By Ameira Yanni
The Chamber s young apprentices and Kickstarters. From left to right: Ines Ferreira, Harry Clark, Danny Thompson, Rebecca Carroll, Lee Keogh, Niamh Carmichael, Kia Whittaker. Several young people have been employed by Watford Chamber of Commerce, shifting the popular view that age correlates with work proficiency. Kia Whittaker, Lee Keogh and Danny Thompson are the Chamber’s apprentices. Their collective ambition and drive make them a strong team and since starting in their new roles less than two weeks ago they have already founded the NGN (Next Generation Network). Kia said: “Since the pandemic we’ve seen 20-year-olds and teenagers getting made redundant. That shouldn’t be happening. We want to get our generation interested in businesses and networking, and help them build their confidence when speaking to new people.”
Businesses are once again pulling together to support the staff of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust during the latest national lockdown. Much like the first lockdown last year, Watford FC is the base for an effort that is being driven by Watford Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber and its connections are supplying sandwiches, drinks, snacks and a place of respite for the hospital staff at the Watford Hospital site. The volunteers are working tirelessly to support this operation. Operation Sarnie is composed of the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Conscience, Watford Football Club, F3 (Watford FC Hospitality and Events), Aramark, Tesco, Costco, The Gate Group, The Grove Hotel, Asvina UK Ltd, Warner Bros., Eagle Cars, Barnett’s Coaches, Wenzel’s Bakery, Clock Limited and nation-wide charity SEWA Day.