A Message from the Chief Executive
A Message from the Chief Executive
Chief Executive, Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce Web Site which gives you full details of the many and varied services that the Chamber is able to provide you with to help your business through the current very challenging economic climate.
Each year the Chamber runs over 30 events all of which give you the opportunity to make those all important new business contacts. Recent speakers have included Ken Clarke the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor and Alistair Darling the Chancellor of the Exchequer all of whom attracted large audiences. The Chamber Web Site gives full details of our forthcoming events including Women in Business, Sports and Social events and Business Seminars
A well trained workforce has never been more important than at the present time and please do have a look at the wide range of courses available with generous discounts available to Chamber Members.
In these difficult times where do you go for free business advice. Well you will be interested to know that we have linked up with our colleagues at Business link who are able to offer free business advice to our members. We are also able to offer advertising opportunities through the Chamber website, mail shots and the Members’ Directory.
With sterling being very competitive against many world currencies there has never been a better time to consider exporting and we have experts available who are able to provide you with free help and advice in finding new markets to sell your goods and services overseas. We are also able to offer generous discounts to Chamber Members who may need Certificates of Origin.
The prosperity of businesses in Watford is very important to us as is full employment and in this connection we have recently created a new role as Inward Investment Manager Sanjay Purohit will be looking to attract new businesses to our town especially from abroad as well as ensuring that we do everything possible to retain those businesses who are already here.
Green issues and the environment are a priority area for us and we are in the process of rolling out our Sustainable Transport Strategy for the town. Our Travel Plan will be launched in June 2010 and we will be giving free help and guidance to local companies in drawing up their own individual travel plans, encouraging their employees to use public transport and to consider other measures such as car sharing. For shorter journeys will be encouraging walking and cycling and in this connection we will shortly be purchasing 100 robust bicycles which will be available free of charge to selected local companies.
We will also be identifying the top 30 carbon emitters in the town and to work with them and experts from such organisations as the Carbon Trust to find ways to reduce their carbon emissions which will save them money and help to protect our environment for future generations
We want Watford to remain a safe town in which to do business and in this connection.
Watford Business Against Crime (WBAC) is a membership scheme which aims to reduce retail crime and anti-social behaviour throughout Watford town centre.
During this very difficult time for businesses, particularly the retail sector, acquisitive crime has increased at a time when spending is down. Crime prevention and detection is therefore vital in order to reduce losses. WBAC and its members strive constantly to achieve this in order to benefit not just their own businesses, but every business in Watford so that the town is a safer and more attractive place to visit for us all.
WBAC operates an information sharing scheme where information is gathered from members and the police. This information is then analysed to identify crime patterns and persistent retail offenders. WBAC then alerts members to counter any emerging crime patterns and also targets those offenders identified as 'lifestyle criminals'.
This is complemented by a radio system which is central to WBAC. This ensures that members are in direct and constant contact with each other, the two CCTV centres in Watford and the WBAC manager.
These are just some of the ways that we can help your business and for further information about the Chamber and the many and varied services which we are able to provide please do take the opportunity to have a look at our web site.
And finally please do get in touch with us if you feel that there is any way in which the Chamber can help your business- we are waiting to hear from you!
Roger Gagan
Chief Executive
