Sussex Business Awards 2017 Finalists Announced

Mike Herd Chair of Judges SBAs 2016 Title Sussex Magazine www.titlesussex.co.uk

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! The shortlist for the 29th annual Sussex Business Awards is announced!

Hundreds of applicants have been whittled down to just forty-five finalists from 14 towns across the county, who make the much coveted shortlist. 2017 is set to be a hot contest to receive one or more of the prestigious trophies.

Three companies actually make the shortlist three times – Haybury, Rinkit Limited and ViiSana Limited – whilst another five are on the shortlist twice. They must be doing something right, right?!

And it was a tough day of judging. To reach their crucial decisions, the judges review all the entries to arrive at an initial longlist. Candidates then go through a rigorous reviewing system, including phone, face to face and panel interviews, to determine those in the running for one of the most highly coveted awards in Sussex.

Candidates go through a rigorous reviewing system, including phone, face to face and panel interviews

Taking his place as chairman of the judges for a fourth year, Mike Herd, Executive Director of the Sussex Innovation Centre oversaw the group which included representatives from Checkatrade.com, Coffin Mew, Gemini Print, HARE, HSBC, Legal & General, Mazars, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, Sussex Innovation Centre, The Goodall Foundation, University of Sussex, Vantage Professional Risks, Platinum Business Magazine, The Argus, Heart FM and of course the fabulous Title Sussex!

After the big day of judging and debate, Mike said, “The exceptional quality of the entries this year has really shone through and it is has been an honour to chair the panel of judges for a fourth year in a row. Congratulations to all the shortlist!”

Sussex Businessperson of the Year finalists have been selected from entrants to the Sussex Company of the Year and Small Business of the Year, as well as direct entries. Winners will be decided following a series of face to face interviews with a panel of judges.

The Awards will be take place on Thursday 30 November at The Grand Brighton and are attended by over 500 of the county’s leading businesses.

Tickets cost £90 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus VAT) for a table of ten. This includes champagne reception, three course meal, and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as entertainment and dancing.

Sussex Business Awards 2016 Title Sussex Magazine Simon-Callaghan-Photography

 

2017 SHORTLIST

The Award for Innovation in Business
The Big Lemon CIC
Frontier Pitts Ltd
QED (Sustainable Urban Developments)
The Security Bureau

The Award for Professional Services
Cobb Digital
Juno Wealth Management
Rapidata Services Ltd
Search Seven Ltd

The Award for the Best Customer Service
Blanch House
Bluebird Tea Co.
Dolby Vivisol

The Award for the Most Promising New Business
HARE Digital
Out of Bounds
Shadow Foundr
ViiSana Limited

The Award for the Most Sustainable Business
Nature Shop
The Big Lemon CIC
Tiny Box Company

The Best Place to Entertain Your Clients
Fair Oak Farm
Hotel Du Vin Brighton
Plumpton Racecourse

The Entrepreneur of the Year
Richard Goss, Rinkit Limited
Nick Meinertzhagen, 360 Perspectives
Paul Ollerton, ViiSana Limited

The Responsible Business Award
Wave Leisure Trust Ltd
Lewes Community Screen
Search Seven Ltd
SJM Electrical Services

The Small Business of the Year
Magenta Associates
Juno Wealth Management
ViiSana Limited

The Award for Healthiest Workplace
Haybury
The Float Spa

The Sussex Company of the Year
Haybury
Rinkit Limited
TSS Facilities Limited

The Award for Best Employer
Bluebird Tea Co.
DMH Stallard LLP
Haybury

The International Business of the Year
Frontier Pitts Ltd
ICP Search
Rinkit Limited

The Award for Leisure & Tourism
Bluebell Railway Plc
Newhaven Fort
SEA LIFE Brighton

The Awards sell out each year so make sure to book your tickets online soon – www.sbawards.org.uk
Photos: Simon Callaghan