Dear Members,
Obviously, the situation re. the pandemic has worsened and this is reflected in the increase of Covid cases in Dacorum over the last few weeks. The only good bit of news is that the number of deaths is low.
In my last newsletter I was hoping that there would be some events happening towards the end of 2020, however to my knowledge all have been cancelled. This include the Berkofest new science event in conjunction with Berkhamsted School in November, and the Festival of Light, which I will refer to later in the newsletter under Council news.
It is interesting though that a number of vacant shops have been re-tenanted. Also, some that have been closed, such as the two Costas, are also re-opening.
I am informed that there will be a new hairdressers where Zen operated, and that Bill’s should re-open on November 5th.
PROPOSAL FOR LATE NIGHT OPENING OF THE HIGH STREET ON THURSDAYS
Some of you have been approached by Lesley Crisp of DBC’s Economic Development Team, and one of the most interesting findings is that a number are recommending that shops on the High Street should have an evening opening on the run up to Christmas.
The BDCC Committee would recommend following this report that there is late night opening in the High Street on every Thursday night from Thursday 5th November up to December 24th.
Our proposed poster is below. If you have any comments please send them to peteels@gmail.com.
NEW MEMBERS
Richard Gann – Multiply Finance Ltd
Censeo House, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3LF
Email: richard@multiplyfinance.co.uk
Tel: 07527 752032
They offer Businesses straightforward and simple access to over 200 different funders. They have been working in this market for over 30 years, understand what funders are looking for and are able to access the most appropriate finance package available for their clients.
There are still a few subscriptions outstanding for £40.
COUNCIL NEWS
Multi Storey Car Park
I believe that there is still one space left for business parking, if you are interested please let the Town Clerk know at townclerk@berkhamstedtowncouncil.gov.uk
High Street Parking
There may be some changes in Berkhamsted High Street Parking. Some spaces could be removed in order to allow a better flow for pedestrians. However, the number of loading bays and disabled spaces will be roughly the same although in the latter case some could be re-sited. Obviously, the multi-story car park can now be used. This is all still subject to planning approval and as more information is released this will be passed onto you.
Festival of Light
Due to Covid this has been cancelled but as there will not be a “Christmas Fayre”, the date for switching on the lights will be the 29th November and not the 6th December as originally planned. The lights will just go on in the afternoon between 3 and 3:30PM. You will note that the lights themselves will be installed in October.
As usual there will be a Christmas Tree outside Costa/Waterstones and this will be put up on November 21st.
I am told that Rotary will be running the Santa sleigh from November 30th.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
AgeUK Dacorum
In conjunction with Sunnyside Trust (Northchurch) they are forming a community gardening group, for their clients and the community. Currently the main objective is to prepare the plot, and there is a team of volunteers working on Tuesdays, digging the area which has been granted to AgeUK Dacorum. This includes part share of a poly tunnel. They are looking for old gardening tools and expertise. Northchurch Council have been very supportive as has the Sunnyside Trust. If you want to know more please contact Charlie Hussey the development officer at do@ageukdacorum.org.uk
Copper House
They are offering a membership scheme which includes a variety of discounts on food and drink. They are also offering afternoon teas from Wednesday to Friday 12.00 to 4.00PM. The Christmas menu will also be available from the 11th November to the 23rd December both for lunchtime and evening dinner. If you want to know more please contact Andy Simpson on andy.simpson@copperhousebar.co.uk
DENS
Due to Covid Dens are not running a live Sleepout but instead ‘Your Sleepout’ on Friday November 13th. They are asking all to swap your bed for your sleeping bag, and do this in your home, office or in your tent.
They state that the Sleepout is a great way to catch up friends, colleagues and family whilst experiencing the issues that homeless people face.
To take part registration is only £5, this is open to everyone and you can email fundraising@dens.org.uk for further information.
The Highwayman
They are extending their £10 discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks Monday to Wednesday until 28th October. Please call in at The Highwayman on the High Street for more information.
Traveltime
Traveltime are sending an updated newsletter to all their clients and prospective customers, with updated travel information and travel news. The latest includes an article on the last departures of British Airways 747 also known as the “Queen of the Skies”. If you want further information or to sign up for their “Traveltimeworld Journal” please contact them at admin@traveltimeworld.co.uk
Tobias Oliver
They are running a 15% discount for local residents and subscribers to their newsletter which runs from the 10th to the 31st October. You can pop into their shop on the High Street or order online using the code LOCAL15
They are also running Christmas shopping events on Saturday’s 7th and 14th November. They will be playing music, serving mulled wine, and helping you create a perfect home for Winter.
For those of you who treat yourselves or relatives to either of these shopping events, in conjunction with The Gatsby there is an offer of 25% off food on Monday – Wednesday throughout November. This offer does exclude The Gatsby set menu.
They are also donating 5% of their profits up to the end of January 2021 to the local Hospice.
OTHER NEWS
Health & Care Local Rewards
Some of you will have read the mailer we sent out regarding the above. Just to re-iterate, you will be given free access to market to over 37,000 people if you will be prepared to offer them a discount or other incentive on your products or services. If you want to take advantage of this. Please contact them at hpft.localrewards@nhs.net. You will have to supply some simple information and then you will be contacted by their team.
The Heather Club
This is a local Dacorum charity providing support to people with early stage dementia. They are looking for a Treasurer who they hope will also become a Trustee. The position will be voluntary, but it does mean that you would be able to offer some support to a worthy organisation. You will have to have a background in finance or have been a treasurer for another charity. However, if you want more information please contact Michael Rowan (Chair) on 07956 026094.
The Job Market – A view from Ten2Two by Jane O’Gorman
At Ten2Two we have our finger very much on the pulse of what’s going on in the job market.
There is gloomy macro news all around as we see the highest levels of unemployment for three years and redundancies having hit their highest level since 2009. However, having seen a huge drop in recruitment during lockdown, recent analysis suggests that recruitment in the UK had started to pick up before the government’s latest coronavirus-related restrictions. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Jobs Outlook showed that hiring intentions for permanent staff improved, with CEO Neil Carberry saying: “As public health restrictions were eased over the summer, the labour market started to move. Employers remain cautious and concerned about the future path of the economy but are much more sanguine now about their own plans.”
And talking to local clients in Dacorum this sentiment is reflected in their thinking. We are seeing some businesses that are thriving and busier than ever, looking to increase capacity and drive forward. Some are operating below their targets, managing cash-flow carefully with staff on reduced hours but are still servicing their clients well. And, unfortunately, some are ‘battened down’ waiting out the storm having to cope with redundancies and loss of income. We have seen lots of support amongst local businesses for each other which is great to see, and we’ve used our experience to create a useful document – Resurfacing Strategies: Resourcing post-coronavirus – which is available free below. We continue to help local businesses resource creatively during these challenging times supplying highly qualified part-time professionals and offering a whole range of flexible options such as temporary, fixed term or reduced hour contracts.
Please get in touch if Ten2two can help you. Jane can be contacted on jane@ten2two.org or mobile 07854 055698.
Link for document mentioned: https://www.ten2two.org/white-paper/resurfacing-strategies-resourcing-post-coronavirus/
Road Closures
Hertfordshire County Councillor Ian Reay has informed us that there will essential works on the Lower Kings Road Canal Bridge from October 26th and will continue for up to 5 months. The works will include 17 weeks of traffic light control, at least 4 nights of road closures, and a 7 week closure of the towpath.
We will try to get another newsletter out before Christmas so if you have information or stories you want to share, please send them to peteels12@gmail.com
Stay Safe,
Pete Elsworth – Chair