Hertsmere’s thriving business community was celebrated at an inaugural business awards event hosted by Cllr Jeremy Newmark, the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council.
The event brought together local businesses to recognise the innovation, ambition and achievements of businesses contributing to the borough’s growing economy.
The celebration comes as Hertsmere was named the UK’s number one new business hotspot outside of London earlier this year based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
With almost 900 new businesses established in the borough in a single year, the recognition highlights Hertsmere’s growing reputation as a place where businesses chose to start up, invest and expand.
Cllr Newmark said:
“Behind these statistics and businesses are the people of Borehamwood, Bushey, Potters Bar, Radlett, Elstree and Shenley, people who see a gap in the market and have the drive, the vision and the ambition to fill that gap.
“Our economy is growing with business turnover reaching £20.4 billion in our borough last year, an increase of 19 per cent on the previous year, and 128,000 new jobs.
“This inaugural event is all about you - the founders, the entrepreneurs, the employers, the job creators, the risk takers and the people who turn up at seven in the morning and leave the office at ten at night just to make it all work and keep it all going.
“We have every reason to celebrate Hertsmere’s success but we are not standing still. Here’s our challenge for next year – let’s lose the words ‘outside London’ and let’s be number one in the UK.”
The winners of the awards were :
Council Leader’s Business Growth Award – recognising a business that has grown, expanded, created jobs or invested locally.
KINGBEE ANIMATION
Council Leader’s Emerging Business Award – recognising a newer or growing business with strong potential and an exciting contribution to the local economy.
ROAMING ROAST
Council Leader’s Innovation & Enterprise Award – celebrating a business that is particularly innovative, entrepreneurial, or forward-thinking.
LONDON ELSTREE AERODROME
Council Leader’s Creative Industries Recognition Award- recognising ongoing contribution to the growth of our film and TV sector.
INTERACTIVE IMAGINATION
Council Leader’s SME Networking Support Award - celebrating the contribution of Hertsmere's successful local business networking groups.
BNI BENTLEY
Council Leader’s Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership Award– celebrating a business taking meaningful action to improve our place. This includes leadership and innovation on sustainability and reducing environmental impact and/or support for community groups and the charity sector.
HATCH
Council Leader’s Business of the Year – recognising an all-round business that has made an outstanding contribution to the local economy.
SKY STUDIOS ELSTREE
The council’s Economic Development Team continues to champion local businesses providing advice, training, networking opportunities and support to help businesses succeed and grow.