Love Hoddesdon 2019 Awards declare Ashbourne Insurance WINNER

The Love Hoddesdon ‘Service Business of the Year 2019’ award was won by family-run Ashbourne Insurance of Amwell Road, Hoddesdon on Thursday 30th January 2020.  Ashbourne won by securing the most online customer votes in recognition of the quality and excellence of their offer in contributing to the vibrancy of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. They competed in the category against two other outstanding local businesses, Room at The Top Recruitment and Shepherds Estate Agents. Other worthy nominees included: Curwens Solicitors, HB Accountants, Paul Wallace Estate Agents, Tollgate Insurance and Westwood Leber Estate Agents.

Jack Smits, 3rd generation family member and Commercial Account Handler at Ashbourne Insurance, received the Winner’s award on behalf of the independent broker at the Love Hoddesdon AGM, held at the Stanboroughs Conservative Club last Thursday.  The Awards were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of the Borough of Broxbourne, Councillor Steve Wortley.

Upon receiving the award Jack commented,” We are absolutely delighted to be recognised at the Love Hoddesdon Awards as Best Service Company in the town and it is especially wonderful to be voted for on this occasion by our customers. I am honoured to be representing our team of outstanding insurance professionals tonight and would also like to congratulate all the finalists and winners. Together with local businesses and volunteers, we will continue to see Hoddesdon thrive and grow.”

‘Love Hoddesdon’ is run by the Love Hoddesdon BID Ltd, a not for profit company representing the Hoddesdon business improvement district, which is made up of local shop and business owners, to encourage people to visit and shop in Hoddesdon. They organise regular events to entertain local residents and keep the community spirit alive, as well as implement a range of other initiatives to help local businesses to thrive.

In 2017 the Love Hoddesdon Team, made up of local businessmen, supported by Broxbourne Council, established a Business Improvement District (BID) in Hoddesdon town centre. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have been operating successfully across the UK for over a decade and there are many established around the country, principally in town centres. A BID is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area, via a small levy (1.5% in Hoddesdon) based on the rateable value of the business.

The Love Hoddesdon BID levy raises around £100k a year from the 200 businesses in the town to fund this work to help local businesses to prosper and attract more shoppers/visitors to the town. It came into effect from Monday, 1st January 2018 for a five-year period until 31st December 2022.

The Love Hoddesdon 2019 awards aimed to recognise and celebrate the diverse range of businesses in Hoddesdon town centre and amongst their voluntary members. The six award categories were: (1) Community/Charity, (2) Food & drink, (3) Health, Beauty and Well Being, (4) Retail (5) Service and (6) Voluntary Member.

Multi award-winning, 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) and has been serving the local community for over 39 years.