Hertsmere's business community was lauded at a recent awards ceremony, hosted by Cllr Jeremy Newmark, the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council. The event brought together local businesses to acknowledge the innovation, ambition, and achievements of those contributing to the borough’s expanding economy.
This celebration follows Hertsmere being named the UK’s number one new business hotspot outside of London earlier this year, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) data. With nearly 900 new businesses established in the borough within a single year, this recognition underscores Hertsmere’s growing reputation as a prime location for business start-ups, investment, and expansion.
Cllr Newmark highlighted the individuals behind these successes, stating, “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.” He added, “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.”
Addressing the attendees, Cllr Newmark emphasised the event's focus: “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.” He set a challenge for the future: “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 inaugural awards were recognised across several categories. The Council Leader’s Business Growth Award was presented to KINGBEE ANIMATION. ROAMING ROAST received the Council Leader’s Emerging Business Award. LONDON ELSTREE AERODROME was honoured with the Council Leader’s Innovation & Enterprise Award.
Further accolades included the Council Leader’s Creative Industries Recognition Award for INTERACTIVE IMAGINATION, acknowledging its contribution to the film and TV sector. BNI BENTLEY secured the Council Leader’s SME Networking Support Award for its role in supporting local business networking groups. HATCH was awarded the Council Leader’s Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership Award for its commitment to sustainability and community support.
The top honour, the Council Leader’s Business of the Year award, recognising an outstanding contribution to the local economy, was presented to SKY STUDIOS ELSTREE. The council’s Economic Development Team continues to support local businesses through advice, training, and networking opportunities.
