Winner winner chicken dinner! *

What a brilliant year we’re having – and it’s still only just half way through! Last night we celebrated not one but two wins at the SME Hertfordshire Business Awards.

Our apprentice, Rory Welch, was crowned Apprentice of the Year, and MD Justine Perry won the Business Person of the Year. It probably won’t surprise you to learn there are a couple of sore heads in the office this morning…

Winning apprentice!

We nominated Rory for the award in secret, so the first he knew about it was when he got a letter letting him know he was through to the final. He was surprised then, and even more surprised when his name was announced on the night. Officially his reaction is of “delighted disbelief”, but it’s probably more accurate to describe him as ‘gobsmacked’!

Winning boss!

Justine was a little less surprised to be announced as winner of the Business Person of the Year as she was the only finalist listed. But still, she was worried about the possibility that they’d announce that no-one had won it, so didn’t fully start celebrating until the trophy was in her hand… but as you can see, she celebrated hard!

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, she was able to put her thoughts into words: “I’m beyond thrilled to have my own achievements recognised in this way. It’s a great validation of my ethos and business model as well as the success of my company. I have some very exciting plans for Cariad’s future and am looking forward to what happens next.”

And what’s one of the first things that’ll happen next?

They’re in the National finals

The best thing about the win is that Rory will get another chance to wear the new suit he bought especially for the occasion. As regional winners the pair are both through to the SME National Awards which will be held at Wembley Stadium in December. We wish them the best of luck and have everything crossed for two more Cariad wins!

* Well, actually it was a beef dinner, but that doesn’t rhyme!