Leading lights of business community celebrated at spellbinding awards ceremony

Magic was in the air as businesses large and small were celebrated at this Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards night.

The red carpet was rolled out at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden - the home of Harry Potter - as the wizards of the Hertfordshire business world were celebrated for their outstanding achievements.

The winners of each category were selected by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce which has organised the awards event since 2012 to showcase the successes of businesses across the County.

Free to enter, the awards were sponsored again by Viatris and SA Law, and the Chamber welcomed an influx of entries. The winners were announced at the awards presentation which was attended by around 350 guests.

Taking home the top award of Inspiring Business of the Year was Watford-based Goods for Good, a charity which has sent over £40m in humanitarian aid around the world.

In particular, they have supported the people of Ukraine, whether they are living in the UK or in their homeland.

The charity has also saved millions of unsold or over stocked products from going to landfill or incineration, relieving poverty and suffering while also helping the planet.

Briege Leahy, CEO of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Inspiring Herts Awards give us the opportunity to highlight and celebrate those businessess across Hertfordshire who are making a real difference to the growth of the County.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to celebrate their outstanding achievements and successes with these awards.”

It was an extra special evening for Briege, who announced in May she is stepping down after four years in the post.

She said: “This year’s ceremony was as enjoyable and inspiring as ever and I would like to thank everyone who entered the awards and attended the fantastic event, as well as all our sponsors and supporters.”