Toasting the best in local business
THE FIRST Sussex Express Business Awards were a glittering celebration of local firms' achievements.
The winner of the coveted Business of the Year title was Cash Bases in Newhaven which lists top retailers among its clients.
It makes, designs and distributes products to enhance security and efficiency for businesses including Tesco, McDonalds and Marks and Spencer.
The company boasts a large blue chip customer base in the retail, hospitality and banking sectors throughout the world. Speaking after the awards managing director Phil Stone said: 'It really was fantastic.
'To have won the award at the inaugural event is something special.
'It's also the result of a great team effort by all the staff.
'It's their award and we know they will all be very proud.'
The black tie event was staged in the opulent surroundings of the East Sussex National Golf Resort and Spa near Uckfield on Friday February 20.
Guests were treated to drinks on arrival and then moved on to a delicious three course dinner in the banqueting hall.
There was also entertainment from a magician and DJ. The host for the evening was TV presenter Fred Dineage.
Another success from the evening was Shah Athar of Cafe Rasoi who took home a hat trick of awards.
Mr Athar won Business Person of the Year and was also highly commended in the Community Award, as well as Best Where to Eat.
The Indian restaurant in Heathfield undertakes cooking demonstrations in primary schools, supports fundraising events and helps school sports teams.
Mr Athar said: 'I always wanted to meet Fred Dineage having grown up watching him on television.
'I am just over the moon - really it was totally unexpected. With all the media focusing on the doom and gloom it's nice that the Sussex Express are highlighting the excellence of businesses.'
Designer Jo Abbas, founder of JOBEENY, scored a double triumph at the glitzy awards ceremony by scooping Best New Business of the Year and a highly commended for the Innovation in Business Award.
Ms Abbas, whose company is based in Little Horsted, launched her brand in 2007.
Today it numbers celebrities amongst its fans and bags are stocked in numerous trendy boutiques.
'It was a fantastic evening and I thoroughly enjoyed it,' she said. It was really, really well done. I couldn't believe it when I won a prize - it was totally unexpected.'
Sussex Express editor-in-chief Gary Shipton thanked everyone who supported the paper's first business awards.
'This was a tremendous evening and a marvellous way of celebrating the best of local business – especially at a time of economic recession,' he said.
'I would particularly like to thank all our sponsors as well as congratulating everyone who received an award.
'I know these awards will go from strength to strength and we are already planning next year's.'
<a href="http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/CustomPages/CustomPage.aspx?
PageID=77969">Click here for a full list of the winners.
Click here to watch a video from the night.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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