In the business of winning awards

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Mike Herd, executive director of the Sussex Innovation Centre, has been named Businessman of the Year in the prestigious Sussex Business Awards. The award winners were announced at a gala dinner held last week (23 November) at the Corn Exchange, Brighton.

When making the award, the judges were looking for evidence of dynamic leadership, strategic planning, enthusiasm and the ability to inspire colleagues, and the contribution to the local economy.

Mike, who has been at the centre since 1997, was nominated by his staff. In turn, he said afterwards: "It's a team effort. I am a figurehead, but it's a lot about how to take a great vision and create the reality - and we've all been committed to doing that. As an investor, the University of Sussex has been a major component of that success."

The centre was set up in 1996 to provide support for the creation and growth of technology and knowledge-based companies in the county. Of the 30 companies currently in residence, four are 'spin-outs' started by academics at Sussex. They include the Vega Science Trust, which was started by chemistry Nobel prizewinner Professor Sir Harry Kroto (CPES) to make science TV programmes. Two more university spin-outs are soon to join the existing four.

Other notable successes included Genpak, which won the Innovation Award for the most successful innovative product or service. Based at the Innovation Centre, Genpak makes equipment for DNA analysis.

The University/Business Partnership Award, sponsored by the Universities of Sussex and Brighton, went to the Pyroban Group of Shoreham, which manufactures fire-proofed equipment.

For more information on the awards see www.sussex-business-awards.co.uk/sba.htm.