The Growing Business Awards have been recognising the achievements of UK independent and entrepreneurial businesses since 1999. This year, a new award for 'Local Hero of Enterprise' was won by Denys Shortt, founder of DCS Europe, Chairman of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and WBS advisory board member.

Denys, a highly successful entrepreneur, commits himself to a wide range of community projects around his home town, Stratford-upon-Avon, including supporting the town's football club and mentoring local business owners.

The award was presented by Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, who said:

He is my local hero because of his work with the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership - when other partnerships were looking for guidance from the government he just got on with it.

Denys said:

I have realised life is not just about making money - it's about helping others along the way.

Read the press release on the Warwick Business School website.