Beryl Vertue

Beryl Vertue initially worked as secretary to Alan Simpson, although when Alan Simpson and his writing partner Ray Galton joined Spike Milligan and Eric Sykes to form Associated London Scripts, Vertue moved to the new co-operative. She eventually, and almost accidentally, became an agent with ALS, responsible not only for finding work for members of the co-operative and negotiating their fees, but also selling formats of British TV successes abroad. "Sanford and Son", based on "Steptoe and Son" was one of her placements. When Robert Stigwood bought out the majority of the ALS business, Vertue became MD of the new company. She founded Hartswood Films when the Stigwood organisation decided to divest itself of its TV interests.