A second set of hearings into the draft Local Plan for St Albans District is set to start in mid October.

This is a significant milestone in the effort to get the Local Plan, a blueprint for the District’s future growth, adopted.

The Inspectors held a first set of hearings in the spring to determine if the Local Plan is sound, legally compliant and capable of achieving its goals. They have now decided to move to Stage Two Hearings to further scrutinise the proposed Local Plan and listen to any objections. The hearings will be held at the Civic Centre, St Albans, on the following dates:

• Tuesday 14 to Friday 17 October
• Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 October
• Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 November
• Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 November

The hearings will deal with a wide range of issues which are set out in a detailed programme schedule.

These include sustainability, the Green Belt, housing growth, housing type and mix, site selection, employment areas and community infrastructure.

Dacorum, St Albans, Hertsmere, and Watford Councils (SW Herts) have commissioned Branduin to deliver a supplier development programme to help local businesses enhance their skills and capability to bid for contracts at council procurement, construction and infrastructure projects, and large private sector buyers.

The SW Herts Meet The Buyer event will give local businesses unprecedented access to large buyers and decision makers from Dacorum, St Albans, Hertsmere, and Watford Councils, Heathrow Airport, Construction Projects, and Local Anchor Institutions (large buyers).

Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
TIme: 14:00 arrival for 14:30-17:30
Venue: Shendish Manor Hotel, London Road, Apsley, Herts HP3 0AA

SME suppliers based in SW Herts can register for the event by clicking on the link: SW Herts | Meet The Buyer | 13 November 2025

After you register, Branduin will:

1. Send you a personal calendar link to pre-book meetings with large buyers of your choice.
2. Provide you with access to a free 1-2-1 business advice session with an expert advisor – designed to help you identify and overcome your key challenges, navigate the complexities of the supply chain, and be in a better place to win new business.

We encourage and invite ambitious SMEs based in SW Herts to register and be part of a wider conversation, network with large buyers, and apply for future contract opportunities in the coming months.

We look forward to seeing you on 13 November. There will be plenty of time for networking, so bring lots of business cards!

Date: 23 October 2025
Time: 10:00-11:00
Venue: Online

We all know the feeling after a poor night’s sleep – brain fog, irritability, and reduced productivity. But did you know that quality sleep is one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) performance enhancers in business and life?

Hertfordshire Growth Hub, in Partnership with Yasmine Moller, brings you a practical and engaging webinar designed for Business Owners, Managers, HR professionals, and Wellbeing Specialists. Discover the science of sleep and walk away with actionable strategies to improve rest, wellbeing, and workplace performance.

What you’ll learn:

• Why we sleep – and what your body and brain are doing while you rest
• How sleep cycles work and why they matter
• The hidden cost of poor sleep on health, wellbeing, and performance
• Simple, science-backed tips for better sleep
• Tools to support employee wellbeing and productivity

Host: Yasmine Moller – Workplace Wellbeing Consultant with experience supporting businesses like St James's Place, Pioneer DJ, and Atlas Copco.

Take the first step towards better sleep and a more productive team.

STANTA offers free workshops for St Albans District businesses under 5 years old. Call 01727 837760 or email advice@stanta.co.uk to find out more.

Highlights include:

• Excel for Business: 21 October
• Building a Successful Brand: 21 October
• Business Planning Part 2: Financials: 22 October
• Instagram Basics and Instagram Reels: 5 November
• Business Planning 1 (Marketing & Strategy): 11 November
• Facebook and Instagram Ads for Beginners: 12 November
• Getting Started with a Wix Website: 14 November
• Mental Health Strategies for Entrepreneurs/Startups: (18 November)

Visit the STANTA website for the full list of workshops and to book.

Step2Skills adult community learning and employment support service provides opportunities for adults in Hertfordshire to get involved in learning and employment. Courses are low cost, with taster sessions starting from £5.

Workshops in the next few weeks include:

• AI in the workplace: Tuesday 21 October
• CV Writing & Cover Letters: Wednesday 22 October, Thursday 23 October
• Smart Living with AI: Tuesday 28 October
• Interview Skills: Tuesday 21 October
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: 6 November (starts at £10)
• Improving your skills in Microsoft Excel: 6 November (5-week course)

Step2Skills is also launching a Level 1 Award in Progression – Social Media Marketing. This is a 9-week course, starting on 30 October 2025, and costs £25 to complete.

This Level 1 qualification develops writing and social media marketing skills through strengthening creative, content and promotional writing skills needed on a digital platform.

Topics include:

• Digital marketing principles
• How to use social media to connect with an audience
• Digital advertising content and adverts
• Selecting impactful digital images

This course is for you if you are wishing to improve your knowledge and understanding of social media marketing and writing skills; those who may be planning to launch their own business or product such as freelancers or self-employed individuals; those developing skills in a marketing role that want to start writing content and plan to market a product on social media. Find out more.

Looking to connect with other local businesses in the St Albans area? Join Oaklands Connect!

The next Oaklands Connect Networking Event takes place on Wednesday 12th November at Oaklands College – part of their monthly series bringing together local businesses, start-ups, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Each month features engaging discussions, a guest speaker, and a fun icebreaker designed to spark meaningful conversations and new ideas. A recent event highlighted the power of community and collaboration, with attendees sharing experiences and building lasting relationships. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this growing business network – meet like-minded professionals and discover new opportunities.

Want to make sustainability your competitive edge? On 13 November, Hertfordshire SMEs are invited to a free workshop to learn how to:

• Build a sustainability strategy that works
• Tackle ESG, Net Zero & Social Value
• Connect with like-minded businesses

The eligibility criteria have now changed, and these workshops are now open to businesses of any size.

Date: 13 November
Time: 09:00-13:45
Location: Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Cheshunt

This event is led by Hertfordshire Futures, in partnership with Hertfordshire Growth Hub and Sustainable X.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is a privately run membership organisation which can open doors for local businesses and organisations by helping them grow their profile and connect with other businesses locally, nationally, and globally.

The Chamber is holding an AI Conference, exploring how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the way we work, communicate, and grow our businesses.

Date: Friday 14 November 2025
Time: 09:00-16:00
Location: The Fielder Centre, Hatfield Business Park

Keynote speakers: Lucy Hawking and Jamie Claret

This full-day event will bring together business leaders, technology experts, educators, and innovators for a series of thought-provoking sessions, hands-on workshops and exhibition stands.

Member and Non-Member rate options are available.

St Albans District Chamber of Commerce is holding a Christmas Business luncheon. This event promises the perfect mix of festive cheer, fantastic food, and valuable networking.

Date: Friday 5 December 2025
Time: 12:00-17:00
Venue: Old Albanians Sports Club

Your ticket includes:

• Welcome drinks on arrival
• Three-course festive feast
• Stand-up comedy
• Networking opportunities

Member and Non-Member tickets are available.