Issuu

inspire.71

Celebrating excellence

Inspirational Leader

Sophie Owen Street, Vice President of Strategy & Business, Sky Studios Elstree, talks about leading with passion.

Spotlight Focus

Hertsmere, a borough that blends creativity, commerce and community.

Patron Focus

Emma Tarbox, Operations Manager for Tate Home Counties, explains why being the Chamber’s Recruitment Patron has been invaluable.

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Publisher

We are delighted to be able to bring so many knowledgeable voices together to share their insights.

Welcome to another packed edition of Inspire.

It’s hard to believe we are now racing towards Christmas – don’t forget to book tickets for the festive Chamber lunch if you haven’t already. It is always one of the highlights of our year.

But before we get to the annual festivities, we have our eagerly anticipated AI conference just around the corner. Artificial intelligence has become such a big talking point for businesses across our county and we are delighted to be able to bring so many knowledgeable voices together to share their insights. AI is already transforming the way we work, trade and communicate – and it’s vital that Hertfordshire businesses have the tools and confidence to make the most of the opportunities it brings. From improving productivity and customer engagement to helping with sustainability and skills, the potential is huge. Events like this allow us to explore what that means in practice and to learn from those already leading the way.

As always, this issue is full of inspiring stories from across our membership – from award wins and business growth to community initiatives that are making a difference. Our network continues to demonstrate the strength, innovation and collaboration that make Hertfordshire such a fantastic place to do business.

You will also be able to read about many of the events the Chamber has hosted over the past weeks. We are already looking ahead to 2026, so check out our events calendar on pages 24-27 to see what interests you.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our Chamber community. I hope you enjoy this edition and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.

Editorial and General Enquiries

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

York House, Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield, Herts, AL9 5AD

Tel: 01707 502180

enquiries@hertschamber.com www.hertschamber.com

Published November 2025 © Benham Publishing and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Donna Schultz CEO

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Why strategy is the key to successful AI adoption

AI can be confusing, overwhelming and noisy. But as Jamie Claret will tell delegates in November, with the right approach it can transform growth and employee satisfaction

When it comes to artificial intelligence, few subjects provoke such a mix of excitement and unease. For Jamie Claret, one of the keynote speakers at the Hertfordshire Chamber’s AI Conference this November, the challenge for businesses is not whether to engage with AI, but how to do so in a clear and practical way.

Jamie’s journey into technology was not straightforward. Having abandoned a career path in accountancy, he discovered his passion for computing while studying computer science at the University of Hertfordshire. That passion grew into a career, first founding his IT managed service company Amazing Support and later establishing Autonomate, a business specialising in automation and AI solutions.

“I was always tinkering with computers,” he recalls. “When I first came across automation about seven or eight years ago, I couldn’t believe more people weren’t using it. It had been hidden away in the corporate world with huge licensing costs, but I could see how smaller and mid-sized businesses could benefit.”

Autonomate now works largely with mid-market companies –typically those with revenues of £5 million or more – helping them to implement automation that delivers measurable benefits. Jamie emphasises that while cost savings are often part of the story, most businesses are not looking to cut staff.

“In reality, the vast majority of companies we work with want to grow without adding headcount. Recruitment is expensive and difficult, and many sectors are struggling to find people. Automation allows them to scale without the constant hassle of adding more staff. That might mean freeing up existing teams to do higher-value work or improving morale by taking away repetitive, administrative tasks.”

He is keen to stress that AI should not be seen as a threat but as a tool; one that needs to be handled with planning and perspective. “There’s a lot of noise in the market, with people claiming that if you just plug ChatGPT into your systems all your problems will be solved. That’s simply not the case. Businesses need a strategy for AI in the same way they would for any other part of their operations. Without that, expectations soar while the reality under-delivers, and people become disillusioned.”

For Jamie, clarity is the key. His keynote at the Chamber’s AI conference will focus on “clarity over chaos”, offering

delegates a structured way to think about AI adoption. He promises to share real-world examples of where automation has been successfully applied and to introduce frameworks his company has developed to help businesses assess processes and identify opportunities.

Equally important, he says, is involving staff at every stage. “If employees feel AI projects are happening in secret, the natural assumption is that jobs are at risk. The most successful companies we work with are those who bring people along on the journey. You often find hidden champions in the organisation, individuals who are curious and excited by the possibilities. They can become flagbearers for change and help embed it across the business.”

He recognises that while AI has been widely discussed, many organisations are only just beginning to explore its potential.

“I spend a lot of time in AI forums and it’s easy to assume everyone is keeping up with developments. Step outside that bubble and you see that most businesses haven’t done much yet. That’s why the Chamber’s AI conference is so important. It gives the Hertfordshire business community the chance to get beyond the hype and hear what’s really happening, directly from people working in the field.”

As the county’s business leaders prepare for a future shaped by technology, Jamie’s message is one of reassurance as well as opportunity. “AI can feel overwhelming, even frightening, but ultimately it’s a force for good. If you approach it with clarity and strategy, it can help your business thrive and help your people enjoy their work more.”

AI Conference

Turning point as more SMEs unlock AI

Over a third of SMEs (35 per cent) say they are actively using AI technology, up from 25 per cent in 2024 – according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit, the global financial technology platform.

The research, featured in a new report, also shows appetite for more progress among SMEs, with 24 per cent of responding firms saying they plan to adopt AI in the future. Only 33 per cent report having no plans to use AI, down from 43 per cent last year.

Over 1,500 business leaders were surveyed online by the BCC’s Insights Unit during June and July. The BCC has been tracking SME use of AI for the last three years.

Although AI adoption is rising across all business types, the data shows some deep sectoral disparities. Almost half (46 per cent) of B2B service firms – those in sectors such as finance, law and marketing – are using AI. That compares to just 26 per cent of B2C firms and manufacturers. Around 60 per cent of responding firms say they are using AI for content creation and knowledge work.

Despite higher AI use, many SMEs do not feel they are using the technology to its full potential. Just 11 per cent of responding firms reported using technology to a ‘great extent’ to automate or streamline operations, while 42 per cent say ‘to some extent’, 29 per cent ‘to a minimal extent’, and 14 per cent ‘not at all’.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our data shows more SMEs are plugging into AI – and that’s really encouraging news for the UK’s economic future.

“The pace of technological change is speeding up, not slowing down, and it’s crucial that all businesses are part of the digital revolution. Our survey shows the picture is not equal across all sectors and firms aren’t yet using the technology to its full potential.

“It’s crucial that the Government acts swiftly on the recommendations of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce. Improving AI awareness, support and skills must be the focus.

“Getting this right will help firms drive forward economic growth in an increasingly digital world.”

Leigh Thomas, Intuit Vice-President Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are seeing a decisive shift in recognition that AI is no longer a futuristic add-on, but a real-time lever for productivity and resilience. We’re moving beyond a world of

disconnected systems and siloed data, to a place where every part of a business can be seamlessly connected.

“However, the findings in this report reveal a widening divide between AI-ready firms and those struggling to keep pace. AI must become the lever SMEs pull to stay productive, unlocking financial clarity and agility.

“With the right integrated tools at their fingertips, SMBs won’t just keep pace with the AI revolution – they’ll drive it.”

Small Business Minister Blair McDougall MP said: “Often the discussion about AI focusses on huge multinationals, but this shows that the smaller businesses, who contribute so much to our economy, are a central part of the AI innovation story too. It’s great to see so many using technology to grow and create new opportunities.

“AI transformation is a crucial part of our mission to kickstart economic growth. We will continue to back businesses through our Plan for Change to improve productivity, boost competitiveness and drive prosperity across the UK.”

AI conference to tackle innovation, ethics and impact

The future of AI will take centre stage at the Chamber’s Conference, bringing together business leaders, tech experts, educators and innovators for a day of insight, debate and discovery

Hertfordshire Chamber’s AI Conference is on Friday, November 14 at The Fielder Centre, Hatfield Business Park. The full-day event will explore how AI is reshaping the way businesses work, communicate and grow – with a mix of keynote talks, hands-on workshops and breakout sessions.

Keynote speakers include Dr Robert Elliott Smith, scientist, technologist, author and adviser, who has authored more than 100 academic papers on AI, as well as Rage Against the Machine, a novel examining AI and prejudice. He will be joined by Jamie Claret, founder of Autonomate, whose talk promises an engaging, jargon-free look at what really matters in AI adoption.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to choose from six breakout sessions covering practical uses of AI in areas like creativity, productivity, customer service, cyber security and leadership.

Contributors include Xpertex, which will explore how AI is transforming the cyber threat landscape, and ITbuilder, demonstrating how businesses can use AI to streamline workflows and automate routine tasks.

In a joint workshop, the Government of Canada, Maximizer and Hertford-based Avrion will showcase AI tools for customer relationship management, while producer and director Rob Finlay will examine how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human creativity.

Shaun Keya, Global AI and Automation Manager at Carlsberg Group, will share insights on using AI to drive innovation and efficiency, while Elaine Gold Consulting will offer a practical foundation for adopting AI tools while maintaining human connection and judgment.

Additional highlights include an address from Matthew Higgins, Microsoft AI Business Solutions Ambassador, from Pax8, who will be delivering a practical session on how SMEs can take control of critical business data through smarter, more secure usage of AI.

There will also be an interactive showcase from the University of Hertfordshire’s Robot House Immersive Experience, designed to demonstrate AI in real-world settings.

The conference will close with a Q&A panel discussion on AI’s ethical implications and future opportunities. Panellists include Marco Delise, Director of Entrepreneurship and Business Development at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC) and Chris Day, Software Development Manager at Tesco Technology.

Headline sponsors for the event are Google, the University of Hertfordshire and SBC, all of whom will also have exhibition stands.

Other exhibitors include:

• Xpertex

• ITbuilder

• Rocket Paye

• The WOW! Awards

• IllumiFi Advisory

• Intermedia Cloud Communications

• Cloud7 Marketing and AI

• Exemplas/Hertfordshire Growth Hub

• Aura Calls

To secure a place, please purchase tickets via: www.hertschamber.com/

One ticket includes:

• Entry to two plenary sessions featuring keynote speakers

• Full access to all event speakers and the panel discussion

• Choice of six breakout sessions

• Admission to the exhibition area, showcasing local startups, AI innovators and The Robot House from the University of Hertfordshire

• Networking opportunities with professionals, entrepreneurs and digital leaders

• Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day

AI Conference Breakout Sessions:

AI Conference Exhibition Stands:

Dr Robert Elliot Smith

Jamie Claret

Matthew Higgins

Take back control

Broxbourne, business and brews

SMEs from across the region came together for a vibrant morning of networking, collaboration and idea-sharing –all over breakfast and a good brew.

Hosted by Hertfordshire Chamber and held at Theobalds Enterprise Centre – one of the hubs within the Broxbourne Enterprise Centres – the Networking with Broxbourne SMEs event showcased the strength and spirit of the local business community.

The event was sponsored by Ambition Broxbourne, the economic growth initiative led by Broxbourne Borough Council, which works in partnership with local organisations to drive innovation, enterprise and opportunity throughout the borough.

The morning featured a series of insightful talks and presentations from a range of speakers, including:

• Duncan Haslam – Broxbourne Borough Council

• Richard Roberts – Hertford Regional College CSCS Test Centre

• Ed Baker – Career Camp/Work Ready

• Kim Masters – Make Peace with Money Programme

• Tania Diggory – Calmer

• Jacquie Gascoigne – Step2Skills

• Zoe Galea – Broxbourne Enterprise Centres

• Julie Creffield – Broxbourne Enterprise Centres

The event was expertly hosted by Mary Sykes of the Chamber, with special recognition given to Helen Ashby, Economic Development Officer at Broxbourne Council, for her outstanding work in bringing the event together.

Among the Patrons in attendance were representatives from Ashbourne Insurance Services, Ambition Broxbourne, Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Oaklands College.

Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: “It was wonderful to see such strong support for local enterprise and economic growth.

“We’re so proud to host events like these – ones that foster a thriving, connected business community where entrepreneurs and business leaders can exchange ideas, forge partnerships and build a stronger local economy.”

Directors in the Spotlight Directors take centre stage

Directors had their moment in the spotlight during a business breakfast at Fanhams Hall Hotel in Ware for a morning of learning, networking and discussion.

Hosted by Hertfordshire Chamber and sponsored by Longmores Solicitors, the Directors in the Spotlight event brought together professionals from across Hertfordshire to find out more about the critical role directors play in today’s business landscape.

The event delved into the responsibilities of directors, highlighting the importance of good governance and risk awareness. A panel of experienced solicitors from Longmores shared real-world case studies, covering topics such as misconduct, financial mismanagement and insolvency.

The speakers included:

• Miranda Mulligan, Senior Solicitor, Longmores Solicitors

• Michael Budd, Partner and Head of Company Commercial, Longmores Solicitors

• John Wiblin, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, Longmores Solicitors

• Nat Young, Partner specialising in insolvency and dispute resolution, Longmores Solicitors

Attendees engaged in a lively Q&A session, where new and experienced directors had the opportunity to take part in insightful discussions and leave with practical tips and advice.

Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: “The day was a huge success – filled with insights, real-world advice and valuable takeaways. We’re incredibly grateful to our speakers and all who took part.”

“It’s vital that directors are given the chance to step into the spotlight and address the important issues facing their organisations. We’re already looking forward to the next session.”

The event was expertly hosted by Caroline Maher, Conference and Events Manager at the Chamber, with Abigail Parkins, Events Manager, ensuring a smooth experience for all guests.

Among those in attendance were representatives from Longmores Solicitors, Ness M Care Services, Oaklands College and Vincent + Gorbing.

LEGAL MATTERS

Inheritance Tax Under Review

QWhat were the principal Inheritance Tax (IHT) changes announced in the last Budget and when do they take effect?

AThe Autumn 2024 Budget introduced significant reforms that will reshape IHT planning.

• From 6 April 2026, Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) will be restricted so that full (100%) relief applies only to the first £1 million of qualifying property (combined). Any excess will receive only 50% relief.

• From 6 April 2027, most unused defined contribution pensions and death-benefit pension assets will be brought into the estate for IHT purposes.

• The Nil-Rate Band and Residence Nil-Rate Band will remain frozen until 2030.

• For non-domiciled individuals, from 6 April 2025, long-term UK residents (10 out of the last 20 years) will become subject to IHT on worldwide assets, ending the current domicile-based exemption.

While the details are still being finalised, the government’s direction is clear: more estates will fall within IHT, and existing reliefs will become harder to claim.

AQHow will these changes impact estates?

The effects could be substantial:

• Estates holding business or agricultural property over £1 million will face a sharp increase in taxable value, potentially prompting restructuring or asset sales.

Bernard Flanagan, Senior Solicitor at Longmores, explains the recent reforms and what may come next.

• Family business owners may need to revisit succession plans to ensure heirs can meet the resulting tax liabilities.

• From 2027, pensions once outside the IHT net will now create exposure, catching many by surprise.

• The frozen thresholds mean that rising property and investment values will draw more estates into the IHT net.

• Non-dom clients will lose traditional protections for overseas assets.

Q What estate-planning opportunities remain under the new regime?

While the reforms restrict traditional reliefs, timely and considered planning can still mitigate exposure:

• Lifetime gifting: Make use of annual and small gift exemptions, gifts out of

income (“normal expenditure out of income” exemption), and consider larger gifts within the seven-year period. Though a future lifetime cap has been mooted.

• Trusts: Settling assets before the new rules take effect could secure existing reliefs, especially for family wealth and agricultural property.

• Pensions: Drawing down pension funds before 2027 may reduce IHT exposure where income tax consequences are acceptable which may provide greater opportunity for making use of the gifts out of income exemption.

• Other reliefs: Continue to utilise spousal exemptions, the residence nil-rate band, and charitable gifts to offset liability. Business restructuring: Review ownership models to keep qualifying property within the £1 million threshold or optimise relief eligibility.

Q What further IHT changes might the forthcoming Budget bring?

ASpeculation around the 2025 Autumn Budget points to further tightening:

• Possible reform or abolition of the sevenyear rule for lifetime gifts.

• A lifetime cap on the total value of tax-free gifts.

• Reduced taper relief between three and seven years before death.

• Narrowing of other reliefs, including for AIM listed shares and investment vehicles.

• Enhanced anti-avoidance measures targeting last-minute or artificial transfers. These evolving reforms mark a pivotal moment in IHT planning. Proactive advice, early restructuring, and close monitoring of legislative developments will be essential to preserve estate value and ensure clients remain ahead of the curve.

GREENWASHING: The hidden risk in sustainability marketing

As sustainability becomes central to corporate strategy, brands are eager to highlight their eco-credentials through carbon-neutral pledges, eco-friendly packaging, and more. But this surge in green messaging brings risk: greenwashing.

Greenwashing - misleading consumers about environmental benefits - is now more than a reputational issue; it’s a regulatory and financial risk that erodes trust, damages brand equity, and invites scrutiny from watchdogs and consumers.

Why greenwashing happens

The pressure to appear sustainable is immense. Consumers are demanding transparency, investors are prioritising ESG performance, and competitors are racing to out-green each other. In this environment, it’s tempting to make bold claims, sometimes without the evidence to back them up.

The regulatory landscape is shifting

Regulators are no longer turning a blind eye. Authorities in the UK, EU, and beyond are tightening rules around environmental claims. New legislation empowers regulators to impose significant fines for misleading sustainability messaging, and enforcement is ramping up.

This shift reflects a broader trend: sustainability is being treated with the same seriousness as financial reporting. Just as companies must substantiate earnings and forecasts, they must now validate their environmental claims.

The cost of getting it wrong

Greenwashing can erode consumer trust, especially among younger, values-driven audiences who expect authenticity and transparency. It can also lead to:

] Negative press coverage

] Legal action and fines

] Negative press coverage

] Loss of investor confidence

] Internal morale issues, especially among employees who value purpose-driven work

In a digital age where misinformation spreads fast and accountability is demanded instantly, the reputational fallout from greenwashing can be swift and severe.

www.menzies.co.uk | advice@menzies.co.uk

Turning risk into opportunity

The good news? Avoiding greenwashing isn’t just about risk mitigation, it’s a chance to build stronger, more credible brands.

Here’s how businesses can lead with integrity:

Invest in ESG Assurance

Educate Internal Teams Audit Existing Claims Embed ESG into Strategy Engage with Stakeholders

The future is transparent

Greenwashing is a symptom of a deeper issue: the gap between sustainability ambition and execution. Closing that gap requires more than good intentions. It demands rigour, accountability, and a commitment to truth.

Brands that embrace transparency and invest in ESG assurance won’t just avoid regulatory pitfalls, they’ll earn the trust of consumers, employees, and investors. In a world where sustainability is scrutinised, credibility is the new currency.

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Menzies is a proudly independent UK business advisory and accountancy practice with national coverage and international connections. As a full-service firm with strong sector specialisms, we have a proven track record supporting businesses, not-forprofit and individuals to successfully reach their financial goals. Reach out to our local Stevenage office on the details below: hertfordshire@menzies.co.uk

Leading with passion

Sophie Owen Street, Vice

President

of Strategy & Business, Sky Studios Elstree, talks to Sarah Dale about leading with passion

From touring the Sky Studios Elstree site in its infancy donning a hard hat and safety boots to analysing spreadsheets, Sophie Owen Street “finds the joy” in her work as Vice President of Strategy & Business.

Sky Studios Elstree is a 28-acre film and TV studio in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire with 12 state-of-the-art sound stages, ranging from 10,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft, each with the highest standard technology and specs built in, five office blocks, and workshops split across ground and mezzanine floors.

“As a leader, my style is hands-on which means that I like to get involved in lots of things across the team,” says Sophie.

“In the days when the studio was being constructed this meant lots of walking around in a hard hat and safety boots whereas nowadays it’s more likely to involve me analysing a big spreadsheet. Not quite as hardcore but the intention holds true that I like to lead by example and I won’t ever ask my team to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself.

“The best leadership advice I have received is to be passionate about what you do. Finding the joy in your work, whether that be in the day-to-day activity of your job or whether it’s in delivering a big project that could be months or years in the making, passion breeds creativity and helps provide the energy to effect real change. Passion is what provided the engine for my team and I to build Sky Studios Elstree and it’s what drives us to make the studio better each year.”

Sky Studios Elstree joined the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce as a Patron in 2021.

“We had started construction of the studios in late 2020 and we were keen to connect with the local business network as soon as possible,” she says.

“We may not have had any offices on site at that time (in fact we were mainly working out of the DoubleTree London Elstree!) but we were committed to being a part of the community from the get-go.

“Film and TV studios, just like hotels and restaurants, are in the hospitality business and we need to attract productions to shoot with us. For Sky Studios Elstree, this means offering the best facilities and services on site that we can, and we need a supportive network around us to do that. That means having a close community of trusted partners that we can rely on to deliver high-quality services to productions. We also need to be part of conversations with like-minded businesses in order to share learnings and insights, especially across our sustainability and talent development programmes. The Chamber helps provide a forum for us to build these important connections across Hertfordshire.”

Sophie credits the Chamber with connecting Sky Studios Elstree to the local business community. Within their first year of joining, they held two Meet the Buyer events, which allowed them to meet complementary businesses at scale.

“It was at one of these events where we met JPA Workspaces, whose sustainability goals aligned closely with our own, and we partnered with them to provide all of the furniture at the studios when we opened throughout 2022/23,” she adds.

“Then, at the sustainability event the following year, we met Cawleys who have now become our waste provider on site, so some of our biggest procurement contracts at the studios have come from connections we made through the Chamber.”

Her advice to new members is simple: Get involved!

“The Chamber runs a number of different events across the year. Whether that be the Chamber lunches, the annual sustainability conference or the sector-focused events like last year’s Creative Summit which was hosted at Sky Studios Elstree. There is something for everyone, so you can choose to attend the events that most resonate with you and your business priorities.

“It’s also a great opportunity for your team to network and grow. We’ve found that sending members of our wider team to the Chamber events, such as the annual Women in Leadership conference, has been a great way to connect, share insights and be inspired.”

Sophie reveals that the goal for Sky Studios Elstree remains the same today as it did when they opened their first stage three years ago.

“We want to be the best studio for productions to film at,” she adds.

“This doesn’t just mean providing best in class facilities, it means excellence in service offering, ambitious sustainability targets and meaningful engagement with our local community, especially across training and development opportunities. To this end, we are working closely with Hertfordshire Futures on a number of exciting initiatives, including existing programmes that we are continuing to expand and enhance, as well as new projects that are being actively scoped and shaped.

“We are so excited for what’s to come. And of course, we can’t wait to welcome more incredible films and TV series that are yet to be made at Sky Studios Elstree.”

Internship programme blends career with culture

A Caribbean food and drink supplier is offering a UK-based undergraduate or graduate a unique opportunity to take part in an international internship that blends professional development with cultural immersion.

Grace Foods UK, recently named the UK’s number one Caribbean food and drink supplier by Circana, has opened applications for the 2026 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Summer Internship Programme, in partnership with its parent company, GraceKennedy.

The prestigious programme is designed to reconnect second- and third-generation Jamaicans aged 18 to 25 living in the UK with their heritage. The selected UK intern will join peers from the United States and Canada for a six-week professional and cultural placement in Jamaica during the summer of 2026.

Launched in 2004, the GK Jamaican Birthright Programme has hosted more than 60 participants, offering them immersive experiences across Jamaica’s civic, cultural and business landscapes.

Interns benefit from hands-on work experience within GraceKennedy’s business units, alongside curated cultural and heritage activities, equipping them with valuable career skills and a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

GK Group CEO, Frank James, said: “With deep roots in Jamaica and a global presence, GraceKennedy is committed to investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry our nation’s story into boardrooms, classrooms, operating rooms and creative spaces around the world.

“It is about more than visiting Jamaica; it is about experiencing it in a way that builds belonging, pride and purpose.”

This year’s UK representative, Kyrah McIntosh from Liverpool Hope University, took part in the 2025 internship alongside peers from the US and Canada. During the programme, which ran from 23 June to 6 August, Kyrah engaged in professional development sessions and met national leaders, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Hart Learning & Development are here to help you attract, retain and develop the best emerging talent in the market.

As part of the programme’s Heritage Pathway Tours, interns visited significant cultural and historical sites across Jamaica, deepening their understanding of the island’s traditions and their own cultural roots.

Applications for the 2026 GraceKennedy Jamaican Birthright Programme are now open.

For more information and application details for the 2026 programme, please visit: www.bit.ly/GKBirthright

Boutique consultancy bucks big-firm trend with decade of director-led success

A leading building consultancy is bucking the industry trend towards ever-larger practices by proving that smaller, director-led firms can deliver some of the UK’s biggest projects.

Hertfordshire and Londonbased AME LLP, founded in 2015 by Martin Treacy, Tony Riley and Purdey Silvester, is marking its 10th anniversary with a track record that includes HS2’s Euston compulsory purchase, the redevelopment of New Scotland Yard, UCL’s Institute of Education masterplan and major lease negotiations for the BBC.

Martin said: “We wanted to show that you don’t need an army of juniors to deliver at the top level. Clients deal directly with us. They get our experience, our judgment and our accountability and that’s why they come back.

“We left big-firm director roles because we wanted to be hands-on. Too often, senior people bring the work in and hand it down.” That approach has proved resilient through some of the toughest challenges the sector has faced. During COVID, when many consultancies struggled, AME’s clients continued to work closely with them during this difficult time. The three effortlessly work across each other’s instructions to create a cohesive experience for clients, reflecting the trust and camaraderie that underpins the partnership.

We specialise in providing apprenticeships to drive your business forward. Our expert teams work with you to identify the right training for the right people at the right stage in their career.

Call 01462 424242 | email hello@hartld.co.uk or visit www.hartld.co.uk/inspire

Purdey said: “Clients tell us they value our honesty and responsiveness. We don’t just do the job in front of us; we take time to understand their business and strategy so we can give the best advice. That’s why they continue to use us and often call to bounce ideas of us.”

Looking ahead, AME sees opportunities in the transformation of office space, the growth of the build-to-rent sector and the increasing demands of fire safety and sustainability regulation. The partners are also exploring where AI and smart building tools can add value while staying true to their director-led model.

Tony said: “We’re not building an empire. Our plan is sustainable growth – around 10 per cent year on year – while maintaining the principle we started with: direct, senior advice that delivers measurable value.”

As AME enters its second decade, the partners remain convinced their boutique approach is a model for the future. Martin said: “Big firms have their place, but there will always be room for experienced professionals who roll up their sleeves and do the work themselves. That’s why we set up AME and that’s why we’re still here 10 years on.”

Trusted legal advisers to help you navigate legal challenges and opportunities

When it comes to big life or business decisions, the trusted advisers at Debenhams Ottaway make the legal aspects as simple and straightforward as possible.

With our HQ in the heart of St Albans, and an office in Radlett, we help individuals, families and businesses in Hertfordshire, London and across the UK.

And now, we’re on the move. Our Radlett office is relocating, but not far. You’ll still find us in

a convenient location just off Radlett High Street, close to the train station.

What’s staying the same? Across both offices, our trusted legal advisers remain dedicated to guiding you through big life or business decisions, keeping the legal process clear, simple and tailored to you.

We also have our London office space for a convenient place to meet us if you work in the City.

Do you need legal support? Talk to the trusted team at Debenhams Ottaway to help you:

– achieve your business ambitions through acquisition, investment or exit

– buy or sell residential or commercial property

– navigate the complexities of employment law and commercial contracts

– resolve business conflict, such as a boardroom dispute

– structure family-owned businesses for succession

– plan for the future through Wills, LPAs and trusts

– manage challenges at home such as divorce or separation.

Life is full of change — some planned, some unexpected. Whatever comes your way, Debenhams Ottaway is here to help.

Talk to our trusted team today.

St Albans Office Ivy House, 107 St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3EW 01727 837161

Radlett Office

The Corn Works, Station Road, Radlett, WD7 8JY 01923 857171

London Office Space

18 & 19 Floor, 100 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AG 0203 307 2878

Spotlight Focus

A borough that blends creativity, commerce and community

Boasting state-of-the-art film studios and multiple Green Flag Awards, Hertsmere blends creativity and greenery in equal measure

With a robust and diverse economy nestled amid picturesque green spaces, the borough of Hertsmere offers an exceptional environment for both business and community life.

Comprising Borehamwood, Bushey, Potters Bar, Radlett, Aldenham, Shenley and the surrounding villages, Hertsmere benefits greatly from its proximity to London. Excellent transport links – including mainline rail services, access to the M25, M1 and A1 and five nearby airports – make the borough highly accessible for residents, visitors and businesses.

Home to more than 18,000 companies, including nearly 100 scale-ups, Hertsmere fosters a dynamic and supportive environment for business growth and innovation.

A recognised hub for the creative industries, Hertsmere is home to leading film and technology enterprises such as Sky Studios Elstree, Elstree Film Studios, BBC Elstree, Fairbank Studios, Canada Life, Kedrion (BPL), Fujitsu, Info Plus Tech and Elstree Aerodrome.

The borough’s thriving film and television sector boasts an impressive portfolio of productions, including The Crown, The King’s Speech, Paddington and Wicked. Ongoing filming includes household favourites like Strictly Come Dancing, The Chase and the iconic EastEnders.

Elstree Studios, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, is a cornerstone of the local creative economy. With over 90,000 square feet of filming space, nine sound stages and more than 40 resident production companies, the studio remains a premier destination for film, television, commercials and music rehearsals. Legendary titles such as Star Wars, The Dirty Dozen and 2001: A Space Odyssey were all filmed here.

For local talent like award-winning producer and director Rob Finlay, Hertsmere provides the ideal balance. He said: “The best things about living and working in Hertsmere and Hertfordshire as a whole is the access to green space while having the benefit of such close proximity to the capital.”

In 2024, Rob produced Welcome to Hertsmere, a video tour showcasing the borough’s natural beauty and unique character.

Creativity isn’t the borough’s only strength. Hertsmere’s economy is also fuelled by a fast-growing technology sector, supporting nearly 140,000 jobs. The area’s employment growth rate stands at 8.05 per cent, with 245 businesses reporting workforce expansion – a clear sign of ongoing opportunity.

Award-winning Minerva IT Services exemplifies this momentum. Founded over 40 years ago, the company has built a reputation for delivering tailored IT solutions across industries, including cloud services, software development and telecommunications.

Victoria Livingston, Marketing Manager at Minerva, said: “Hertsmere offers a wealth of local amenities, from professional services to leisure facilities, creating an attractive environment for employees and visitors alike. Minerva benefits from being part of a dynamic local economy with strong community ties.”

To further support its thriving business ecosystem, Hertsmere Borough Council hosts quarterly networking events, provides one-to-one business support and runs a Creative Forum. It also leads the Hertsmere Skills Partnership, collaborating with the Hertfordshire Chamber, local colleges, the University of Hertfordshire, representative businesses from key sectors and organisations such as WENTA and the DWP to address skills gaps and foster talent.

The borough is home to long-established companies like Purple Marketing, which has been delivering pragmatic and impactful solutions for more than 38 years. Founder Jeremy Silverstone described Hertsmere as “a creative and media hub with a diverse population, a vibrant arts scene and strong community spirit”. He added: “Its accessibility to London, combined with Hertfordshire’s green spaces and historical heritage, creates a balanced lifestyle that appeals to suppliers, partners and clients alike.”

When it comes to leisure and culture, Hertsmere offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities. Community groups play a central role in sustaining cultural life, supporting museums, theatres, festivals, cinemas, live music and other events.

Accommodation options like the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree offer business and leisure travellers the perfect mix of city connectivity and countryside calm. Its close proximity to major studios makes it a top choice for production teams and media professionals.

Hertsmere’s cultural calendar is bolstered by Inspire All, a charitable trust that manages several leisure centres and coordinates events and festivals in parks across the borough. Another standout initiative is the work of Small Acts of Kindness, a charity that organises corporate volunteering sessions to combat loneliness among older residents. Each year, the organisation distributes more than 15,000 gift bags and promotes a culture of kindness and social responsibility.

Hertsmere’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its exceptional green spaces, many of which have been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards – a mark of excellence in park and green space management. These accolades, managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, are awarded under licence from the UK Government and serve as a national benchmark for quality outdoor environments.

One of the borough’s most celebrated parks is King George Recreation Ground in Bushey, which has proudly held Green Flag status for an impressive 26 consecutive years. Not far behind is Oakmere Park in Potters Bar, another community favourite, which has received the award 22 times. In Borehamwood, Aberford Park has maintained its Green Flag credentials for over 17 years, while nearby Parkfield in Potters Bar has earned the award 16 times.

Bushey Rose Garden continues to be a highlight of the borough’s green offering. Now in its 14th year of recognition, the garden has also achieved the prestigious Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, in recognition of its carefully preserved historical features and thoughtful management. Mary Forsdyke Garden and Warren Lake, nestled in the heart of Bushey Heath, have also been honoured seven times and Meadow Park in Borehamwood has recently received its second award, reflecting ongoing investment in local parks.

Adding to this environmental achievement, Fisher’s Field Nature Reserve in Bushey has earned a Green Flag Community Award for the 16th time. This special accolade acknowledges the dedication of local volunteers who, in partnership with the council, work tirelessly to maintain and enhance this natural haven.

Together, these green spaces reflect Hertsmere’s ongoing efforts to balance growth with environmental responsibility – offering residents and visitors places to relax, recharge and connect with nature.

Hertsmere Borough Council is committed to sustainable growth. Guided by its Hertsmere Vision 2022-2027 economic strategy, the council aims to build a vibrant and resilient economy that supports all residents and businesses.

The strategy outlines bold ambitions to deliver high-quality support, create local jobs and ensure a balanced economy for the borough’s growing population. In collaboration with partners, the council is fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement – helping people and organisations reach their full potential.

With its unique combination of creative industries, tech innovation, cultural vibrancy and environmental stewardship, Hertsmere stands out as a borough where business and lifestyle thrive side by side.

The Hertfordshire Ltd Report

Private firms fuel £19.3 billion turnover as Hertfordshire is recognised as a growth powerhouse

A new report has revealed the scale of the county’s economic momentum, with Herts’ leading private firms showing strong growth, rising profitability and sustained investment

Hertfordshire is stepping into a bold new era – combining entrepreneurial strength, strategic investment and sustainable ambition to cement its place as one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies, according to the Hertfordshire Limited 2025 Report.

Now in its 12th year, the Grant Thornton-produced report analyses the top 100 privately owned businesses in the region –spotlighting their financial performance, resilience and impact on the local and national economy. The 2025 report has revealed an impressive year of growth for Hertfordshire, driven by its top 100 businesses.

Mike Tillson, Partner at Grant Thornton, said: “Strategic positioning ensures Hertfordshire is more than a regional player – it’s a gateway for national growth and innovation.

“As we celebrate the businesses featured in this year’s report, we recognise their role as architects of Hertfordshire’s future. Their resilience, ambition and commitment to excellence continue to drive the county’s economic success. Their contributions inspire Hertfordshire’s limitless potential.”

Key highlights from the report include:

• The Top 100 businesses achieved a combined turnover of £19.3 billion, marking a 6 per cent year-on-year increase.

• Collective EBITDA rose by more than 17 per cent, approaching the £1 billion milestone.

• The businesses employ more than 69,000 people, with average salaries of £55,200 – above the UK average.

• Long-term debt increased by over 10 per cent, signalling continued investment in growth and long-term confidence.

Mike said: “(The results are) a testament to operational success and resilience – reflecting strategic, purposeful investment and expansion across the region.”

The report also highlighted that Hertfordshire’s success is strongly rooted in its vibrant business hubs – with Watford standing out in particular. Home to 21 of the Top 100 featured companies, Watford is positioning itself as a leading commercial centre. With plans underway to deliver at least 14,988 new homes and create 11,500 additional jobs by 2036, the town is poised to support a growing, thriving community.

Elsewhere in the county, St Albans (with 10 featured companies), Borehamwood (nine) and Hemel Hempstead (nine) also emerge as dynamic centres of enterprise, reflecting Hertfordshire’s diverse and robust economic landscape.

Among the top 100 businesses featured is McGinley Support Services and CEO Dermot McGinley highlighted Hertfordshire’s geographical advantage. He said: “Our location affords us some of the best transportation links in the UK, whether these be by road, rail or air. For a business that is truly a UK supplier, this is of fundamental logistical importance.”

By sector, Hertfordshire’s real estate and construction industry – including infrastructure businesses – remains a dominant force, generating £7.8 billion in turnover and employing 22,618 people across 24 companies. Among them is M Group, a leading infrastructure services company and one of the top-ranked firms featured in the top 100.

The report was officially unveiled at the Hertfordshire Limited: Growth Capital Breakfast, held at Rothamsted Enterprises in Harpenden. The event was delivered in partnership with Hertfordshire Chamber and sponsored by VWV Law.

CEO of the Chamber, Donna Schultz, said: “The report not only underscores the financial strength of Hertfordshire’s leading companies, but also reflects the broader confidence, innovation and ambition that reflects the region’s business landscape.

“It’s more than a snapshot of business performance. It is a celebration of the vision and determination that defines Hertfordshire.”

In addition to the report launch, the event featured an engaging panel discussion exploring growth capital and funding routes for ambitious businesses. Speakers included:

• Zach Francis – Investment Director, YFM Equity Partners

• Mark Nunny – Investor, Business Growth Fund (BGF)

• Neil Patel – Senior Director, ThinCats

• Robert Hill – Director of Innovation & Commercialisation, Rothamsted Research

The Chamber was honoured to welcome The Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, who joined the celebrations, recognising the exceptional contribution of local businesses.

including:

• Longmores Solicitors

• Menzies

• Ness M Care Services

• Sopwell House

• Tate Recruitment

• University of Hertfordshire

• Vincent + Gorbing

The event was hosted by Mary Sykes of the Chamber, with support from Abigail Parkins and Caroline Maher.

The report not only underscores the financial strength of Hertfordshire’s leading companies, but also reflects the broader confidence, innovation and ambition that reflects the region’s business landscape. It’s more than a snapshot of business performance. It is a celebration of the vision and determination that defines Hertfordshire.

Donna Schultz CEO Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

The Hertfordshire Ltd Report

The Chamber welcomed representatives from its valued patrons,

The Hertfordshire Ltd Report

November’s UK Screen Investment Summit to be a catalyst for screen sector growth

The inaugural UK Screen Investment Summit, in partnership with Hertfordshire Futures and Hertfordshire Growth Board, takes place on Wednesday 26 November at the iconic and fitting home of British film and television - BAFTA, London. Book now at screeninvestment.co.uk/booking

As a platform for collaboration and investment, the Summit will bring together leaders from UK Government, planning authorities, investors, production houses, international networks and tech innovators to explore opportunities and overcome challenges, to drive the screen sector’s next phase of growth.

A dynamic programme of expert speakers and high-impact discussions will tackle themes such as ‘Winning more production from nontraditional markets,’ ‘Homegrown and hired: Aligning skills with industry needs,’ and ‘What AI really means for the screen industry’ - sessions that will deliver actionable insights and help shape future strategies, investments and policy across the UK’s creative landscape.

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader, Hertsmere Borough Council and Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures Growth Board, are guests on the panel titled ‘Shared vision, local delivery: How UK clusters can scale screen production’.

They will discuss how the UK’s nations, regions, and production clusters are responding to the global demand for screen content, and what’s needed to ensure the sector scales successfully and sustainably.

Councillor Newmark said:

“By harnessing the proven success of Hertfordshire’s creative corridor – where collaboration fuels blockbuster results – UK clusters can hit ‘record’ on a new era of world-class screen production that’s truly made local, scaled global.

“I’m looking forward to discussing these exciting opportunities for growth at the UK Screen Investment Summit.”

The Summit is the culmination of the first year of the UK Screen Investment Programme. The programme has been overseen by a Steering Group that has met over the last year in venues including Trowers & Hamlins’ global HQ in Moorgate, Sky Studios Elstree and The Londoner hotel to discuss issues impacting the industry.

The programme also hosted another flagship event in November - an investment dinner in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Board, that has set the stage for the Summit.

Chaired by David Conway, Chief Executive, Pinewood Group, the Steering Group has included representatives from Action for Freelancers, Amazon, British Film Commission, Department for Business and Trade, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Elstree Studios, Sky Studios Elstree, Garden Studios, National Film and Television School (NFTS), RD Studios, Oxygen Studios, PACT, Screen Skills UK, Screen Alliance North, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.

Hertfordshire Futures is headline partner while Hertfordshire Growth Board is Associate Partner alongside McLaren. Trowers & Hamlins is a Supporting Partner, University of Hertfordshire is Event Partner and PACT is Media Partner.

Visit screeninvestment.co.uk for more information.

LAYING OPPORTUNITIES ON THE TABLE:

How Step2Skills and Nando’s are championing inclusive employment in Hertfordshire

In early 2024, a meeting facilitated by Watford Borough Council Chairman Simon Feldman marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Nando’s and Step2Skills – a Hertfordshire Futures programme dedicated to supporting those facing barriers to learning and employment.

From the first conversation with Joao Almeida, Manager of Nando’s Watford Met Quarter, and Bernard Quaye, Manager of the Jarman Park branch in Hemel Hempstead, it was clear that this was much more than a recruitment initiative. It was a shared commitment to inclusion.

“We don’t want to work with Step2Skills because we have a recruitment problem - we want to work with them because it’s the right thing to do.”

Joao Almeida, ManagerNando’s Watford Met Quarter

The sentiment perfectly reflects the ethos of Step2Skills, which exists to support Hertfordshire residents - particularly those with disabilities or additional needs - into meaningful work. Through tailored employment support, skills development, and employer engagement, Step2Skills helps individuals build confidence, gain experience, and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. This not only bolsters the local economy but enables employers to fill vacancies with eager local talent.

Over the past year, Nando’s has become a standout example of what inclusive employment can look like in practice. The company’s partnership with Step2Skills has led to a series of impactful initiatives across Hertfordshire. From hosting Discovery Days in branches across Watford, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, and Stevenage, to offering paid roles and supported internships, Nando’s has opened doors for individuals who often face systemic challenges in the job market.

Their involvement has gone far beyond recruitment. Nando’s has actively participated in Inclusive Job Fairs, collaborated with local organisations such as Sunnyside Rural Trust, Watford General and Watford FC, and engaged in neurodiversity awareness training to foster a more understanding and adaptable workplace culture. Joao’s leadership on the Step2Skills Employer Forum has also helped shape best practices and inspire other businesses to follow suit.

One of the most promising developments has been the launch of a supported

internship programme with West Herts College, which Nando’s is now looking to expand to other local organisations. These internships provide structured, on-the-job learning experiences that often lead to paid employment, demonstrating the long-term value of inclusive hiring.

At the 2025 Step2Skills Achievement Awards, Joao was honoured with a Special Recognition for his outstanding contributions to inclusive employment. It was a moment that celebrated not just individual leadership, but a company-wide

culture of compassion, adaptability, and purpose.

Step2Skills continues to work with employers across the county to create inclusive workplaces where everyone has the chance to thrive. As one of Hertfordshire Futures’ key service brands, the programme offers a range of support, from job coaching and workplace adjustments to employer training and strategic advice, ensuring that inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.

14/11 AI CONFERENCE

FRIDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

FIELDER CENTRE, HATFIELD BUSINESS PARK

Upcoming Events Events programme

We are delighted to announce that Dr Robert Elliott Smith PhD FRSA will be replacing Lucy as our afternoon keynote speaker. Robert E Smith is a technologist, complexity scientist, entrepreneur, writer, business advisor, consultant and public speaker. He has authored over 100 academic papers on artificial intelligence and he is the author of Rage Against the Machine, a book examining AI and prejudice. He is a Senior Fellow (Hon) of the Computer Science Faculty at University College London, where he co-founded the Centre for Decision-Making Uncertainty.

Elaine Gold Consulting

AI + Your Voice – Confidence Workshop

Elaine Gold BA(Hons), MBA, FRSA

AI 101: AI Foundations & the GOLD™ Framework

Exhibition Stands include:

19/11

BROXBOURNE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS BREAKFAST

WEDNESDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

THE SPOTLIGHT THEATRE, HODDESDON

21/11

UNDERSTANDING EXPORT

FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER

09:30-12:30

- £425.00 +VAT

This online, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited course provides an overview of the complete export process and covers the key elements delegates would need to understand to start to formulate a successful export strategy. These procedures are explained in simple everyday terms and delegates leave equipped with a good understanding and knowledge of current best practice.

The content includes:

• What is an export and the export process.

• Standard export documents.

• Why it is important to know where the UK has trade agreements.

• What is a contract of sale and what is a purchase order?

• What are Incoterms and the importance of using them in an international contract.

• The importance of commodity/tariff codes in international trade.

• Packaging, shipping marks and handling labels.

• Understanding embargoes and sanctions and what type of goods are controlled.

• The advantages of using and working with freight forwarders.

• Proof of Export.

#HertsChamberExport

Join us for an exciting morning of Broxbourne Young Entrepreneurs Breakfast on Wednesday 19 November 2025 from 09:30 - 11:30 at the Spotlight Theatre, Hoddesdon, sponsored by Broxbourne Borough Council

Event Highlights:

• Hear from Wenta about their Get Enterprising Programme supporting startups and early-stage businesses that have been operating for under five years, helping to set them on a trajectory of Growth.

• Hear from Kim Masters and her Make Peace with Money programme, which is being funded for Broxbourne residents, business owners and employees.

• Tania Diggory, Calmer, will provide an update on the Broxbourne Burnout prevention programme.

• Networking Opportunities: Engage with other local young entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and build meaningful connections that can help grow your business.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to network, learn and collaborate with the vibrant business community in Broxbourne.

We look forward to seeing you there!

28/11

SILVER MEMBERS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

FRIDAY 28TH NOVEMBER

HERTS CHAMBER OFFICE, OLD HATFIELD

08:30-10:30

MEMBER RATE - FREE

Please note this event is now fully booked. To be added to the waitlist please email bookings@hertchamber.com

Join us for an exclusive Silver Members Networking Breakfast at our Hatfield Office on Friday 28th November 2025 from 8:30 - 10:30am – a complimentary event designed to enrich your membership experience and elevate your business connections.

This members-only morning gathering is your opportunity to:

• Gain deeper insight into your Silver membership benefits

• Connect with like-minded professionals, explore new collaboration opportunities and foster strategic business relationships

• Enjoy a relaxed yet professional setting while making the most of two focused hours of valuable networking Spaces are limited to two people per company and is exclusive to Silver members only.

Upcoming Events

HERTS GO GREEN AND GROW WORKSHOP

MONDAY 1ST DECEMBER

VIA ZOOM

12:00-13:00

MEMBER RATE - FREE

NON MEMBER RATE - £15.00 +VAT

Join us online for a Herts Go Green and Grow workshop on Monday 1st December 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00, and be part of the force working to protect our county.

At our last meeting of the year, as well as the regular regulatory update and Q&A, we will be reviewing what we have achieved this year and looking forward to 2026 and what lies in the UK and global roadmap.

HGG&G is a unique cross-industry group – an open forum to discuss sustainability issues, challenges and opportunities. The community is a safe space to ask any questions and to share discoveries and learnings. It is a great opportunity to meet and network with likeminded businesses who are passionate about making a difference.

The Herts Go Green and Grow initiative was launched in 2022 by Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with our members: JPA Workspaces, KGK Genix, Estu Global, Net Zero International and Insight MCL.

Online meetings take place on Zoom and the link will be sent out a couple of days before the meeting.

02/12

CHRISTMAS CHAMBER LUNCH 2025

TUESDAY 2ND DECEMBER

HUNTON PARK HOTEL, KINGS LANGLEY

11:30-15:00

MEMBER RATE - £69.00 +VAT

NON MEMBER RATE - £89.00 +VAT

12/12

GOLD AND PLATINUM MEMBERS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

FRIDAY 12TH DECEMBER

HERTS CHAMBER OFFICE, OLD HATFIELD

08:30-10:30

MEMBER RATE - FREE

Join us for an exclusive Gold and Platinum Members Networking Breakfast at our Hatfield Office on Friday 12th December 2025 from 8:30 - 10:30am – a complimentary event designed to enrich your membership experience and elevate your business connections.

This members-only morning gathering is your opportunity to:

• Gain deeper insight into your Gold and Platinum membership benefits

• Connect with like-minded professionals, explore new collaboration opportunities and foster strategic business relationships

Enjoy a relaxed yet professional setting while making the most of two focused hours of valuable networking.

Spaces are limited to two people per company and exclusive to Gold and Platinum members only.

Beyond competition, Jordan is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of athletes and leaders. As High Performance Manager at Oaklands College, an Athlete Mentor for the Youth Sport Trust and an ambassador for Unbottled (Milk Education), Jordan is committed to driving personal development, inspiring ambition and fostering leadership through sport.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce are delighted to be holding our popular Christmas Chamber Lunch in The Garden Marquee at Hunton Park Hotel in Kings Langley, on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 from 11:30 - 15:00, sponsored by Steven Eagell Toyota.

This extended event will feature a glass of bubbly or soft drink on arrival, delicious two course lunch, entertainment, a chance to catch up with existing business contacts and the opportunity to meet and network with new potential clients.

Tables: Book nine places and receive the tenth free*

*N.B. Tables are not available to book online, please contact bookings@hertschamber.com

Please note all dietary requirements must be emailed to bookings@ hertschamber.com by 25th November 2025 when bookings close.

Our special guest speaker will be Jordan Thomas, High Performance Manager at Oaklands College, professional athlete, world and European karate champion and former Team GB competitor in karate and taekwondo.

Jordan is a distinguished professional athlete and full-contact fighter, celebrated as both a world and European karate champion. A former Team GB competitor in karate and taekwondo across two Olympic cycles (Tokyo and Paris), Jordan brings over 14 years of elite sporting experience and a proven record of international success.

Having spent years competing at the highest level, Jordan has developed a profound understanding of the mindset, discipline and resilience required to achieve and sustain excellence.

We will also have musical performances by Purcell School.

The Purcell School are the oldest specialist music school in the UK with a long-standing international reputation for excellence. They break down barriers to outstanding musical training, ensuring that young musicians of significant potential have access to a worldclass music education, regardless of their financial circumstances. Students benefit from instrumental lessons with exceptional teachers, masterclasses with internationally acclaimed artists, regular solo and ensemble performance opportunities and a comprehensive academic education.

Veale Fine Jewellery

Husband and wife team creating timeless, handcrafted pieces in the UK, will be joining us at the event. Known for their exquisite bespoke designs and commitment to responsible luxury, they’ll be offering on-site jewellery cleaning and showcasing a selection of their beautiful creations.

22/01

INSPIRING HERTS AWARDS LAUNCH

THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 2026

OLD PALACE, HATFIELD HOUSE

18:00-20:00

MEMBER RATE - £20.00 +VAT

NON-MEMBER RATE - £20.00 +VAT

We invite you to join us on Thursday 22nd January 2026, from 18:00-20:00, for the launch of our Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2026, being held at the beautiful and atmospheric Old Palace, Hatfield House, associate sponsor of the Inspiring Herts Awards 2026. Now in their fifteenth year, these awards are set to be the best yet. This year’s event is going to be a ‘Black & White’ themed extravaganza!

Come along to the launch and enjoy a glass of fizz and some canapes, meet the award category sponsors, along with past winners and finalists and find out why you should enter these prestigious awards, which are designed to showcase and celebrate best practice within businesses across the county.

Book your place now and participate in what promises to be an exciting and informative evening, providing excellent networking opportunities with other Hertfordshire companies. Please note, places are strictly limited to two per organisation. This event always sells out so we would advise you to reserve your places early.

26/02

FEBRUARY CHAMBER LUNCH

THURSDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2026

THE HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTRY AND GOLF CLUB, BROXBOURNE

11:45-14:15

MEMBER RATE - £55.00 +VAT

NON-MEMBER RATE - £75.00 +VAT

We are hosting our February Chamber Lunch, on Thursday 26th February 2026 from 11.45-14.15 at The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club in Broxbourne.

Our Guest Speaker will be Lorna Pringle, Deputy Agent, South East and East Anglia, Bank of England. She will be presenting an overview of the latest economic outlook latest discussing the most recent Monetary Policy Report, its assessment for inflation, interest rates, wage inflation and economic growth. Lorna became Deputy Agent for South East and East Anglia in February 2021. Lorna joined the Bank of England in 1990 and has worked in a number of our data and analytical teams. More recently Lorna worked in our People and Culture Directorate, supporting the development of staffing policies, business change and covid recovery planning. She was also our Deputy Agent for Greater London between 2011-2013. Lorna has a degree in Economics and Statistics and a Postgraduate CIPD Certificate in Leadership and Management.

20/02

SILVER MEMBERS NETWORKING BREAKFAST

FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2026

HERTS CHAMBER OFFICE, OLD HATFIELD

08:00-10:00

MEMBER RATE - FREE

Join us for an exclusive Silver Members Networking Breakfast at our Hatfield Office on Friday 20th February 2026 from 8:00

- 10:00am – a complimentary event created to enhance your membership experience and strengthen your business network.

This members-only morning gathering is your opportunity to:

• Gain deeper insight into your Silver membership benefits

• Connect with like-minded professionals, explore new collaboration opportunities and foster strategic business relationships

Enjoy a relaxed yet professional setting while making the most of two focused hours of valuable networking.

Spaces are limited and attendance is exclusive to Silver members only.

We also will briefly hear from Ganesh Gnanamoorthy, Director of Planning and Place at Broxbourne Borough Council regarding economic development within Hertfordshire.

Lunch Agenda

11:45 Registration, refreshments and networking

12:10 Chamber welcome and sponsor introduction

12:20 Economic development update

12:30 Two course lunch with tea and coffee

13:30 Speaker presentation and Q&A

14:00 Chamber notices

14:15 Event close

Come along to this event for a delicious two course lunch, a chance to catch up with existing business contacts and use the opportunity to meet and network with new potential clients.

Upcoming Events

Businesses call for clarity and confidence ahead of Autumn Budget

The UK’s competitiveness has slipped, says BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland, as she urges decisive action to help firms grow and invest

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says the Autumn Budget must sharpen the UK’s competitive edge to stay ahead of the pack in an increasingly dog-eat-dog world.

It is calling for immediate action to cut the costs deterring investment, simplify regulations to unleash business and update its strategic offer.

Among the recommendations in a new report, the BCC is calling for ministers to:

• Commit to no further increase in taxes that add to labour costs.

• Axe the windfall tax on oil and gas to address energy costs for business and provide a clear strategy for the North Sea’s transition to a renewable future.

• Prioritise further infrastructure investment to support growth, including the new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, and expansion of Luton airport.

• Put rocket boosters under our economic diplomacy to unlock the full potential of ‘Brand Britain’.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “If the UK economy is not competitive then it cannot grow. Our slide down the rankings has been driven by increasing volatility on tax and regulation which has led to an inexorable rise in the cost of doing business.

“There is also growing speculation about what’s coming in the Autumn Budget, which is still weeks away. This is eroding business confidence further as the government’s messaging of ‘tough choices’ adds to the fear.

“But the Budget can be the decisive moment we need to back British business and put the economy on the front foot.”

The report has been produced by the BCC’s Global Britain Challenge Group, drawing on expertise from businesses, academics and think tanks.

It highlights how the UK has fallen in global competitiveness rankings from the ninth most competitive nation in 1997 to 29th now.

This slide has come at a time when international trade has been upended, and geopolitical upheaval is making every nation pause to assess its strategic business alliances.

Against this background, it outlines how it is more important than ever that the UK stands out from the crowd.

The report has more than 40 recommendations in total. It also calls for business rates to be revamped, a moratorium on new corporate reporting standards that impact the UK’s attractiveness for investment, and an annual audit of the UK’s competitiveness.

Shevaun continued: “The UK is bursting at the seams with innovative ‘can-do’ businesses, that are eager to grow and make the most of the UK’s extraordinary talent, creativity and technical expertise.

“We have a great story to tell. We are the sixth largest economy in the world, the fifth largest exporter and have the third largest stock of inward investment assets.

“But we are not currently the sum of all our parts. Our message to the rest of the world has been inconsistent. If we want the UK to be more productive and to grow our economy, then we must take action to become more competitive internationally.

“That means a focus on cutting costs, supporting innovation and taking a more strategic approach. The UK’s soft power is the envy of the world, but it is rarely

If the UK economy is not competitive then it cannot grow. Our slide down the rankings has been driven by increasing volatility on tax and regulation which has led to an inexorable rise in the cost of doing business.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

used with precision as an economic tool to exploit the many advantages we have.

“Adopting even a few of this report’s recommendations will make a positive difference but delivering all of them would power the economic growth our people and businesses deserve.”

Rise, Shine, Connect

Networking breakfast series gets off to a shining start

Hertfordshire’s business community came together for a vibrant morning of conversation, collaboration and coffee as part of a morning networking series designed to energise and connect professionals.

Hosted by Hertfordshire Chamber, Rise, Shine, Connect – Meet Your Letchworth Neighbours kicked off in style at voco Letchworth Hall Hotel, setting the tone for what promises to be an engaging and dynamic series of early morning business events.

The event, sponsored by Steven Eagell Toyota, brought together business people and professionals, all keen to make meaningful connections before the workday began. Attendees were warmly welcomed and looked after by Abigail Parkins, Event Manager at the Chamber, who ensured the morning ran seamlessly.

Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us bright and early at the beautiful voco Letchworth Hall Hotel for a morning full of energy, connections and plenty of smiles.

“The exhibitors and patrons, as well as our fabulous host, made the day special – it’s their continued support that makes such a difference.”

The event featured a range of exhibitors including Rocket Paye, Tollers, The Christmas Decorators, AXA Health and Advanced Collection Systems Limited – each showcasing their services and forging new relationships within the Hertfordshire business community.

Among the attendees were representatives from key Patrons such as Menzies, Tate Recruitment, University of Hertfordshire and Oaklands College.

Donna said: “We’re so proud to be able to host events like these for our members. The room was buzzing with conversation, laughter and new opportunities – exactly the atmosphere this new series is all about.”

Serenity and strategy combine at exclusive networking event

Networking took on a refreshing twist in Tring as professionals gathered for a unique business breakfast event that blended connection, inspiration and wellbeing in equal measure.

Hosted by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the Diamond Club Lunch welcomed the Chamber’s Diamond Club members to the tranquil surroundings of Champneys Spa. Set amidst this serene backdrop, the afternoon offered a distinctive opportunity to build authentic business relationships in a relaxed, wellness-focused environment.

The event was more than just a networking session; it was a chance to pause, reflect and engage in thoughtful conversation around leadership, purpose and professional development.

The afternoon featured a thought-provoking speech from adviser and coach Erika Clegg, Founder of Larkenby and Blue Light Leadership. Her talk on junk values challenged attendees to reconsider their definitions of success, purpose and culture within the workplace.

Adding further value to the event was an insightful address by Alec Colson, Partner and Head of Employment at Taylor Walton Solicitors, the event’s associate sponsor.

Donna Schultz, CEO of the Chamber, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for professionals to come together, share experiences and develop new connections, all while getting to relax and unwind in the tranquil setting of Champneys Spa.

“Today wasn’t just about networking, it was about sharing insights, sparking ideas and celebrating the community that makes the Diamond Club so special.”

The Chamber extended warm thanks to Kirsty Beard and the Champneys team, who ensured guests were exceptionally well catered for throughout the afternoon.

The Patrons in attendance comprised:

• Ashbourne Insurance

• Menzies

• Ness M Care Services

• Oaklands College

• peer2peer

• Strand PR

Donna added: “We’re incredibly proud to host events like these for our members, events that bring people together in new and inspiring ways!”

90 years of beautiful homes

Dobsons was originally founded as a builders and joiners company in 1935. It was set up by Frank Dobson, the Great-Grandfather of the current Director, Helen Dobson. The outbreak of the Second World War began just four years after the company started, during the War, Dobsons provided emergency repairs to London buildings damaged during the Blitz.

After the War, Frank brought his sons Frank and Paul on board, and in time Grandson Nigel and it was they who helped to steer Dobsons through the ‘60s and ‘70s, when

This September was an extremely special one for Dobsons- it was their 90th anniversary!

The Cheshunt based family company now run by the fourth generation of the Dobsons family is extraordinarily still on the same site (albeit bigger) as where it all started all those years ago.

they diversified into shop fitting. At that time, supermarkets were being widely introduced to the UK, and Dobsons fitted out many of them in the local area, along with building societies.

In 1980, Frank’s other grandson Tim joined the team and began steering them towards the domestic home improvement company that they’ve become well known for to this day. Tim was responsible for opening the first showroom on site which was a window and door centre, being keen to capitalise on the double glazing boom at that time. Over the next few years, Dobsons introduced roofline and conservatories to their offering, with fitted kitchens and bedrooms being introduced in the early ‘90s.

In the early 2000s, Helen joined the business, and is now the fourth generation of Dobsons to run the company. The company may be serving a very different market to when it first began, but the original ethos of quality work and quality materials combined with great customer service continues to be a key element in Dobsons’ continuing success.

While the company has been steered by the family for four generations, it wouldn’t be as successful without the skills, expertise and worth ethic of the entire Dobsons team. As Helen Dobson says: “We’re so fortunate to have such a loyal and dedicated team, many of whom have been with us for years. Every member of the team is invested in doing an

incredible job for our customers. The quality of their craftsmanship is second to none, and it’s clear to everyone that they take great pride in their work. Whether it’s our award-winning design team, our carpenters or our project managers, everyone working on your kitchen, bathroom, renovation, or windows and doors project will make sure that everything is perfect and no detail has been overlooked.

“No matter what their role, everyone at Dobsons is focused on customer satisfaction and it shows in the number of positive reviews, repeat business and recommendations we get.”

Having been based on Turners Hill for the past 90 years, they consider themselves to be an integral part of the Cheshunt community. Helen is particularly passionate about helping her local area and was

instrumental in setting up Love Cheshunt, a network of local businesses that have come together to promote Cheshunt and help make it a better place to live. Love Cheshunt organises free events, activities and competitions for children and adults alike, including a free open air cinema this summer.

As part of the 90th celebrations, the Dobsons showroom has just undergone a major makeover. New kitchens and bathrooms have been installed and the shopfront signage has been replaced. They have also got plans to extend the back of the showroom - work will start at the beginning of next year so they can show off even more beautiful room sets.

To celebrate 90 years in business, Dobsons held a birthday open day at the end of September at their showroom. Guests of honour were Paul Dobson, 2nd generation of the Dobsons family who himself turned 90 this year, and the Mayor of Broxbourne, Cllr Patsy Spears. They were joined throughout the day by past and present customers who were treated to live cooking demonstrations hosted by Siemens, a cake decorating masterclass, prize draw giveaways and close up magic.

Director Helen Dobson said: ‘It truly is incredible to be celebrating 90 years of Dobsons. I feel very proud to be able to enjoy this moment with my team and alongside my family. Thank you to everyone who came along and celebrated with us. Next stop 100!’

Frank Dobson, Founder of Dobsons

Patron Black Tie Event

Business brilliance on show at prestigious Patron dinner

The strength and diversity of Hertfordshire’s business community was put on full display at an exclusive black-tie event that featured talks from several of the region’s leading businesses.

Patrons of the Hertfordshire Chamber came together for an evening of celebration, connection and recognition at the Patron Black Tie Dinner 2025 at the elegant Rothamsted Manor and sponsored by Deluxe Driven.

The event featured a series of engaging after-dinner speakers who highlighted the high calibre of Hertfordshire’s business community.

Peter Smits, Managing Director at Ashbourne Insurance, spoke about his passion for developing the Chamber’s Young Professionals initiative. Ashbourne, which joined the Chamber in 2009 and became a Patron in 2020, remains a highly active supporter, sponsoring numerous Chamber events and initiatives.

Also taking to the stage was Juney Mistiki, Managing Director at Bamboo Connect – the Chamber’s newest Patron. Bamboo has made a remarkable impression since joining, recently receiving multiple honours, including an IHA Award for Excellence, a British Chambers of Commerce Regional Award and the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, all for outstanding performance in international trade.

The evening’s final speaker, John Wiblin, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Longmores Solicitors, reflected on the firm’s long-standing partnership with the Chamber. A member since 1997 and Patron for over a decade, Longmores remains deeply involved through event sponsorships, quarterly forums and support for the IHA. This year, the firm celebrated top-tier recognition in The Legal 500.

A closing address was delivered by Mary Sykes, Chamber Corporate Relations, who also hosted the evening and ensured the event ran seamlessly from start to finish.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

• Victoria Collins MP

• Beth Fisher, Town Mayor of Harpenden

• Jeremy Bishop, Chairman of Hertfordshire Chamber

• Donna Schultz, CEO of Hertfordshire Chamber

Donna said: “The Chamber simply wouldn’t exist without the ongoing support of our Patrons, board members and distinguished guests. Your commitment and collaboration continue to strengthen Hertfordshire’s business community. Thank you all for an inspiring night of connection, collaboration and celebration. The future of Hertfordshire business is brighter than ever because of you.”

The Chamber also extended heartfelt thanks to its board members for their continued dedication and leadership: Perry Jackson, Howard Ashmore, Jacqueline Button, Robert Hill, Jordan Thomas and Damian Ward.

Behind the scenes, the event was made possible by the hard work of the Chamber team: Caroline Maher, Zoe Sykes, Ciara Thomas and Simon Neatham.

Patrons in attendance:

• Ashbourne Insurance Services

• Austins Family Funeral Directors

• Bamboo Connect

• Croft

• East Anglia and Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (MOD)

• Hatfield Park

• Hertfordshire Community Foundation

• Hertfordshire Community Services NHS Trust

• Longmores Solicitors

• Menzies

• Ness M Care Services

• Oaklands College

• Pearldrop Ltd

• peer2peer

• Sika UK

• Sky Studios Elstree

• Tate Recruitment

• University of Hertfordshire

Patron Black Tie Event

A positive force in the local business landscape

Emma Tarbox, Operations Manager for Tate Home Counties, explains why being the Chamber’s Recruitment Patron has been invaluable

Patron Focus

Why and when did you join the Chamber?

Tate joined the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce around 10 years ago. At the time, I was still finding my confidence with networking, but I immediately felt welcomed in what was both a professional and sociable environment. I quickly recognised the Chamber as a valuable platform to grow my business network and I was drawn to its strong ethos of keeping business in Hertfordshire, something I’m deeply passionate about. I’ve always championed the idea of finding local careers for local residents and collaborating with nearby businesses wherever possible. The Chamber connected me with like-minded professionals who share that same community-first mindset.

How do you feel being a Patron has helped your business?

Being the ‘Recruitment Patron’ has given us valuable exposure and positioned us as a go-to resource for Chamber members seeking insight into the talent market. Through this recognition, we’ve been able to support members by sharing expertise on topics

such as talent availability, salary benchmarking and current employer challenges, including ED&I, Disability Confidence and strategies to enhance staff attraction and retention through stronger Employer Branding. These complimentary value-adds help build relationships and trust over time and from that, business naturally follows.

What advice would you give to new Chamber members?

Be authentic and clear about what you do. When networking, explain your business in simple, jargonfree terms so others can easily understand your services and who your ideal customer is. It also helps to share what you’re hoping to achieve from the network whether that’s finding collaborators, clients, suppliers or simply learning from others. Let people know who you’re trying to connect with. And don’t feel self-conscious about joining a group or introducing yourself! Everyone’s here to meet new people. Networking isn’t about direct sales; it’s about building trust and becoming known in your community. The business will follow naturally when relationships are nurtured.

What are the biggest challenges affecting your business? How do you think the Chamber can best assist you with these challenges?

From a recruitment perspective, one of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of employment combined with increasingly complex legislation, which makes it harder for businesses to hire with confidence. At the same time, AI is rapidly transforming the hiring process, bringing speed and efficiency, but also raising concerns around candidate authenticity, bias and transparency. These shifts require businesses to stay agile and informed.

The Chamber can play a vital role by continuing to provide platforms for discussion, sharing best practices and offering access to expert insights. It’s also important that the Chamber continues to advocate for local businesses by ensuring that government policy reflects the real-world impact on employers and the workforce.

Being the ‘Recruitment Patron’ has given us valuable exposure and positioned us as a go-to resource for Chamber members seeking insight into the talent market.

What are your plans for the future growth of your business?

Despite the challenges in the current economy and job market, I’m optimistic about the future. The demand for great talent remains strong, and businesses are increasingly turning to expert recruiters to help them navigate complexity.

At Tate, we’re embracing innovation, particularly around AI and digital transformation, while staying true to our core values of trust, service and community.

We’re continuing to grow our presence across the Home Counties, exploring new partnerships and supporting clients with evolving workforce needs. Our focus is on sustainable, meaningful growth developing our team, enhancing and tailor-making our service offering and remaining a positive force in the local business landscape.

Business Advice

The hidden cost of silence

Laura Pearce, MD of Strand PR, says

marketing budget

When markets wobble, marketing is often the first budget under the knife. On paper, it looks sensible. After all, pausing spend for a quarter or two seems easier than cutting staff or operations.

And yes, you’d expect an agency to say ‘don’t cut marketing’. But this isn’t about keeping agencies busy or marketers employed. It’s about what history shows works for businesses. Silence costs more than speaking.

Lessons from the last crisis

In the 2008 recession, many brands went quiet. The ones who didn’t came out stronger. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and John Lewis all kept advertising through the downturn and grew share while competitors shrank.

McDonald’s leaned into marketing and built loyalty, while Starbucks slashed budgets, closed locations and spent years rebuilding. The lesson repeats itself in every downturn. Those who keep communicating don’t just survive, they move ahead. Those who go quiet, disappear.

Today’s battleground

Fast-forward to 2025. Inflation, supply chain shocks, talent shortages and AI disruption have created new pressures, but the instinct at board level remains the same: to cut the nonessentials.

The risk is that marketing gets treated as a cost centre, not a growth driver. Silence in the market isn’t neutral. It creates space competitors will happily fill. And once customers forget you, it becomes far more expensive to win them back.

Why silence is dangerous

When a brand steps back, it does save budget. But, it also loses its share of voice, which competitors are ready to claim. Trust

erodes quickly too as customers begin to question a company’s stability if they stop hearing from it. And perhaps the biggest danger of all is the cost of rebuilding later. Awareness lost in six months can take years of investment to restore.

Cutting marketing may protect this quarter’s numbers, but it costs you next year’s growth.

What smart investment looks like now

Investing through uncertainty doesn’t mean throwing money around. It means being deliberate and precise. The fat to cut sits in endless approvals, disjointed campaigns and vanity activity that adds little value. What needs to stay strong is the marketing muscle that creates clarity, maintains trust and keeps the pipeline warm.

The businesses that balance performance spend with brandbuilding are the ones that come through downturns stronger. The combination matters. Performance spend maintains immediate visibility. Brand investment sustains long-term credibility. Neither works in isolation. In uncertain times, authority matters more than ever. That means PR, thought leadership and digital credibility.

The point

It would be easy to assume this view benefits agencies. But we’ve seen enough downturns to know that marketing through uncertainty isn’t about us. It is about protecting businesses.

The brands that keep investing don’t just hold their ground; they win new ground. Those who stay silent spend years, and far more budget, trying to claw it back.

Because silence isn’t saving money. It’s spending future growth.

Share your story in the next issue of inspire!

Do you have exciting news to share with the Hertfordshire business community?

Whether it’s a new product launch, a recent award, a company milestone or a community initiative, we want to hear from you.

We’d love to include your stories in the next issue of Inspire. It’s a great opportunity to spotlight your achievements, raise your profile and connect with fellow Chamber members.

Submit your news item today and let’s celebrate your success together.

Deadline for submissions: 5 December 2025

Email your news to: editorial@hertschamber.com

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2025

QUEST

Chamber HR, Health and Safety, Legal and Tax Business services for your protection and peace of mind

Four essential business services which include:

• One phone number for unlimited access to advice lines

• Access to HR, health and safety, legal, tax and VAT advice

• Document library including 750 downloadable template documents

• Employment, health and safety and legal documents

• Cover across 11 sections, up to £100,000 per claim and £1,000,000 in the annual aggregate

What can you use Quest for?

To help you resolve any issues that you have with HR and employment law, health and safety, legal or tax. However, you don’t have to wait until you have an issue or a serious problem before you call. The advice line will help answer any questions you may have.

In summary, you gain unlimited access to five business advice lines and over 750 free business documents. Access to this premium quality service is included in the membership fee because of the investment made by your association.

DISCOVER REVIEW COMPARE

Three choices – what suits you best?

DISCOVER

Find out how to make the most of the Chamber HR Service and see how it can help you and support your business. A Quest Business Support Manager will cover the scope of the Chamber HR service, how the HR advice line can help you, what is included in the Document Library, other featured services available via the website, how to access the service and hours of operation.

REVIEW

An opportunity to talk to a Quest Business Support Manager about how your business may be changing, where you were and where you are going to. What HR issues does this raise? The meeting will cover areas of risk, your responsibilities and what you need to have in place to ensure you are compliant and protected. Effectively, this gap analysis will identify what you need to do.

COMPARE

If you have an existing outsourced HR service you may wish to do a comparison with Chamber HR to see if Chamber HR can fulfil your needs. A Quest Business Manager will look at your current provision and explain how Chamber HR differs from it. Chamber HR is included in your membership fee so it may be that you don’t need to pay anything extra to anyone else!

WOULD A COMPLIMENTARY ONE2ONE HELP YOU?

Book a complimentary meeting with a Quest Business Support Manager

Simply email kbrown@questcover.com and we will get back to you to arrange a suitable time. Quest is the exclusive recommended supplier to the British Chambers of Commerce, helping most UK Chambers to support their members. We deliver to The Chamber HR service, access to which is included in your Chamber membership fee.

https://www.questcover.com/health-and-safety/

AA Business Breakdown Cover

Whatever the size of a business, it is important to keep company vehicles on the road. The slightest delay could have far-reaching consequences for the business. Chamber Fleet Assist gives members access to a range of breakdown and recovery packages for their company vehicles, at preferential rates*. Preferential Rates for Chamber Members (*Silver memberships are not included).

• Fleetwide One £70.92 Roadside Assistance, Relay, Relay Plus, Home Start and Accident Management

• Fleetwide Two £60.96 Roadside Assistance, Relay, Home Start and Accident Management

• Fleetwide Three £49.20 Roadside Assistance, Relay, Relay Plus and Home Start.

• Fleetwide Four £41.40 Roadside Assistance, Relay and Home Start Fleetwide Five £33.72 Roadside Assistance and Home Start

All the above prices are per vehicle per year, inclusive of IPT (Insurance Premium Tax). All prices are subject to change. Fleetwide does not apply to specialist vehicles, ie, taxi, mini cabs, hire vehicles, ambulance, DPVs (Disabled Passenger Vehicles), police vehicles, vehicles on trade plates, minibuses, privately owned vehicles, motorcycles and courier vehicles, or any vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gvw. This offer does not apply to existing Members. European Cover – £13.08 (Operations centre, experienced Englishspeaking operators, Roadside Assistance, spare parts delivery, vehicle recovery to UK or vehicle collection costs, additional travel expenses, additional accommodation alternative driver, legal expenses.)

Nestled within the Aldenham Estate lies an unexpected antidote to office fatigue and digital overload. Far enough from the city to feel like a true escape, yet close enough for convenience, it offers a refreshing backdrop for companies looking to reconnect, reset and reimagine the way they work and come together.

In a long-grass meadow in the Hertfordshire Green Belt, Home Farm Glamping is a boutique glamping site and events venue designed to inspire connection, foster teamwork and rejuvenate team spirit.

With packages ranging from intimate team meetings to largescale summer parties, Home Farm provides the flexibility to create events tailored to a company’s goals, culture and budget.

On-site facilities include a homely glamping barn with dining space, chill-out zones and a kitchenette (plus WiFi for when staying connected is essential), alongside a three-hat tipi marquee – perfect for meetings, workshops or dancing into the long summer evenings.

Set on 150 acres of private land encompassing the Aldenham Estate, Home Farm’s backdrop is as inspiring as its offering. The estate is currently working with Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust to deliver an ambitious Environmental Management Plan to boost biodiversity, aligning each event with a commitment to sustainability. For businesses seeking wellbeing and creativity in equal measure, this is a venue where wildlife, fresh air and bluesky thinking come naturally.

Home Farm has designed events as varied as guided sauna and ice-bath sessions for teams in need of decompression, highoctane orienteering challenges to spark collaboration, petting farms for city-based teams craving the countryside and full-scale company festivals complete with glitter stations and Glastonbury vibes. Dining is equally memorable, with regional suppliers curating meals that become a central part of the experience.

The site’s glamping tents also turn a day event into an overnight retreat. Spacious bell tents and yurts, plush furnishings and the charm of outdoor living provide comfort with a twist of adventure – ensuring teams leave not only refreshed, but also with lasting shared memories.

For Hertfordshire businesses seeking inspiration, Home Farm Glamping offers a refreshing escape from the daily grind allowing businesses to reconnect with colleagues in nature.

A breath of fresh air for corporate events Venues

Photos: Edyn Soulfest 2023 Andrew Whitton

Pinehill Hospital and Rivers Hospital Your Local

Pinehill Hospital, Benslow Ln, Hitchin SG4 9QZ Rivers Hospital, High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0HH

Hertfordshire community goes the extra mile for children’s charities

More than 350 walkers took to the Hertfordshire countryside raising more than £120,000 for children and young people’s charities across the region.

The annual event – The Great Big Walk for Herts – was organised by Helping Herts, which supports 12 children’s charities across the county.

Participants completed 12 unique 13-mile loops, covering a combined 156 miles – almost the entire length of the Hertfordshire Way footpath, taking approximately five hours to complete.

The walk brought the whole community together, with participants ranging in age from 11 to 83. Walkers included local residents, community groups and corporate teams.

Jim Tatchell, Co-Founder of Helping Herts, said: “This year’s walk was our biggest yet and it was inspiring to see so many people come together for such an important cause. Raising more than £120,000 will make a real difference to children and young people across Hertfordshire.”

Businesses that took part in the walk included:

• BearingNet

• Lupa Foods (part of Geia Group)

• NFU Mutual

• LemonadeHR

• Brocket Hall

• Auto Trader

• Air Energy

Volunteers from Friends of the Hertfordshire Way were on hand to guide walkers and ensure everyone stayed on track.

The funds raised will benefit Helping Herts’ 12 partner charities, all of which support vulnerable children and young people across the county – from young carers and children with disabilities, to families in hardship and young people facing homelessness.

Charity partners include:

• Watford Mencap

• GRIT (Growing Resilience in Teens)

• Future Living Hertford

• Herts Inclusive Theatre

• Grove Cottage (Bishop Stortford’s Mencap)

• hyh (Herts Young Homeless)

• Playskill

• Hertfordshire Mind Network

• Home-Start Hertfordshire

• CHEXS

• Coram Life Education

• SPACE Hertfordshire

Gordon Morrison, Co-Founder of Helping Herts, said: “The Great Big Walk for Herts shows the best of our county – generosity, community spirit and determination to create brighter futures. We’re grateful to everyone who walked, donated or supported behind the scenes.”

Long-term sickness blighting UK economy

As long-term sickness sidelines millions of workers, the British Chambers of Commerce is calling for a national effort to reverse the trend

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says the UK must tackle its status as the sick man of the G7 if it wants to grow the economy.

Businesses want to see a major shakeup of the UK’s approach to ill-health that is excluding people from work and hobbling the economy.

Around 7 per cent of the UK workforce, almost 2.8 million people, is currently out of work due to longterm sickness, whereas the equivalent figure in Japan is just 3.5 per cent.

The Government’s own calculations put the lost economic output from this inactivity at a minimum of £130bn, a figure which does not include welfare payments.

The BCC is calling for joint action by government and businesses to halt the rising tide of sickness and help people suffering ill-health to get back into work or stay there.

Among the recommendations in a new report, the BCC is calling for ministers to:

• Provide tax breaks for health services that businesses provide for their workforce.

• Reform the fit-note system so it supports employers and employees to manage sickness and a return to work.

• Offer support and incentives for managers in SMEs to access mental health and neurodiversity training.

• Introduce a wage subsidy scheme to help young people with longterm health conditions to get into work.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Every time I talk to business leaders about the issues they face, I can guarantee within five minutes the conversation will turn to their workforce.

“Whatever the business size, wherever it’s based and whatever it does, they tell me they can’t find the people with the skills they need or are losing ones they have.”

The report has been produced by the BCC’s Future of Work Challenge Group, drawing on expertise from businesses of all sizes, academics and think tanks.

It highlights a workplace health crisis that is undermining productivity, constraining growth and compounding labour market shortages.

The Government has set a target of becoming the fastest growing economy in the G7, and as part of this aim wants to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate. This means getting a minimum of 1.5 million more people into work.

But research suggests more than 300,000 people are leaving the workforce each year due to ill-health.

Data from the ONS also shows that over 1.35 million (53 per cent) of those inactive because of long-term sickness reported that they had depression, bad nerves or anxiety. Against this background, it will require a formidable effort by both government and businesses to turn these figures around and help more people into work.

But the BCC’s new report features 16 recommendations, which if enacted in their entirety, have the potential to transform the landscape of workplace health.

Shevaun continued: “Sickness absenteeism is a growing concern.

The UK has more than nine million people who aren’t working with one third of them suffering from longterm health conditions.

“This is a devastating loss of potential – for these individuals, the businesses that need them and our local economies.

“If the Government is serious about growth, then we must turn the tide on this loss of talent. The evidence is also clear that being in work is good for health.

“Employers recognise the problem and want to do more, but the increasing cost and complexity of the landscape means many lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively.

“What’s needed is a new partnership between business and government. One that delivers better access to high-quality health support for people in work and a holistic approach to helping the long-term sick back into employment.

“If we get the response to this right then the reward for individuals, businesses and the economy will be immense.”

Legal Property Experts

RENTCHARGES: WHAT BUYERS AND SELLERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM

What is a rentcharge?

A rentcharge is an annual or periodic payment made by the owner of a freehold property to a third party who has no other interest in the property. A rentcharge may also be referred to as “Chief Rent”. The right to receive rentcharges is often historic and goes on indefinitely unless the charge is redeemed. These historic rentcharges usually involve small sums. The creation of newer rentcharges is restricted by statute, but it is still possible to create estate rentcharges – e.g. to contribute to the cost of estate services or repairs. The enforcement rights available in the event of failure to make payment vary depending on the type of rentcharge involved – in some cases the powers of enforcement will have major and serious implications.

Risks related to rentcharges

Section 121 of the Law of Property Act 1925 used to apply to all rentcharges, and allows rentcharge holders to take possession and grant a Lease of the property if payments are 40 days in arrears, without needing prior notice or demand for payment to the homeowner or their lender. Once the Lease is granted, it will continue to exist even after the rentcharge arrears are repaid and the costs involved in securing the termination of the Lease can be very high. With a rentcharge Lease on the title, it would make the property unsaleable and unappealing for any prospective buyers or lenders.

These statutory rights no longer apply to all rentcharges, following the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024. However, estate rentcharges will still be subject to these potentially draconian statutory rights.

Buying or selling a property with a rentcharge

When buying a property with a rentcharge it is prudent to ensure that payments due are up to date. Your lender (if any) will need to know about the rentcharge, and whether or not the statutory rights under section 121 apply. If they do, the lender may not want to proceed without a Deed of Variation. It is best to make enquiries early on and see if any other properties in the estate have had a Deed of Variation approved by the rentcharge holder. If so, this will comfort lenders and buyers knowing that the rentcharge terms might be varied for the benefit of the buyer and/or their lender.

When selling a property, ensure that the rentcharge payments are up to date and consider approaching the rentcharge holder to get a Deed of Variation of the rentcharge deed so that it will meet the requirements of a buyer/lender. Early identification of the existence and type of rentcharge is essential.

Conclusion

Rentcharges may sometimes be historic, but they can still complicate and affect modern-day transactions. Identifying the existence and type of rentcharge early will avoid last-minute surprises and keep the sale/ purchase moving along smoothly. If you

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REIMAGINE BANKING A NEW WAY TO BANK

Steve Chu, Head of Commercial Banking at iFAST Global Bank , talks to Sarah Dale about the benefits for SMEs to banking with a global digital bank and the value of face-to-face networking in the local community.

Reimagine Banking– that is the strapline of iFAST Global Bank. The global digital bank has been designed to make banking easier for SMEs by creating one account for transactions and savings with multiple currencies.

It is part of iFAST Corporation, a global digital banking and wealth management platform, which has its headquarters in Singapore.

Established in 2000, the Group offers a comprehensive range of investment products and services to financial advisory firms, financial institutions, banks, multinational companies, as well as retail and high-networth investors across Asia.

In 2022, iFAST Corporation acquired a UK bank and rebranded it as iFAST Global Bank. It provides multi-currency deposits, domestic and international payments, and foreign exchange services. Regulated by both the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), iGB operates across three divisions:

• Digital Personal Banking – enabling individuals, including those abroad, to open a UK multi-currency current account.

• Business Banking – Two dedicated sub-divisions were established to serve distinct client segments: Commercial Banking, serving SMEs and corporates with domestic and crossborder payment needs, and Transactional Banking, supporting regulated financial institutions including banks and NBFIs.

• EzRemit – delivering fast and convenient global remittance services.

Steve Chu, Head of Commercial Banking at iFAST Global Bank, said: “There are many ways our vision of iFAST is changing the landscape of banking. Our customers can have a multi-currency business account, which is very beneficial to companies which operate worldwide. Customers can also benefit from having their current account and savings account as one account which is particularly beneficial for SMEs and start-ups so they don’t have to juggle funds around accounts while earning interest.

“We want to simplify banking and make it easier for SMEs. What customers are looking for is a trustworthy bank.”

Face-to-face contact is important to us. We believe that even though we are a digital bank, the human connection is a key and valuable point to establishing a positive relationship with customers.❜❜

Steve worked in banking in Hong Kong in wealth management and investments before moving to the UK in 2021 to work for HSBC UK. He joined iFAST Global Bank in 2023 and built the personal banking team and, along with CEO Inayat Kashif, established the commercial banking team.

iFAST Global Bank is based in the UK at Canary Wharf and has a team of 70-80 employees. In November, they are moving to a larger office, which is double the size of their current space, within the same building to support their growth and are also recruiting to grow the team. As well as the UK team, iGB has a team in Asia, including an IT team in Malaysia and an additional customer services team in Malaysia.

“Having customer service teams based in both the UK and Malaysia mean that our customers can reach us whatever time of dayit is and from wherever they are based,” adds Steve.

The company, which won the Best Newcomer Award at the British Bank Awards 2025, is on a growth trajectory, however, Steve says the challenge they face is raising awareness of how digital banking can benefit customers.

“Business banking can be quite traditional,” explains Steve. “Business owners are sticking with the separate current and savings accounts as they don’t realise there is an option like ours, which makes banking simpler. It is quite a new concept.

“We are new to the industry, but at the same time, we are actively listening to our customers. We are growing our business and growing our customers’ businesses.”

They joined West London Chambers of Commerce two years ago.

“We became Chamber members as we are quite new to the area,” adds Steve.

“Face-to-face contact is important to us.

We believe that even though we are a digital bank, the human connection is a key and valuable point to establishing a positive relationship with customers.”

Part of the ethos of iFAST is to give back to the community which they do in several ways, including supporting cultural events such as sponsoring the London Lunar New Year Fair, supporting the Miyabi Matsuri Japanese Summer Festival and this year, they will be sponsoring an Indian community event.

For the past two years, they have sponsored the Bessingby Park Rangers U9/U10 teams, and this year they will continue their support to encourage more children to enjoy and participate in football.

They also provide sponsorships for international student associations, helping students feel welcomed and supported in the UK.

https://www.ifastgb.com/en/commercial-banking

Hertfordshire trailblazers honoured at regional BCC Business Awards

One of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events in the UK business calendar, The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Business Awards celebrate businesses of all sizes and sectors from across the country.

Bamboo Connect:

As an international, independent mobile phone distributor, Bamboo Connect’s regional win – Global Britain Business of the Year – offered an opportunity to share their unique story of global success rooted in local values

“It was an incredible honour and a very proud moment for the entire team,” said Juney Mistiki, Managing Director at Bamboo Connect. “To be recognised among so many outstanding businesses in our region is a real validation of the hard work, innovation and dedication that everyone has put in.”

The company entered the awards to spotlight how a UK-based business can successfully build strong international partnerships without compromising their identity. “We wanted to share our story and prove that UK businesses can build strong international partnerships while maintaining a deep commitment to local values.”

Winning the award, Juney said, reinforced their belief in their mission to connect global markets through transparent, sustainable partnerships: “The continued support from our local Hertfordshire Chamber and the wider British Chambers network gives us even greater inspiration to invest further in the business, expand internationally and continue developing innovative solutions that make the circular economy more efficient and accessible across the technology sector.”

They credit their success to the company’s ability to scale internationally without compromising on values.

“Our commitment to building circular trade models across Europe, supporting sustainability in tech reuse and creating partnerships that deliver long-term value all contributed to the recognition. It’s the combination of purpose and performance that defines Bamboo Connect.”

Their achievements don’t stop there. The company also received The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, one of the UK’s most prestigious honours.

“Receiving The King’s Award is a huge milestone and a moment of real pride,” said Juney. “It symbolises trust, quality and the strength of the partnerships we’ve built globally. It has already opened new doors and further strengthened our position as a trusted UK export business.”

Bamboo Connect continues to invest in technology to improve transparency and efficiency throughout their supply chain and plans to deepen collaborations with insurers, retailers and network operators to generate sustainable value for all stakeholders.

“The next chapter for Bamboo Connect is about growth with purpose – scaling responsibly while continuing to innovate. We’re focused on refining our message, highlighting the impact of our work and celebrating the people and partnerships that make it all possible.”

After receiving hundreds of high-calibre entries from across every region and industry, the regional winners were announced last month, honouring those that demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and impact. Among them were two standout businesses from Hertfordshire.

Cloud7 Marketing & AI:

With more than 20 years of experience working with globally recognised brands, Cloud7’s founder, Silke Anderson, reflects on her leap into entrepreneurship and what it means to be recognised so early in her journey

After being named regional Digital Revolution Business of the Year, Silke was both thrilled and surprised by her win. “It was really unexpected!” she laughed. “The Chamber had mentioned they would put me forward, but I didn’t think I would win – so when I found out, it was brilliant!”

She credits the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for encouraging her to apply: “I’m grateful so to the Chamber team. I thought the awards were more for established businesses, but they assured me it’s relevant at all stages. I’m lucky they did!”

The recognition has helped boost visibility for Cloud7, which focuses on helping UK SMEs adopt AI safely and effectively. “As someone fairly new to entrepreneurship, one of the biggest challenges is getting your name and message out there. Winning an award like this legitimises the business and reassures you that you’re on the right track.”

So, what made Cloud7 stand out? Silke believes it’s her approachable, non-technical style that resonates with businesses. “A lot of people are wary of AI. I take a human, jargon-free approach. I take people by the hand (not literally!) and guide them in understanding how AI can be relevant to their work and lives. I help break down barriers and build confidence.”

She’s passionate about closing the AI skills gap and promoting responsible use: “AI is here, and it’s not going away. I genuinely want people to become competent, confident and responsible AI users.”

That includes educating people about the risks, not just the rewards. “I always say: when it comes to AI, being human is your superpower. Don’t outsource your judgement. Use AI for the repetitive stuff, but you bring the insight.”

As for Silke’s top tips for using AI:

1. Learn to prompt: use clear, structured language AI can understand.

2. Respect privacy: know what’s safe to share – and what’s not.

3. Understand the pitfalls: the technology is still young –ChatGPT isn’t even three years old! Always verify its output.

Silke’s background is rooted in marketing. After moving from Germany to the UK to study, she joined Volkswagen Group’s graduate scheme, eventually becoming Head of Digital: “I had the best time. But I always knew I wanted to build something of my own. Jumping into entrepreneurship was daunting, but I’ve never looked back.”

Now, her favourite part of the job is the people. “I’m genuinely curious. I love meeting new people and working with a variety of businesses.”

Looking ahead, Cloud7 has big plans, including an exhibition stand at the Chamber’s AI Conference in November. “I’m still enjoying my regional win, but in the meantime, I’m working hard and looking for opportunities to grow my business. I love what I do – helping Hertfordshire businesses thrive and succeed, be it with expert Marketing support or AI literacy training.”

New Members

Welcome to our new members

Agriman Ltd

Exporting agricultural products and fertilisers

t: 0208 9068892

a: 25 Cloister Gardens, Edgeware. HA8 9QJ

http://www.agriman.co.uk

AME Partnership

Small team of chartered building surveyors providing first-rate consultancy to the property and construction industry.

t: 0203 0360755

a: 7-8 Stratford Place, London. W1C 1AY

w: https://ame-llp.com/

Commercial Body Fittings Ltd

Distribution of commercial vehicle hardware.

t: 01707 371161

a: 80 Bridge Road East, Welwyn Garden City. AL7 1JY

w: http://www.cbf.uk.com

DSA Bookkeeping Ltd

Bookkeeping services.

t: 01920 454500

a: Saxon House, 6a St Andrew Street, Hertford. SG14 1JA

w: http://www.dsabookkeeping.co.uk

Elaine Gold

Independant consultant specialising in AI workshops, networking and leadership development for professionals, founders and organisations.

t: 07756 522862

a: 33 Bowling Road, Ware. SG12 7EF

w: https://elaine-gold.com/

Flamingo Produce

Grow and import/export fresh vegetables from around the world. Supplier to main retailers in the UK.

t: 01438 375000

a: Unit D Cockerell Close, Stevenage. SG1 2NB

w: www.flamingo.net

Full on Marketing Ltd

Providing telemarketing and marketing services to businesses of all types for more than 20 years.

t: 01442 250502

a: Maylands House, Maylands Avenue. Hemel Hempstead. HP2 7TA

w: www.fullonmarketing.com

Gilbert & Gregson Construction

Hertfordshire-based construction company handling residential and commercial projects, new builds and renovations. Delivering craftsmanship from design through to completion.

t: 01462 339882

a: Unit 15, Furmston Court, Icknield Way, Letchworth Garden City.SG6 1UJ

w: https://www.gilbertgregson.com/

Platinum Member: IT Builder

Providing expert technology services to help businesses grow, innovate and thrive. Whatever your IT needs are, we can provide the right support, advice and services to ensure your business gets the most out of technology.

t: 0333 3440980

a: Great Northern Works, Unit 2A Hartham Lane, Hertford. SG14 1QW

w: http://www.itbuilder.co.uk

Oake & Co (GM) Limited

Wholesale traders (general merchants)

t: 0208 8641761

a: 4 South Hill Avenue, Harrow. HA2 0NQ

e: oake.exports@gatex.co.uk

Reality HR

Outsourced HR consultancy providing comprehensive people solutions, training, recruitment and strategic support to business owners and HR professionals.

t: 01438 742056

a: 7 Paynes Park, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1EH

w: https://www.realityhr.co.uk/

Riverlabs, Ware

Riverlabs is a new and exciting 28-acre life sciences campus, ideally situated at the centre of the ‘Golden Triangle’ in Ware, Hertfordshire. t: 07808 102393

a: Park Road, Ware. SG12 0DP w: www.riverlabsware.com

Satva Softech

Transform your digital tomorrow. A team of tech experts help you develop systems, exact to specification, to improve the way you work and deliver value to your customers.

t: 0208 7315255

a: Stanmore Business & Innovation Centre, Howard Road, Stanmore. HA7 1GB

w: https://satvasoftech.com/

Tees Solicitors

Tees provides integrated legal and financial advice, combining multidisciplinary expertise to deliver practical solutions for personal and corporate goals.

t: 01279 755200

a: 95 London Road, Bishops Stortford. CM23 3GW

w: www.teeslaw.co.uk

The ADD-vance ADHD and Autism Trust

ADD-vance is passionate about understanding, embracing and celebrating neurodiversity; offering support, training and guidance to parents, carers, professionals and employers.

t: 01727 833963

a: Foundation House, 2-4 Forum Place, Fiddlebridge Lane. Hatfield. AL10 0RN

w: http://www.add-vance.org

TR Financial Limited

Financial advisers/mortgage brokers

t: 0203 9716950

a: 5 Penta Court, Station Road, Borehamwood. WD6 1SL

w: https://trfinancial.co.uk/

Tryka LED Ltd

Respected, quality and sustainable LED lighting. Designed and manufactured in the UK.

t: 01763 260666

a: 4 Amor Way, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1UG

w: https://tryka.com/

Voyager Flight Simulation Ltd

Professional airliner and helicopter simulator based at Luton airport. Available for everyone to fly, from novice to experienced pilots. For individuals, families, teams and parties.

t: 01582 858737

a: Voyager House, 142 Prospect Way, Luton. LU2 9QH

w: https://voyagerflightsim.com/

MAKING CREDIT CHECKS CLEARER FOR 30 YEARS

In addition to supplying thousands of clients with instantaneous online information, Creditserve can combine online credit reports on both UK and overseas companies with knowledgeable and friendly backup from the directors and General Manager, Martin Brown. The Directors and managers have almost 100 years combined credit management experience. This gives them the ability to be able to listen and deal with each individual clients’ needs and provide effective solutions.

The Creditserve online system allows you to make informed, instant credit decisions to make sales with the comfort of a solid credit opinion. They can provide you with information on every UK limited company, instantly. Their reports give supplier payment information, debt gearing ratios, financial information and a credit opinion. Creditserve is a recognised provided of credit information by most major credit insurers.

UK COMPANY CREDIT CHECK

Access instant company credit checks and reports on UK companies

The UK credit check packages allow you to run credit checks on any companies you work with or may work with in the future - be that customers or suppliers. Assess the risk and make informed decisions with the online business credit reporting system to drive your business forward.

Creditserve is proud to have some of the most predictive credit information in the industry and their UK credit check reports are recognised by the major credit insurers, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best service and results. One off checks or packages are available.

Call for further information.

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CHECKS

Access international credit checks on companies in 19 European countries and the USA

Expanding your business overseas and extending credit to international businesses can be a daunting prospect. Creditserve international credit check solutions are designed to help you mitigate the risks associated with doing business across borders.

They gather data from only the most reliable sources to deliver a complete picture of your international customer or partner’s creditworthiness, providing you with the insights you need to grow your business globally. Don’t let international credit risks hold your business back and allow Creditserve to help your business succeed in today’s global economy. One off checks or packages are available.

Call for further information.

AML CHECKS UK

To find out how Creditserve can help you and your business call them today on 01992 414222 to discuss your requirements or email sales@creditserve.co.uk for a free, no obligation online demonstration or quote from their debt collection department.

Find out why so many businesses, small and global, choose Creditserve for their credit checking and debt recovery solutions. www.creditserve.co.uk

Creditserve was formed in Hertford in 1995 with the aim to provide quality credit management support, in both credit reporting and debt recovery. Directors Chris York and Laura Ferrie were both founding members of Creditserve and have overseen 30 years of trading, fulfilling that aim. As a Hertfordshire based credit reference agency, we are pleased to offer a special 25% DISCOUNT on any of our packages with the voucher code: HERTS25 (Offer ends 31st December 2025)

Instant AML checks with one of the leading electronic AML verification systems in the UK

Creditserve’s instant online UK AML checks (anti-money laundering checks) allow you to confidently verify a customer’s identity, comply with anti-money laundering regulations and make the process of screening individuals instant, easy and accurate.

Make compliance easier for your business with their seamless verification experience. AML checks can confirm your subject’s identity and address by checking their passport and driving license and aid your compliance decision by verifying bank accounts and checking for adverse media, PEPs and global sanctions. Packages are available.

Call for further information.

Garden City in full bloom as businesses flock to Letchworth

The world’s first Garden City is defying regional trends with a thriving commercial property market, driven by a growing demand for office space.

Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond has played a key role in this growth, working with Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation to deliver more than 25 successful lease renewals and rent reviews over the past year. Several new lettings have also brought jobs and investment into the area. Letchworth Garden City continues to attract businesses thanks to its blend of green space, strong transport links and modern infrastructure. The Heritage Foundation manages the estate with a focus on community benefit, reinvesting profits into local services, culture and public spaces.

Kirkby Diamond was appointed to manage the Foundation’s office and industrial portfolio, securing all lease renewals and rent reviews due in 2025 – covering spaces from 567 square feet to 7,300 square feet – indicating robust and diverse demand. The agency team also completed key lettings at landmark sites including Spirella, Nexus and One Garden City, standing in contrast to weaker demand in nearby towns.

Hannah Niven, Head of North Hertfordshire Agency at Kirkby Diamond, said: “The recent letting at Spirella to Dormakaba – an international provider of smart, secure access solutions –underlines Letchworth’s appeal as a location for offices. Coupled with several other lettings over the past 12 months across the portfolio, this bucks the trend of rising vacancy rates in neighbouring towns.”

Rex Dunn, Assistant Surveyor at Kirkby Diamond, said: “It has been a pleasure working alongside the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation’s property team. As a place-based landlord, they are committed to making Letchworth a better place to live and work. By providing quality office space, they ensure businesses continue to thrive here – creating jobs for the local community.”

Founded by Ebenezer Howard, Letchworth’s Garden City principles continue to attract organisations that value quality of life and connectivity. With direct rail access to London and proximity to the A1, it remains a competitive option for businesses of all sizes.

Joseph Vallelly, Head of Commercial Property at Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, said: “We are extremely pleased with the strong performance of our office portfolio over the past year. Working closely with Kirkby Diamond, we’ve seen continued demand from businesses who value what Letchworth has to offer.

“Our focus remains on supporting local employment, attracting inward investment and ensuring that our commercial spaces contribute positively to the wider community.”

Chartered accountants detail year of ESG milestones

A leading accountancy firm has published its Sustainability Impact Report 2024/25, showcasing the firm’s progress in embedding ESG practices across its operations.

Founded in 1993, Hillier Hopkins is a UK Top 50 chartered accountancy firm with offices in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London.

Since joining international business network TGS Global in 2020 – an alliance committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals – the firm has resolved to integrating sustainability into its business decisions and culture. The report outlines a broad range of achievements that span people, community and the environment.

Internally, the firm recorded high employee satisfaction, with engagement survey results placing it above industry and global benchmarks. This recognition contributed to its inclusion in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. Investments in professional development, mentoring and wellbeing initiatives were also expanded to support staff growth and satisfaction.

Externally, Hillier Hopkins deepened relationships with clients through a series of tax and finance updates and the introduction of an ethical marketing policy. Community impact was another area of focus, with the firm raising £29,000 for the Hospice of St Francis, delivered free accountancy workshops for charities, supported local schools and clocked in 142 hours of staff volunteering.

Environmental initiatives included measuring the firm’s carbon footprint across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, recycling 106 pieces of IT equipment and planting 368 trees through a partnership with Fruitful Office. The firm also implemented greener commuting options and strengthened recycling practices. Governance improvements included a new sustainable procurement policy and the commissioning of an external review to assess progress and guide future efforts.

Alex Bottom, Managing Principal, said: “In these volatile times, it is more important than ever to stay committed to sustainability. Our efforts not only contribute to a healthier planet, but also ensure our own long-term resilience and success. This report is proof of the progress we’ve made –and the ambitions we are setting for the future.”

Looking ahead, Hillier Hopkins is aiming for B Corp certification in 2025, with a goal to improve its sustainability score by 10 per cent by 2028. Future priorities include developing a carbon reduction plan, expanding pro bono work, increasing transparency in diversity and pay reporting and supporting clients in advancing their own sustainability goals.

Katie Harvard Taylor, Principal and Chair of the Sustainability Team, said: “We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but this is just the beginning. By working together with our clients, communities and colleagues, we aim to create a lasting positive impact for generations to come.”

Backing Hertfordshire’s businesses

The landscape for SMEs is constantly evolving, demanding resilience, adaptability and a proactive approach to growth. For one Hertfordshire-based factoring company, a strategic shift in focus has paved the way for sustainable expansion, allowing them to unlock their full potential

Founded in 2010, Team Factors supports start-ups and midsized businesses with flexible cash-flow solutions. But it was a targeted management programme that transformed the company from a lifestyle business into a growth-focused operation.

The turning point came when a private investor acquired the company. The management team suddenly faced a new challenge – aligning their strategies with the investor’s goals.

Lizzie William, Group Managing Director, said: “I knew my knowledge was primarily shaped by my experience within the business. The need for a broader perspective and a structured approach to growth became clear.”

It was Commercial Director Dean McGarry who recommended the Help to Grow: Management programme delivered by Hertfordshire Business School, part of the University of Hertfordshire. Lizzie enrolled seeking practical tools to lead the business through its next phase.

The programme offers a comprehensive look into key areas of business growth, from strategic planning and leadership development to innovation and digital adoption.

Lizzie said: “The course provided a deep dive into all aspects of business growth, which was exactly what we needed as a management team. I still revisit different topics as they become relevant again.”

This continued engagement with the course content has empowered Team Factors to tackle challenges with greater confidence, resulting in greater client retention and a growing reputation for building lasting relationships.

Backed by expert-led sessions, hands-on frameworks and a network of supportive peers, the programme equips leaders with the tools needed to drive meaningful change and seize new opportunities.

Help to Grow: Management is a 12-week course, 90 per cent funded by the Government and designed for SME leaders and senior managers. It blends online and face-to-face learning to enhance skills in leadership, innovation, digital transformation and more.

Delivered by expert practitioners, the programme covers core business areas including:

• Strategy and innovation

• Digital adoption

• Marketing and branding

• High-performance workplace culture

• Finance

Team Factors is just one of many examples of how the programme is helping strengthen the region’s business landscape. By supporting SMEs across the region, Hertfordshire Business School is playing a vital role in:

• Enhancing local employment opportunities

• Driving regional innovation

• Building economic resilience and supporting community growth

The ripple effects of these improvements are being felt across the county as more businesses become better equipped to serve their clients, compete in changing markets and contribute to a thriving local economy.

Over 30,000 SME leaders nationwide have participated in the programme, with the next cohort beginning in January.

For further details, and to find out how to register, please visit: https://www.herts.ac.uk/for-business/skills/help-togrow-management

New Company Identity Verification

The reforms to reduce fraudulent activity are driven by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. Initially, the new rules will apply to limited liability companies and individual persons of significant control (‘PSCs’) only. However, they will be rolled out to cover other corporate entities including Limited Liability Partnerships and officers of corporate PSCs in the future.

The new rules oblige all directors and PSCs to provide certain information to confirm their identity.

Directors

A transitional period of one year from 18th November 2025 will allow companies to register their directors identity verification before their next Confirmation Statement is due. If these checks have not been completed for all directors by that time, the Confirmation Statement will not be submissible, which can lead to fines and have other negative ramifications.

Any person who is a director of multiple companies is required to verify their identity for each one.

Shareholders

Currently the identification requirements capture those

shareholders who are classed as PSCs. There will be a fourteen day window in which to register their personal code online with the required verification documents and statement.

As with directors, PSCs involved in more than one company will need to register separately for each.

Persons of Significant Control PSCs are ‘persons of significant control’ who must be registered with Companies House and detailed in the company’s internal PSC register. This will usually include any shareholders who hold 25% or more of the voting rights but also expands to people with the ability to appoint or remove directors and where the shares in a company are held by another corporate entity, the officer or shareholders behind that company who make decisions. Indeed, any person who can influence the actions of the company (whether a shareholder or not) can be determined to be a PSC.

For purposes of transparency, all PSCs must be noted with Companies House and updated when changes occur. The new requirements coming into force is an excellent prompt to check your PSC register. If you are unsure on whether any person who is part

of the company, or a connected entity should be listed as a PSC we can provide advice on who is or isn’t based on your Company structure

What to do next?

All UK registered Companies should have received an official email sent to their Company’s registered email address with relevant links. However, if this has not arrived, visit www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/companies-house to follow the process to deal with personal identity verification.

Verification is a two-step process which involves confirmation of personal identity at Companies House, following which a unique personal code will be provided to be linked to each role held.

No need to wait!

Although the legal requirements and transition period kicks in on 18th November 2025, any director or shareholder can go ahead and begin the process now through Companies House online to get ahead of the legislation.

Is your Company information up to date?

The additional transparency changes coming into force is an excellent time to review the information held on your

company by Companies House, both publicly and privately available. Ensuring that the latest confirmation statement includes details of any changes to share and/or shareholders, and that the directors and PSCs are all accounted for is essential to prevent falling foul of statutory duties.

Registered addresses, emails and correspondence addresses also need to be kept up to date, as the latest method of correspondence from Companies House by email shows.

As well as keeping filings at Companies House current, all companies are obliged to keep statutory registers, which include the details of all past and present directors, shareholders, and PSCs – alongside other records of board meetings, resolutions, charges or debentures and such like.

Neves can help with any queries and checks to ensure that your company filings and books/ registers are up to date and compliant with the relevant legislation. If you are uncertain about whether any individual (or corporate entity) should be listed as a PSC we can also review the structure of your Company to advise on this.

Mayor officially opens new safe space for neurodivergent children

The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Councillor Lynn Chesterman OBE, added a ceremonial touch to the launch of a new dedicated space for neurodivergent children and young people during its official opening.

Located at The Galleria in Hatfield, the new unit – named The Zone – is run by the charity Potential Kids. It is designed to provide a safe, inclusive environment for young people with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as their families.

The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries, charity founder Angela Gaughan and members of the Potential Kids team. The Zone is an extension of the charity’s existing unit at The Galleria, which offers a sensory room, a tech area and interactive learning zones.

Adjacent to Get Wild, The Zone will host wellbeing sessions, early years support, workshops, mentoring and coaching. It complements the charity’s established services, including a thriving community garden filled with vegetable plots, wildflowers and a sensory area that promotes mental wellbeing, social interaction and environmental education.

Angela said: “I’m so proud that we have been able to create a new space in The Galleria and extend our existing vital service, supporting our neurodivergent children and their families.

“When I started this charity, I recognised just how many families were desperately seeking an inclusive space in which their children could flourish. We have been lucky to have the opportunity to grow at The Galleria over the past six years, and I’m honoured we can now bring another space to the

local community in The Zone. I can’t wait to see what the new unit brings and we are so grateful for the support of the local community as we take this journey together.”

Angela founded Potential Kids after struggling to find inclusive activities for her autistic son. The charity’s significant impact on the community was recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2023.

Jhaneel Green, Marketing and Leasing Assistant at The Galleria, said: “We are hugely excited for Potential Kids as they continue to grow and expand their offering at The Galleria. Their service to the local community is invaluable and it’s been amazing to be part of this new opening. They make such a difference and we’re hugely grateful to all the volunteers, families and supporters who have worked tirelessly to make this new unit a reality. We hope the local community will get behind them and continue to support this hugely important cause.”

Council sets out to tackle the sticky issue of chewing gum

Watford Borough Council is putting plans in place to remove the chewing gum that blights local streets after receiving a £12,000 grant to tackle the issue.

The grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force, administered by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, will help Watford Borough Council clean up gum and reduce gum littering on Queens Road. The council is one of 52 across the country to successfully apply to the Chewing Gum Task Force for funds to clean gum off pavements and prevent it from being littered again.

Established by Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and run by Keep Britain Tidy, the Chewing Gum Task Force Grant Scheme is open to councils across the UK who wish to clean up gum in their local areas and invest in long term behaviour change to prevent gum from being dropped in the first place. The scheme is funded by major gum manufacturers including Mars Wrigley and Perfetti Van Melle, with an investment of up to £10 million over five years.

Monitoring and evaluation by the not-for-profit Behaviour Change shows that in areas benefiting from the first and second year of funding, reductions in gum littering of up to 80 per cent were seen in the first two months. Reductions were also still observed six months after targeted street cleansing and installation of specially designed signage to encourage people to bin their gum.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “We’re really pleased to receive this funding to tackle chewing gum on Queens Road. Last year’s campaign made a real difference on St Albans Road and we’re aiming to build on that in other locations around the town.

“A special thanks to the local businesses who have shown their support by displaying campaign signage in their windows. This collective effort will allow us to clean up our local areas and invest in long-term behaviour change to prevent gum from being dropped in the first place.”

Estimates suggest the annual clean-up cost of chewing gum for councils in the UK is around £7 million and according to Keep Britain Tidy, around 77 per cent of England’s streets and 99 per cent of retail sites are stained with gum.

In its third year, the Chewing Gum Task Force awarded 54 councils grants worth a total of £1,585 million, helping clean an estimated 500,000 square metres of pavements.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, said: “Chewing gum continues to be an unsightly form of litter in our public spaces – though thankfully the scheme is leading to significant reductions. People need to remember that disposing irresponsibly of their gum causes harm to our environment as it takes years to decompose naturally and, ultimately, costs the public purse to clean it up.”

Recruitment challenges continue to weigh on business growth

The latest figures from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) show that firms across the UK are still struggling to recruit the people they need, despite a rise in unemployment

The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) for the third quarter of 2025 reveals that just over half of businesses (54 per cent) attempted to hire staff in the past three months, a small drop from 55 per cent in the previous quarter. Of those trying to recruit, three-quarters (75 per cent) reported difficulties in finding suitable candidates, up slightly from 73 per cent in Q2.

The survey, conducted between 18 August and 15 September, gathered responses from more than 4,600 businesses, 91 per cent of which were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Recruitment challenges remain particularly acute in the construction sector, where 85 per cent of firms reported difficulties – a significant rise from 77 per cent in the previous quarter. Other service industries followed closely at 78 per cent, while transport, hospitality and professional services each reported challenges at 74 per cent.

Most businesses have not expanded their teams, with 61 per cent saying staffing levels remained unchanged in Q3. Less than a quarter (22 per cent) increased the size of their workforce, slightly down from 23 per cent in Q2. Looking ahead, 63 per cent expect no change in headcount over the next three months, while 12 per cent anticipate reductions and 25 per cent plan to increase their workforce.

Labour costs continue to be the biggest financial pressure, cited by 72 per cent of firms, with hospitality (80 per cent) the hardest hit and retail (66 per cent) the least affected. Despite these pressures, training investment remains static, with only 24 per cent of businesses increasing training spend in Q3, compared with 23 per cent in Q2. More than half (57 per cent) made no change, while 19 per cent reduced training budgets.

Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said the findings underscore the ongoing pressures facing employers.

“Employers are battling against sky-high employment costs and widespread skills shortages. The stark reality for firms trying to recruit is that it’s still far harder than it should be. Unless more is done to boost access to skills and contain employment costs, economic growth will remain stunted.

“The skills crisis also has far-reaching implications for government policy. While Ministers have pledged to get the nation building again, with recruitment difficulties in construction spiking to 85 per cent, delays to getting vital infrastructure in place are inevitable.

“And with 72 per cent of firms saying costs are putting pressure on them to raise prices, the spectre of higher inflation will continue to hover.

“The situation is not improving, and there is a growing urgency to find solutions. The new technical excellence colleges will help increase the supply of some vital skills. But much more needs to be done, and the coming budget presents a golden opportunity to unlock potential through targeted investment and incentives.

“There is a huge talent pool in the UK that remains untapped. Almost a million young people are not working, training or in education, while three million people are missing from the workplace due to long-term sickness.

“The Government should use the tax system to help people stay in, or quickly return to, employment when they experience ill health. Tax breaks for health services that businesses provide to their workforce are an obvious solution to protect people’s livelihoods and keep skills in the workforce. And for those struggling to get into work, we need a wage subsidy scheme, similar to Kickstart, to unlock employment opportunities for young people with long-term health conditions.”

Employers are

battling against sky-high employment costs and widespread skills shortages.

The stark reality for firms trying to recruit is that it’s still far harder than it should be. Unless more is done

to boost access to skills and contain employment costs, economic growth will remain stunted.

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London airport makes history with record-breaking summer

A London airport has made history by becoming the first major European hub to handle over eight million passengers in a single month during one of the busiest summers on record.

Heathrow Airport surpassed the eight million mark in August, after experiencing its busiest day ever on August 1, welcoming over 270,000 travellers.

Terminal 5 alone recorded over 112,000 passengers on August 22, setting a new single-day terminal record.

Despite the high volumes, the airport reports its strongest summer performance to date, with 98 per cent of bags arriving as scheduled and 96 per cent of passengers clearing security in less than five minutes.

On-the-day cancellations across the summer decreased by more than a third compared with the same time last year and passengers travelling without their bags reduced by 42 per cent year-on-year.

August was also Heathrow’s most punctual month on record, cementing its status as Europe’s most on-time major hub.

The record-breaking month comes amid growing momentum behind the Government’s commitment to expanding Heathrow, a move that could unlock greater capacity, greater routes and greater trading opportunities.

As part of this vision, Heathrow has submitted plans for a 100 per cent privately funded third runway, which could be operational within the next decade and support the national mission for economic growth.

Heathrow CEO, Thomas Woldbye, said: “August is set to go down in the history books – Heathrow became the first European airport to handle over eight million passengers in a single month and we achieved that while maintaining industry-leading punctuality and service levels.

“This is an outstanding achievement, made possible by the collective efforts of our colleagues, airline partners and the wider airport community, who worked as one to deliver excellent service for our passengers and the UK.”

Law firm sets the bar high with B Corp certification

A full-service law firm headquartered in St Albans has become the first Hertfordshire-based law firm to achieve B Corp certification.

SA Law, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is now among a small group of UK law firms to be recognised for meeting the rigorous standards required for B Corp status, which honours companies for their ethical, social and environmental practices. While there are over 2,500 certified B Corporations in the UK, only a select few are law firms.

Steve Ryan, Co-founder and Joint Managing Partner, said: “Very few law firms in the UK have B Corp certification, but at SA Law, we felt that a focus on the continual improvement of ethical and sustainable practices in business was non-negotiable.

“As a firm, we pride ourselves on our multidisciplinary, holistic approach to clients’ legal issues. We see the consideration of ethical and sustainable standards as part of this.”

Certified B Corporations (or B Corps) are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. They are legally required to consider

the impact of their decisions on their workers, clients, suppliers, community and the environment.

B Lab, the global non-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, assesses companies’ eligibility and pushes organisations to drive more inclusive, equitable and regenerative practices.

Since its founding in 2005, SA Law has introduced a range of initiatives to enhance its environmental and social performance, from reducing carbon emissions to prioritising employee wellbeing.

Tracy Lacey-Smith, Joint Managing Partner, said: “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, this really is the beginning of a new era for the firm. We are looking forward to building on the sustainable business initiatives which have earned us this recognition and we are excited to collaborate with the B Corp community.”

To achieve certification, SA Law underwent B Lab’s comprehensive verification process, which assessed the firm across five key impact areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers.

Certification requires companies to achieve a minimum score of 80 on the

B Impact Assessment and pass B Lab’s risk review.

Kelly Pike, Head of Human Resources, said: “The passion to become a B Corp has been felt across the firm, with our team taking great strides to explore new ways to improve our impact. We are thankful for everyone’s creativity, commitment and dedication to achieving certification.

“We would encourage our peers across the legal industry to consider embarking on the certification process, as the legal sector has an important role to play in creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious world.”

Students swing into new school year

Students at a school in Hatfield returned from their summer holidays to quite the surprise – a brand-new adventure golf course built right on their school grounds.

Thanks to a new initiative called GOLFA, Southfield School has become the first primary school in the UK to offer an on-site adventure golf course, giving students a fun, accessible way to engage with sport and physical activity.

The course marks the successful completion of Phase One of the GOLFA initiative, spearheaded by Brocket Hall Estate in Welwyn. GOLFA, a community-driven project aiming to introduce young people to golf, has already made an impressive impact, engaging over 1,000 children in just eight months.

To mark the occasion, the course was opened by VIP guest Roger Chapman, two-time senior major winner and veteran of both the European and Legends Tours, alongside Southfield’s Deputy Head Sarah Lettis.

The GOLFA initiative is driven by Brocket Hall’s Head of Communities, Stu Williams, and Annie Brewster, Chairwoman of Brocket Hall and former High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

A Brocket Hall spokesperson said: “This is an amazing project and we’re proud to have helped Southfields School provide the very best experiences for their students who need it the most.”

With Southfield School now enjoying its new facilities, the GOLFA team is already setting its sights on the next school to benefit – Knightsfield School, a specialist school for deaf children in Welwyn Garden City.

The estate is calling on corporate businesses to support the initiative through fundraising, financial contributions, media exposure or simply by offering support for the schools involved.

Construction company flying high after securing landmark contract

A long-established Luton-based specialist contractor has secured an £11.6 million contract for the refurbishment of three previously vacant hangars at London Luton Airport.

Neville Special Projects, sister company to Neville Funerals, secured the contract following a highly competitive tender process for the design and build of hangars 9, 60 and 127.

The contract comes as the Neville Trust Group celebrates its 150th anniversary.

Ben Knight, Construction Director at Neville Special Projects, said: “This was a tough, highly competitive tender and the effort the team put in behind the scenes was exceptional. From early engagement through to final

submission, the level of collaboration, technical input and sheer tenacity was second to none.”

The refurbishment will bring the vacant hangars – once operated by Monarch Aircraft Engineering – back into active use. In a full circle moment, hangar 60 was originally built by the group’s founding company T & E Neville for Monarch in the 1990s.

Now set to house a new EasyJet aircraft maintenance facility and apprenticeship training campus, the refurbishment will create over 30 highly skilled engineering roles, supporting up to 40 apprentices annually.

A subsidiary of the Neville Trust Group – originally established in Luton in 1875

– Neville Special Projects specialises in high-quality refurbishment and newbuild schemes across a wide range of sectors including aviation, education, healthcare and commercial.

A long-standing employer in Luton, the company employs a workforce drawn primarily from the surrounding area and runs its own in-house apprenticeship programme, training the next generation of skilled tradespeople and construction professionals.

Ben said: “It’s wins like this that really highlight what we can achieve when we pull together with a clear focus and shared purpose. This is a fantastic result and a great opportunity to further strengthen our presence with London Luton Airport.”

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Airport offers grants to help SMEs take off

A London airport is calling for SMEs across the UK to share their export ambitions as part of a renewed initiative aimed at supporting international business growth.

Heathrow Airport is relaunching its World of Opportunity Programme, which helps exporters from every region of the UK to sell their goods and services around the world, for 2025-2026.

Following the success of last year’s scheme, Heathrow is again offering £2,000 grants to 12 SME businesses across the UK, with one grant awarded to a business from each region –

helping them unlock new export opportunities around the world.

The airport has partnered with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to help judge the applications. In addition to the financial support, successful applicants will gain access to advice through the Export Support Service, provided by the Department for Business and Trade, helping them shape effective export strategies.

Last year’s winners used the funding for a range of growth activities – from market research in new territories to participating in key trade opportunities.

Applications for the 2025-2026 programme are open until December 31. A panel of business and government experts – including Nigel Milton, Heathrow’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, along with representatives from the FSB and the Department for Business and Trade –will select the 12 winning businesses.

Heathrow is encouraging all UK SMEs with global ambitions to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

For more information, and to find out how to apply, please visit https://shorturl.at/Jg1t2

Swapping beds for sleeping bags

The Hertfordshire community is being invited to swap their cosy beds for sleeping bags for one night only in support of individuals facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion in Dacorum.

This year’s Sponsored Sleepout will take place on Friday, November 21 at Hammond Academy in Hemel Hempstead, offering participants a glimpse into the challenges faced by rough sleepers, while raising vital funds to support local individuals in crisis.

Now an annual tradition, the event began in 2019 and is organised by DENS, a Hemel Hempstead-based charity that has been supporting vulnerable people since 2003.

DENS provides temporary accommodation, emergency food and supplies and a range of services designed to help people build resilience, develop new skills and take the next steps towards independent living. The free event is open to adults and children aged eight and above, offering a night

of activities, live music and a chance to learn more about DENS’ vital work.

All proceeds will go towards helping people secure long-term housing and rebuild their lives through tailored support and community engagement.

DENS’ Ambassador, actor Joe Dempsie, said: “Let’s sleep out so those who are most vulnerable don’t have to.”

Best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Skins, Joe became DENS’ first official ambassador in 2019. Taking part in the flagship Sleepout events in both 2019 and 2021, Joe has helped raise awareness of those sleeping rough during the cold winter months and raised thousands in sponsorship.

With last year’s Sleepout raising £33,000, organisers are hoping to make this year’s event the most impactful yet.

To find out more and book your free place, please visit: www.dens.org.uk/sleepout25.

Amanda Jansen

Head of Philanthropy

Hertfordshire Community Foundation

What do you do?

I am responsible for introducing the Foundation’s work to a wide audience of individuals, families, companies and professional advisers and help inspire local philanthropy to secure sustainable income for people who want to give at the heart of their communities, both now and in the long-term.

Who do you work for?

Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is an independent charity that aims to encourage local philanthropy, the giving of time, resources or both, by local people to help support their local communities.

The Last Word

We are one of 47 community foundations in the UK, and over 1,800 similar foundations around the world. Community foundations collaborate with private philanthropists, family trusts, businesses and the public sector to provide a permanent, flexible and growing source of local charitable funding.

Since inception in 1988, we have awarded over £35 million in support to local communities. HCF currently manages over 100 funds on behalf of individuals, families, companies and other organisations. During 2024/25 we awarded over £5.6 million in direct grant aid to charitable projects working to help the most vulnerable residents of Hertfordshire.

Why did you join the Chamber?

When I joined HCF in October 2022, I was extremely excited to secure a partnership with the Chamber and represent HCF as the Chamber’s chosen Charity Patron. As their Charity Patron, I feel HCF represents and speaks on behalf of all small local charities in the county and champions their causes and challenges, fundraising needs and exceptional support and talent. All funds raised though The Herts Chamber Fund are distributed to local causes via HCF’s Love Herts Fund.

https://www.hertscf.org.uk/give-to-your-community

How has it helped your business network?

When I joined HCF, my role was new, so being part of the Chamber and working closely with the Chamber team has been amazing and extremely beneficial in building meaningful and lasting relationships. It has enabled us to network successfully at some of the bestknown conferences and events in the county; the opportunity to present to large audiences; meet patrons and members from local companies who are either just starting to look at their CSR strategies or have one in place and want to involve their employees and support local organisations; meet other charities who haven’t heard of HCF and are now receiving grant funding and attending our training and development programmes; and finally, generate new partnerships and income. We have secured new long-term partnerships with new funds set up; new regular donations; gifts in kind; and welcomed new members to our committees.

What advice would you give someone starting out?

You need to be visible and active and commit to attending varied events and conferences and join their social media platforms too –LinkedIn is popular and the Chamber pays close attention to sharing and acknowledging attendees. Also, if there is budget try to sponsor

As their Charity Patron, I feel HCF represents and speaks on behalf of all small local charities in the county and champions their causes and challenges, fundraising needs and exceptional support and talent.

at least one event so that you can be exclusively promoted in their marketing material. Lastly, it’s a brilliant place to meet like-minded entrepreneurs and businesses, collaborate and make friends as well as clients, but you get out of it what you put in it.

What support do you want from government?

As I’m in the charity sector, it would be great for charities and the Government to work better together to achieve shared social goals. Philanthropy enables generous people to choose organisations and causes that are close to their hearts, but it would be great to have the government commit to a defined strategy and policy that supports all our efforts. Stronger partnerships between us can lead to more effective policymaking, improved service delivery and greater social impact. I would absolutely love a new match-funding initiative too as the last one was many years ago, but very effective. How confident are you your organisation will grow in the next year?

Absolutely. Don’t get me wrong, it’s really tough out there for charities, but with the support of the Herts Chamber and local businesses we have built some amazing relationships who all advocate for our work and commitment to help local causes. We have also made deeper relationships with local professional advisers leading to hopefully an increase in legacy donations, new funds and for their clients to have a better understanding of charitable giving for local voluntary groups and charitable organisations. Give where you live and do it all without the burden of managing your own charitable trust or foundation.