Aston University in Birmingham has rewarded Pertemps’ chairman Tim Watts with an honorary degree in a special graduation ceremony.

Watts received the degree for his services to business and industry. However, his community and charity work also recognised.

Watts has also set up a disability consultancy business to help people with disabilities or health problems into employment and has been involved in a project with Solihull Employment Service to get unemployed individuals back to work.

Watts says: “2007 looks like being a vintage year for me. I have literally worked for Pertemps for 40 years and to receive this honorary doctorate is truly the peak of my business career.

“To be honoured by such a prestigious university makes this all the more wonderful. I am a very proud genetic Brummie and it has not eluded me that Aston is now the premier university of the city.”