The Fifteenth 3rd Thursday is hosted by

Connected Marketing

17th May 2012

Connected Marketing was established in 2008 by Nigel Cook. Connected Marketing offers a range of B2B products aimed at supporting local business; we supply creative, affordable websites, branded & promotional products and business & office supplies from tlc.

The Fourteenth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Enable, Independent Financial Life Planners

19th April 2012

Specialist is the watch word that stands Enable Independent out from the crowd. In today's world of information on demand and the myriad of complex financial products available, the team at Enable decided long ago to specialise in their chosen area of financial planning.

The Firm was established in Bishop's Stortford in 2000 and it quickly became apparent that clients placed far more value on a collaborative approach to organising their financial affairs than to have one person try to do everything. This concept is fully embedded at Enable and in much the same way that a G.P might refer to a Consultant, whilst a client will have a main adviser contact in their dealings with us, colleagues or qualified external experts will be consulted and engaged as the need arises.

Naturally, all of our advisers are appropriately qualified and between us we hold the highest possible level of academic and professional standing – well in excess of the new benchmark being introduced at the end of 2012.

At Enable our ethos is to offer clarity, support and impartial advice to our clients throughout their lives. Services offered include.

• Lifetime Goals and Cash Flow Management
• Personal and Business Protection
• Personal and Business Goal Planning
• Wealth Creation and Management
• School Fees Planning
• Financial Planning in Divorce
• Retirement Planning 
• Long Term Care Planning
• Equity release
• Residential and Commercial Property Finance
• Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
• Niche Investment Portfolios
• Legitimate Tax Planning Opportunities

The Thirteenth 3rd Thursday is hosted by

Ed Strang, The Business Fitness Centre

15th February 2012

The Business Fitness Centre based in Bishop's Stortford includes a Virtual Finance Director service for businesses that don't need or can't afford a full-time FD. The business was launched in January 2011 and has worked on a range of projects including :

• Preparing a business for sale and securing a sale this month
• Helping an inventor develop a strategy and business plan for his renewable energy company; attracting investors and securing grant funding
• Working with a major Japanese company on a new business model for a leading High Street retailer
• Helping a local security company revise their strategy, reorganising and driving a 40% improvement in turnover in the last 12 months

"I built up a lot of valuable experience over 30 years working for KPMG, Diageo, Briggs & Stratton and Bell Group PLC. This included taking a private company with £15m turnover through a flotation as a public company at £60m and a sale 5 years later for £100m as Group Finance Director. I'd like to use my experience to help local business owners achieve success."
See www.businessfitnesscentre.co.uk
Ed will be talking about an opportunity for local businesses to increase their promotional activity and sales, whilst helping Bishop's Stortford Football Club achieve greater success. .

The Twelfth 3rd Thursday is hosted by

Grill 55

16th February 2012

Inspired by the informal style of New York's grill restaurants, Grill 55 offers a range of different cuts of locally sourced beef, hung for a minimum of 21 days, and other premium quality meats char grilled for a healthier eating experience. Our well balanced menu includes highest quality seafood which is delivered daily to compliment freshly prepared starters, salads and plates to share.

Your taste buds will be thrilled with our menu. Our menus change regularly to ensure only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used. Hand cut chips will always remain, along with home baked breads, desserts and varied cheese board.

Dedicated to welcoming the whole family the ambiance is warm and relaxed. Our team at Grill 55 are friendly and attentive, and want to ensure your visit is a memorable pleasure you will want to repeat time and time again. Highly skilled Head chef leads the experienced kitchen creating delicious meals.

The Eleventh 3rd Thursday is hosted by

Heather Nesbitt Ltd Professional Investigators and Legal support

19th January 2012

Specialties
Investigative solutions, forensic investigations, process serving tracing to long term investigations and everything in between.

Solicitor and Counsel support including court attendance and court orientation coaching for witnesses.

We pride ourselves on being open, honest, thorough and supportive, ensuring our clients receive the best possible results for their needs.

All our clients can be assured of our absolute discretion and confidentiality in all enquiries carried out on their behalf. Our investigators have the experience to handle delicate situations with discretion and professionalism We have confidentiality agreements that protect us, our clients and their information.

As every investigation is unique our approach will reflect this. Each and every case we work on is specifically tailored to our clients needs and requirements. We are dedicated to getting a result and providing excellent service..

We build and encourage strong relationships. Our clients are the most important thing to us. We build our business connections on honesty and integrity, ensuring that our relationships last years, not months.

Put simply... experience, quality service and honest, impartial advice!

The Tenth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Grill 55

15th December 2011

Inspired by the informal style of New York's grill restaurants, Grill 55 offers a range of different cuts of locally sourced beef, hung for a minimum of 21 days, and other premium quality meats char grilled for a healthier eating experience. Our well balanced menu includes highest quality seafood which is delivered daily to compliment freshly prepared starters, salads and plates to share.

Your taste buds will be thrilled with our menu. Our menus change regularly to ensure only the freshest seasonal ingredients are used. Hand cut chips will always remain, along with home baked breads, desserts and varied cheese board.

Dedicated to welcoming the whole family the ambiance is warm and relaxed. Our team at Grill 55 are friendly and attentive, and want to ensure your visit is a memorable pleasure you will want to repeat time and time again. Highly skilled Head chef leads the experienced kitchen creating delicious meals.

The Ninth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

thebestofbishopsstortford

17th November 2011

As you know asking a friend or colleague for a recommendation is often the best way to find great restaurants, dentists, builders, hairdressers etc  Well here at thebestof Bishop's Stortford every business featured has been recommended by local people  and we showcase these  locally  endorsed  businesses to everyone else via on-line and the more traditional off-line marketing channels.

A detailed profile on our highly optimised website can let potential customers see why your business is a local favourite and how highly you are rated by your existing customers. Your customers are one of your most effective marketing tools. Personalised testimonial cards help them spread the word about why they recommend your business.For stronger impact, you can even add a video to your web page to  visually promote all that you do. We'll also promote your business activities on social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook.

We only work with highly reputable businesses,  providing them with the marketing tools that we know work for local businesses. We let people know what your business is best at and why and help to connect you with other fantastic local businesses. The solutions we provide are easy, effective and affordable. And our members say we are very nice to work with too!

If you're a local business and want to raise awareness locally, connect with other business owners or need help with your marketing.

Call Ian on 01279 216 379 or e-mail bishopsstortford@thebestof.co.uk

It really is as easy as that! - Word of Mouth just got louder.

The Eighth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Daniel Robinson & Sons

20th October 2011

A family owned firm of Funeral Directors, we are probably the oldest firm in the town, established in 1892.  We are looking forward to celebrating our 120th anniversary in 2012.

Our team here in Bishop's Stortford and at our other offices in Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Epping, Loughton, Halstead, Gt Dunmow, Braintree and Saffron Walden, are all dedicated to providing a service to the community of the highest possible standard.

However, as this picture shows we do not always fit the stereotypical image of Funeral Directors.  Showgirls and auction prizes are at the fore in this picture which was taken at our 2010 Charity Ball, which raised over £40k for St Clare's Hospice and Isabel Hospice.

This year we are reaching for the stars and aiming to raise even more money with a rat pack themed Ball at the Radisson Blu, Stansted on Saturday 19th November. 

There are lots of sponsorship and advertising opportunities available for all budgets, from an advert in the programme to entertainers and providing auction items. We hope that we will once again capture the hearts and imagination of the local business community to make this another fundraising success.

For more information on any aspect of this event please contact Gary Neill, M.D. or Sally Payne, on 01279 655477.

They are also the organisers of the Daniel Robinson Ball Saturday 19th November 2011 on behalf of both Isabel Hospice and St Clare.

The Seventh 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Reynolds Johns Partnership

15th September 2011

Reynolds Johns Partnership (RJP) was created following the merger of the Reynolds Partnership and Winters Johns & Co in May 1999.  Both firms had been established in Bishop's Stortford for the previous 10 years and therefore RJP now boasts a presence in the town extending beyond 21 years.

RJP act for a variety of clients ranging from individuals to sole traders to medium size companies through to clients who are listed on the London Stock Exchange.  RJP advises on many aspects of law including Company and Commercial matters, Employment Law, Divorce, Financial and Property matters, Children, Landlord & Tenant, Wills and Probate as well as offering a very competitively priced conveyancing service.

Over 75% of new work comes from existing clients or people recommended by them so RJP must be doing something right!

The partners of RJP support various charities and organisations in Bishop's Stortford and see this as part of their role in the community.  They are delighted to be sponsoring this event and supporting the Isabel Hospice.

If you would like to find out more about RJP you can contact them on 01279 508626 or e-mail law@reynoldsjohns.co.uk

The Sixth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Thomas International

18th August 2011

"Personality testing is widely used in recruitment and management within organisations. Are you in the right job? Are your team in the right roles? Find out at this interactive workshop run by Thomas International - consultant Sharon Ferguson and Bob Dunn will help you find out your basic personality type, the careers you would best be suited to and explaining the key traits each personality type."

Performance through people
Thomas International Consultant, Sharon Ferguson and Bob Dunn, will present a session on how assessment can help you improve your own performance, and that of your people. This workshop will consider how work-style preferences, emotion and aptitude combine to determine an individual's performance in a business environment.

Discover why you find it harder to work with some people than others and how to improve working relationships. Learn how to identify key behavioural styles and communicate more effective with each, assess response to change, and spot fast-track potential. By understanding yourself and your people better find out how you can manage, engage and motivate more effectively, in order to create business success.
All attendees will have the opportunity to complete a complimentary behavioural profile and receive personal feedback.

About Thomas International
Thomas International provides people assessments that empower business leaders to transform the performance of their teams and individuals, and deliver an immediate impact on their organisation.

As for my biography.
Consultant for Thomas International covering the East Anglia Area.
Spent several years as a recruitment consultant in Manchester
Moved to East Anglia 1994 worked for the Learning and Skills council on the Investors in People programme
Former Personnel and Training Manager with Sainsbury's Supermarkets, also Regional trainer for recruitment and selection
Regional Sales Manager for Sainsbury's Bank and spent a brief time with the Halifax before joining Thomas.
Currently undertaking a feasibility study with an upper school in Bury looking at using Thomas to provide objective career advice and guidance.
Married with two daughters and a ruby cavalier.

The Fifth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Mark Prisk MP

21sh July 2011

Born in Cornwall on 12 June 1962, and educated at Truro School and Reading University. A Chartered Surveyor by profession, and former self-employed businessman and company director, Mark was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford in 2001 with over 44% of the vote.

In 2005, he increased his majority to over 13,000, or 50.5%. His parliamentary interests include small business and enterprise, urban planning and regeneration, as well as defence and foreign affairs.

Since 2002, Mark has served on the Conservative front bench as Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Shadow Paymaster General and then Home Affairs Whip.
In December 2005, he was made Shadow Spokesman for Business & Enterprise and this role was confirmed in July 2007 with a wider brief on Enterprise, Deregulation and Competition. In July 2007 he was also appointed Shadow Minister for his home county of Cornwall.

On being re-elected as the member for Hertford & Stortford in the 2010 General Election Mark Prisk MP was asked by the Prime Minister to join the Coalition Government. He has joined as a Minister in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. His ministerial portfolio focuses on key business sectors, promoting enterprise and cutting red tape. In June, the Prime Minister asked him to also take on the Trade and Investment Ministerial portfolio through until January 2011.

The Fourth 3rd Thursday was hosted by

John Mann

16th June 2011

Planning for a secure future whether for yourself, your family or your business is one of the most important steps you will ever take. It is useful to regularly review your financial situation to take advantage of any developments in legislation and tax law. If there are changes in your circumstances, such as starting a family, changing jobs, starting your own business or receiving an inheritance, a review of your financial goals is crucial.

As a member of the prestigious St. James's Place Partnership, the sole advisory channel of the St. James's Place Wealth Management Group, our focus is on you and on achieving or maintaining financial security for you and your loved ones.

Based on core values of excellence of service and above-all, integrity, we will provide you with the wealth management solutions that you need to satisfy your needs both now and in the future.

We appreciate that you are unique, with your own financial ideals, which is why we will tailor the services and recommendations that we make specifically to you.

As you may be aware, the Government is bringing in workplace reforms (NEST) in 2012, which will introduce new duties on employers to provide a workplace pension scheme, with specific contribution requirements.

We at GQ Wealth Management are already taking the time to work with employers, to sit down and educate them on how this will effect their business and measures they may need to consider, so it is not such an unforeseen financial burden when it does come into force.

If you are an employer, then do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information.

The Third 3rd Thursday was hosted by

GQ Wealth Management

19th May 2011

Planning for a secure future whether for yourself, your family or your business is one of the most important steps you will ever take. It is useful to regularly review your financial situation to take advantage of any developments in legislation and tax law. If there are changes in your circumstances, such as starting a family, changing jobs, starting your own business or receiving an inheritance, a review of your financial goals is crucial.

As a member of the prestigious St. James's Place Partnership, the sole advisory channel of the St. James's Place Wealth Management Group, our focus is on you and on achieving or maintaining financial security for you and your loved ones.

Based on core values of excellence of service and above-all, integrity, we will provide you with the wealth management solutions that you need to satisfy your needs both now and in the future.

We appreciate that you are unique, with your own financial ideals, which is why we will tailor the services and recommendations that we make specifically to you.

As you may be aware, the Government is bringing in workplace reforms (NEST) in 2012, which will introduce new duties on employers to provide a workplace pension scheme, with specific contribution requirements.

We at GQ Wealth Management are already taking the time to work with employers, to sit down and educate them on how this will effect their business and measures they may need to consider, so it is not such an unforeseen financial burden when it does come into force.

If you are an employer, then do not hesitate to contact us if you require more information.

The Second 3rd Thursday was hosted by

Price Bailey Chartered Accountants

21st April 2011

Award winning firm, Price Bailey Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, established more than 70 years ago, provides the right blend of consultancy and planning skills to complement the more routine accountancy, tax and financial services work you might expect from an accountancy firm. As well as high level tax planning, there are specialist departments covering corporate finance, tax consulting, financial planning, payroll, business strategy and accounting systems - please ask to see their casebooks to obtain examples of their work.

Most recently the firm received the 'Large Firm of the Year' award in Nov 2010 by the Accountancy Age magazine. The firm is currently number 33 in the Top 60 League Table of UK Accountancy Firms 2011 published by Accountancy Magazine in Jan 2011.

Melanie Lord, Marketing Project Manager, elaborated on their fundraising policy: In recent years we have felt that we can make more of a financial impact by concentrating our fundraising activities on a selected number of charities. Each year Price Bailey's seven offices nominate their preferred charity of the year by a majority vote system and then work with the chosen charities to raise awareness and generate much needed funds.

We are delighted that Isabel Hospice, a highly regarded local charity, with a reputation for providing outstanding care to the local community was chosen by the Bishop's Stortford team. Each year we raise between £7,000 - £10,000 for charities across the practice and apart from the feel good factor of charity fundraising it is great for team building. The Price Bailey team are very creative and have used a number of innovative ideas to raise money including cake sales, business quizzes and the Tour de PB which involved cycling to all of their 6 UK based offices in one weekend.

From our street collections at local supermarkets, we have found that the Isabel Hospice is truly valued and highly praised by the public who have had first hand experience of friends or family using their service and facilities. We thank Isabel Hospice for their efforts and wish them continued success in the future.