The Chamber’s high-profile ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign led to a match made in heaven for two businesses which joined the Peer Networks programme.

When Strand PR’s Managing Director, Laura Pearce, volunteered her expertise in all things marketing as part of the Chamber’s Peer Networks programme, little did she know that it would lead to a blossoming working relationship with another Hertfordshire company.

Peer Networks, a Hertfordshire Growth Hub service delivered by the Chamber, creates diverse cohorts of business leaders who collaboratively work through common business issues. Covering topics ranging from finance and HR to sales and marketing, the programme is an opportunity to share experiences and improve business performance.

For Laura, the networking opportunity proved to be invaluable. After being approached by the Chamber to join one of the groups, she made such an impression that she was later asked by Kevin Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Omega Commercial Solutions, to handle the company’s PR and digital media.

Strand PR has been helping businesses communicate their key messages to target audiences since its inception in 2012, delivering PR, marketing strategies and digital campaigns for companies nationally and internationally.

“When I was asked to join Peer Networks earlier this year, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to give something back during the pandemic,” Laura said. “As a local business, I’m passionate about the future of Hertfordshire and I wanted to do my bit to support other local businesses which have been affected by the impact of the pandemic.”

“The cherry on the cake was being asked by Kevin if we could manage his company’s PR, a great opportunity for Strand which is even more rewarding knowing that we are working with and supporting another local business.”

Laura shared PR and marketing tips during the monthly calls between eight local business leaders. It was her depth of knowledge and a flair for the creative that led to Kevin approaching her with a business opportunity.

Kevin said: “What impressed me about Laura straightaway was that she knew her stuff inside out. As well as bags of experience, she brought a flexible, personalised approach to each company. It was never a case of one size fits all – Laura would tailor her advice according to the needs of each individual business.

“I found Laura to be very approachable, which is a valuable attribute in the world of PR and marketing – and it also makes it easy to do business with her. Building relationships and making connections is what she does, and I knew I could trust Strand PR with the management of Omega’s publicity.”

Omega Commercial Solutions specialises in commercial and specialist finance and, since its formation in 1992, has built one of the UK’s most experienced teams of commercial brokers.

The successful partnering of Omega and Strand PR reflects the ambition behind the Chamber’s ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign, which was launched to support the county’s economic recovery by creating connections and highlighting business opportunities for Herts-based companies.

To find out more information about the Peer Networks programme, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/business-support.

Laura Hyde, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice East Herts was fortunate to be invited to join the recent Business Peer Networks Programme, sponsored by Herts Chamber of Commerce and the Local Enterprise Partnership. The aim was to support local businesses to survive and thrive during and post pandemic. The Programme took the form of nine Action Learning Sets and three separate advisory sessions with a Business Mentor. In total X different local business leaders took part during 2020 and 2021.

As an independent local charity, Citizens Advice East Herts benefited from working alongside business leaders, discovering many commonalities and helping each other with challenges and issues. An unexpected but welcome by-product from the Programme was meeting other leaders beyond your own cohort. Citizens Advice East Herts and Pearldrop Media shared the same Business Mentor – Nigel Grant. Nigel knew that Citizens Advice East Herts were looking for a way to explain how to access advice service during the pandemic and so he introduced Laura to Denise Austin at Pearldrop Media, also a participant on the programme. As a result, Pearldrop Media created this great animation. The film has led to Denise talking to other local Citizens Advice across England about creating media bespoke to their needs. A win:win all round!

Watch the animation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS3O84T3QeI&feature=youtu.be

Dacorum Borough Council is encouraging shoppers to ‘keep it local’ with the help of an innovative loyalty app, ‘LoyalFree’, which can be used to find local deals and loyalty schemes, as well as events and trails within the area.

‘LoyalFree’ is a trusted and proven smartphone app, used in many towns and cities in the country, which helps businesses attract new customers via a profile showcasing their offers, discounts, reviews, images and more The council is helping to launch the app as part of its strategy to boost the local economy and support the commercial wellbeing of Dacorum high streets.

Councillor Alan Andrews, Dacorum Borough Council said: “We are really pleased to have launched this new and exciting app, and be in a position to help both businesses and shoppers return to the high streets safely and to help businesses across the borough get back on their feet . The LoyalFree app is a great platform for people to find offers, attractions and experiences.” Brian Green, of Top Dec in The Old Town high street, Hemel Hempstead said, “We really like the simplicity of the LoyalFree app, it allows us to reach local customers with deals and offers in just a few clicks. We have 2 offers active which has grown footfall to our decorating store.”

Chetan Bhanot, of Pendley Manor in Tring, said, “LoyalFree is a great initiative, andIt will immensely help the local businesses. We have displayed all the information inside the hotel reception and in our Shakespeare Bar and Oak Restaurant, and it has been very well received so far.. Thank you for this great initiative.”

Residents and visitors to can download the app for free and start saving right away. Visit: www.loyalfree.co.uk/download Businesses based in Dacorum can email info@loyalfree.co.uk for details of how to get involved in the LoyalFree scheme and online workshops.

Through their Charitable Trust, the Harpenden-based contractor, Jarvis Group, has announced a three-year commitment to support Herts Young Homeless (hyh), an independent charity supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire.

Homelessness can be defined as being without permanent, stable or suitable accommodation. Besides rough sleepers, this includes those who are ‘sofa surfing’ with friends and extended family or living in hostels. Homelessness can lead to, and indeed result from, issues of drug and alcohol dependency and poor mental health. Their experts in these areas work with people of all ages to support them in overcoming these challenges.

Helen Elliot, Chief Executive of Herts Young Homeless said: “We are incredibly grateful to receive such wonderful support from Jarvis and The Jarvis Charitable Trust which will enable us to continue our mission in preventing youth homelessness in Hertfordshire through our various services. This support will make a real difference to the lives of young people in our community as we work with them to build new futures. Thank you to everyone at Jarvis and we look forward to working together with you going forward”.

The Jarvis (Harpenden) Charitable Trust) The Jarvis (Harpenden) Charitable Trust was established in August 1983. Its objective is to provide financial assistance to a wide field of charitable applicants primarily from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London. The Trust Deed stipulates that capital and income can only be paid to charities or applied for charitable purposes and a charitable registered number or give written assurances that they are regarded as charitable.

Further details about the Trust can be found here - http://www.jarvisgroup.co.uk/community/

Radio station, Heart Hertfordshire, and cutting-edge business communications service provider, Croft Communications, have launched their Tech Appeal.

The initiative aims to combat digital poverty and enable better access to an online education for children across Hertfordshire through the donation of surplus tech equipment. According to research by the University of Cambridge, only 51% of households earning between £6,000 and £10,000 have household internet access, compared to 99% of households with an income over £40,001. With current school closures, children up and down the country have struggled to gain access to sufficient virtual education.

The Tech Appeal has been launched in response to this, with Heart and Croft Communications encouraging local businesses across the county to donate working laptops, desktops and tablets that are surplus to requirements to the cause. These will then be passed on to families who need extra support for home learning.

Croft Communications has also offered to supply free mobile broadband to up to 100 families for the remainder of the school year, to ensure an access to education.

Mark Bramley, CEO of Croft Communications, said; “Croft Communications is proud to have its roots in Hertfordshire. We’ve been head- quartered in Hertford since our inception 15 years ago, so we jumped at the chance to give something back to the community. It’s been an extremely challenging start to the year, especially for families with school-aged children having to homeschool. We’re proud to be working alongside Heart on this great initiative to ensure children across the county can continue with their education.”

The Tech Appeal launched on air and online early February, and businesses can go online to Heart.co.uk/Hertfordshire to donate.

Station Director of Heart, Debbie Chadwick, said: “Heart Hertfordshire has always supported its local community. These last 12 months have been difficult for everyone and for those already struggling, the latest restrictions have compounded that struggle. Education is a key part of a child’s development, so to help build towards their future is a true privilege. I am thankful to Croft Communications for their compassion and generosity in supporting the Tech Appeal.”

The Tech Appeal runs for four weeks.

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council have launched an updated online resource to help families discover the wildlife of Hertfordshire this summer.

The Wild Child project, first launched in Easter, aims to help families connect with the wildlife around them by providing a series of fun and easy-to-use online resources. This summer, families will be able to download an activity pack for their local nature reserve. The packs, aimed at children aged 5-10, include a map of a nature reserve, two wildlife spotter sheets with things to look out for on your walk, and a ‘My Wild Walk’ activity sheet to complete with details of where you went and what you saw. Over 600 families enjoyed the Wild Child packs over the Easter holidays.

There will be five Wild Child activity packs covering ten nature reserves across the county; Cassiobury Park in Watford, Hexton Chalk Pit, Gobions Wood near Potters Bar, Rye Meads near Stanstead Abbots, Panshanger Park near Hertford, Stocker’s Lake in Rickmansworth, Tring Reservoirs, Purwell Ninesprings near Hitchin, Kings Meads in Ware and Thorley Wash near Bishop’s Stortford.

In addition to the activities in the packs, Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside and Rights of Way Service have provided maps of walking routes located near each of the five new nature reserves. These routes provide families with an opportunity to get out and actively explore the surrounding countryside while also giving opportunities to improve health and wellbeing.

Emma Matthars, Events Officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said: “We had a superb response to our first Wild Child pack at Easter so we’ve updated those and added in five new nature reserves. We hope that by helping families discover and learn about the wildlife around them, they will join us to help protect it”.

Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for the Environment at Hertfordshire County Council said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust as we work to ensure our communities are future ready.

“Biodiversity is one of the key areas we are looking to improve as part of our Sustainable Hertfordshire strategy and education is a vital part of these efforts. These activity packs provide valuable opportunities for children across the county to learn about the importance of biodiversity and what they can do to ensure animals continue to thrive in their natural habitats.”

Hertfordshire County Council has committed to improve wildlife across the county by 20 per cent, by 2050. Through its Sustainable Hertfordshire Strategy and Action Plan it pledges to work in partnership with institutions, schools, businesses and community groups, to help raise awareness and knowledge amongst young people, while encouraging wider biodiversity action across the county. To download the Wild Child activity pack, visit: www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/wildchild

• Also provides further support for hospice staff with wellbeing workshop -

Hertfordshire-based business mentor and coach, Simon Shepard, has donated £1,000 to Rennie Grove Hospice Care. The funds were raised during a promotional launch event for Simon’s first book.

Using expertise obtained throughout his career which spans physiotherapy, sport and business, Simon has written The Battle for Balance to help individuals take ownership of the way they interact with multiple aspects of life – at work, at home and in the community. The book deals with key issues such as stress, motivation and resilience and encourages people to consider how they are living in today’s world.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care is a charity providing specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness in Bucks and west Herts. As a local businessman, Simon is a keen supporter of the Hospice and the funds raised from the book promotion will be used towards funding hospice’s at home care for adults and children, day and night, so that they can remain at home, surrounded by family, friends and the things that matter to them most right until the end.

In addition to the donation, Simon also ran a free workshop for the team at Rennie Grove. The workshop entitled Reflect, Realign, Reboot is part of a ‘caring for the carers’ programme that Optima-life has been delivering to healthcare organisations over the past decade and is particularly relevant with the events of the past year. The session focused on how staff at Rennie Grove could deal with the demands of day-to-day life and the ever-increasing rate of change that both people and organisations have had to contend with. From stress, sleep, resilience, relationships, energy and exercise, the team were encouraged to create their personalised plan so they could be effective and purposeful, both at work and at home.

Amy Chambers, head of fundraising development at Rennie Grove Hospice, said: “As a team we rarely take a moment to reflect in amongst a busy day. Simon did just that and provided us with an opportunity to access how we are looking after ourselves and each other. We knew the health and wellbeing of our employees is important but this session allowed us to reflect on why it is important to us at an individual level. Delivered with a sense of realism, everyone took away practical tools which will help us be not perfect, but a bit better a bit more often.”

Simon Shepard, author of The Battle for Balance and CEO of Optima-life, said: “I am delighted to be able to help Rennie Grove Hospice. As a local businessman, I am very pleased to be able to support their invaluable work and the brilliant team, not only with the proceeds of my book event, but also with this workshop. Carers such as those at Rennie Grove play such a vital role and it’s so important that we look after them just as well as they look after their patients.”

The Battle for Balance is out now, available from Amazon. For more information on Optima-life, see www.optima-life.com

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

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

The office of High Sheriff is an independent non-political royal appointment made by the Queen. While the role dates back to Saxon times, it has evolved to include a mix of ceremonial, charitable and community functions and is voluntary and unfunded.

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

Lionel said, “One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the freedom to explore opportunities and be involved in community and leadership activities from an early age. I did not appreciate its value fully at the time, but I do now. It is for this reason I am convinced that strong and consistent investment in developing the leadership and civic responsibility attributes of young people will transform both their lives and our entire society’s cohesion.”

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

At his declaration ceremony the new High Sheriff launched his Youth in Herts Programme which has 3 core pillars: The Young Leaders Award, ‘Be Your Own Boss – Hertfordshire’ project and 30’ Under 30 project: The Young Leaders Award is a school-based programme empowering young people to practice key leadership skills and character virtues, involving them in transforming communities through social action. ‘Be Your Own Boss’ project aims to increase employment opportunities for young people by supporting budding young entrepreneurs to start their own businesses. 30’ Under 30 will seek to promote, attract and support the appointment of more young magistrates to the bench by the Local Advisory Committee. The High Sheriff also introduced his themes for the High Sheriff Awards, which complement the work of the High Sheriff. These are: Empowering Young People to become today’s leaders Supporting Young People to serve in unique or new areas of community life. Promoting Youth engagement in the Magistracy

The awards will seek to recognise Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities supporting these activities. Nominations are to be submitted on the 12th August 2021 (International Youth Day) online or in person at the High Sheriff’s Youth in Herts Fun Day taking place at the St. Albans Cathedral.

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

Pharmaron’s Hoddesdon site has seen plenty of activity since the company bought it from Merck Sharpe & Dohme in 2017.

The acquisition provided the ideal opportunity for Pharmaron to develop its integrated drug discovery and CMC (Chemistry Manufacturing and Control) collaborations – in short, taking a drug molecule and working out the most effective ways of conducting research and development on it so it can eventually be brought onto the commercial market.

With many of these projects undertaken with other partners, Pharmaron has made efforts to forge links in the local business community and build an infrastructure on site that would attract people to come and work there.

The original corporate catering contract was operated by the former site owner and subsequently determined that it was no longer meeting needs, so set about building connections with local companies in a bid to launch a new and different restaurant service on the site. Rob Stone, Pharmaron’s Engineering and Facilities Director (UK), explains: “Following leads from the Herts Chamber, we got in touch with Dave Cordell, who owns the highly successful Smokeshed Bar & Grill in Hoddesdon. He said he’d be very interested in running our restaurant service but would need time to set up. Through another contact provided, we organised for Fiona Copley of Copleys Food & Events to run an interim takeaway cafe service.

The new restaurant service is expected to be operational in March. It will be run by Dave Cordell and Claudio Fattore, a former Executive Head Chef from contract catering specialist Bartlett Mitchell, under a new venture called Street Market Kitchen Ltd. The service will benefit Pharmaron’s 200 plus Hoddesdon-based staff, as well as contractors and visitors to the site.

“We may be a company with a global reach but we’re very much part of the community here in Hoddesdon – as our work with Smokeshed and Copleys Food & Events testifies. It’s good to generate business locally and that’s why we support the Chamber’s Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire campaign.”

Local authorities in the UK are already experiencing digital transformation

BT is seeking more partnerships with local authorities as it aims to build on its role as a critical national enabler for the country by using its technology to regenerate our towns, cities and villages, and rebooting Britain's economy post-pandemic. The telecommunications and technology company plans to create a ‘Digital Fabric’ for the next generation of public services, which will support inclusive growth and is reusable, scalable, flexible and future-proofed to deliver any outcome.

What BT means by a ‘digital fabric’ is the foundation of converged connectivity i.e. 4G and 5G mobile and fixed networks such as full fibre, with an overlay of devices, data, skills, and applications. This digital fabric can help drive better social and economic outcomes, such as inclusive growth, productivity, green recovery, and supporting better access to health services and wellbeing of citizens.

BT has already seen how smart connectivity and 5G enabled technology can dramatically transform industries. From healthcare to education and manufacturing and agriculture, the technology solutions BT provides is a key enabler in positive change. For example, 5G enabled technology has already benefited regional locations. It has boosted the manufacturing sector in the West Midlands, supported school children through immersive classrooms in North Lanarkshire, and created a 5G-connected driverless pod at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground.

But BT wants to do more, especially in a world that is facing new challenges.

Supporting local authorities Traditionally, local governments have identified one problem and solved it with a single solution, but a Digital Fabric has the power of using interconnected 5G-led technology which brings data together from an array of different sources to solve social and economic challenges.

Therefore, this interconnected ecosystem can improve local connectivity and digital infrastructure to create economic growth and job creation, better social and health care, stronger communities, and greener places.

Technology and connectivity will be at the core of BT’s plan, but for it to be a success it needs collaboration between various stakeholders, such as councils working with the private sector. Dean Terry, MD corporate and private sector at BT, explained: “This past year has proven a remarkable reminder of the huge burden of responsibility placed on local authorities and businesses; both critical to the delivery of essential services, protection of public health, and provision of support to local communities facing Covid-19.

“However, local authorities’ dwindling resources and stretched capacity continue to grow, which is why at BT we want to support local authorities with the evidence, confidence and partnership needed to build back stronger and use technology to do so. Together, we can make the delivery of critical public services like education, healthcare and transport faster, smarter and more sustainable.

What is the Digital Fabric? ADVERTISER CONTENT FROM BT BT's Digital Fabric should touch on four key areas: Productivity - increasing productivity through the use of 5G, Ai, Blockchain, data analytics, virtual reality and augmented reality Climate change - investing in environment innovation such as near-live monitoring of air, soil and water. Data, traffic and transport management and supporting working from anywhere Inclusive growth - supporting the creation of new businesses, growing existing business through infrastructure, innovation and route to market opportunities for UK companies Health and wellbeing - developing tech for good, upskilling, young people’s programmes, support for children and new remote health models

Last year, BT collaborated with almost two-thirds of councils nationwide and engaged in conversations with hundreds of public sector organisations, as it believes it has a big role to play in making a difference over the next few years. But this isn't new for BT, as over the last few years it has been at the forefront of exciting pilots that have demonstrated how technology can support local authorities and the public.

Case studies Making Leeds the largest ‘5G capable’ city outside of London BT has been working with Leeds City Council to launch the Leeds Full Fibre Programme as part of a £20.3m partnership. This programme means council and health service buildings across Leeds will be upgraded to full-fibre connectivity and it aims to reach every school in the district, giving 285 sites access to the best possible connectivity. The technology powering this network will also be installed at 293 council-owned buildings, 156 NHS buildings and council housing across the city. This exciting programme will make Leeds the largest gigabit and ‘5G capable’ city outside of London.

Tom Riordan CBE, chief executive of Leeds City Council, said: “We are committed to combating the digital divide experienced across the city, and recognise the importance of getting the right technology and infrastructure in achieving this. We are therefore pleased to collaborate with BT, with plans of a wide-reaching, future-proofed 5G eco-system to improve digital connectivity. “By helping to accelerate the wider roll-out of full-fibre networks across the city, we will be encouraging major organisations and businesses to continue to see Leeds as an extremely attractive location for inward investment.”

Similarly, BT recently partnered with North Lanarkshire Council to deliver an immersive classroom experience powered by EE’s 5G network. The technology enabled students to experience what it’s like to be in outer space, under the ocean or on a First World War battlefield. The 360-degree room created a digital projection that used all four classroom walls and the ceiling to bring the real-world into an immersive experience for students. The concept aims to push beyond traditional methods of teaching to create an inclusive digital experience that helps explain abstract and challenging concepts through a 3D model. It will also have the potential to support students with learning difficulties in developing imagination, creative and critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Rob Shuter, CEO of BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “By harnessing the power of 5G, we’ve been able to help transform education for students in North Lanarkshire. We know that technology can help to make education richer and more accessible for young people. This is vital for both students and teachers; a blended learning approach can engage and support pupils better than traditional methods only. We’re really excited to be partnering with the Council to use our ultrafast 5G network to provide a UK-first in education.”

What’s next? BT has shown through its partnerships that when 5G integrates with other technology such as full-fibre, AI, IoT, cloud, edge computing and big data analytics, it creates endless possibilities and has the power to transform the way we live and work. Such partnerships are also delivering better outcomes for local authorities who use public services.

Plus, the post-pandemic recovery now offers the public sector a unique opportunity to harness this technology, so that it can become stronger and continue to deliver its essential services. To make this a reality, BT is on hand to help local authorities navigate through the next few years - and beyond. Find out more about how BT is helping local authorities by visiting the website.

In July 2020, responding to unemployment levels brought about by the COVID crisis, the UK Government introduced the Kickstart Scheme for 16-24 year olds receiving Universal Credit.

Aimed at getting young, unemployed people into work placements, the government committed to a number of employer benefits to facilitate this. Over 500 organisations UK-wide, including Wenta, enrolled to become a ‘Gateway’, to help small business owners access the scheme.

Wenta, working in partnership with The Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, have helped over 329 employers ranging from health and beauty, pharmaceuticals, recruitment, training providers, IT, manufacturing, arts and recreation and retail. This has resulted in 753 work placement opportunities becoming available, unemployed 16-24 year olds, 360+ throughout Herts, in roles including administration, sales, marketing, recruitment, IT and engineering. Amy Onisiphorou from Hatfield, heard about the scheme through her Universal Credit Job Coach and successfully acquired a position with The Blue Forge recruitment agency, Stevenage, in April.

“As a recent graduate, the opportunity to gain real, hands-on work experience was vital and the Kickstart Scheme offered an ideal opportunity. Since starting the role I’ve learnt a lot about what the field is like and it’s changed my perspective on recruitment. I’ve also learnt a lot about general admin tasks and working in a professional environment as an employee, rather than an intern. Learning so many things has definitely given me a better understanding of what I would or wouldn’t enjoy in the future, so I think it is a really good start for people to gain some basic experience and understanding in the field.”

Karen Kennard, Founder at The Scholarship Hub near Hatfield, employed Jess through the scheme: “I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of applicants I received for the role. I never imagined I would get a marketing graduate and thought I would have to be teaching them all the marketing basics, but Jess has hit the ground running! She’s been developing and growing our social media accounts and is now starting to work on our SEO and she’s also learning about affiliate marketing. I’ve purchased an SEO training package for Jess to work through, so she can learn as she goes.”

The number of young people under the age of 24 receiving Universal Credit increased by a quarter of a million between March and July 2020, up to almost 538,000. Wenta and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce have now helped 104 young people get into Kickstart roles throughout Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. Wenta continues to offer free, impartial support and advice to organisations and Kickstart applications can still be made through their website application page. To register your interest and to find out how Wenta can help your business maximise the Kickstart Scheme, visit: wenta.co.uk/kickstartscheme

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

The operations are run from the Hub based within Stanborough Park Church in Garston, Watford. The Hub venue is loaned to the One Vision Project in support of the services being provided to the community. Currently, One Vision provide a free food program, delivering fresh meals and groceries door to door within the Watford and Three Rivers areas. Additionally, they focus on social and community cohesion and work closely with the faith communities. One Vision are now expanding into community Mental Health support.

When reports of a new SARS virus began circulating in early 2020, One Vision immediately set to work, delivering over 100,000 hot meals and 50,000 bags of groceries to vulnerable families throughout 2020. On 27th February 2021, Herts Chamber Chief Executive Briege Leahy visited the One Vision Hub, along with Dean Russell, MP for Watford and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Henry Holland-Hibbert, to help support the project and to recognise the work of their fantastic volunteers.

Briege commented: “It was a great honour and pleasure to be invited by Enoch Kanagaraj, Founder and CEO of One Vision to visit and see their amazing operation in action. I was humbled to see some of the wonderful volunteers who give up their time to support the community in this very difficult time.

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

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

“One Vision will continue to work diligently in the community to promote the message of being ‘stronger together’ and to strive to gain positive outcomes from partnerships. I am delighted to work with Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.” One Vision has strong links with agencies and authorities, including the Police, Hertfordshire County Council, Housing providers and many other referral paths into the community. One of their aims in 2021 is to build stronger links within the Three Rivers Community. To find out more on how to support the One Vision project, visit their website.

#LetsKeeptheHeartinHertfordshire #KeeptheHeartinHerts

The Russell Building at Rothamsted Enterprises , in Harpenden, has been newly refurbished to provide much-needed office and hotdesking space for growing SMEs across agriculture, innovation and technology.

The historic red-brick building, which had lain empty since 2014, has been transformed with with the support of the Lawes Agricultural Trust and Rothamsted Enterprises, and the help of a £1.7m Local Growth Fund investment from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Herts Innovation Quarter (Herts IQ), which is to boosting agri-tech growth in the county.

JPA Workspaces, based in nearby St Albans, has assisted with the design and furnishing of the expansive hot-desking hub and reception areas. Additionally, they have worked closely with Rothamsted Enterprises to furnish a show office with contemporary, height- adjustable desks, wireless charging and desk top power, to help attract and inspire prospective tenants.

Sustainability is central to the project and is reflected right through to the furnishings. Timber-based products supplied by JPA are from sustainable sources, recyclable at end of life, and accompanied by lengthy warranties. JPA’s furniture installation was zero waste and carbon neutral, contributing to Hertfordshire’s drive for sustainable growth.

“We are delighted to have been able to showcase the benefits of working with local partners for this project which has delivered measurable local impact and value for all parties,” says Graham Pulsford, Managing Director of JPA, “and we look forward to building our working relationship with the team at Rothamsted Enterprises, it has been a pleasure”.

“We’re delighted that this iconic building is now back in use as a hub for agritech businesses and it has been great to work with local business, JPA, who have delivered a carbon neutral, zero waste furniture installation for us,” said Nicole Sadd, CEO, Rothamsted Enterprises. “We very much look forward to welcoming lots of innovative businesses to the Rothamsted ecosystem.”

Cherie Norris, Herts IQ Enterprise Zone Manager at Hertfordshire LEP said: “As the original birthplace of agricultural science in the UK, we’re pleased that the Russell Building will once again be home to the next generation of agri-tech and food-tech innovators. Our investment will support more businesses to join Herts IQ and take advantage of the world-class expertise available at Rothamsted Research, and we’re delighted to support their future success in Hertfordshire.”