Members
+ Alex Sewell
Property Consultancy
I set up our residential estate agency, Sewell & Gardner (www.sewellgardner.com) in 2002 and in that time have dealt with all aspects of residential agency, sales, lettings, new homes and land acquisition. In 2014 I sold our lettings business. In 2019 I purchased Perry Holt property Consultants (www.perryholt.co.uk) which was a Chartered surveying practice with a particular leaning towards development opportunities and have been running that in conjunction with S&G since then. We re-positioned the businesses as my plan had always been to offer a full property consultancy, with the expertise within one location to deal with all aspects of property: residential, commercial, land and property development.
I am a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) for Residential Sales, Lettings and Commercial property and the businesses are able to offer professional property advice across the whole of the market.
+ Andrew Fraser
Graphic Design
FRASERS IS A CREATIVE DESIGN AND BRANDING AGENCY BASED IN HERTFORDSHIRE
With over 38 years experience bringing brands to life we have now gone back to basics.
We‘ve stripped out excess and unnecessary costs in our business to make us more efficient and competitive allowing us do what we do best; sharing our knowledge and experience to create bold, strong, attention grabbing designs that make brands (big, small or start-up) stand out.
We also support existing brands with our full creative end to end brand communications service including adaption and implementation, design, artwork, templates, infographics and print, production, delivery and installation.
+ Antonia Brickell
Communications & Content
For business owners and people of influence who want to find their voice and bring themselves and their organisations to life…
As a broadcaster with 17 years’ experience working with the BBC and the commercial sector, and 13 years as a communications specialist, it’s no surprise that I love storytelling. Over the years, I have honed my knowledge, insight and skills, to get to the crux of stories that matter and now help people to find their voice and tell their story. How do I do this? By enabling you to engage with your target audiences in 'normal speak’ - as opposed to using convoluted, technical jargon - and by choosing the most appropriate digital and media platform(s) to promote your narrative.
As well as project managing and hosting podcasts, I offer voice-over and narration services, together with insightful communications advice & PR direction. I also provide public speaking training to help you feel more confident in front of the mic, on camera or during interviews and whilst dealing with challenging mainstream media attention.
Think of me as your greatest advocate. So tell me, what's your story?
+ Caroline Deutsch
Recruitment
I’m Caroline Deutsch, Director of Select, an award winning recruitment consultancy based in St Albans. We find people for jobs and jobs for people all in the Herts and surrounding area. Our services include support with permanent, contract and temporary roles across the commercial sector including sales and marketing, office support, finance, IT, HR, logistics and warehouse.
For candidates, deciding to make a career move can be stressful For businesses, hiring a new member to your team is a huge investment We understand this and like to build relationships where we really get to know businesses and candidates to find out what they really want, how we can add value and find the right match time after time.
+ Christine Frith
Outsourced Bookkeeping,
Administration and PA support
“Taking care of your to-do list”
The expert team at Hour Hands provide professional and flexible business support services to free up your valuable time while also saving you money.
Our most popular services are:
Bookkeeping
PA services (managing emails and calendars, general office organisation, filing and spreadsheets, arranging meetings and travel)
Data entry
Event planning
Project support and content research
Marketing support, including blogs
Our clients choose a specific service or a combination to suit their needs, on a regular or ad hoc basis – whatever works best for their business. And because they only pay for what they need, they avoid the ongoing costs of employing staff.
Working alongside our Business team, our Home team tackle general ‘life admin’ tasks to help busy people stay organised at home. From switching utility suppliers or sourcing an emergency plumber to wrapping your Christmas presents and organising your child’s birthday party, our Home team can take care of it.
+ Derek Blair
Accountancy, Tax & Business Advice
We are a general-practice firm of Chartered Accountants with a couple of unusual niche specialisms:
We love helping Corporate Refugees – Corporate Refugees being people who have escaped from a larger business to set up on their own. We even own the UK trademark to the term Corporate Refugees and the company Corporate Refugees Limited.
We also help clients to build their businesses by acting as their business planning consultants, in some cases working as their Virtual FD or Virtual Chairperson, where we establish a board meeting structure with written agendas and action points to drive business growth.
+ Jeremy Banks
Photography
People often ask me what area of photography I specialise in and the answer is always, delivering the best images possible to suit my clients brief. I haven't chosen to work in one specific area of photography because I enjoy them all equally, but for different reasons.
Architecture and interiors are great as you can spend some time to really consider what you are photographing and what you want your images to portray. Food is great fun for totally different reasons, right from the outset, once the food is plated and ready to be photographed it is degrading in quality, so you need to work fast and trust that you have everything set up correctly at the outset. Product photography has different challenges, particularly on how you light it. Diamond jewellery and watches are particularly tricky to light well and prevent yourself from capturing nasty reflections and whilst product photography can sometimes be straight forward it doesn't prevent me from coming up with creative ideas.
+ John Acton
Business Leader Growth Coaching
Peer2Peer is not only about helping business leaders to build the best possible business, but it’s also about making sure they enjoy the ride. We’re an inclusive group, everyone is welcome as long as they’re serious about being challenged and developed in order to build a great business.
In 2018, 4 entrepreneurs got together and decided to change the Peer Board and business coaching game forever. Every leader needs a trusted group of peers to be the sounding board, the support, the inspiration to enable them to reach their full potential. We demystified and simplified the essential capabilities that are needed to grow an awesome business.
It can be lonely running your own business, but, it needn’t be. Be Bold, Be Balanced, Be Brilliant - join a Peer2peer Board.
+ John Hubbard
Print Management
I’ve been managing print for my own brands for over 20 years. In 2023 I started Mossy Print to help small and medium local businesses grow their brands using print and merch. I’m not your typical print shop; for us it all starts with a conversation and then I can work with you and my network of partners to find the best print products for your project! If you need anything* printing, cool merch, or just some print project advice, we've got you covered.
I take the time to understand your needs, and style and make sure every print is what you need whether it’s leaflets, t-shirts, exhibition displays or packs of goodies for your customers.
*there's not much we can't print, just ask!
+ Julia Jenkins
Wine Specialist
Flagship Wines makes wine buying easy!
Before starting my own business I had many years experience of buying and marketing wine in the corporate world including time as Marketing Manager for Sainsburys’ Wine Department when I launched their first foray into home delivery for wine.
I judge in the International Wine Challenge each year and also in the Wine Marchant Magazine Top 100 that helps keep my taste buds on top form!
We were voted in the top 40 independent wine merchants in Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine for two consecutive years (there are over 940 in the UK) and also were New Zealand Wine Merchants of the Year in 2012
Our services –
A large and diverse range of quality wines available in our shop and online and wholesale
Friendly expert advice from our team
National next day delivery service great for sending gifts to staff & clients, family and friends
Fun tastings tailormade to your company as a social event for clients and staff
Regular in store tastings, winemaker dinners, and our annual wine fair
Cheers!
+ Kate Marston
Corporate & HR Investigations
Mast People Support assists organisations who are facing tricky situations or recognise it is good to get prepared when these situations inevitable arise. Mast People Support core offerings are:
- Investigations - As experienced investigators and HR experts we conduct investigations which are thorough and fair.
- Training - Our bespoke training programmes are designed to ensure that the theory is balanced with practical input.
- Compass Service - Sometimes organisations need that bit of extra support when they or their people are facing tricky situations.
Mast was founded by Kate Marston in 2020. She is a former Detective Sergeant from the Metropolitan Police who went on to lead the investigations function at a FTSE 100 Luxury brand. She is CIPD accredited and is in a fairly unique position when it comes to the support she can offer to organisations. She has a broad wealth of experience in law enforcement, retail, manufacturing, supply chain, corporate and charity environments.
+ Laura Lewis
Workplace Culture,
Employee Engagement & Experience
Laura Lewis founded Culture Chameleon in 2019, driven by the idea of 'Making Work Great to Make Great Work.’ Having worked in corporate HR since 2002 and been running her own HR Consultancy since 2015, she’d seen first hand the measurable impact that a strong, fully embedded culture has on employee engagement levels, team performance and, in turn, business success.
By helping organisations to create a strong, authentic culture and offer a stand-out employee experience, Culture Chameleon is now on a mission to improve the world of work and the lives of the people in it - to help businesses be the best version of themselves by putting their people first, being who they say they are and giving back to the world as much as they take. They work with purpose-led organisations that are motivated by making a difference beyond profit, leaving a positive imprint on the world and creating a legacy for future generations to benefit from.
+ Louise Towler
Website Design & Development
Women in Innovation award winner 2022 | Brighton SEO Speaker 2022 | Service Innovation Practitioner
Louise is the Founder and Managing Director of Indigo Tree Digital, an award-winning website design agency specialising in high-performance WordPress websites built with inspirational design, innovative technology and insightful data for ambitious businesses and non-profits. With over thirty years of experience in software and website development, Louise has grown Indigo Tree over the last decade and now has a team of fifteen, in Tring Hertfordshire and remote across the UK.
Our services cover website design, development, performance and technical SEO, ongoing website care and hosting. We are driven by a passion for technology and business, and an enthusiasm to deliver the best results for our clients.
We have built a reputation for delivering high-quality and impactful digital solutions, that are good value for money. Our clients are often telling us that we are easy and enjoyable to work with and as a result our business is largely referral based.
+ Marcos Kallou
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Since 2004 Prior Knowledge have been advising individuals and families on the best way to ensure that their assets are left to the right people, in the right way, at the right time. It’s not just about writing a Will: it’s all about the advice and the planning.
As Fellows of the Institute of Professional Willwriters we are properly trained and properly insured. We are proud to be professional and ethical Willwriters and Estate Planners.
We can advise on all circumstances be they simple or complicated.
The first consultation is always free of charge and non-obligatory, usually at the clients’ own home.
We care about peace of mind and call upon all our experience and expertise to provide the most suitable Will for our clients and their family.
+ Mark Combes
Commercial Cleaning
Minster Cleaning Services
“A Clean Office (school, surgery, club, gym, hospital…) in the morning, is a good day dawning!”
Minster Cleaning is a commercial contract cleaning company operating in the Hertfordshire and South Bedfordshire area.
Services Offered are:
Regular Cleaning (1-7 days per week 24 hours per day)
Carpet Cleaning
Floor Treatment
Window Cleaning
Washroom Services
Janitorial Supplies
We cover the following post codes, WD, EN, LU, SH, HP, BS, AL
We clean anything that is not a house.
+ Mark Fellows
Employment Law & Immigration Solicitor
I advise both employers and employees on all aspects of employment law and my team also advises on immigration matters.
I advise on HR matters and workplace disputes, and I represent both employers and employees in Tribunal. I support businesses in respect of reorganisations, and I advise employers in respect of employee issues arising from transactions, particularly involving TUPE.
I advise employees regarding their rights, and where they have been issued with a Settlement Agreement. My client base ranges from global and national organisations to owner-managed businesses, in numerous sectors including retail, recruitment and logistics. I have been identified as a “Leading Individual” for the 2021 edition of the Legal 500, a publication that ranks all solicitors in England and Wales
Outside of work, I spend time with my two daughters, play golf (badly) and run the odd half marathon (slowly).
+ Nick York
Mortgages & Protection
At Nicholas James Mortgage & Financial Services we take great pride in offering professional and trusted mortgage advice. No case is ever the same, so we ensure that by offering a personable and bespoke service, we fully understand the needs of our clients so we can offer support and guidance throughout the process.
Our independent and whole of market status for both residential and buy to let mortgages means we are able to ensure that every option is considered, before selecting the most appropriate product to meet each specific requirement.
Whether a first time buyer or a seasoned buy to let investor, our years of experience and knowledge of the industry mean we are able to offer advice and guidance to meet all aspects of a constantly evolving market.
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up the mortgage repayments.
+ Paul Songaila
Technology and Communication Solutions
Talk Technology and you’re guaranteed to get some blank faces start on the acronyms and you’ll soon have the room emptied. After 30 years plus in the IT Industry I’ve heard them all, with Twin Systems you’ll not only get excellent technology support and solutions it’s a guaranteed “Techno Babble” free zone.
We have all the badges Microsoft Gold Partner, ISO 27001 and 9001, Barracuda, HP and Dell business partnerships and more so your technology estate is safe with us. So if you need your technology to work harder for you or just have an Issue such system security or data back-up failing that just can’t be fixed drop me a line and we’ll get it done, oh and no acronyms just plain speaking tech help I promise.
+ Sharon Montgomery
Family Law Solicitor
At Crane & Staples Solicitors, we value a personal and empathetic approach to every matter.
I have been a Family Solicitor for over 30 years and commitment to client care is at the centre of all the cases I handle.
In 2020, I was ranked as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ in the Legal 500 in 2020 and 2021.
I specialise in several areas of Family Law, including:
Negotiating financial agreements on relationship breakdown
Court applications regarding financial issues
Nuptial agreements
Arrangements for children
Child Maintenance Service and maintenance issues.
Inheritance Act claims
Where possible, I encourage non-Court based solutions to family problems.
I am a member of Resolution, the Family Law organisation committed to assisting families in a non-adversarial way and putting children first. I am an accredited specialist with Resolution in relation to financial and children matters. I have also trained with Resolution as a Collaborative Lawyer and a Mediator.
I have a range of management responsibilities at my firm, including marketing and business development.
+ Yellow Lizard Media
Video Production
We are Yellow Lizard Media, a small team that produce professional video content for a wide range of industries. We set up the business in 2013 and have created bespoke website videos, social media videos, event coverage, training videos and many more. Although the majority of our clients are in St Albans - Hertfordshire, Essex & London, we have worked with companies all over the country and beyond!
Simply put we create professional and engaging video content without the massive costs that usually come with video projects and our video package starts from just £799. We don’t compromise on equipment or experience, which allows your business to get the professional finished products it deserves without blowing your budget.