THE county's finest small businesses came together this week for the inaugural Small Businesses Awards, organised by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). Held at Tewin Bury Farm, the event was designed to recognise and honour some of Hertfordshire's

THE county's finest small businesses came together this week for the inaugural Small Businesses Awards, organised by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).

Held at Tewin Bury Farm, the event was designed to recognise and honour some of Hertfordshire's small and independent companies.

And it was a fantastic evening for many Times Territory businesses.

It was a clean sweep in the Recent Graduate Award, with two businesses borne out of the University of Hertfordshire finishing in first and second place.

First prize went to The Recovery In-Sight Centre, which provides help and support for people recovering from mental health issues, while online accommodation website Findmyhouse collecting runner-up.

WGC plumbing service Plumbsense collected two awards, finishing runner-up in the Service Excellence Award, but winning the Fair Trading Category.

Employee of the Year went IT manager Russell Stenson, from Howlands, WGC. The 26-year-old was a baker at Morrisson's just two year's ago, but now heads up an entire division at IT support company ITBuilder.

"I didn't expect to win," he said. "It came as quite a shock because in my view I was just doing my job."

Elsewhere, The Staff and Training Development Award went to ventilation and air conditioning firm DS Ducts, from WGC.

Director Darren Smith said: "I'm honoured to be picking up the award. It clarifies our commitment to our staff and it's great for moral. I'm very proud of it."

Full list of nominees:

Best E-Business

Trade Frame Solutions (Winner)

Beaver Solutions (Runner-up)

Masters Direct Pharmacy

Pointlogic UK

Recent Graduate Award

The Recovery In-Sight Centre (Winner)

Findmyhouse (R/U)

The GradRoom

Wild Wolf

Environmental Responsibility

Chelsfield Solar Ltd (W)

Environmental Population (R/U)

Investors in Training

Hunterlodge (W)

Masters Pharmaceuticals (R/U)

Arch Gardening

Employee of the Year

Russell Stenson - ITBuilder (W)

Helen Jones - Red and Blue Ltd (R/U)

Staff Training & Development

DS Ducts (W)

Manage Care Homes Ltd (R/U)

Swan Fostering

AOS Heating

Service Excellence

Hertfordshire Wedding Cars (W)

Plumbsense (R/U)

JTM Services

Five Go Live

Best New Business

Wildchild Activities (W)

Stomor (R/U)

Environmental Population

Smith &Coburn

Fair Trading

Plumbsense (W)

LC & Associates (R/U)

Lanwarne Landscapes

Allen Home Improvements

Enterprising Business

Global Infusion Group (W)

Scene2 (R/U)

O'Neill Enterprises

Sports Xtra

FSB Small Business of the Year

Global Infusion