This year’s Hertfordshire Business Awards is under way, with a special launch event held in the grand surroundings of Brocket Hall.

Representatives from companies across the county gathered at the Welwyn venue on Thursday, May 28, where they had the chance to find out how to enter the 2015 awards and network with other businesses.

Google’s industry head, Pete Danks, spoke about the digital world of business and how entrepreneurs need to keep up with the pace of change, while business coach Tina Dulieu explained how companies can reach their goals with the help of the government-funded Growth Accelerator.

Many of the sponsors of the awards – now in its 19th year – also attended the event, the first of many gearing up towards the night itself on November 26.

Among them was Mark Stevens from professional services company KPMG, the lead sponsor for 2015.

“The market place in Herts as a whole is a vibrant place – there are a lot of government initiatives to help start-ups and small-to medium-sized enterprises,” said Mr Stevens, KPMG’s head of business development in the northern home counties.

“There’s a lot of talent out there, too. So, as we heard from Pete Danks at Google in his presentation, we will see a lot more start-ups and businesses growing much quicker.

“We believe at KPMG we have great people to help start-ups and SMEs succeed and associating ourselves with the Hertfordshire Business Awards is all part of that.

“There was a number of people at the launch event that we’re already in contact with and it was a great opportunity to meet new people, too.”

Mike Garcia, the director of Welwyn Garden City-based Herts Beds Chiropractor, was among those who have never entered the awards before, but decided to go to the launch event to find out more.

He said: “I like listening to business speakers and as a company we’re interested in the Small Business of the Year award, so that’s why we came along.

“But we found out about the Growth Accelerator scheme and made some good contacts so we’ve come away with more than we came for. It’s a great opportunity to be recognised for the work we do.”

Guest speaker Ms Dulieu added: “Growth Accelerator helps businesses grow and achieve their aims, and gives them the platform needed to be in with a chance of winning at the Hertfordshire Business Awards.

“The awards recognise those who succeed and contribute to a thriving community.”

If you are interested in entering this year’s awards visit www.hertsbusinessawards.co.uk.