Patron Black Tie Event Business brilliance on show at prestigious Patron dinner

The Last Word

The strength and diversity of Hertfordshire’s business community was put on full display at an exclusive black-tie event that featured talks from several of the region’s leading businesses.

Patrons of the Hertfordshire Chamber came together for an evening of celebration, connection and recognition at the Patron Black Tie Dinner 2025 at the elegant Rothamsted Manor and sponsored by Deluxe Driven.

The event featured a series of engaging after-dinner speakers who highlighted the high calibre of Hertfordshire’s business community.

Peter Smits, Managing Director at Ashbourne Insurance, spoke about his passion for developing the Chamber’s Young Professionals initiative. Ashbourne, which joined the Chamber in 2009 and became a Patron in 2020, remains a highly active supporter, sponsoring numerous Chamber events and initiatives.

Also taking to the stage was Juney Mistiki, Managing Director at Bamboo Connect – the Chamber’s newest Patron. Bamboo has made a remarkable impression since joining, recently receiving multiple honours, including an IHA Award for Excellence, a British Chambers of Commerce Regional Award and the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, all for outstanding performance in international trade.

The evening’s final speaker, John Wiblin, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Longmores Solicitors, reflected on the firm’s long-standing partnership with the Chamber. A member since 1997 and Patron for over a decade, Longmores remains deeply involved through event sponsorships, quarterly forums and support for the IHA. This year, the firm celebrated top-tier recognition in The Legal 500.

A closing address was delivered by Mary Sykes, Chamber Corporate Relations, who also hosted the evening and ensured the event ran seamlessly from start to finish.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• Robert Voss CBE CStJ, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire

• Victoria Collins MP

• Beth Fisher, Town Mayor of Harpenden

• Jeremy Bishop, Chairman of Hertfordshire Chamber

• Donna Schultz, CEO of Hertfordshire Chamber

Donna said: “The Chamber simply wouldn’t exist without the ongoing support of our Patrons, board members and distinguished guests. Your commitment and collaboration continue to strengthen Hertfordshire’s business community. Thank you all for an inspiring night of connection, collaboration and celebration. The future of Hertfordshire business is brighter than ever because of you.”

The Chamber also extended heartfelt thanks to its board members for their continued dedication and leadership: Perry Jackson, Howard Ashmore, Jacqueline Button, Robert Hill, Jordan Thomas and Damian Ward.

Behind the scenes, the event was made possible by the hard work of the Chamber team: Caroline Maher, Zoe Sykes, Ciara Thomas and Simon Neatham.

Patrons in attendance:

• Ashbourne Insurance Services

• Austins Family Funeral Directors

• Bamboo Connect

• Croft

• East Anglia and Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (MOD)

• Hatfield Park

• Hertfordshire Community Foundation

• Hertfordshire Community Services NHS Trust

• Longmores Solicitors

• Menzies