Town & Village Network Meeting –Thursday 18th September

After a two-month summer break, we were back at the Village Club – and what a brilliant turnout it was! So lovely to see familiar faces again… and a brand-new one too.

This month we welcomed Verka Hammond from Tax Assist Accountants.

Meet Verka – Tax Assist Accountants

Verka has just opened a brand-new franchise based in Ware and comes with a wealth of knowledge. She’s passionate about working proactively with her clients, supporting the self-employed and small businesses to build their ventures the right way from day one.

Verka currently has an office in Ware but is also on the lookout for the perfect shopfront. Watch this space!

Pam – Queen of Many Hats

Pam is always busy (we don’t know how she does it!). She’s:

• Running Body Reset – Hertfordshire (her main business)

• Representing FM World

• Active in the Federation of Small Businesses

• And now working part-time at IKEA Harlow

If anyone knows how to multitask like a pro, it’s Pam.

Michelle – Beauty & Wellbeing Expert

Michelle from Beauty Mania and The Perfect Gentlemen Spa is running a few special offers right now.

So if you fancy a little pampering, ladies and gentlemen – now’s your chance.

Michelle has been Top Rated on Treatwell for 6 out of the last 7 years (an amazing achievement for a small independent business!). Her treatments include:

✨ Reiki

✨ Massage

✨ Skincare & facials with light therapy

✨ Fat freezing

✨ And more!

As Michelle says: “We don’t just enhance beauty – we transform your whole wellbeing.”

Mät – KingStreet Images

Our resident videographer, Mät King, always brings great advice – and this time it was all about AI.

His top tip? Stop overusing AI-generated images on your Google pages. Use your own images where possible – and if you can’t, go see Mät. He’ll sort you out with quality content for your business.

Graeme – Architect Extraordinaire

Graeme Bowie from Graeme Bowie Designs is one of our newest members and a fully qualified architect.

He specialises in high-end residential projects from concept to completion – and even helps with appointing builders and managing planning appeals. If you’re planning a dream home project, Graeme is your man.

Adam – Our Go-To Builder

Adam from JB Scott Construction is always busy (a sure sign of quality work!).

He’s well-known for actually calling you back – which, let’s face it, is half the battle when hiring trades. Several members of the group have used his services and recommend him regularly.

Ali – QuickBooks Whizz

Ali from Coralmead Solutions makes Making Tax Digital a breeze.

She not only sells QuickBooks but trains you to actually use it – which is why she comes so highly recommended both in the industry and in our group.

Steve – The Carpet & Upholstery King

Steve from Ecoklean Ltd – or as we like to say, “He doesn’t cut corners, he cleans them!”

With so many fake carpet cleaners out there, Steve is a lifesaver. He uses a dry system and eco-friendly, child- and pet-safe products. He also specialises in delicate oriental rugs – so you know your flooring is in safe hands.

Austin – The Vehicle Valet

Austin from ACAMADI Valeting makes vehicles look their absolute best – cars, vans, motorhomes, you name it.

He also installs dash cams, stereos, and other kit. While he often arrives just before we finish, we were glad he made it this month in time to catch the presentation and we love having him in our group.

Gary – Freshbinz and tonights Presenter

This month’s presenter was Gary from Freshbinz – and wow, did he have us laughing!

Out came a box of 10 jars, each with cotton wool inside. A sniff test from a bin cleaner? We were braced for the worst.

But it turned out to be fun (and surprisingly pleasant!). The “worst” smell was probably WD40, but the key scent was Cherry – which is exactly what Freshbinz use to leave your bins smelling fresh.

Gary gave everyone a small sample to try at home along with some super-strong bin bags. If the feedback is good, he might even start selling them as an extra product.

Thank you, Gary – brilliant presentation, plenty of laughs, and very generous samples.

Your Host – Vickie

And finally – me! Victoria (Vickie) from VA-VA Virtual Assistants, your host for the Town & Village Network.

I absolutely love running these meetings. You all make them so enjoyable – but I do have one small ask:

Do you know a local business owner who’d enjoy spending a couple of hours with like-minded people once a month?

If so – invite them along! The more, the merrier.

If you would like to get in touch with any of these businesses then drop me an email and i'll put you in touch Vickie : tandvconnections@gmail.com

See you all October 16th. 17.30 for 18.00 start

Vickie