A TOP award has been presented to a businessman for his contribution to the Hertfordshire Business Incubation Centre (HBIC). Dr Derek Harris was presented with the lifetime achievement award at the UK Business Incubation Awards in Birmingham. John Gardner

A TOP award has been presented to a businessman for his contribution to the Hertfordshire Business Incubation Centre (HBIC).

Dr Derek Harris was presented with the lifetime achievement award at the UK Business Incubation Awards in Birmingham.

John Gardner, executive councillor for economic regeneration at Stevenage Borough Council, said: "The council has a strong partnership with HBIC and the local business sector and this, along with first-class dedicated business areas, has resulted in Stevenage being a premier business location.

"Derek and the team at HBIC are a crucial part of maintaining and expanding this reputation."

Over the last five years, Dr Harris has been instrumental in developing HBIC as the East of England Development Agency's first enterprise hub.

He was also one of the founding members of UK Business Incubation and is still an active director.

The honour celebrates those who have dedicated their professional lives to supporting and developing innovative businesses and encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Stevenage mayor Simon Speller said: "This is great news for Derek and his team at HBIC and fully deserved. I am delighted they have been supporting me in my mayoral initiatives such as the upcoming innovation challenge for schools."

Dr Harris said: "Business incubation has always been of paramount importance to me. At HBIC we are committed to providing support to assist in the ongoing development and success of our tenants.