and crucially the delays incurred in the early weeks of post-Brexit turmoil have been resolved.”

My sense of calm was short-lived as analysis of the agreement began in earnest.

Although in theory everything should run smoothly as long as the steps are followed, in practice many businesses have encountered challenges.

I am very proud of the work done by my team to ensure we can deliver duty paid to most of our customers and crucially the delays incurred in the early weeks of post-Brexit turmoil have been resolved.

We could not have arrived at this point without the help of professionals in customs and fiscal matters in the United Kingdom and the European Union. We are following guidance and it is second nature to check and double check all export documents to be certain they are in accordance with the trade agreement between the two parties and all requirements are met.

We look forward to new negotiations and improvement to the deal as has been reported by the press. Most importantly, we remain in touch with the British and Hertfordshire Chambers of Commerce as they are the first to advise and provide insight and analysis as any changes occur.

Ana Duta, Manager in Customer Services Export and Import, Bowman Ingredients

By John Woodruffe

Business Support International Trade Team I cannot believe that Easter has been and gone and we are now already a third of the way through the year and four months since we finally left the EU. It is very apparent that many issues remain over trading with, at times, more questions than answers. That said we in the Export team are still seeing a good overall continuation of ongoing trade and although issues remain, companies are undoubtedly and commendably getting on with the job in hand.

Looking ahead we are planning to host a webinar, in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Hub, on May 25th where we will be fielding a very strong panel of experts to answer your questions on the various major areas of concern such as VAT, GDPR and immigration workforce. Please do register for this on our website. This webinar will complement the series of four webinars we have already held on EU Transition this year, all of which are still available to view on our website.

We will be hosting our webinar covering trading with Dubai on 27th May. This will be available on our website in case you miss it. As many of you will be aware, we have carried out a series of events with various countries helping Herts companies learn more about opportunities and how to trade their products.

I am certainly intending to carry on this series during the coming year, in particular countries with whom the UK Government is signing trade deals with, e.g. Thailand. However, I would very much welcome your ideas, to my email address below, as to which countries you would like to see featured. For the most popular I will try to arrange webinars but also if you are interested in particular countries, then let me know and I can put you in touch with colleagues at the appropriate Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, for this edition, training. Many of you have undertaken courses with our trainer, Alan Bracken, on topics such as Incoterms, Practical guide to import and export procedures and Letters of Credit. Alan is again hosting these courses throughout the year and the dates are on our website.

I am, in conjunction with the Events team, looking at developing our portfolio of trade courses, including Customs Special Procedures with IP and OP and Tariff Classification. Some courses will come under the British Chamber of Commerce Assessment whereby delegates who achieve passes on six assessments, receive from the BCC a Foundation in International Trade.

Clearly, we would need to look at interest in this, so if I may ask you again to contact me with your views on the sort of courses you would like to see offered. We can then look at the most popular and develop the courses accordingly.

Enjoy the rest of Spring!

johnwoodruffe@hertschamber.com

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KEEPING THE HEART IN HERTFORDSHIRE

Herts Chamber visits One Vision Project #BringingPeopleTogether Founded in August 2018, One Vision is a community project which provides practical support to vulnerable individuals and families in the district of Watford.

The operations are run from the Hub based within Stanborough Park Church in Garston, Watford. The Hub venue is loaned to the One Vision Project in support of the services being provided to the community.

Briege commented: “It was a great honour and pleasure to be invited by Enoch Kanagaraj, Founder and CEO of One Vision to visit and see their amazing operation in action.

I was humbled to see some of the wonderful volunteers who give up their time to support the community in this very difficult time.

Currently, One Vision provide a free food program, delivering fresh meals and groceries door to door within the Watford and Three Rivers areas. Additionally, they focus on social and community cohesion and work closely with the faith communities. One Vision are now expanding into community Mental Health support.

This is community spirit at its finest with a collaboration of joy bringing together the contributions of all involved to help and serve those who need support. Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are pleased to work alongside One Vison, their hard work, commitment and their positive energy is boundless.”

When reports of a new SARS virus began circulating in early 2020, One Vision immediately set to work, delivering over 100,000 hot meals and 50,000 bags of groceries to vulnerable families throughout 2020.

Mr Enoch Kanagaraj, Founder and CEO of One Vision, said: “I’m extremely grateful for the selfless work of our 100 volunteers, operations team, executive committee and trustees and patrons as they continue to bring people together during these difficult times, and for the invaluable contributions of our donators and community sponsors.

On 27th February 2021, Herts Chamber Chief Executive Briege Leahy visited the One Vision Hub, along with Dean Russell, MP for Watford and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Henry HollandHibbert, to help support the project and to recognise the work of their fantastic volunteers.

“One Vision will continue to work diligently in the community to promote the message of being ‘stronger together’ and to strive to gain positive outcomes from partnerships. I am delighted to work with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.”

One Vision has strong links with agencies and authorities, including the Police, Hertfordshire County Council, Housing providers and many other referral paths into the community.

One of their aims in 2021 is to build stronger links within the Three Rivers Community.

One Vision Trustees and Patrons Trustees: • • • • • • • • •

Luther Blissett Dame Helen Hyde (DBE) Dean Russell MP Sarah Beazley (governance) Enoch Kanagaraj (Founder/Co Chair) Harjit Singh (Chair of Trustees) Jawad Qamar Faizal Hakim (Equality & Diversity) Michael Dragoyevich

Patrons:

• Lord-Lieutenant Robert Voss CBE • Henry Holland-Hibbert (High Sheriff of Hertfordshire) • Dame Helen Hyde DBE • Peter Taylor (Elected Mayor of Watford) • Councillor Asif Khan • Pastor Rafaat Kamal (President TED of SDA Church)

To find out more on how to support the One Vision project, visit their website www.onevisionproject.org #LetsKeeptheHeartinHertfordshire #KeeptheHeartinHerts 56

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We specialise in providing apprenticeships to help drive your business forward.

Employers will receive £3,000 for new apprentices of any age who join their organisation from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

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Will you support your local family carers?

22/03/2021 14:47

We’ve all experienced living in isolation. Imagine this feeling of loneliness and social exclusion every day.

This is how many family carers feel.

Please consider supporting your local carers by:

Due to the pandemic, an estimated 1 in 4 people are now providing unpaid care which increases our caring community in Hertfordshire from 115,000 to 300,000.

Caring for a loved one is something many of us take on without a second thought.

Yet, many battle depression, exhaustion, and financial worries on their own and often reach breaking point.

We provide emotional and practical support for carers to help improve their health and wellbeing. Last year, we redoubled our efforts to reach out to our carers to be there for them during this difficult time. This is why we need support from our local business community.

• • • •

Making us your Charity of the Year Inviting us to present to your company to raise awareness Donating your products or services Volunteering for one of our many roles

“Carers in Hertfordshire has been a lifeline. During the lockdown I was lifted from a low place when their volunteer phoned. As a result I am now being supported by an Admiral Nurse. This is a real bonus!”

Pat, cares for her husband who lives with Dementia

Together we can help more carers, like Pat. Please get in touch with the fundraising team today, we look forward to building a partnership with you or register your interest at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Y7QXPZX.

Liz Alderson and Karen Denny

01992 58 69 69

fundraising@carersinherts.org.uk INSPIRE

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Here are our TOP 3 TIPS and considerations for technology and crafting your company’s return to work plan.

1

Returning to the workplace We have very nearly faced 365 days in some sort of lockdown in the UK; we’ve endured 12 months of restrictions and don’t even get us started on the home-schooling!

But has it all been so bad? A recent report by analysts McKinsey shared that the pandemic has forced companies to move quicker, in some reported cases up to 40 times faster than previously forecasted when it comes to implementing remote working solutions.

Technology has been our undoubted saviour. Whether it’s connecting teams through solutions such as Microsoft Teams or enabling loved ones to stay in touch via Zoom, conference camera sales went through the roof, and collaboration applications like Monday and Trello ensured team productivity didn’t decline.

they work. Just as organisations needed to adapt to remote working environments back in March rapidly, the challenge now facing them is bringing their staff back into the office safely. How can employers ensure that staff can enjoy the flexibility and benefits of hybrid working but ensure productivity doesn’t suffer?

After months of standing redundant, office and meeting spaces now need to be flexible and adaptable, transitioning seamlessly from 1-2-1 catchups to larger executive meetings that require social distancing spacing. So, once again, technology steps into the spotlight.

And now, as we enter the (hopefully) final stage of lockdown in the UK, what have we learnt? It seems highly doubtful that we will return to ‘normality’; instead, we will inevitably embrace the benefits that COVID-19 has delivered, such as better work/life balance.

Technology now needs to enhance the working practices that we have adopted over the last 12 months. We have accelerated video collaboration globally, and organisations must ensure that we can continue this trajectory, connecting people regardless of physical location.

The common consensus is that we are entering a new phase for the global workforce, with more people choosing to adopt a hybrid approach when they are allowed back to the office’, looking for more freedom around where and when

Companies need to ensure that they have a post COVID, return to work plan that doesn’t just focus on employees’ safety, and encompasses technology acceleration when we are no longer confined to the four walls of our homes.

Continue digital adoption

Remote workers have proved that productivity levels can be maintained, regardless of location, with the right technology deployed. Continue the digital adoption trajectory to ensure that people have a positive video conferencing and collaboration experience wherever they choose to work in the future.

2

Re-think your real estate footprint

Before the pandemic, typical meeting spaces may have featured an executive board room with some breakout spaces for smaller, ad-hoc meetings. Understand your teams’ requirements when it comes to meetings moving forward and work to create flexible spaces equipped with video to unify remote and in-room meeting delegates and consider how technology and furniture can work to create fluid areas that are intuitive and easy to use.

3

Invest in training and processes

Conduct an audit to understand how your business teams have used their technology through lockdown, what has worked and importantly, what hasn’t.

Research and invest in training to ensure that staff are getting the best out of any technology or platform investment. For example, if you have used Microsoft Teams as a video collaboration solution to connect remote teams during COVID, do your staff have a fully loaded understanding of the platform and the advantages that it can deliver?

Although returning to the office is an unknown entity, the team at Lewcon have been helping many companies scope their requirements and needs to reshape their existing technology. We are also advising organisations to select and invest in new solutions to help return their staff to an office environment quickly, seamlessly, and successfully.

We work with organisations to identify their specific requirements and work with world-class vendors in the unified communications space to ensure we are fully versed to recommend the right solution for your business, today, tomorrow and beyond.

Contact us today for your personal consultation on info@lewconav.com or 01462 457886. www.lewconav.com

01462 457886

Lewcon Audio Visual

info@lewconav.com

THE LOCAL INSURANCE BROKER, TO TRUST ACCORDING TO OUR CLIENTS...

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"Their communication is excellent and they have always taken the time to highlight some of the conditions in our Contractor's Policy in particular, which if not adhered to, have the potential to effect claims. We appreciate their direct, straightforward yet professional approach"

“The market has obviously tightened with some insurers leaving the market and others hardening their positions. Tysers were able to source a variety of options for us and confirm the terms we needed, many thanks”

“With Tysers we quickly came to understand that long term relationships and a deep understanding of our business will ensure that we will have the best possible cover and at the most competitive rates. This became clearer over several occasions where we had significant claims which were handled efficiently and to our satisfaction”

“Their professionalism and customer service skills are impeccable. Whenever I make any requests their reaction speed is fantastic.

Nothing is too difficult, nothing is too much to ask, they are there all the time, even out of hours should the going get tough. The dedication to their role is truly commendable”

CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE

FINTECH SOLUTIONS PROVIDER

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hitchin@tysers.com

 3-4 Park Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9AH R.78.12.20.V.1.1 Tysers Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 71 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BS. Registered Company No. 2957627 England.

THE LAST WORD

The Last Word Rebecca Sugden Insurance broker at Tysers www.tysers.com

Q

What do you do?

I’m an insurance broker. I work with businesses; my role is to protect my clients’ risk exposures. I act as a consultant, an extension to their business operations, providing advice, guidance and insurance solutions to help them manage and mitigate their risk.

I help business owners fulfil their legal obligations and enable them to identify what level of risk they’re prepared to self-insure and when they might want to transfer their risks to insurance markets.

Q

Who do you work for?

Q

Why did you join the Chamber?

Tysers Insurance Brokers.

We have offices based in Hitchin and many of my clients are based in and around Hertfordshire. Whilst Tysers operates internationally, our team in Hitchin serves clients locally. We wanted to get involved with the Chamber to network with local businesses and offer our expertise and support. Also, it’s a useful way of gaining a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by a variety of local businesses; this has been particularly important over the last 12 months.

Q

What do you get from it?

The opportunity to network and raise our profile with local businesses. It’s our chance to offer members an insight into our specialist expertise. By engaging and listening to the concerns of members we also learn a great deal about how businesses are dealing with their current issues and what their focuses and concerns are, so it’s very much a two-way educational partnership.

Patrons

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Q

How has it helped your network?

I’m currently working hard to build relationships with other members. I think it’s important to invest time in the work of the Chamber, participate, be present at events and listen.

I believe that if you actively participate, your network will grow naturally. When selecting a business advisor, it’s very important that you build a relationship of trust. This takes time as prospective clients must build their confidence in your knowledge and expertise, they must be sure you can add value to their existing arrangements and either improve what they’ve been offered or provide something more.

Q

What advice would you give someone starting out in business?

Seek support and make sure you get good advice. It’s important to identify your risks so you can protect against simple mistakes.

Buy insurance to mitigate risk where you identify it’s important. Categorising risk into high, medium and low helps to prioritise. Take specialist advice so you fully understand the risk exposures you have; a good broker will help you decide what element of risk you need to transfer to insurances and should be able to tailor cover to meet your needs.

Q

What’s the biggest challenge in running and growing a business?

The past 12 months have been extraordinarily challenging for many businesses. COVID-19 has impacted business clients considerably as they’ve been forced to confront a wide variety of emerging and unprecedented issues. For some, the pandemic has made financial survival and growth incredibly problematic. In contrast, we’ve seen some clients flourish, exploiting the opportunities presented and, in some cases, diversifying from their usual business activities

to adapt to the changing environment and consumer demand.

So perhaps the biggest challenge for businesses is remaining nimble and having the ability to adjust to their environment as customers’ needs evolve and change. What has been important for businesses is having resilience and a risk advisor they can trust to help them navigate through the sea of change.

Q

What support do you want from government?

We want continued support for business enterprise and SMEs locally. It’s essential to the economy and community that the government invests in our local business infrastructure.

The recovery loan scheme announced in the latest budget and due to launch on April 6 is a positive and crucial step towards the survival of many businesses. It should allow businesses of any size to continue to access loans and other kinds of finance, up to £10 million per business, once the existing COVID-19 loan scheme closes. We hope it will provide struggling businesses with a lifeline and get credit flowing through to the firms that need it the most.

Q

How confident are you that your business will grow in the future?

Very confident. Tysers is an international business and a very entrepreneurial brokerage that has grown rapidly over the past five years, making numerous acquisitions. We continue to be acquisitive whilst also making ongoing investments to support organic growth.

At Tysers we can support businesses wishing to invest in the EU as we have passporting rights to place cover into Europe; this will allow us to better serve our clients as their businesses expand overseas.

Personal, caring and independent.

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Serving the local community for ten generations

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1JD. ElstreeGate, Gate,4 4Elstree ElstreeWay, Way, Borehamwood.WD6 WD6 1JD. +44 333 123 3279 enquiries@easybuilduk.co January 2021 +44 333 123 3279 enquiries@easybuilduk.com www.easybuilduk.com +44 333 123 3279 - enquiries@easybuilduk.com - www.easybuilduk.com