Work Avenue chief ‘humbled, yet delighted’ to get MBE

The chief executive of the Jewish community’s employment and business hub has said he is “humbled” after being awarded an MBE for his services to enterprise.

Shraga Zaltzman, chief executive of Work Avenue, formerly TrainE-TraidE, was awarded the MBE by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, because he is a non-UK citizen. The FCO’s awards list is published periodically and not together with the regular Birthday and New Years’ honours lists.

“I am humbled, yet delighted,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to have received it.”

Work Avenue chair Mark Morris said: “This is truly a fabulous recognition of Shraga’s dedication and hard work. All who are connected to Work Avenue and have followed its growth over the past nine years will join me in wishing Shraga a big Mazal Tov.”

Cllr Daniel Thomas, deputy leader of Barnet Council, said: “This is a well-deserved award. Shraga and his team have created a jewel in the crown of Barnet.”

Work Avenue provides employment advice to those looking for new employment opportunities, and micro loans to those wishing to set up their own business. It changed its name and moved into a new Finchley base in January, positioning itself as the business hub of the Jewish community by offering networking, mentoring and office space for start-ups.