Marking 100 years in style
Long-standing members gather for centenary dinner to celebrate ‘enduring relationships, continuous development and shared progress’.
The curtain came down on an incredible centenary year for the Hertfordshire Chamber with a black-tie dinner for patrons and long-standing members.
Lord and Lady Salisbury were special guests at the event hosted at The Old Palace, Hatfield Park.
Attendees, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE CStJ, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster, Colonel Leona Barr-Jones DL VR and representatives from companies that have long supported the Chamber, were entertained on arrival with music from Vanessa Hastings.
In his opening speech, Chamber Chairman Jeremy Bishop spoke about the importance of taking a long-term view, an appropriate theme given the 100 years of the Chamber.
He said: “Whether in business, life or personal decisions, balancing our short, medium and long-term plans can make the difference between fleeting success and lasting impact.
“In business, it’s easy to be caught up in the immediate. But as we all know, businesses that are truly resilient are the ones that look beyond the horizon.
“Our Chamber is a perfect example of this principle in action. For over 100 years, we’ve been more than just a network of businesses. We’ve been a community that values enduring relationships, continuous development and shared progress. And it’s because of that long-term vision that we continue to stand strong today.”
Claire Austin, Managing Director of Austins Family Funeral Directors, Philip Goodmaker, Finance Director of PJ Pipe and Valve Co Ltd, and Stephen Unwin, Managing Director of RW Unwin and Co Ltd – all long-standing members of the Chamber – spoke to guests about their experiences.
Chamber CEO Donna Schultz thanked everyone for their commitment and dedication to the business community.
“It fills me with immense pride to represent such a fantastic Chamber. We are a Chamber that has consistently strived to deliver excellence in everything we do across Hertfordshire.
“We have seen our impact grow, we have seen our membership expand, and we have seen how businesses in this county are working together to create opportunities for each other.
“Hertfordshire truly is the County of Opportunity. And it is heartening to see so many businesses, large and small, supporting one another and helping to drive the local economy forward.
“But it’s not just about business – it’s about community. Hertfordshire is filled with people and organisations who care. And it’s so uplifting to see how many of our businesses are also supporting the hundreds of charities that make a difference in our communities.
“Together, we have accomplished so much, and together, we will continue to build an even stronger, more prosperous future for Hertfordshire.”