Chamber’s Peer Networks programme helps to ‘Connect Herts’ as two firms partner up

The Chamber’s high-profile ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign led to a match made in heaven for two businesses which joined the Peer Networks programme.

When Strand PR’s Managing Director, Laura Pearce, volunteered her expertise in all things marketing as part of the Chamber’s Peer Networks programme, little did she know that it would lead to a blossoming working relationship with another Hertfordshire company.

Peer Networks, a Hertfordshire Growth Hub service delivered by the Chamber, creates diverse cohorts of business leaders who collaboratively work through common business issues. Covering topics ranging from finance and HR to sales and marketing, the programme is an opportunity to share experiences and improve business performance.

For Laura, the networking opportunity proved to be invaluable. After being approached by the Chamber to join one of the groups, she made such an impression that she was later asked by Kevin Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Omega Commercial Solutions, to handle the company’s PR and digital media.

Strand PR has been helping businesses communicate their key messages to target audiences since its inception in 2012, delivering PR, marketing strategies and digital campaigns for companies nationally and internationally.

“When I was asked to join Peer Networks earlier this year, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to give something back during the pandemic,” Laura said. “As a local business, I’m passionate about the future of Hertfordshire and I wanted to do my bit to support other local businesses which have been affected by the impact of the pandemic.”

“The cherry on the cake was being asked by Kevin if we could manage his company’s PR, a great opportunity for Strand which is even more rewarding knowing that we are working with and supporting another local business.”

Laura shared PR and marketing tips during the monthly calls between eight local business leaders. It was her depth of knowledge and a flair for the creative that led to Kevin approaching her with a business opportunity.

Kevin said: “What impressed me about Laura straightaway was that she knew her stuff inside out. As well as bags of experience, she brought a flexible, personalised approach to each company. It was never a case of one size fits all – Laura would tailor her advice according to the needs of each individual business.

“I found Laura to be very approachable, which is a valuable attribute in the world of PR and marketing – and it also makes it easy to do business with her. Building relationships and making connections is what she does, and I knew I could trust Strand PR with the management of Omega’s publicity.”

Omega Commercial Solutions specialises in commercial and specialist finance and, since its formation in 1992, has built one of the UK’s most experienced teams of commercial brokers.

The successful partnering of Omega and Strand PR reflects the ambition behind the Chamber’s ‘Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire’ campaign, which was launched to support the county’s economic recovery by creating connections and highlighting business opportunities for Herts-based companies.

To find out more information about the Peer Networks programme, visit https://www.hertschamber.com/business-support.