December 24 2012.


Local businessman Hugh Burnett OBE was recently awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. Hugh was one of only eleven recipients of the Award, presented to him by Her Majesty and Business Secretary Vince Cable at a special reception held in Buckingham Palace.
 
It is an outstanding achievement to be awarded a Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, which is only given to those with the highest level of excellence who have played a significant role in promoting enterprise skills and inspiring and encouraging UK entrepreneurship. Hugh certainly fits that bill, having been actively involved with regeneration in Newhaven and East Sussex for a number of years, all on an unpaid basis.
 
On retirement from his position as Executive Chairman of Cash Bases Ltd. in 2004, Hugh used his own funds to acquire a 23,000 sq ft facility in Newhaven to create a charity promoting enterprise in the manufacturing sector. 'Enterprise Works' provides incubator space and support to fledging businesses.

Hugh has devoted time to promoting learning, training and development of the businesses involved and his achievement is demonstrated by the fact that no business that has received support from Enterprise Works has yet failed and many have flourished into award winners, creating 80 new jobs in an area with higher than average unemployment.

Hugh was initially nominated for this award by Lewes District Council.

Leader of the Council, James Page offered his congratulations to Hugh, and said: "It was a pleasure and honour accompanying Hugh to the Awards ceremony and seeing his tireless efforts in Newhaven and beyond recognised. The key to the regeneration of Newhaven is through partnership with individuals like Hugh, the private sector and the community."