An enterprise champion at De Montfort University (DMU) has scooped a prestigious national award.

Janette Pallas, DMU’s Business Incubation and Enterprise Manager, is one of only 11 outstanding individuals to receive The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion 2008.

Since starting her IT business in 1989 in a spare room with just a computer, telephone and her baby in a cot, Janette Pallas has been an enthusiastic promoter of enterprise.
As one of very few women working in IT at the time, Janette went on to use her skills as a specialist business adviser and throughout her career has inspired and supported hundreds of budding entrepreneurs.

Since joining DMU as Business Incubation and Enterprise Manager two years ago Janette has built a team of staff dedicated to providing support to new and growing businesses. As a result in 2006 DMU produced the highest number of graduate start-ups in the East Midlands.

Janette manages 18 incubation units for SMEs at the University’s Innovation Centre. Tenants include hi-tech design companies, an online publisher, a women’s network and a company specialising in curry-based diet products.

She is also heavily involved in voluntary enterprise activities that provide specialist support for female and disabled entrepreneurs and those in rural areas.

Mrs Pallas said: “I’m delighted to receive this honour which recognises the achievements of all the people I work with at De Montfort University and across the wider community who have helped to foster a culture of enterprise.

“Innovation is thriving in the East Midlands thanks to the commitment of staff and volunteers dedicated to helping others realise their dreams.

“I love working with entrepreneurs because of their energy and enthusiasm, it’s so exciting when they are able to move their businesses forward. They really do have some fantastic ideas and it’s a pleasure to help channel them in the right direction.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “I congratulate all recipients of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. Each of these individuals has played a vital role in helping unlock Britain’s entrepreneurial talent. They have given their time and energy to equip others with the skills, knowledge and attitude to succeed as entrepreneurs. I applaud and admire their efforts.”

Winners of the award are invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace in the summer.