Hertsmere Works networking breakfast - £12.50+VAT

Hertsmere Works, in conjunction with Hertsmere Borough Council, would like to invite you to join us for our September networking event, on Wednesday 17th September 2025 , at MPAA, High St, Bushey WD23 1TT, from 8am to 10am, for a chance to meet like minded businesses and build valuable working relationships.

We are delighted to welcome Ben Darmanin, a theatre producer and consultant whose career on and off stage spans more than 25 years. He was made an Associate of The Royal Academy of Music (ARAM) in 2016.

Ben’s roles as a performer include Boq in Wicked, Tobias in Sweeney Todd and Dorando Pietri in BBC Four’s The First True Olympics. He has also appeared as a backing singer for Elton John, Idina Menzel and Josh Groban, on TV shows such as The X Factor and BGT, and has produced several shows in the UK and abroad.Ben also spent four years working as an assistant to the theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh, during which time he was closely involved in projects such as the film of the long-running musical Les Miserables, the opening night and anniversary celebrations of Miss Saigon as well as several other shows produced by Cameron Mackintosh Limited.In his spare time Ben is learning sign language.

Ben will be talking on 'Transferable Skills in the Arts: Beyond the Stage'

What do performers and business professionals have in common? More than you might think.

In this insightful and energising talk, Ben reveals how training in the performing arts develops exactly the kind of talent businesses need: resilient, agile, emotionally intelligent individuals who thrive under pressure, communicate with clarity, think creatively, and collaborate instinctively.

Drawing on over two decades of industry experience and leadership in talent development, Ben explores how skills honed in rehearsal rooms and on stage—like adaptability, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasive communication—are directly transferable to boardrooms, client relationships, and team dynamics.

This session is for forward-thinking business owners and corporate leaders seeking to diversify their talent pool, strengthen their teams, and rethink what employability really looks like in the 21st-century workplace.

It offers practical insight into how merging the creative and corporate worlds can help your business to thrive far beyond the studio, stage or boardroom.

With real-world examples, industry anecdotes, and an emphasis on lived experience, Ben makes a compelling case for why the arts don't just prepare for personal performance—they can increase your business’ competitive edge.

We will also be having an update from the Hertfordshire Film Office and Pippa Cawdron to follow.

The cost is £12.50+VAT, including breakfast. The first 10 businesses to book will also be allocated a 60-second slot to speak to the group. Places are very limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

For any additional information, please email economic.development@hertsmere.gov.uk