St Albans District Chamber of Commerce has held its 14th Community Business Awards, with winners in a wide variety of categories.
The event took place at Tewinbury Farm Hotel, near Welwyn Garden City, last Thursday (November 16).
St Albans City FC's Andrew Hippisley and Will Tyrer both picked up awards, the Rising Star award and Highly Commended Young Person award respectively.
Edward Dunn was awarded the Young Person award, WUKA won the Sustainability prize and Bellaccino's Italian Restaurant received Best Food and Drink Venue.
Excellence in Customer Service was awarded to Eve & Adam Beauty Clinic, the New Business award to Roots Federation and Business Growth to EIC Insurance Services.
Meanwhile, Happycrew Childcare founder Mienna Jones was presented with the Business Leader honour, and the President's Award was given to Mike Hodge - aka The Harpenden Busker - for his outstanding contribution and exceptional commitment to the community.
This year's event saw the introduction of the Highly Commended awards, which recognise those who narrowly missed out on the main awards.
Along with Will Tyrer, Finley Thompson (New Business) and Mary Doyle (Business Leader) picked up the honours.
Claire Stevenson, events and marketing manager at St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, said: “It has been a privilege to organise this year's prestigious Community Business Awards.
"Having the opportunity to meet our inspiring and talented finalists on the run up to the event and to then see those people recognised for their outstanding achievements on the evening was incredibly special."
Richard Marrett - chamber director, awards host and operations manager at The Maltings - added: “Celebrating the achievements of local businesses within St Albans was such an honour.
"We are blessed in our district with such a wide range of fabulous companies, all striving to be the best.
"Many congratulations to all the finalists and winners and we are grateful to the numerous companies who sponsored the event.”
Paul Rosenthal - chamber director, awards host and director at Amthal Fire & Security - commented: "Yet another wonderful community business awards of which every year the amazing achievements of the talented people and businesses is such a delight to see and be part of.
"A huge thank you to each one of you finalists, winners and of course our sponsors who without all of you this whole event would not be possible.”
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Lastly, the president of the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce spoke of the atmosphere at the event.
Pat Strods concluded: "Tewinbury Meadow barn was full of chamber members and non-members alike and there was a real buzz in the room.
"It was an amazing evening and just being shortlisted as a finalist was a huge achievement.
"It takes months to organise the awards, with board members giving their time up to shortlist and interview the finalists and the Chamber’s Claire Stevenson and Emma Fisher working so hard to put the evening together.
"Everyone’s contribution made it a fantastic evening and my thanks go to all involved.”
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