Inspiring Herts Awards 2014

Overall Business of the Year-Winner & The Tourism Award-Winner 

Paradise Wildlife Park

“We’re absolutely delighted to win The Tourism Award and the overall Business of the Year award. There has been a huge focus on visitor satisfaction with education and conversation at the forefront of everything over the last year, so it’s great to see the hard work pay off.”

Lynn Whitnall, CEO of Paradise Wildlife Park 

Medium to Large Business of the Year

Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors

Debenhams Ottaway is a leading Hertfordshire law firm working with businesses, families and individuals locally, in London and in the rest of the UK. Our long and successful history of advising private families and individuals is now complemented by our work with medium sized businesses, owner managed businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them grow and develop. 

We have gone through exceptional change in the last five years; keeping all the benefits of our heritage – experience, knowledge and strong roots in our community – whilst transforming into a modern, client focused business.  We continually meet and exceed our clients’ expectations with 98% being prepared to recommend us to family and friends.

“This award is a great achievement for all our staff and well deserved recognition of their energy and imagination in providing the very best legal advice and service to our clients. Thank you to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for organising such a great evening and congratulations to all the other winners.“ Ian Hopkins, Chief Executive at Debenhams Ottaway

Entrepreneur of the Year

Angels at Play

Most Promising New Business

Ashridge Security Management Ltd

Founded in July 2012 and managed by Emma and Mark Walker, the company offers a broad range of security services putting it at the forefront of today's technologically advanced and security conscious world.  From its headquarters in Wingrave, Bucks, the SIA accredited company analyses each client’s requirements before creating a bespoke security solution which could include security guarding, event management, key holding and mobile patrols.  Ashridge Security Management is the choice of discerning clients across the UK.

On receiving the award, Ashridge Security Management Chief Executive Emma Walker noted “Being commended for our professionalism is satisfying and the judges also remarked how well we future-proof our client solutions.  As our clients themselves grow, our bespoke security solutions grow with them to provide a comprehensive solution that meets our clients’ needs now and in the future.”

Emma Walker, Ashridge Security Management Ltd

Excellence in People Development

B3 Living Limited

Social Enterprise of the Year

Broomfield Youth

"Our social enterprise educates, inspires and empowers young children. The event with the Chamber has highlighted that we are on the right path and to achieve our goals as the leading provider in the UK."

Daniel Moss, Broomfield Youth

Innovation Through Technology

Cameo Kitchens

The Panacea data management system, developed by partner Oliver Wicksteed and IT manager Richard Shacklock, has played a major role in optimising the company’s efficiency, service and cost control and has played a major part in driving the business forward.“We are delighted to win this prestigious award, which is a credit to the hard work and dedication shown by our staff in providing great products and maintaining a great quality of service for our customers.”

Oliver Wicksteed, Cameo Kitchens Partner 

Community Champion

East and North Herts NHS

#theFutureisMembership campaign was designed to inspire young people to get involved with their local NHS – the judges commented on the excellent results from an excellent project: #theFutureisMembership is re-energising, positive and inspiring’.

The Environmental Award

Holiday Inn Stevenage

"Winning this award for the third consecutive year is  great recognition of the continued efforts of all the team at the hotel towards keeping Green Awareness at the heart of everything we do"

Gerard Ryan, General Manager
Holiday Inn Stevenage

Made in Herts

Kelvin Hughes Ltd

Small to Medium Business of the Year

Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel

Owner Abi Purser opened the first hotel in 2010 in response to the poor standard of cat care offered by many catteries in the UK, received the honor for developing her unique business concept into a successful franchise offering, as she explains: “Originally our plan was to run one cat hotel and for that to be our business. But as demand began to massively outstrip the room we had available we changed course and are now working with people who want to be cat hoteliers and franchising the Longcroft concept to them throughout the UK.”

“We are delighted that Longcroft has been recognised. We offer the best standard in the UK and our guests get the highest level of individual care and attention. Being part of a franchise means each of our hotels is supported by our talented team with experts in marketing, cat welfare and business development to ensure each hotel is successful from day one. We have four hotels in the group now with a further six planned for this year and are currently seeking more partners to join the Longcroft family next year. This is great recognition to the passion and commitment that each of the franchisees demonstrates on a daily basis.”

Abi Purser, Founder Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel, St Albans

Achievement in International Business

Mirage Health Group Limited 

Outstanding Contribution to Business

Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst

Young Herts

We Love Herts

"I founded We Love Jelly in 2012 and we launched our range of cocktail infused jelly known as Periodic in September 2013. We are in the process of building our own unique Periodic Table of Cocktail Jelly Infusions that are suitable for Vegetarians. More information can be found at www.welovejelly.com. I was ecstatic to have won the Young Herts category at The Inspiring Herts Awards and have to thank my late father for all of his support and advice, I'd also like to thank Ian from Eat Lunch for his advice and kindness and my friend and family networks who have all supported me incredibly to get me where I am today."

Justin Feller, We Love Jelly Ltd

Excellence in Customer Service

Which?

"At Which? Member Services we've been on a journey to provide customer service that is outstanding, every time. To do this we've been listening to our members, and our people, to make improvements in our service. We'd like to thank all of our advisers, and managers, for delivering a fantastic service that has resulted in a real uplift in member retention."

Emily Brunwin, Member Experience Team Manager, Which?