Learn how to thrive & survive in business

Supporting local businesses is something that’s not just for customers, it’s for other local businesses too. If your business thrives and survives, then so does mine. Research from across the pond found that buying goods and services from local companies meant more of the money generated stayed local. Only 13% of the money spent with the national chains was recirculated locally, as opposed to 48% of the money spent at local shops.

It’s therefore in the interests of all local business people to ensure their fellow entrepreneurs thrive and survive – there’s plenty of room for all of us to be successful, and the more successful we are, the better it is for Hertford!

That’s why I’m delighted to be part of the Hertford Entrepreneurs Committee (HEC), a group which has been set up by Hertford Town Council to encourage and support local entrepreneurs with networking, talks and awards, all of which are free of charge as a way of helping start ups and entrepreneurs learn more about business and make valuable contacts.

Thrive & Survive

The next presentation will take place on the evening of Wednesday 18 January when BBC Radio 2’s business guru Nick Brown will pass on his knowledge to help you thrive and survive in business. Nick is the author of Thrive & Survive in Business which is aimed at anyone wanting to give up their 9-5 and go it alone.

He’ll be giving practical advice for entrepreneurs on finance, marketing, innovation and people, but wants the evening to be interactive, so make sure you come armed with lots of questions relating to your own businesses.

If it sounds like Nick’s talk is for you, and you’d like to meet and network with other local entrepreneurs, register online at www.hertford.gov.uk/hertford-entrepreneurs-network. It’s a free event held outside normal working hours, so there’s no excuse not to come! The networking begins at 6, and Nick will begin his presentation at 7.

Hertford Entrepreneur of the Year 2017

The evening will also be used to launch the competition to find Hertford’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year. It’s a competition dear to my heart as I won it in 2015! I put the prize money towards funding an apprentice who is now a valued permanent member of staff, so I understand how useful an award like this can be. Details of how to enter next year’s award will be announced at the event, so if you’re interested, make sure you’re there.

See you on the 18th!