SHE is an inspiration to thousands of people setting up new businesses across the south.

Now Hammie Tappenden has been given the royal seal of approval by scooping one of Britain’s most coveted awards.

Hammie, who runs Into biz Ltd, has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion 2012 in the birthday honours list.

For the past 20 years Hammie has devoted her time to supporting more than 6,000 people start up their own businesses and has helped set up more than 800 in total.

Her clients include the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities or long term sickness, ex-offenders and women returners, who often not only find it difficult to secure employment but also must overcome social and health issues.

She said: “I am delighted to have my work recognised in this way. My own success is a result of the hard work and dedication of my amazing client group and businesses they run.”

The Isle of Wight resident, who works across the region, will be presented the award by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in the autumn.

For the last 25 years Hammie has spent her spare time working aboard tall ships Lord Nelson and Tenacious with the Hampshire-based Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Tim Austin OBE, formerly managing director of the South Hampshire Enterprise Agency, said: “Hammie has been known and admired by me for at least 20 years as someone who regularly thinks ‘outside the box’ and who has developed some wonderful ways to encourage her clients during their process of starting up in business.”

Rick Harwood, chief executive, of West Itchen Community Trust Ltd, added: “Hammie is unique, her energy and enthusiasm for others is clearly evident in everything she does, helping people to set up enterprises and start new journeys in life, when all too often the other doors have been closed, is only the beginning of her dedication to the people she works with.”

Launched in 2004 the award recognises individuals who have encouraged others into enterprise by passing on the appropriate skills.