Businesses big and small gathered under one roof for Watford’s biggest jobs event.

The eighth annual Watford Jobs Fair was back yesterday at the Langley Conference Suite on the High Street, with a record attendance of 4,500 people.

Up to 70 companies including intu, Warner Bros, John Lewis, Medtronic, Hilton, Toad Hall Nursery, Ricochet Media, YO! Sushi and more were all present, advertising more than 1,000 vacancies to would-be employees.

Watford MP, Richard Harrington, who started the jobs fair almost a decade ago, was there lending his support to businesses and hopeful applicants.

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Mr Harrington said: “I’m delighted to have organised another successful jobs fair. This fair offers interactive training, one-to-one support and access to digital workshops.

“It is completely free for companies exhibiting and attendees, so thanks to our generous sponsors, Camelot and intu.”

Mr Harrington also gave thanks for support from Watford Job Centre Plus.

He added: “I’m proud that unemployment has halved in Watford since 2010, and I like to think a little bit of that can be credited to our annual jobs fair which links companies with vacancies to those looking for work.”

Watford Mencap team

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Alok Sharma, minister for the department for work and pensions, who opened the fair, said: “I was invited by Richard Harrington to formally open the Watford Jobs fair.

“This is a fantastic initiative and opportunity for people to come and find new jobs or develop interview techniques.”

Alexander Nicoll, corporate responsibility director for intu, said: “The greatest contribution we can make is to create employment within the community and to focus on long term investment.

“It’s about creating something the people of Watford can be proud of and to continue to grow year on year – this is a partnership.”

Warner Bros.

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Gary Henson, retail liaison coordinator at intu, said: “This event is a great catalyst for businesses to interact and an opportunity for intu to promote all the organisations in the centre.

“We have had a lot of interest today and met some prospective employees.”

Sinead Hanafin, recruitment and business partner for Warner Bros in Leavesden, said: “We came last year and hired around eight people from that event.

“We like to recruit within our community and we are really passionate about having that relationship – it’s nice to give something back.”

Watford Workshop 

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Kiran Grover, who works in communications and fundraising for Watford Mencap, said: “Watford Mencap, a local self funding charity are really pleased to be part of the Watford Jobs Fair.

“We put people with learning disabilities at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for both volunteers and paid staff to work with us.

“People who share our values of inclusivity and respect, working to empower people with learning disabilities in south west Hertfordshire."

Mr Harrington said: “I’m pleased to confirm record attendance at this year’s jobs fair, as we welcomed 4,500 people yesterday.”

Lauren and Gary from the Watford Observer advertising team 

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