Fleeing Ukrainians embraced by Hertfordshire business community

Two Ukrainian friends forced to flee their homes as the Russian invasion advanced have been embraced by the Hertfordshire business community.

Nastia Novikova and Anna Neustroieva have been able to start new jobs after support from the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce that is now hoping to help the women become more independent. 

Briege Leahy, Chamber chief executive officer, said: "These two young women have escaped a war zone and I am delighted that our members have come together to give them, not just a safe place to live, but also to provide them with employment so their lives have a semblance of normality."

Digital marketers Nastia and Anna had returned from an evening at a restaurant with friends when they learned of the invasion. They made the difficult decision to leave their home and escape to Poland.

More than a thousand miles away, Adam Taylor, corporate account manager from Handelsbanken in Hertford, watched as the horrific events unfolded. With his wife Jo, he registered to open their home to those in need.

After navigating the process, Nastia and Anna arrived in Hertford and with Adam's help set about finding work. Adam's efforts brought him into contact with Mary Sykes, who manages the Chamber's corporate relations, and she introduced him to Viv Debnam at Fore Street employment agency and Justine Perry, of Cariad Marketing, both Chamber members. 

Nastia has now secured a permanent position with Cariad while Anna has a temporary position at Steven Austin, also in Hertford. 

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Briege said: "I am so pleased to see the power of networking at work among our members at a time when it was really needed. The lives of Nastia and Anna have been turned upside down in the most unbearable circumstances, but for now, they have a safe home in Hertfordshire."

Nastia and Anna, who have since been joined by another friend, Sophia, and Nastia's mum, want to move into a flat of their own, but are facing barriers because of their short work history and lack of credit history.

The Chamber would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help the women take more control of their new lives.  

If you are able to help, contact [email protected] with 'accommodation' in the subject line.