Awards

Ashbourne Insurance is delighted to have won and been shortlisted in many prestigious business awards over the past several years, ranging from local, trade, regional and national. They are an invaluable endorsement for our business and acknowledge Ashbourne as “best in class”.

Entering awards has given our business tremendous publicity, helped us reach new audiences and win new business. Furthermore, they help us raise our profile, gain credibility, offer a competitive edge and engage our staff in the process.

Ashbourne Insurance is one of the leading independent insurance brokers in Hertfordshire and is proud to have been honoured with the following awards:

2019

Love Hoddesdon Awards – Service Business of the Year, WINNER

Presented to Ashbourne Insurance on 30th January 2020, the award, won by a public online vote, recognised Ashbourne for the quality and excellence of their service offer in contributing to the vibrancy of Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

The award was received by Jack Smits, 3rd generation family member and Commercial Account Handler at Ashbourne Insurance who 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 … Together with local businesses and volunteers, we will continue to see Hoddesdon thrive and grow.”

2017

National Family Business Awards – Entrepeneur of the Year South East, WINNER 

Peter Smits and Ashbourne Insurance were recognised at the national and regional business awards.
Peter Smits, managing director, has been crowned Entrepreneur of the Year in the South East in the National Family Business Awards 2017.

The presentation was made at Wembley Arena at a Gala Dinner on Saturday, 15th July with guest of honour, Olympian Jamie Baulch.

Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce – Business of the Year East Herts, WINNER

The judges’ comments included, “Ashbourne has continued to focus on its personal contact and local reputation. Ashbourne stick to their family values and have a great vision of the future plan of action. Ashbourne provide an impressive business model for an impressive, forward thinking business. “

Richard Gvero, Joint Senior Partner at Longmores Solicitors of Hertford who presented Ashbourne with their award on the evening, also commented, “Ashbourne’s award application was very strong as were the other finalists in the category, so it made it a challenge to judge. The result confirms just how strong Ashbourne’s application and evidence was. Congratulations and well earned!”

2014

FSB Hertfordshire Business Awards: Broxbourne Business of the Year & Employee of the Year

The judges were united in their comments regarding why Ashbourne deserved to win and they included, “Very sound, well-established, family-owned firm demonstrating great resilience and ambition to succeed.  A real focus on providing the local community with excellent service. A real champion for the Borough of Broxbourne.”

2013

British Chambers of Commerce – East of England: Commitment to People Development

Peter Smits, Ashbourne’s Managing Director said: “We are delighted to have won the British Chambers of Commerce East of England’s Regional Award for Commitment to People Development 2013.  We have invested in hundreds of hours of training to develop our team and created our own unique charter of service entitled ‘the Ashbourne Way’ to support staff and customers.  Thank you to the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce for all their support and encouragement.”

Inspiring Herts Business Awards: Small Business of the Year 2013

Explaining their decision the judges commented: “Ashbourne Insurance is a family-run, award-winning high street broker with 30 years’ experience serving both the local business community and personal customers. Despite huge competition from online insurers and the ongoing economic downturn, Ashbourne Insurance has defied the odds to see its turnover grow substantially. They have developed a strong networking strategy for the company, creating good relationships and rapport and to this end have seen a staggering 44% increase in their business.”

2012

National Red Ribbon Family Business Awards: Customer First & Family Business Ambassador

Peter Smits, Ashbourne’s Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as the best family-run business offering the highest levels of customer service in the country.  Our Hertfordshire customers have known that for the past 31 years but it is a great accomplishment to be acknowledged as ‘the best in class’ throughout the UK.   At Ashbourne we have invested heavily in training programmes that have been tailored for our dedicated team of 25, which in turn have had a direct positive effect on customer service, evidenced in the recognition we received for ‘Customer First’ at The 2012 Red Ribbon Awards.”

Commenting on his wife’s award, Peter said: “I am very proud of my wife Sarah for winning the ‘Family Business Ambassador’ award.  She has been recognised as the most outstanding professional advisor for helping a family business to flourish.  Ashbourne’s sustained growth is due in large part to Sarah’s excellent networking skills, promotion and marketing of our business.”

Inspiring Herts Business Awards: Entrepreneur of the Year 2012: Sarah Smits

Explaining their decision, the judges commented: “Sarah Smits won this award because, in an outstanding field she has risen to the top. Having taken over an already successful business in 2008, Sarah determined to set about securing its future in an increasingly challenging environment. She has achieved this by increasing profits and turnover, whilst at the same time retaining the human touch. She has not only added to the success of Ashbourne Insurance but has also found time to support a number of charities.”

We also love sponsoring some great local awards:

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2022

SME Hertfordshire Business Awards 2018 Platinum Sponsor

Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2018