Success stories are celebrated at the Observer and Gazette Business Awards

Hundreds of guests gathered for the event on Friday night at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel, representing dozens of nominated firms.

As compare for the evening, Meridian TV presenter Fred Dinenage told guests they were bucking national trends in recording positive results with their respective companies.

He said: “The Observer and Gazette Business Awards are a terrific event in both supporting and encouraging local businesses that have done tremendously well in battling against recession.”

There were plenty of glasses raised as the roll call of winners were announced for our biggest tally of accolades ever, with 19 honours being unveiled.

Littlehampton firm Express Foodservice, working with major retailers within the fast food sector gained Overall business of the year award after recording a highly profitable 2011. For full report see the next edition of the Observer

Employee/Team of the Year

Alison Jones (Woods)

Manufacturing & Construction

More Food

Large business

URT Group

Employer of the Year

URT Group

Young business person

Daniel Edwards

Medium business

Express Food Service

Places to Eat

Richmond Arms

Small business

Caroline’s Dairy

Business personality

Jools Chaffer

Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure

Woods

Customer service

Gilbert & Cleveland

Education & Training

Q Hair

Innovation

Paint with Light

Going Green

Stonepillow Restore

Start-up

Pure Employment Law

Retailer

Andrew McDowall

Readers Choice

The Selsey Florist

Overall business

Express Food Service

Lifetime achievement

Anthony Barnes-Smith