About This Event

Practical strategies for SMEs to recruit, retain and develop talent with expert insights from local partners and industry specialists. Recruiting and retaining skilled employees continues to be one of the most pressing challenges for Hertfordshire SMEs in 2026. Local employers are navigating a competitive labour market shaped by skills shortages, rising recruitment costs, evolving employee expectations, and increased demand for flexible and meaningful work. Across Hertfordshire and the wider UK: · Skills gaps remain significant, particularly in digital, technical, engineering, health, logistics and professional services roles. · Vacancy levels remain above pre‑2020 averages, with SMEs reporting difficulty attracting candidates with the right mix of skills, experience and work‑readiness. · Retention has become a critical business priority, with employees placing greater value on development, wellbeing, hybrid working options and strong organisational culture. · The true cost of recruitment continues to rise, with many SMEs experiencing first‑year hiring costs that exceed 1.5–2x the annual salary once onboarding, training, lost productivity and employer overheads are factored in. In this environment, SMEs that invest in both recruitment and retention strategies are better positioned to grow, innovate and remain competitive. This event brings together leading experts and local partners to provide practical, evidence‑based guidance tailored specifically for Hertfordshire SMEs. Key Takeaways for Businesses: · How to build a 2026‑ready recruitment strategy aligned with current labour market conditions · How to strengthen your employer brand to attract high‑quality candidates · Best practice for candidate selection, onboarding and early‑stage retention · How to use digital marketing to reach and engage the right talent · Approaches for retaining staff through culture, development, wellbeing and leadership · Support available from Hertfordshire Growth Hub, Dacorum Borough Council, Hertfordshire Futures, University of Hertfordshire and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Who This Workshop Is For: · Established Hertfordshire based businesses Speakers / Facilitators: Laura Wheatley — Managing Partner, Infusion Group Leadership and performance specialist supporting SMEs to build high‑performing teams and scalable organisations. Qualified Transformational Coach, Master NLP Practitioner, GCologist and DiSC Practitioner. Liz Redway — Founder, Redway HR HR expert with 20+ years’ international experience. Known for her clear, practical approach to helping SMEs establish strong, compliant and effective people practices. Luca Avvinti — Digital & AI Marketer, Wagada Digital Digital & AI marketer working across strategy, content and campaign delivery. Supports SMEs in using digital tools and AI to enhance employer branding and recruitment outcomes. Hertfordshire Futures — Skills Team Providing updates on local skills development, training pathways and funded opportunities for SMEs to upskill staff and access emerging talent. Data Sharing: By registering for this workshop/event you acknowledge that Hertfordshire Growth Hub will contact you about the workshop and will share your contact details with the Partners involved in the delivery of the workshop and where necessary, with other third parties involved in the administration of the event. We will never share your data with any other third parties unless you agree. Important: This event is fully funded for Hertfordshire, UK businesses. Registrations received from outside of Hertfordshire will be cancelled.

Staying overnight?

Hotels within walking distance of The Forum.

Frequently asked questions