Question 1

Fit to Bid Programme and Meet the Buyer Events

Accepted Answer

Dacorum, St Albans, Hertsmere, and Watford Councils are working with Branduin Business Support Services to deliver a fully funded supply-chain business engagement, skills development and bid support package for SMEs based in the four Boroughs. This programme is to help local businesses enhance their skills and capability to bid for contracts at council procurement, construction and infrastructure projects, and large private sector buyers.
  
The support includes specialist skills training webinar workshops, Meet the Buyer events, and confidential 1-2-1 tender business advice sessions with an expert advisor to help you identify and overcome your key challenges, navigate the complexities of the supply chain, and be in a better place to win new contracts.

SME suppliers based in SW Herts – please register for the programme here: SW Herts UKSPF Supplier Ready Programme

Question 2

Watford Business Connect

Accepted Answer

To help businesses ‘Learn, Connect, Collaborate’, these events are an exclusive opportunity for Watford's exceptional business community to convene, learn, and network. Contact the Economic Development team to find out when our next event is: economicdevelopment@watford.gov.uk

Question 3

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Accepted Answer

Want to start or scale up a business? Hertfordshire Growth Hub is the entry point to all business support advice, information and resources in the county.

As the trusted growth experts, we join up national and local business support making it simpler for you to find the help you need, when you need it.

Since 2015, we have helped over 14,000 businesses achieve their goals and our team of knowledgeable business advisers are on hand to provide tailored support.

Part of Hertfordshire Futures, the Growth Hub service is brought to you by a team of business support specialists pooling their expert knowledge.

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Question 4

Herts Futures

Accepted Answer

Since its formation in 2011, the LEP has played a pivotal role in determining and addressing local economic priorities. A dedicated team are focused on driving the local economy by boosting inward investment, key sectors, clean and inclusive growth by providing skills leadership, detailed economic intelligence, and a comprehensive package of support to Hertfordshire’s business community. This service offer continues under the new brand identity Hertfordshire Futures and its family of sub-brands and programmes of support:

Hertfordshire Opportunities portal (HOP)
HOP enables employers to reach and recruit their future talent, and upskill and provide progression opportunities for existing staff. This includes a suite of Skills Bootcamps.

Details here-https://www.hopinto.co.uk/employers/hertfordshire-opportunities/

The Hertfordshire Careers Hub enables greater collaboration between clusters of schools by linking Careers Leaders, Enterprise Advisers and the Cornerstone Employer Group (a network of local businesses).

Hertfordshire Film Office was established in response to rapid and large-scale growth of the Film and TV sector, in order to maximise the potential of the sector and provide a coordinated gateway for productions looking to film in Hertfordshire.

The Connect To Work programme gives employers the chance to start or strengthen their disability/inclusion strategies with guidance from Supported Employment specialists. Delivered locally by Step2Skills, this free programme helps create more accessible workplaces.

Better Business for All (BBFA) was formed in 2013 and works to boost business productivity and growth by making it easier for businesses to access the regulatory support they need from Local Authorities such as Trading Standards, Environmental Health, Licensing and others.

Question 5

Wenta

Accepted Answer

Wenta is one of England's largest enterprise agencies. We're an independent, not-for-profit, social enterprise that exists to make it easier and greener to start and run a successful business.

Watford is home to The Wenta Business Centre on Colne Way, just off the A41 which is an ideal location for both new and growing businesses. Free business advice (via telephone, live chat or in person) and webinars are available to all Watford residents and are run by Wenta’s experienced team of business advisors. Whether its advice on how to start a business, how to get your business online or sales tactics, the team can help.

Wenta also offers affordable, flexible and self-contained workspace for rental from offices to workshops, available on monthly terms and in a range of sizes. They are ideal if you need to find or re-locate your workspace to a more flexible and affordable option. The centre also offers a range of virtual office services and on-site meeting rooms for hire.

www.wenta.co.uk@TheWentaGroup@WentaWatford

START, GROW & THRIVE

Watford offers robust business support with a variety of resources and networks to help local enterprises thrive and grow.

Fit to Bid Programme and Meet the Buyer Events

Watford Business Connect

Hertfordshire Growth Hub

Herts Futures

Wenta