On Friday 3rd July, we had the absolute privilege of celebrating a 10 Years of Herefordshire Means Business, with so many of the people who have helped make HMBiz what it is today.
From the moment guests arrived at the beautiful Belmont Abbey, to a glass of fizz and delicious canapés, there was a real buzz in the room. Friends reunited, new connections were made, and there was a genuine sense of celebration as businesses from across Herefordshire came together to mark this incredible milestone.
As always, HMBiz isn't just about networking. It's about people. It's about community. It's about creating an environment where conversations turn into collaborations and business relationships become genuine friendships.
The evening was packed with laughter, fantastic food, and plenty of unexpected twists as our Murder Mystery unfolded. The entertainment had everyone fully immersed, with guests throwing themselves into solving the mystery, sharing theories, accusing one another, and creating memories we'll all be talking about for a long time.
Looking around the room, it was impossible not to reflect on just how far HMBiz has come.
What started ten years ago with a simple vision to connect the Herefordshire business community has grown into something incredibly special. We've welcomed thousands of delegates to our events, introduced countless businesses to one another, celebrated success through the Herefordshire Business Awards, launched new initiatives, supported charities, and watched so many collaborations begin with a simple conversation at an HMBiz event.
None of that happens because of one person.
It happens because of every member, sponsor, partner, speaker, exhibitor, volunteer and supporter who has believed in what we're trying to build. Every event you've attended, every introduction you've made, every conversation you've started and every business you've supported has helped shape the HMBiz community we have today.
A huge thank you also goes to everyone who helped make the evening so special. From Belmont Abbey for hosting us in such a stunning setting, to PintPod for keeping everyone refreshed throughout the evening, our fantastic Murder Mystery team for keeping us entertained, and all of the suppliers who worked behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Behind every HMBiz event is an enormous amount of planning, emails, meetings, checklists and last-minute problem solving, but seeing everyone enjoying themselves made every hour worthwhile.
As we celebrate ten years, we're also incredibly excited about what's next.
HMBiz continues to grow, with new events, bigger opportunities and even more ways for businesses to connect, collaborate and thrive together. If the last decade has taught us anything, it's that when our business community comes together, amazing things happen.
To everyone who has been part of our journey over the past ten years, whether you've been with us from day one or joined us more recently, thank you.