Dennis Turner, Chief Economist for HSBC, Headline speaker

THE 2010 Hertfordshire Business Awards has been officially launched at the contemporary Beales Hotel, Hatfield - and now it's time for you to get your company involved.

Now in its 14th year, the awards, organised by Archant, celebrate the companies and individuals in Hertfordshire who have made a significant impact on business in the county over the past 12 months.

Following the success of last year's awards, which saw a record number of entries, 2010 will have a tough act to follow.

But the signs are encouraging, after another successful launch party, held this year at the four star Beales Hotel in Hatfield.

The event featured a series of talks from previous winners and business experts, including David Buxton, managing director of MotivAction Group, a corporate events organiser and recipient of two Hertfordshire Business Awards.

"It's a really brilliant feeling," said Mr Buxton, on his company's wins in 2008 and 2009. "It motivates all of our staff, and it motivates me to see the company's name up in lights.

It also acted as a goal and a target for us - it acted as a real driver."

The guests also heard a lively and humorous presentation from

June Cory, MD of My Mustard, who gave a persuasive talk on the power of advertising your business through Google AdWords.

The launch culminated in an entertaining speech on the state of the UK economy from Dennis Turner, chief economist at HSBC, who remained cautiously optimistic about the country's future finances.

"The event was a great launchpad for the awards," said Peter Brooker of PayPoint, who was at the launch.

"Not only did I learn about the positive impact for companies of being involved in the awards, but I also enjoyed the two tremendous presentations from Dennis Turner and June Cory from My Mustard."

Archant's managing director Stuart McCreery said of the event: "All three speakers were inspirational and their words very well received by the audience. We've all had a hard time over recent years, but there are signs of improvement and Hertfordshire is well-placed to take advantage of that improvement.

"We have hugely talented people in the county and companies that are leaders in their field, and what better way to celebrate that than by entering for the awards?"

Over the next three pages, you can find out how to enter, and what it means to get involved with the 2010 Hertfordshire Business Awards.

Ross Logan

Reporter, Welwyn Hatfield Times