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Thursday, 30 January 2014
Monday, 7 October 2013
"Art works" says survey as Leavesden Park welcomes new images
Research has shown that art in the workplace not only looks good but can also have a positive impact on people and organisations, as Leavesden Park is discovering with a collection of photos featuring its own and Watford’s industrial heritage.
The photos have been sourced and supplied by London-based art consultants Works in Print, which has undertaken research into just what impact art can have on workplaces. The company, in conjunction with academic and consultant Dr Jenny Thomas, looked at how people felt about art in different areas of a workplace, including public spaces, meeting rooms and the main office. What they found was that rather than having subjective ideas about the types of art they favoured those questioned tended to be in agreement about what art suited which area, based on the role it played rather than their own preference. “People felt that artwork in a meeting space should not be too distracting but should offer something interesting to look at if people wanted a brief mental break from what was being discussed,” explains Works in Print Director Patrick McCrae. In addition, when presented with a selection of images 75% of people selected an image of autumnal trees bathed in sunshine as the one that best promoted wellbeing.
The one area where people were less certain was art for the main office. “People found it difficult to decide whether the artwork should be interesting to offer people a mental break from their work, aspirational, inspire creativity or be calming to allow people to focus on their work,” adds Patrick. The main office was also the least likely part of a workplace to feature art. “This leads us to question whether there is a lack of art in the main office because people do not know what artwork to install to have a positive impact,” suggests Patrick.
The images chosen for the public areas of Leavesden Park were chosen to highlight the park’s heritage. Many years before it became famous as the site of the Harry Potter Studios, the site housed the Leavesden Airfield which was one of the key manufacturing facilities servicing the RAF during WWII. Images featuring the airfield, including the famous two-seater bomber Mosquito, which was built and flown out of the airfield and became one of the most remarkable planes of WWII, are included in the collection, along with others featuring Watford’s famous train line created by Brunel in the late nineteenth century.
The images were sourced by Works in Print from archives including Mirrorpix and the National Rail Museum.
Says Roz Bird, Leavesden Park’s Head of Business Development: “Discussions with occupiers identified a need for a business lounge at Leavesden Park. The new photography was introduced as part of that project, and it has been well received. The photos are mounted on noise attenuation panels to soak up sound and create a more intimate and inspirational environment.”
Leavesden Park provides a leading destination for businesses in the region with stylish offices, set with fully landscaped grounds, providing a professional environment in which to work and do business. Companies benefit from a high quality, air-conditioned office and amenities including a café, 24 hour security, a free local bus service, secure on-site parking, a social committee, free meeting facilities, opportunities for business networking and the support of an on-site team. Watford gives excellent accessibility to London and the entire country by road or rail and Heathrow and Luton international airports are in close proximity. In addition, flexible and competitive lease terms mean that many more companies can move to a better office than they’d dreamed of sooner than they’d hoped.
Offices are available to let from 300 sq ft. For more information call 01923 894400 or visit www.leavesdenpark.co.uk.
The photos have been sourced and supplied by London-based art consultants Works in Print, which has undertaken research into just what impact art can have on workplaces. The company, in conjunction with academic and consultant Dr Jenny Thomas, looked at how people felt about art in different areas of a workplace, including public spaces, meeting rooms and the main office. What they found was that rather than having subjective ideas about the types of art they favoured those questioned tended to be in agreement about what art suited which area, based on the role it played rather than their own preference. “People felt that artwork in a meeting space should not be too distracting but should offer something interesting to look at if people wanted a brief mental break from what was being discussed,” explains Works in Print Director Patrick McCrae. In addition, when presented with a selection of images 75% of people selected an image of autumnal trees bathed in sunshine as the one that best promoted wellbeing.
The one area where people were less certain was art for the main office. “People found it difficult to decide whether the artwork should be interesting to offer people a mental break from their work, aspirational, inspire creativity or be calming to allow people to focus on their work,” adds Patrick. The main office was also the least likely part of a workplace to feature art. “This leads us to question whether there is a lack of art in the main office because people do not know what artwork to install to have a positive impact,” suggests Patrick.
The images chosen for the public areas of Leavesden Park were chosen to highlight the park’s heritage. Many years before it became famous as the site of the Harry Potter Studios, the site housed the Leavesden Airfield which was one of the key manufacturing facilities servicing the RAF during WWII. Images featuring the airfield, including the famous two-seater bomber Mosquito, which was built and flown out of the airfield and became one of the most remarkable planes of WWII, are included in the collection, along with others featuring Watford’s famous train line created by Brunel in the late nineteenth century.
The images were sourced by Works in Print from archives including Mirrorpix and the National Rail Museum.
Says Roz Bird, Leavesden Park’s Head of Business Development: “Discussions with occupiers identified a need for a business lounge at Leavesden Park. The new photography was introduced as part of that project, and it has been well received. The photos are mounted on noise attenuation panels to soak up sound and create a more intimate and inspirational environment.”
Leavesden Park provides a leading destination for businesses in the region with stylish offices, set with fully landscaped grounds, providing a professional environment in which to work and do business. Companies benefit from a high quality, air-conditioned office and amenities including a café, 24 hour security, a free local bus service, secure on-site parking, a social committee, free meeting facilities, opportunities for business networking and the support of an on-site team. Watford gives excellent accessibility to London and the entire country by road or rail and Heathrow and Luton international airports are in close proximity. In addition, flexible and competitive lease terms mean that many more companies can move to a better office than they’d dreamed of sooner than they’d hoped.
Offices are available to let from 300 sq ft. For more information call 01923 894400 or visit www.leavesdenpark.co.uk.
Two new franchisees for Rosemary Bookkeeping
Leavesden Park’s Rosemary Bookkeeping has welcomed additions to its franchise network in Guildford and Nottingham.
Richard Swansea, pictured top right, in Guildford has worked as a financial journalist in Hong Kong and London, as an editor and supervisor of research reports at leading investment banks and speaks French and Chinese. It was Rosemary’s strong management team that gave him the confidence to invest in this franchise.
“I came across Rosemary at the British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester, in June 2013. I chose Rosemary in preference to other bookkeeping franchises because of the breadth of its management team; this gave me confidence that my relationship with the team would not be influenced by issues of personality.”
Mark Webster, pictured bottom right, in Nottingham specialised in IT for over 20 years and has been a house husband taking care of his three children. Now that his children have reached the teenage years, Mark decided to rejoin the workforce. Desiring a flexible work/life balance Mark explored various franchises and Rosemary fitted his skill base in project solving and attention to detail.
“I’d always thought a franchise would be the right choice for me and having been to a few of the franchise fairs I ended up on a number of mailing lists. Nothing had really clicked into place, Pizza parlours, pet grooming, house/oven cleaning, courier services etc. never really appealed. Until the day that piece of “junk” mail dropped into my inbox regarding Rosemary Bookkeeping. Everything about it just seemed to fit and I immediately enrolled on one of their Discovery Days. The Discovery Day just confirmed what I had hoped for, a highly professional and ambitious team providing an interesting and exciting business opportunity with a reassuring level of support and so I decided to join the team.”
“I am excited about this being my business, I make the decisions but I have the support of Rosemary in the background with all their wealth of experience. I’ve tasted success in previous projects but rewards seem to have gone to others, this time I’m looking forward to reaping those rewards.”
“If you are thinking about starting a business from scratch it is a big undertaking but with the team at Rosemary Bookkeeping helping you, you can avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that others have made. Why make it hard for yourself when you can tap into a world of experience.”
The Rosemary Bookkeeping™ franchise responds to the increasing need in the UK for an affordable, professional bookkeeping service that supports both the client and the accountant. Mark and Richard will be working in harmony with their clients’ accountants, providing them with exactly what they need in the format they want saving his clients’ time and money.
The franchise is based on a business concept that has been established and refined since 2002, providing a unique bookkeeping system within a fully supported franchise package. Mark and Richard will be able to obtain great flexibility and the potential for a superb work-life balance.
The franchise is backed by four successful entrepreneur business women, Claire Watson-Bardot, Joanna Dennis, Sarah Cook and Lisa Curteis who have over 60 years of business and bookkeeping experience between them. As an Associate Member of the bfa, Rosemary Bookkeeping has a proven ability to sustain a franchise network successfully.
Rosemary Bookkeeping has recently opened up more territory opportunities in the Midlands, North of England and South East. For more information please call 0845 8620072 or visit the website
Richard Swansea, pictured top right, in Guildford has worked as a financial journalist in Hong Kong and London, as an editor and supervisor of research reports at leading investment banks and speaks French and Chinese. It was Rosemary’s strong management team that gave him the confidence to invest in this franchise.
“I came across Rosemary at the British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester, in June 2013. I chose Rosemary in preference to other bookkeeping franchises because of the breadth of its management team; this gave me confidence that my relationship with the team would not be influenced by issues of personality.”
Mark Webster, pictured bottom right, in Nottingham specialised in IT for over 20 years and has been a house husband taking care of his three children. Now that his children have reached the teenage years, Mark decided to rejoin the workforce. Desiring a flexible work/life balance Mark explored various franchises and Rosemary fitted his skill base in project solving and attention to detail.
“I’d always thought a franchise would be the right choice for me and having been to a few of the franchise fairs I ended up on a number of mailing lists. Nothing had really clicked into place, Pizza parlours, pet grooming, house/oven cleaning, courier services etc. never really appealed. Until the day that piece of “junk” mail dropped into my inbox regarding Rosemary Bookkeeping. Everything about it just seemed to fit and I immediately enrolled on one of their Discovery Days. The Discovery Day just confirmed what I had hoped for, a highly professional and ambitious team providing an interesting and exciting business opportunity with a reassuring level of support and so I decided to join the team.”
“I am excited about this being my business, I make the decisions but I have the support of Rosemary in the background with all their wealth of experience. I’ve tasted success in previous projects but rewards seem to have gone to others, this time I’m looking forward to reaping those rewards.”
“If you are thinking about starting a business from scratch it is a big undertaking but with the team at Rosemary Bookkeeping helping you, you can avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that others have made. Why make it hard for yourself when you can tap into a world of experience.”
The Rosemary Bookkeeping™ franchise responds to the increasing need in the UK for an affordable, professional bookkeeping service that supports both the client and the accountant. Mark and Richard will be working in harmony with their clients’ accountants, providing them with exactly what they need in the format they want saving his clients’ time and money.
The franchise is based on a business concept that has been established and refined since 2002, providing a unique bookkeeping system within a fully supported franchise package. Mark and Richard will be able to obtain great flexibility and the potential for a superb work-life balance.
The franchise is backed by four successful entrepreneur business women, Claire Watson-Bardot, Joanna Dennis, Sarah Cook and Lisa Curteis who have over 60 years of business and bookkeeping experience between them. As an Associate Member of the bfa, Rosemary Bookkeeping has a proven ability to sustain a franchise network successfully.
Rosemary Bookkeeping has recently opened up more territory opportunities in the Midlands, North of England and South East. For more information please call 0845 8620072 or visit the website
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Leavesden Park welcomes Watford MP
Leavesden Park played host to Watford MP Richard Harrington in June, who came along to answer questions from the local business community in a lunch time event organised by business forum biz4Biz.
“It is vital that business leaders have the opportunity to direct their questions to a sitting MP and it was great that Richard Harrington MP took the time to attend the meeting held at the MEPC, Leavesden where we cater for a huge variety of successful companies,” said Leavesden Park Head of Business Development Roz Bird.
This event was chaired by biz4Biz Co-Founder and Chairman, Adrian Hawkins with fellow Directors Simon George and Tim Baugh attending. Questions on Britain’s relationship with Europe and about the current Skills shortage were directed to Richard Harrington, MP for Watford, who took time to provide an update on each subject. Richard Harrington said that “It was great to see such a collection of local business people and really enjoyed the frank discussions we had, good to know my 26 years of business experience came in useful for once!”
In addition to supporting the professional, biz4Biz provides a coherent voice for businesses in Hertfordshire and aim to influence and shape policymaking and encourage investment in Hertfordshire by engaging with local and central government, relevant public sector bodies and local organisations to promote the county of Hertfordshire as a great place to live and do business.
“It is vital that business leaders have the opportunity to direct their questions to a sitting MP and it was great that Richard Harrington MP took the time to attend the meeting held at the MEPC, Leavesden where we cater for a huge variety of successful companies,” said Leavesden Park Head of Business Development Roz Bird.
This event was chaired by biz4Biz Co-Founder and Chairman, Adrian Hawkins with fellow Directors Simon George and Tim Baugh attending. Questions on Britain’s relationship with Europe and about the current Skills shortage were directed to Richard Harrington, MP for Watford, who took time to provide an update on each subject. Richard Harrington said that “It was great to see such a collection of local business people and really enjoyed the frank discussions we had, good to know my 26 years of business experience came in useful for once!”
In addition to supporting the professional, biz4Biz provides a coherent voice for businesses in Hertfordshire and aim to influence and shape policymaking and encourage investment in Hertfordshire by engaging with local and central government, relevant public sector bodies and local organisations to promote the county of Hertfordshire as a great place to live and do business.
Monday, 22 July 2013
Sitel named global leader in the social media services
Nelson Hall’s latest research report “Targeting Social Media Services” has named Leavesden Park's Sitel as a leading provider of global social media services with a 9.5% market share.
Sitel was also named as a leader in providing “customer experience enhancement” through social media. An area which, the report reveals, has grown significantly over the last 12 months and is beginning to develop as the dominant sector within the market. Sitel is also credited with offering a wide range of social services such as social media monitoring, interaction, sales programmes, analytics and reporting and multichannel integration.
The report states demand for outsourced social media services is being driven by organisations which need to monitor and respond to posts on social channels.
Mike Cook from Nelson Hall comments; “Sitel is delivering a suite of offerings and platforms that give it a competitive advantage within the social media market. They are offering social media as a valuable add-on to current CMS contracts and market social media to companies which have a diverse geographic mix. One key benefit is their capability to standardise otherwise separate customer engagement operations across language barriers, and have a single point of management, which helps coordinate management of new product launches, sales campaigns and customer services issues.”
Joe Doyle, Vice President Global Marketing, comments; “We are delighted to be leading the way with our global social media services and have our efforts recognised by Nelson Hall. We are seeing great results in enhancing customer experience and optimising revenues for our clients. As the report states these are predicted to be the fastest growing social media services segments over the next 5 years.”
Sitel was also named as a leader in providing “customer experience enhancement” through social media. An area which, the report reveals, has grown significantly over the last 12 months and is beginning to develop as the dominant sector within the market. Sitel is also credited with offering a wide range of social services such as social media monitoring, interaction, sales programmes, analytics and reporting and multichannel integration.
The report states demand for outsourced social media services is being driven by organisations which need to monitor and respond to posts on social channels.
Mike Cook from Nelson Hall comments; “Sitel is delivering a suite of offerings and platforms that give it a competitive advantage within the social media market. They are offering social media as a valuable add-on to current CMS contracts and market social media to companies which have a diverse geographic mix. One key benefit is their capability to standardise otherwise separate customer engagement operations across language barriers, and have a single point of management, which helps coordinate management of new product launches, sales campaigns and customer services issues.”
Joe Doyle, Vice President Global Marketing, comments; “We are delighted to be leading the way with our global social media services and have our efforts recognised by Nelson Hall. We are seeing great results in enhancing customer experience and optimising revenues for our clients. As the report states these are predicted to be the fastest growing social media services segments over the next 5 years.”
Sitel UK wins place on Government Procurement Services Framework
Leavesden Park based Sitel UK, experts in outsourced customer contact solutions, has been awarded a place on a new Government framework established to govern the procurement of contact centre services by government and public sector bodies.
Sitel UK, a wholly owned affiliate of Sitel Worldwide Corporation, employs over 2100 people in its nationwide network of contact centres, and is a trusted partner for many of today’s leading brands and Government Departments including DWP, as a supplier under the Framework agreement, and providing the Equality Advisory and Support Service on behalf of the Government Equality Office.
The Creative Solutions Execution and Related Services Framework agreement, introduced by the Government Procurement Service (GPS), has been developed to allow central government departments, along with the wider public sector agencies, including local authorities and health trusts, to procure contact centre services on a national basis.
One of only four contact centre providers that have been awarded a Framework Agreement, Sitel UK, has been rigorously vetted by GPS to allow public sector organisations to buy with confidence and reduce the time and cost associated with procurement of contact centre services.
The GPS is an executive agency of the Cabinet Office. Its role is to provide procurement savings for the government and the UK public sector, including health, local government, devolved administrations, education and not-for-profit organisations.
Joe Doyle, Marketing Director of Sitel UK comments; “It is important that that the Government has contact centres that are able to support a large number of sensitive and varied transactions at all times. We have considerable expertise and experience to offer from being a world leader in customer care outsourcing, working with Government departments and some of today’s leading brands. We are delighted to have been selected to join this framework and look forward to drawing on this expertise to deliver high-quality contact centre solutions.”
Sitel UK, a wholly owned affiliate of Sitel Worldwide Corporation, employs over 2100 people in its nationwide network of contact centres, and is a trusted partner for many of today’s leading brands and Government Departments including DWP, as a supplier under the Framework agreement, and providing the Equality Advisory and Support Service on behalf of the Government Equality Office.
The Creative Solutions Execution and Related Services Framework agreement, introduced by the Government Procurement Service (GPS), has been developed to allow central government departments, along with the wider public sector agencies, including local authorities and health trusts, to procure contact centre services on a national basis.
One of only four contact centre providers that have been awarded a Framework Agreement, Sitel UK, has been rigorously vetted by GPS to allow public sector organisations to buy with confidence and reduce the time and cost associated with procurement of contact centre services.
The GPS is an executive agency of the Cabinet Office. Its role is to provide procurement savings for the government and the UK public sector, including health, local government, devolved administrations, education and not-for-profit organisations.
Joe Doyle, Marketing Director of Sitel UK comments; “It is important that that the Government has contact centres that are able to support a large number of sensitive and varied transactions at all times. We have considerable expertise and experience to offer from being a world leader in customer care outsourcing, working with Government departments and some of today’s leading brands. We are delighted to have been selected to join this framework and look forward to drawing on this expertise to deliver high-quality contact centre solutions.”
Monday, 29 April 2013
Business Excellence Awards website goes live
The website for the Business Excellence Awards, of which Leavesden Park is a sponsor, is now live.
Businesses across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North and North West London are invited to enter the Awards, which include Large, Medium and Small Businesses of the year, an award for International Trade &Export and Success through People, for companies maximising staff engagement to deliver business performance. Two further awards, Entrepreneur of the Year and Business of the Year, will be selected from the finalists of the other five categories.
The awards were launched at Leavesden Park last month and fellow sponsor HSBC will be hosting an event on 25 April for companies to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about the awards. This takes place at HSBC’s offices, First Floor, Sunningdale, The Belfry Business Park, Colonial Way, Watford WD24 4LG from 6 to 7pm. To book a place contact Fern Evans fern.evans@hsbc.com 08455 844187.
The Awards are being supported by the Watford Observer and, along with Leavesden Park HSBC, are being sponsored by BDO, , SA Law and Alliotts, who will also form members of the judging panel.
There are a series of events being held throughout the region over the coming months where businesses can find out more about the Awards, culminating in a spectacular gala dinner for the finalists on 27 September at Shendish Manor which will be hosted by Michael Portillo.
To find out more or to enter visit the website .
Businesses across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North and North West London are invited to enter the Awards, which include Large, Medium and Small Businesses of the year, an award for International Trade &Export and Success through People, for companies maximising staff engagement to deliver business performance. Two further awards, Entrepreneur of the Year and Business of the Year, will be selected from the finalists of the other five categories.
The awards were launched at Leavesden Park last month and fellow sponsor HSBC will be hosting an event on 25 April for companies to meet sponsors and judges and find out more about the awards. This takes place at HSBC’s offices, First Floor, Sunningdale, The Belfry Business Park, Colonial Way, Watford WD24 4LG from 6 to 7pm. To book a place contact Fern Evans fern.evans@hsbc.com 08455 844187.
The Awards are being supported by the Watford Observer and, along with Leavesden Park HSBC, are being sponsored by BDO, , SA Law and Alliotts, who will also form members of the judging panel.
There are a series of events being held throughout the region over the coming months where businesses can find out more about the Awards, culminating in a spectacular gala dinner for the finalists on 27 September at Shendish Manor which will be hosted by Michael Portillo.
To find out more or to enter visit the website .
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