Businesses from across Watford came together this week, to celebrate their commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices as part of the Watford Business Pledge Celebration Event.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor hosted the event at the Leonardo Hotel, Watford on Wednesday 12 February.
The Watford Business Pledge initiative, launched by Watford Borough Council, is designed to support businesses in making a meaningful impact on the local economy, environment, and community. The Pledge is structured around five key commitments:
- Being an employer of choice – promoting good employment practices and fair working conditions.
- Supporting local employment – creating job opportunities and investing in local talent.
- Buying locally – strengthening the local economy by sourcing goods and services from Watford-based suppliers.
- Adopting green practices – implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly business processes.
- Focusing on social value – supporting community initiatives and contributing to the town’s wellbeing.
The first wave of businesses who have signed up to the Pledge are: Berkeley, We Are Acuity, CSP, Stylo, Regal, WIrebox, Epson, Business Together Ltd, Resintek Services, Mama Bear Herbal Clinic, iSales Academy, Cortland Cassiobury, Leonardo Hotel and Reconstructing Minds.
The Pledge assessor panel
The Assessor Panel was made up of: Saffron Johnson of Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce, Chris Luff - Watford Chamber of Conscience, Jeremy Freeman - Business Brainbox, Lisa Clark - iSales Academy and Liza Armstrong of Hertfordshire Growth Hub.
Cherie Norris, Economic Development Lead for Watford Borough Council said:
"We were delighted to hold the first of many events for businesses to recognise and celebrate their achievements across the five Watford business Pledge commitments.
Thank you to Pledge Member Leonardo Hotel for hosting the event, and to our Assessor Panel for supporting us to bring this initiative to Watford businesses.
Our vision is for the Watford Business Pledge to become a community where like-minded organisations can share, collaborate, and learn from each other, and support the wider Watford economy to thrive.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said,
“The Watford Business Pledge Celebration Event is all about championing the very best of the Watford business community who are leading the way in responsible and sustainable business practices. This initiative is part of our commitment towards a more sustainable and prosperous Watford.
Our town is home to many dynamic and thriving companies. Engaging with our local businesses regularly is essential. Watford’s top ranking in the UK Vitality Index this year reinforces why this is such a fantastic place to invest and do business. It’s vital that SMEs continue to have a strong voice in shaping our town’s future. Through initiatives like Business Connect and the Watford Business Pledge, we’re providing businesses with the support, resources, and connections they need to thrive.”
Businesses that sign up for the Watford Business Pledge gain access to a range of benefits, including:
- Exclusive networking opportunities with key business leaders and local government.
- Promotion through media and council channels to showcase their commitment to social responsibility.
- Use of the Watford Business Pledge logo to enhance their brand and demonstrate credibility.
- Support and resources to help meet pledge commitments and progress through recognition levels.
The Watford Business Pledge is open to businesses of all sizes looking to make a positive impact. Whether you’re a startup, an SME, or a well-established enterprise, this initiative provides a platform to connect, learn, and grow while contributing to the prosperity of the local community. To learn more and sign up, visit watfordlinkup.com or contact economicdevelopment@watford.gov.uk
