Gallery: Harlow and District Business Awards 2010 launch at the Enterprise Hub

BUSINESS leaders and local dignitaries attended the launch of the Harlow and District Business Awards 2010 on Friday.

The event also marked the first anniversary of the Harlow Enterprise Hub in Edinburgh Way which was opened by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. Hub operators NWES hosted the night which included speeches from Harlow MP Bill Rammell and Harlow Council Leader Cllr Andrew Johnson.

The Herald's parent company Archant Herts & Cambs is organising the awards in conjunction with the Harlow and District Chamber of Commerce and sponsors NWES and Harlow Renaissance.

Chamber chairman Vance Rowe said: "Here is an opportunity to buck the current trend and focus on all that is good in our business, public and charity sectors.

"There are many individuals who have shown innovative and sheer gutsy business determination in these challenging times. After a break of two years and with the support of Archant, NWES, Harlow Renaissance and our cornerstone members, it is with great pleasure we announce the return of what is undeniably the biggest and best celebration of business in our district.

"As the winner of Business of the Year in 2005, I urge all businesses in the district to get involved both as sponsors and entrants, we have never had a greater recipe for successful, PR as what we have this year with Archant as one of our main partners delivering this event."

Kevin Horne, chief executive of NWES, said: "A year on from our official opening, and we are already 30 per cent occupied by a range of businesses including a publishing house, recruitment agency and IT specialists.

"The initiatives and partnerships that are in place mean that we are beginning to raise community awareness of enterprise and self-employment opportunities in Harlow. Despite the wider recession that has had a major impact on businesses of all sizes right across the country; we are beginning to sense a genuine spirit of entrepreneurship and business growth in and around Harlow.

"We are extremely grateful for the continued support and partnerships in place with Harlow Council, Harlow Renaissance, Federation of Small Businesses, Business Link East, the tenants and the community at large."

A Harlow Renaissance spokesman said: "We were very pleased that so many members of the business community were able to attend. The event highlighted both the significant role the Enterprise Hub plays in the town, and of the importance of the return of the Harlow Business Awards. Both will provide an exciting time of opportunity and achievement in 2010."

Cllr Andrew Johnson, Leader of Harlow Council, said: "I was delighted to take part in the launch event, especially as it coincided with the first birthday of the Enterprise Hub. Harlow Council is becoming recognised for the support it gives to both new and established business and with so many other advice and networking organisations in the town, it's a place where business can thrive.

"I hope that the awards will attract many nominations to showcase the successes that have been achieved by Harlow companies."

Harlow MP Bill Rammell said: "I am delighted that the business awards are returning to Harlow, I have always supported the awards in the past and feel that they are real stepping stone for small businesses here in the town. Now that Government-funded facilities like the Enterprise Hub have opened in the town, it is a really exciting time for small businesses here and I look forward to attending the awards ceremony next year."

For more information on the awards visit the website www.harlowbusinessawards.co.uk

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