There were tears of joy from Derry Green as he received a standing ovation after being announced ‘Lancashire Business View Business Personality of the Year’.
Derry was emotional taking to the stage to receive the honour at the magazine’s Lancashire Business Day celebration, which was a sell-out event at Burnley FC’s Turf Moor.
Presenting the award, Richard Slater, chairman of Lancashire Business View, told the audience the Dragons’ Den star and Secret Garden Glamping founder carried ‘the spirit of Lancashire business and someone who reminded us there are amazing things in the county.’
Shell-shocked Derry, speaking afterwards, said:
“I thought Richard had said the wrong name and then I saw the picture on the screen and it was me. It was mad and doesn’t feel real.
“I have not cried in a long time. One of the last times I cried was on Dragon’s Den this felt like that.
“It was not about the investment, it was the affirmation that other business leaders saw what I was doing was validated.
“It felt like the same today and doing in front of 129 people and getting a standing ovation was amazing.”
Dave Walker, managing director of +24, who sponsored the event, was full of praise for Derry.
“What a fantastic moment for Derry he is a genuinely nice bloke. It goes to show you don’t have to be a Dragon to succeed in business.
Dave added: “There was a great atmosphere in the room with lots of fun and giggles with fantastic businesses to celebrate the great county of Lancashire
Read more about Derry’s story here:
