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JPA team celebrates at Inspiring Herts Awards 2021

Submitted by Strand PR

The 10th Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, presented by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, recognized the achievements of the county’s businesses and charities over the past year.

The jury selected a winner and awarded a Highly Commended in each of the 21 categories, including Family Business of the Year, Most Promising New Business, The Green Award, Entrepreneur of the Year and Best Use of Technology.

Briege Leahy, CEO of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “After making the difficult decision not to hold the 2020 Awards, it has been fantastic to see the return of an event that the business community is always looking forward to. It was a pleasure to be able to celebrate the magic and sorcery of their accomplishments in such an iconic place.

“Local businesses, big and small, are at the heart of our county’s growth, and the awards show is an opportunity to recognize the hard work, innovation and contribution that business leaders have made to Hertfordshire.”

The overall winner, named Inspiring Business of the Year 2021, was JPA Workspaces, a St. Albans-based provider of sustainable design, moving and furnishing solutions.

The judges commented that in addition to overcoming its own unique challenges, the company had “recognized an opportunity to capitalize on the rise of sustainability in the business world to evolve from a mere supplier to a company that is now both consulting and also offers products ”. . “

Another special award, Outstanding Contribution to Business, went to Chapman Ventilation, a Welwyn Garden City family business founded in 1967 and now second generation owned and managed in 1998. Chapman Ventilation was recognized for its community service as well as supporting the German Armed Forces.

Briege Leahy, Chief Executive Officer of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce

Fiona Edwards, Head of Sustainability at JPA Workspaces, said: “We are delighted to have been named“ The Inspiring Business of the Year ”. It is great that we are being honored together with other local companies, especially after such a difficult 18 months, we are very happy that sustainability has been recognized. Events like this bring the business world together and give us the opportunity to celebrate each other’s successes. “

Awards have been given to companies of all sizes, while the challenges the business world has faced over the past year have been recognized with the Hertfordshire Heroes Awards. These were given to a company, individual, or charity that went way beyond that during the pandemic.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, September 9th, was held in support of BraveHerts Children’s Appeal to care for children with life-limiting or terminal diseases. A number of local dignitaries attended the event, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE CStJ, the Mayor of Watford, the Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council and prominent business leaders.

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, recently named the UK’s fastest growing Chamber by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), continues to assist its members in addressing the challenges of the pandemic.

From posting regular updates on government guidelines to running 155 webinars over the past 17 months, the chamber has provided support and networking opportunities. She recently launched the Let’s Keep the Heart in Hertfordshire campaign, which aims to support the economic recovery and growth of all businesses in the county by creating new connections.

The Chamber thanked everyone who sponsored the awards ceremony, including main sponsors Hillier Hopkins, Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors, and St Albans Attorneys, SA Law.

Further information on the chamber can be found at: https://www.hertschamber.com.