David Taylor MP announces winners of Hemel & the Villages Small Business Awards 2025

ExCo

The awards saw an incredible level of engagement, with hundreds of votes cast across four key categories following a competitive nomination phase, highlighting the immense talent, dedication, and service provided by businesses across Hemel Hempstead and the Villages.

David Taylor MP commented on the successful initiative: "What a fantastic Small Business Saturday! Thank you to every constituent who voted—you've helped us celebrate the incredible talent and dedication within Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding villages. The sheer volume of participation is a clear demonstration of how much our community values its independent shops and services.

"The competition was fierce, but the votes have been counted, and we are delighted to announce the winners. These businesses exemplify the very best of Hemel: resilience, quality service, and a deep commitment to their customers. We must continue to support these fantastic enterprises all year long."

Congratulations to our 2025 Small Business Award winners:

Best Community Business: J&J Butchers (📍 17 Stoney Croft, Warners End)

Best Eatery: Windmill Cafe (📍 14 The Queen's Square, Adeyfield)

Best New Business: The Hop Tap (📍 31-32 Market Square, Marlowes)

Best Professional Service: Woodlands Pre School (📍 Gravel Ln, Warners End)

Runner-up Hemel & the Villages Award (Highest overall votes after category winners): Daisy Chain Jewellers (📍 47 St John's Rd, Boxmoor)

Government Support for Local SMEs

David Taylor MP also highlighted the ongoing government commitment to supporting local businesses, ensuring they can grow and thrive:

• Rates Relief: Permanent business rates reductions have been rolled out for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses, benefiting 1,450 businesses in Dacorum.
• Fairer System: The Government is actively exploring reforming business rates to reduce complexity, eliminate cost cliffs, and reduce risk for expanding SMEs.
• Apprenticeships: Small businesses hiring under 25s now receive fully-funded apprenticeship training, backed by an increased overall budget to facilitate easier talent acquisition and skills development.
• Late Payment Crackdown: Introducing the toughest laws in the G7 to tackle late payment, including fines for big firms that don't pay small businesses on time.
• New Town Centre Police: Funding for new town centre police patrols.
• Start-up Loans:69,000 start-up loans delivered nationwide.

Congratulations again to all the winners and every business that was nominated for their outstanding contribution to our local area.