Search is on to find the best businesses in Chichester
Chichester has a wealth of diverse and innovative businesses – and now it’s time to celebrate them as we launch our annual awards.
Following the success of last year’s event, the Chichester Observer Series is proud to launch the 2026 Chichester & District Business Awards.
These prestigious awards recognise and reward a cross section of varied businesses and the vital role they play in the economic success of the region, from the city to the coast and north into the South Downs.
In partnership with Chichester District Council, the awards evening will bring together over 100 guests from the community at Chichester Festival Theatre to celebrate those that are excelling in 10 category awards.
Gary Shipton, Editor at Large of the Chichester Observer and its sister titles, who will be hosting the evening, encouraged firms to enter.
"Supporting our local businesses and celebrating the best of them is so important in today's challenging environment. Last year's awards proved overwhelmingly popular and it will be a joy to host this year's, again at the wonderful Chichester Festival Theatre," he said.
“It was wonderful to be involved in the first Chichester & District Business Awards last year and we’re really pleased to be supporting the event again for 2026,” said Councillor Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Growth, Economic Development, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council..
“It’s important to bring the business community together and events like these are a real opportunity to recognise all their hard work and success and to mark the huge contribution that businesses make to our local area.
“As a council we do everything we can to support the amazing range of local businesses in the district - from small start-ups to companies looking to expand and businesses wanting to relocate to the district. Some of our current projects include grant funding and access to free sustainability support from a specialist local company.
“We’re delighted to see a category that highlights the proactive steps local businesses are taking to reduce their carbon emissions and to promote environmental responsibility.”
Natasha McLeod, CEO of Chichester BID, said: "We're delighted to once again be supporting the Chichester & District Business Awards.
"Last year's inaugural event was a fantastic celebration of the innovation, resilience and success of our local business community, and it was wonderful to see so many of our outstanding city centre organisations recognised.
"We look forward to coming together again this year to celebrate the people and enterprises that make Chichester such a vibrant place to live, work and visit."
A spokesperson for The Great Sussex Way said: “Chichester District is full of vibrant, entrepreneurial people sharing their passions for art, culture, heritage, food, drink, tradition and more.
"We are so proud to collaborate with Sussex World and the BID to showcase and celebrate all the businesses and organisations that create our signature warm Sussex welcome, to residents and visitors alike.”
The awards have been made possible by the help of sponsors Clive Emson, The Great Sussex Way, Chichester BID, University of Chichester and Chichester District Council.
Go to http://chichesterbusinessawards.co.uk/ to submit your nominations.
There is plenty of time as the deadline for entries is September 16.
Don’t miss out on the awards night at Chichester Festival Theatre on November 2.
For sponsorship enquiries please contact Liz Wiffin, Key Accounts Manager, 07808 730980
The award categories are:
* Small Business of the Year
* Medium Business of the Year
* Large Business of the Year
* Professional Services Business of the Year
* Hospitality, Tourism or Retail Business of the Year
* Sustainable Business of the Year
* Start Up / New Business of the Year
* Best Customer Service Initiative
* Innovation Project of the Year
* Charity of The year