Round up of the night

THE stars came out for the 2009 Hertfordshire Business Awards at Knebworth Barns this week.

More than 400 guests descended on Knebworth Barns at Knebworth House on Thursday, for the 13th annual awards organised by Archant Herts and Cambs.

Following a Champagne reception, guests were welcomed by the managing director of Archant Herts and Cambs, Stuart McCreery.

Mr McCreery said: "It was a most enjoyable evening and I believe the recognition given to finalists and winners was well deserved. Our entertainer and host were warmly welcomed and the venue did us proud.

Round up of the night

I would like to thank everyone for their charitable donations on the night and hope that they will support the event to the same level next year.

"It was a glittering occasion and a fitting tribute to the continuing success of Hertfordshire businesses.

"It is an occasion where hard work, initiative, imagination and entrepreneurial spirit can be recognised and rewarded.

"A personal thanks from me to the Archant Herts and Cambs team which organised the event, the judges and sponsors, all those who submitted entries and, of course, many congratulations to those who made the shortlist and the eventual winners."

Television presenter and news anchorman Bill Turnbull presented the awards, with entertainment from the excellent and inspirational spinto tenor Gari Glaysher, who has just released his debut album, Serenata.

The night raised more than £2,000 for the Prince's Trust, which helps young people through training, skill building outside school.

Trust ambassador, ex-Pan's People dancer Babs Powell, wife of actor Robert Powell, was at the ceremony.