Benham Publishing Businesss Magazines December 2013 | Page 20

SpotlightOn

Working together to get it right
Creating the right conditions for business success is all about creating and maintaining
strong partnerships and the Dacorum experience shows what can be achieved.
From showcase events, networking days, innovative approaches to projects, awards for outstanding performance; these
are exciting times in Dacorum as this special feature explains.

A partnership that supports
businesses
I became the Business Engagement Manager for the Hertfordshire
Chamber of Commerce in Dacorum in April. I’m based at the Maylands
Business Centre and, in my short time in the role so far, I have been
genuinely delighted to work with such an inspiring business community
and within the dynamic teams at both the chamber and Dacorum
Borough Council.
We all have a common goal – to
showcase the successful
businesses and find opportunities
for businesses to grow further and
learn from each other.
The close relationship between the
Herts Chamber and ‘Dacorum’s
Look No Further’ Team is beginning
to deliver tangible benefits to our
business community, building on
the foundations of a proactive
business-facing council.
Pippa Hutchinson

The Maylands Partnership
The Maylands Partnership represents the combined interests of more than
400 businesses in the Maylands Industrial Estate. The Herts Chamber is
now a key member of this partnership,
Frances Stickley, Kodak UK representative on the Maylands Partnership,
said: “One of the major reasons why Kodak has enjoyed such a long and
successful association with Dacorum is being able to access a skilled
workforce. With such a wide variety of businesses here it is vital that they
can recruit people with the appropriate skills.
“An Employment and Skills Partnership has been established with
representatives from local businesses, key stakeholders and the Council to
ensure that young people in the area are trained and equipped with the
skills and abilities that local businesses need both now and in the future.”
Different businesses cite different benefits to locating in the area. Kodak
UK and digital imaging company FFEI value the access to smart, welleducated staff and RH Hall likes the access to motorway links and airports.
Andy Cook, Managing Director, FFEI, chair of the Maylands Partnership
and Herts Chamber board member, said: “Dacorum is an ideal location
due to its proximity to Luton and Heathrow airports and the M1 and M25
motorway networks.
“Our business is high technology design and manufacture so it’s essential
that we can easily recruit smart, well educated people. Dacorum is
ideally situated as it offers a good choice of commutable living areas
and a wealth of talent to choose from.”

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INSPIRE

Isel UK Limited
Herts Chamber is delighted to welcome a manufacturing company as a
new member. The Isel Group a German manufacturer of CNC
engineering, has opened a UK division in Hemel Hempstead.
Headed by Bob Wright, Isel are based in the Maylands Business Centre
and illustrates a great example of inward investment for Dacorum
particularly as they are in the manufacturing sector.

Maylands Business Centre
The Maylands Business Centre is at the heart of the support available to
help businesses get started within Dacorum.
The centre provides virtual office f