A time to shine a light on the top businesses

Nominations are now open, giving businesses the chance to be recognised for the excellent work they do to serve communities across the area.

All types of businesses and entrepreneurial thinking in the area are set to be highlighted and applauded as part of the event extravaganza.

Categories for this year’s awards include:

n Start-up business: for businesses which have been going less than two years who have had successes they want to share.

n Small business: to recognise businesses with nine employees or fewer that are at the forefront of business development and demonstrate an innovative way to identify marketing opportunities.

n Training and development: highlights businesses that have showed commitment to encouraging their workforce.

n Green business: Looking at how well sustainable projects are embedded in the overall business.

n Retailer: Recognising what sets a business apart from its competition, either in terms of achievements, best practice or success.

n Place to Eat: demonstrating a combination of great customer service with consistently fine food.

n Business Personality, recognising an imaginative and creative manager or employee whose individual contribution has been outstanding or who has demonstrated inspired leadership.

n Readers’ choice: All finalists in this category are listed in the Observer and Gazette and readers can vote for the winner.

Other categories include: medium business (ten to 49 employees), large business (50 or more employees), innovation, young achiever, hospitality, tourism and leisure, manufacturing and construction, customer service, outstanding contribution to the community, lifetime achievement and overall business

The official launch was held at the University of Chichester and vice-chancellor Clive Behagg said he was thrilled.

“We are delighted to sponsor the Observer and Gazette Business Awards to showcase the very best firms in our area and strengthen our presence as an integral part of the business community,” he said.

Last year’s event proved a phenomenal success, with tickets selling out.

This year’s black-tie awards ceremony is set to kick-off on April 10 inside the impressive Hilton Avisford Park Hotel, near Arundel.

To enter the event, or to find out more about it, see here.