Ashbourne crown winner of the “Family Business of the Year” 2019 at the Inspiring Herts Business Awards

The 2019 Inspiring Herts Business Awards’ “Family Business of the Year Award” was presented by Peter Smits, Managing Director of Ashbourne Insurance to Dobsons Home of Cheshunt.  Winners from nineteen categories were presented with their trophies at a black tie event at St Albans Cathedral on Thursday June 13th 2019 with guest of honour in attendance, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE with 350 guests, judges, finalists and sponsors.

Hertfordshire Chamber Patron, Ashbourne Insurance sponsored the award for the second year to honour all the family-run businesses who help contribute significantly to the UK’s economy.

Photo caption: (left to right):

Kevin Milne, Director of Dobsons, Peter Smits MD Ashbourne Insurance and Helen Dobson, Director of Dobsons

The Highly Commended ‘Family Business of the Year 2019’ award went to Shepherds Property Sales and Lettings. The other finalists in this category included: Bain & Bridges, BAS Associates, Colin Hill Bar and Catering Supplies, M.K. Ginder & Sons and The Allendale Group.

The Inspiring Herts judges commented that Dobsons Home is “a stand-out family business, with a very impressive history and a strategy for investment in the future – moving with the times and embracing change whilst keeping to core family values. A well-deserved winner!

And new for 2019 Herts Chamber has introduced a Highly Commended category, in recognition of those companies that really impressed the judges.”

Peter Smits commented, “We fully endorse the business award-entry process and the benefits it brings to staff engagement, brand recognition and insightful analytics. As a National Family Business Award Winner, Judge and Ambassador, we congratulate Dobsons, Shepherds Property Sales and Lettings and all the finalists.  We know from first-hand experience that running a successful family business brings multiple challenges and in equal quantity rewards. We are proud to announce that we have committed to sponsoring the awards again in 2020 and want to encourage more Herts based family businesses to get involved. Thank you to the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and fellow judges for the opportunity to understand more about the great family business of our county.”

Helen Dobson, Director at Dobsons Home was delighted with the win and said,” Heartfelt thanks to Ashbourne Insurance for sponsoring the Family Business Award and selecting us as the county winner – our team, customers and 4th generation family business are over the moon. We were unsure about entering this year’s awards but with Herts Chamber encouragement and support we are so pleased that we did. Congratulations to all the finalists.”

Dobsons Home is a kitchen, bathroom and glazing company.

In recognition of Ashbourne’s contribution to the local community over the past 38 years in Hertfordshire, they have been asked to judge at the 10th annual National Family Business Awards 2019. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Wembley Stadium on Sat 13th July 2019.

Multi award-winning, second generation, family-run Ashbourne Insurance offers a wide range of business and personal insurance along with a claims advisory service. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).